Customs
CUSTOMS: Multiple Checkpoints On Lagos-Badagry Road To Go, Says New CGC.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To encourage seamless movement and trading in West Africa in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Nigeria Customs Service has decided to reduce the multiple checkpoints on the Lagos-Badagry-Seme highway leading to other West African nations.
Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi stated this, Thursday, at a rousing reception organized in his honour by the Seme Customs Command. He was at the Seme-Krake border command in continuation of his familiarization visit to customs formations in the Lagos area.
At the palace of the Akran of Badagry, the border communities expressed concern about the numerous checkpoints along the Lagos-Badagry corridor with movement delays and security issues involved.
The CGC acknowledged this even as he harped on the need for border security which he described as very important to the entire national security architecture. This can be achieved, he pointed out, with fewer number of check points as policies that enhance national security are dynamic and not rigid in nature.
In his welcome speech, the Seme Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Dera Nnadi said that the potentials in doing business among different nationalities in the heavily-populated West African subregion are enormous and should be fully exploited. He told the visitors that trading within the Lagos-Abidjan corridor accounts for over 75% of all trade within the sub-region. Trading in this region ranks 4th among all African regions doing business with one another.
CACAC Nnadi (right) and the CGC Adeniyi
CAC Nnadi unveiled the Command’s achievements in the first half of 2023.
Out of the revenue target of N1,960,000,000.00, the Command, as at July 20, 2023, generated a total sum of N1,320,582,937.57k only,
representing 67% of the revenue target given the Command.
In addition, the fight against smuggling, he announced, led to the seizure of a whopping $6,000,000.00 fake currency notes which amounted to over
N2,700,000,000.00 in local currency.
Other seizures over the period January to June this year, CAC Nnadi said, included: 6,569 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a duty paid value (DPV) of over
N215,907,171.00. Also confiscated within the prriod are the equivalents of 12 petroleum tankers worth of petroleum products with a DPV of N680,263,271.00 only. The DPV of all the seized items combined is N1,015,173,587.00 only.
CAC Nnadi declared that the Command has removed numerous trade barriers in the area to deepen trade facilitation.
The Command also embarked on some corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects such as making available 250 coconut plants. Football jerseys and boots have also been given to the youths to engage them in meaningful sports activities.
CGC Adeniyi spoke about the government’s desire to provide favourable trading environment for Nigerian businessmen in order that the desired economic prosperity can be achieved.
He said that he would lead a visitation team to the Republic of Benin, July 24, on a mission to exploit the opportunities provided by cross border relationships especially as concerns legitimate trade facilitation.
The reception for the CGC and his team was like a carnival as traditional rulers, cultural groups, freight forwarders, heads of government agencies at the border including military and paramilitary groups trooped out in their numbers to welcome the CGC.
On the entourage were DCG Abba Kura, ACG BM Jibo, ACG Festus Okun, DC Ejibunu of FOU Zone A and other CACs of various Customs commands under Zone A, Lagos.
Speaking to Falcon Watch Online on condition of anonymity, many customs officers were upbeat. They expressed joy and happiness on the visit of “one of our own” who is now at the helm. They pledged to work harder in order not to disappoint the new CGC who they affectionately referred to as “the new boy in town.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Seven days to the end of 2025, the Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has comfortably met her revenue target for the year, exceeding same by over N51.8 billion.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka who stated this in Lagos, Wednesday, announced that the Command generated a total of ₦1.576 trillion in revenue, surpassing its assigned target of ₦1.524 trillion by about ₦51.84 billion.
The performance which he described as remarkable came about following the decision of his officers and men to be on the path of discipline, professionalism and unwavering commitment to trade rules and regulations.
Other enhancers of the achievement, he explained, included the strict implementation of deliberate reforms, improved operational efficiency and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
He said that major contributors to the increased revenue in the year included bulk cargo, general merchandise and imported ‘tokunboh’ vehicles. Strict cargo examination procedures and full compliance with customs regulations ensured accurate assessment and collection of expected revenue.
The Command employed conscious efforts to eliminate revenue leakages and operational inefficiency even as multiple and unnecessary alerts were substantially curtailed by adopting a streamlined alert management and enhanced internal coordination.
“This strategy improved operational efficiency without compromising effective customs control”, the CAC disclosed.
Commending the role of stakeholders engagement in the realization of the annual revenue, Onyeka recalled regular interaction with importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators and shipping companies.
Diligent enforcement coupled with intelligence-driven operations also resulted in massive seizure of prohibited and undeclared goods.
“These seizures reflect our determination to facilitate trade while safeguarding national security, public safety, and economic integrity”, he remarked.
He assured that the Command is ever ready to sustain and improve on the 2025 revenue performance and compliance enforcement. All revenue due to the federal government will be properly assessed, collected and remitted at all times.
The Tin Can Island Port Customs boss expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi for his strategic leadership and institutional support, noting that the Command’s success aligns with the Service’s ongoing reform and modernisation agenda.
He also commended stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to improved compliance and adherence to extant rules.
“As we progress, the Command remains focused on consolidating these gains, deepening transparency, and contributing meaningfully to the federal government’s fiscal objectives”, Onyeka stated.
Customs
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
It has been canvassed that as the maritime industry grows in complexity, driven by digitalization, new trade realities, regulatory reforms and global logistic shifts, journalism practice within the space should toe the same line.
Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) stated this in a keynote address he delivered in Lagos, Thursday, during the 10th Anniversary Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists hosted by First Mediacon Network Ltd, publishers of Shipping Position Daily.
Acknowledging that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has benefitted immensely from the sustained and professional coverage offered by the maritime press, more collaborative efforts is needed to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the port environment. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Mr Moses Abere.
”This decade-long journey affirms a simple truth: no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable and committed media community.” Akutah added.
Strengthening maritime journalism for the future, he noted, requires technical accuracy, understanding of global practices and an appreciation of regulatory frameworks.
The journalist should also be equipped to interrogate data, utilize digital tools and apply emerging technologies such as Al in research, storytelling and analysis.
He added that in a sensitive sector such as maritime, misinformation can undermine policy, investor confidence and national economic stability.
”At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we remain committed to open communication and structured engagement with the media to enhance mutual understanding and sectoral development.”
Akutah assured that the NSC would continue to partner with the press through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building collaborations and joint initiatives that support a more informed and capable maritime media landscape.
”As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to promoting efficiency, transparency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.”
”We consider the media as essential partners in informing stakeholders, shaping public understanding and strengthening accountability.”
”We will continue to support credible and responsible maritime journalism and are open to meaningful engagements that enhance professionalism and knowledge within the press community.”
Dr Akabogu (left) presenting a souvenir to Dr Maiwada, National PRO, Nigeria Customs Service.
As the press celebrates
a 10-year milestone, Akutah advised, there should be a commitment to build a stronger future, one defined by accurate information, robust collaboration and shared progress.
Unveiling the Centre for Maritime Media & Capacity Development at the event, Mr Sesan Onileimo, CEO First Mediacon Network Ltd stressed the need to future-proof maritime reporting in Nigeria. The new Centre, he said, was created to respond to rapid changes reshaping journalism and the maritime sector.
“The maritime media space is evolving rapidly under the pressure of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and social media. This Centre is our bold response to ensure journalists remain knowledgeable, relevant and impactful, regardless of how long they have been on the beat,” Onileimo explained.
The Centre, he added, would not only take over the organisation of the annual seminar but would also deliver continuous, year-round manpower development programmes for maritime journalists and content creators.
“What we are doing is moving from an annual event to a permanent structure for capacity development. The Centre is also open to partnerships with industry stakeholders who share our vision of a stronger and more professional maritime media,” Onileimo added.
Dignitaries at the event included Mr Babandede, ACG Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service accompanied by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr Aliyu Maiwada, notable maritime lawyer Dr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) and Dr Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deplored the audacity of smugglers attempting to introduce hazardous products into the Nigerian market with no regard for the negative health implications on the citizenry and the national economy.
Acting Comptroller-General of the NCS Wale Adeniyi said this at the PTML Customs Command in Lagos, Friday, while showcasing expired tomato concentrates concealed in 20 containers, each falsely declared as almond shells imported from Spain by a company by the name Nikecristy Investment Ltd.
In each container seized, the CGC explained, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums with a total duty paid value (DPV) of N116,211,725.73.
The container numbers involved in the illicit importation are: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991 and GCNU 1353290.
Others are GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426 and SEGU 3338351.
A suspect, Okonkwo Oliver Izunna who is currently under administrative bail is being investigated.
“The seizures processed through three separate single goods declarations forms is a testimony to our unwavering commitment to maximally surpress smuggling and our determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerian citizens by intercepting dangerous imports such as these,” the CGC stated.
“The actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene the provisions of Section 228(1) and (2),55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Additionally, it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.”
While sending a stern warning to importers and their agents who have refused to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations to evade duties or smuggling prohibited goods into the country, Adeniyi described as “heartless and inexcusable” the audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market.
“I want to assure you that our officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, diligently scrutinizing all imports and export consignments passing through our seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports and terminals nationwide,” he affirmed.
However, for compliant importers and their agents who make patriotic and honest declarations, he promised that there is nothing to fear as compliance brings numerous benefits including building a reputation for integrity.
Other gains are saving time and money by avoiding demand notices and penalties and doing without legal troubles that could lead to imprisonment, loss of licenses and blacklisting.
Speaking at the event, Francis Ononiwu, NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Director who stood in for the DG condemned the illicit importation of tomato concentrates, arguing that allowing it into the Nigerian market for consumption can even cause death at the end of the day if not properly managed. He promised that the agency would do the needful to further investigate and prosecute in accordance with her establishment statutes.
Tincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
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