Maritime Agencies
CARGO TRACKING NOTE: You Have Nothing To Fear, Shippers’ Council Assures MAN.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has disclosed that the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has nothing to lose regarding the introduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) as the platform will not become an additional fiscal burden on Nigerian shippers.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeran Shippers’ Council, Hon Emmanuel Jime stated this in Lagos, Monday, during a breakfast meeting with executives of MAN at the Council’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
Jime made it clear to MAN that the cost angle of the ICTN regime will not be borne by Nigerian shippers as things have been arranged in a way that it cannot do what he referred to as a dramatic damage to the economy. It will not negatively affect the cost of doing business since there will not be additional costs.
As critical stakeholders in the business value chain, he admitted, manufacturers have a right to seek clarifications and be properly informed on what is to be expected as far as the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is concerned.
“The cost will be very minimal. Let’s keep in mind that this cost has always been a shipping charge. It isn’t something that is really new.”
“Nevertheless, we have to look at the real impact this will have on the Nigerian economy,” he assured.
Outlining the benefits acruable from the ICTN, Jime spoke specifically on crude oil theft and the implications on the nation’s economy. He was emphatic that tracking the movement of this cargo from source will ensure monitoring and assist Nigeria overcome the menace of crude oil theft which is having huge implications on the nation’s revenue.
He explained that among other benefits, the quantum of crude being stolen from Nigeria is enough to establish the kind of infrastructural development the nation deserves.
Besides, ICTN stands to address the problem of undervaluation of goods.
“These are some of the balancing factors that ICTN is going to bring. With these immense benefits that will come to the nation’s economy from ICTN, you will agree that there are more reasons to introduce ICTN than not to,” he observed.
The NSC boss requested MAN to collaborate in close partnership with his office to ensure that the reintroduction of the ICTN does not lead to an increase in the cost of doing business.
“Assist us,” he urged MAN.
Speaking earlier, former Vice President of MAN, Lagos Zone, Chief John Aluya, raised concerns that the introduction of the ICTN would lead to a new fiscal burden on Nigerian shippers as well as increasing the prices of imported goods.
Aluya, who is also a member of the NSC Governing Board, regretted that every regulatory regime in Nigerian ports has always translated to increased tax and avoidable costs for port stakeholders. Nigerian ports are already notorious in this aspect, he stated.
“Manufacturers’ ultimate aim is to make sure that Nigeria becomes the hub of the West-African region in production. But if our port costs keep rising, we will be driving away the land-locked countries from using our ports.”
“We don’t pay these additional costs directly. It is the final consumer that pays because it would reflect on the final prices of our products,” he told the NSC.
He prayed that being the ports economic regulator out to advance the economic interest of the nation, the NSC would be in a position to appreciate the fiscal implications of the ICTN especially from the point of view of the MAN.
Among others, the MAN’s delegation to the meeting included Mr Ambrose Oruche, the Director of Corporate Services.
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.

Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
Maritime Agencies
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
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