Maritimegistplus

As part of efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in public financial management, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation. ‎ ‎The training, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel on Monday, 13 April 2026, brought together senior Customs officers, technology experts and representatives of legislative oversight committees. ‎ ‎ The participation of lawmakers and Customs officials reflects growing collaboration between the Service and the National Assembly to strengthen accountability and adopt modern technological solutions in public administration. ‎ ‎Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service remains committed to improving transparency in public accounting by adopting innovative technologies. ‎ ‎“We are united in our resolve to ensure transparency in public accounting. T...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) convened a crucial meeting with shipping companies, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters, emphasizing the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement before the implementation of the proposed tariff increment by shipping companies. ‎ ‎Speaking at the one-day stakeholders’ forum on the proposed increment, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON said the earlier suspension of the tariff implementation in March 2026 was a deliberate move to allow for broader consultations across the maritime value chain. ‎ ‎ He stressed that implementation of the new tariff would only commence after shipping companies conclude engagements with importers, shippers, clearing agents, and other critical stakeholders. ‎ ‎Akutah assured that the approved 30% tariff increase would not destabilize the economy, explaining that it represents a ceiling rather than a fixed rate. ‎ ‎“Today’s engagement was productive. The suspension ...

The Port Manager of TinCan Island Port, Dr Abubarkar Sani Isah  has been honoured with the Best Port Administration Award at the recently concluded prestigious Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA), in recognition of outstanding leadership, operational efficiency and transformative reforms in port management. ‎ ‎The award, presented at a well-attended ceremony held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrates excellence across Nigeria’s maritime sector and recognizes individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the growth and modernization of the industry. ‎ ‎In announcing the award, the organizers of MIMA 2026 commended the TinCan Island Port Manager for driving notable improvements in cargo handling efficiency, stakeholder engagement and infrastructure optimization. ‎ ‎According to the award committee, the port has witnessed increased turnaround time for vessels, enhanced safety standards, and improved collaboration with governm...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) have urged shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by delays linked to the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) at the nation’s seaports. ‎ ‎The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held recently at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, bringing together representatives of the Council, NRS, NSW Secretariat, terminal operators and shipping companies to review the progress and challenges of the newly introduced system. ‎ ‎Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, acknowledged that while the National Single Window initiative marks a major milestone for the maritime industry, its rollout has been accompanied by initial operational challenges impacting cargo clearance timelines. ‎ ‎He noted that the system, which went live on 27th Marc...

As the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitaliSation exercise came to an end March 31, 2026,  most banks operating in the country rose to the challenge and met the requirement ahead of time. ‎ ‎However, Fidelity Bank’s proactive approach paid off, and it continued to demonstrate its commitment to growth and innovation. In a remarkable display of investor confidence, Fidelity Bank opened and concluded a private placement in just one day on December 31, 2025. Leading institutions, including AFREXIM Bank and its subsidiaries, invested in the bank, showcasing their faith in Fidelity’s vision and leadership. ‎ ‎With the CBN’s verification process complete, Fidelity Bank’s capital base now exceeds the required N500 billion threshold. This milestone positions the bank to expand its footprint, drive growth, and deliver returns to investors. ‎ ‎Market analysts stated that  the successful completion of the private placement underscores strong investor confidence in the bank...

Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria. ‎ ‎The ceremony, he ld in Lagos last Thursday was attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants - placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders. ‎ ‎Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-evolving industry. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching,” he said. “In today’s technology-driven world, staying relevant requires constantly upgrading your skills. The world has moved from a pre-digital era to one powered by AI - where ta...

‎ Access Holdings Plc has raised an alarm over a fake investment scheme which scammers are currently using to trick people using the name and picture of their Chairman  Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR ‎ The Scammers, according to a statement issued by the banks' Media Consultant, used a phone number as + 234 915 708 890 to   to creat a WhatsApp group called " Value Focus Club 60". ‎Access Holdings Plc by this, informed that  ‎the Chairman is NOT on any WhatsApp group running any investment scheme stating that the Access Holding does NOT offer investment advice via WhatsApp and to this end, any message claiming otherwise is 100% fake snd should be disregarded. ‎ ‎While the company reaffirmed that it is already working seriously to track and the shut down the platform, it advices the public as follows: ‎* Don’t join the group or engage them ‎* Don’t share your personal or banking details ‎* Block and report the number on WhatsApp ‎* Let others know so they don’t fall...

As conversations around money become more complex in a fast-evolving digital world, the need to Building Financially Smart Future and equip young people with the right financial knowledge, has never been more urgent. From spending habits to saving culture, digital transactions, and entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy is increasingly becoming a life skill, not just a nice-to-have. ‎ ‎It is against this backdrop that Polaris Bank is participating in this year’s Global Money Week (GMW), a global financial awareness campaign which kicked off from Tuesday, April 7 through Thursday, April 30, 2026. ‎ ‎Global Money Week is an annual initiative led by Child and Youth Finance International in collaboration with key stakeholders, including financial service providers and government institutions, to inspire children and young people to learn about money management, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. ‎ ‎During the 2025 edition Polaris Bank reached and impacted directly 3,372 stu...

: NSC CEO, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON signs the 2026 performance bond before the Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. ‎The Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has signed the Council’s 2026 Sectorial Performance Bond at the just concluded stakeholder’s’ engagement in Lagos. ‎ ‎The signing of the 2026 performance bond was conducted by the Honourable Minister of Maritime and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. ‎ ‎The Minister emphasized the need for a result-oriented approach across all departments and agencies, stressing that the Performance Bonds are binding commitments and will be closely monitored. ‎ ‎With the signing of its 2026 Sectorial Performance Bond, the management has re-enforced its commitment to accountability and transparency and strengthen performance management across the sector, which is in line with national development priorities. ‎ ‎Outlining the ...

‎In order to boost Ports operational efficiency and Nigeria's trade competitiveness, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has launched a results-driven reform agenda to improve operational efficiency and enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness through better-performing ports. ‎ ‎The initiative was unveiled at the opening of a three-day operational workshop held in Apapa on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, themed “Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline.” ‎ ‎ Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, outlined a five-pillar strategy focused on joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and strengthened inter-agency coordination. He stressed that the priority is no longer policy design but consistent execution. ‎ ‎"This workshop is about c...