Maritime
MARAN Congratulates Controller-General of Customs On First Year In Office.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s apex maritime journalists’ body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN)
is felicitating with Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as he clocks one year in office as the Controller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
In a statement jointly issued by Godfrey Bivbere and Babajide Okeowo, MARAN President and Secretary-General respectively, the journalists’ body recalls that prior to his appointment as Controller- General, the Service was in a dire need of a core professional at the helm to steer the affairs of the body.
Today, there are reasons to believe that as he marks his first anniversary in office, MARAN says, the Controller-General has lived up to public expectations in critical areas of his assignment.
The association notes with excitement numerous strides Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has made in the areas of revenue generation, fight against smuggling and repositioning of the Service for optimal performance.
Others are deepening collaboration with sister-agencies, special attention to staff welfare and human capital development including returning professionalism to the Service. He has also rekindled the waning interest in the media to collaborate with the Service for service delivery.
MARAN recalls that “many stakeholders and Nigerians in general had been clamouring for a career service officer to be at the helm of affairs of the Service.” ”
“Nigerians were relieved when the announcement was made that he has been appointed as the CG of Customs.
Going forward, the journalists’ body says, to whom much is given, much is expected. There was a huge expectation from stakeholders and the public in general to see how CG Adeniyi will perform.
“The association is glad to know and see that CG Adeniyi has not disappointed. In fact, he has performed beyond expectation in repositioning the service for optimal performance.”
“As a critical stakeholder and the fourth estate of the realm, we are super-excited by his performance and as such, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to him”, the statement said.
“One thing that has set CGC Adeniyi apart from his predecessors is his ability to foster collaboration with other sister agencies. Hardly a week passes without reading about one collaboration or the other which is a testament to his vast knowledge of the Service and his level of acceptance”, MARAN said.
The association, therefore, wishes the CG more successes as he leads the NCS to achieve the aims and objectives statutorily entrusted to it.
Maritime Agencies
PORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Popular media outfit, Portbuziness, is set to thrill the maritime and business community on Lagos come June, 2025, in an award event tagged the Distinguished Customer Service Appreciation Night.
The event is to showcase and appreciate exceptional corporate organizations and individuals who have made a mark in various fields of business endeavour.
The Award will feature a series of thought-provoking discussions and receptions to celebrate corporate organisations and individuals that are placing measurable value on people, societies and the nation in general.
In a release by James Shodiya, the Convener and MD/CEO, Portbizness, the DCS Awards & Recognitions is one unique event that will bring together brands and persons from different walks of life under one platform to examine the importance of offering quality service delivery to customers and clients under the theme: Standard & Satisfactory Service Delivery in a Challenged Economy.
The Portbizness boss stressed that the DCS Awards & Recognition is considered the Gold Standard for Corporate organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in offering exceptional service delivery in different areas of business.
The event, Shodiya added, will be attended by the most innovative and high-impact Corporate Organisations and nominees will be evaluated through strict observations and recommendations by authorities in various business sectors.
The event which takes place at the popular Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, will feature top brands in Telecoms, Maritime, Pharmaceuticals and Food & Beverages. Others are Transportation & Logistics, Real Estate, Hospitality, etc.
Captains of industry, Chief Executives of Companies , Government Agencies and customer service experts are expected to grace the occasion.
Gold Sponsors for the event include Trucks Transit Parks Ltd and Global Transport Policy.
Maritime Agencies
Kebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a renewed effort to promote healthy living and wellness of men and officers, a factor that contributes to operational fitness, increased productivity and morale in the workplace, the Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently took giant steps to re-introduce routine medical check-ups and mandatory weekly fitness exercises.
The first phase of the physical wellness initiative being promoted by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, aims to promote a work-life balance within the Service.
The programme which the CAC flagged off Thursday at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi saw officers and men of the Command participating in a series of health screening and sporting activities. These included football, basketball, and table tennis all aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among Customs officers in order to make them fit to carry out their responsibilities.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Nwokorie reiterated the importance of regular health check-up to determine the physical fitness of men and officers. This is required for them to maintain the alertness and effectiveness
required for Customs duties. He noted that the exercise is not meant to be seen as a burden or an obligation imposed on officers. It is rather a proactive measure put in place to ensure optimal health status which impacts productivity and effectiveness.
Going forward, the Controller stated, medical examinations would be conducted fortnightly, while physical exercise sessions would be held every week without fail. The objective is to strengthen the resilience, agility, and general health of personnel tasked with enforcing Nigeria’s trade laws and combating illicit smuggling activities across the nation’s borders.
The activities concluded with officers engaging in various forms of sports and recreational games, reinforcing camaraderie and team spirit within the Command. This is essential for building a cohesive team that can work together effectively to achieve its goals.
The Kebbi Command’s renewed focus on health and physical fitness comes at a time when security agencies are under pressure to meet growing national border security expectations and anti-smuggling enforcement. By prioritizing the health and well-being of its officers, the Command is demonstrating its commitment to their success.
The Kebbi Customs Command’s initiative, observers say, serves as a model for other security agencies. By prioritizing the health and well-being of officers, agencies can improve their performance and overall effectiveness.
Maritime Agencies
CG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For posting an impressive revenue performance, the Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been specifically commended with a firm pledge to address operational challenges she is grappling with.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known, Wednesday, during a working tour of the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bisi Alade described the CGC’s visit as a morale booster for the command’s officers and men.
“Your presence here today Sir,” he remarked, “is not only encouraging but also a strong indication of your commitment to every arm of the Service.”
“It has uplifted the spirit of our officers and reinforced our resolve to deliver on the Service’s mandate with renewed vigour.”
Comptroller Alade disclosed that between January and April, 2025, the Ogun II Command generated a total revenue of ₦15.191 billion, representing a 40 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.165 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.
The Ogun II Command, he stated, oversees three Free Trade Zones, 67 excise factories, and one bonded terminal, making it a strategic revenue-generating and industrial oversight zone within the Nigeria Customs Service architecture.
“We shall continue to remain focused, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of our duties, while aligning with the CGC’s reform agenda,” he reaffirmed
The CAC drew attention to several challenges facing the Command, including inadequate operational vehicles, medical laboratory equipment at the Command’s clinic and the need to renovate two 30-man rank-and-file quarters. Others are improved borehole facilities and the installation of a solar power system for the office complex.
In response, CGC Adeniyi commended the Command’s performance and assured that the Service Headquarters would consider the issues raised. He urged officers to prioritise continuous professional development, stressing that competence, knowledge and dedication are essential to enable them to effectively discharge the Service’s responsibilities.
The CGC also praised Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, for leveraging the state’s strategic location as Nigeria’s industrial gateway, particularly in light of its shared border with the Republic of Benin.
“Ogun State is a strategic location in Nigeria, and the Governor is clearly repositioning the state for industrial growth,” Adeniyi remarked.
CGC Adeniyi assured the government and people of Ogun State that the Nigeria Customs Service remains a committed partner in driving the nation’s economic prosperity. He further encouraged Comptroller Alade to deepen collaboration with other security agencies and the state government to achieve
shared goals.
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