Maritime Agencies
NIMASA DG Hosts Maritime Media, Highlights Broad Policy Initiatives For Implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has no plans whatsoever to recall over 300 Nigerian cadets undergoing training at the Centurion University, India, under the National Seafarers’ Development Programme (NSDP). Instead, the agency is committed to ensure that the cadets are adequately trained and well-prepared to be employable anywhere in the world as they graduate.
Dr Dayo Mobereola
NIMASA Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola stated this in Lagos, Monday, during his maiden interactive session with members of the maritime media, following his appointment last April.
“We have not decided to bring those students back home,” he announced.
“What we are doing is reviewing how the school has been engaged. Is it in the students’ best interest? Will they be well-prepared graduates who are employable by the industry?”, the DG argued.
“These are the issues on our table right now, and we deliberate on them daily. I assure you that when we develop the best approach, it will be clear that we are acting in the cadets’ best interest, not our own,” he added.
NIMASA’s aim, he added, is that the young, vibrant and intelligent cadets return to Nigeria fully prepared to contribute to the development of the maritime sector.
“We want to ensure that the platform for them is right, and that is what we are working towards. When we present our plan, you will recognize that it is in the best interest of both the nation and the students”.
Speaking on the NIMASA 2007Act now undergoing review, the DG spoke about the status of maritime infrastructure which includes boats and vessels, assuring that provision is being made to include regulations for all from large vessels to small boats. He focussed on the smaller vessels that are often used for illicit activities such as piracy and sea robberies.
“In the new bill, we aim to ensure that every boat on our waters is regulated, registered, and monitored,” he stated.
On concerns about non-disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the DG cautioned for care in planning and execution to avoid the mistakes of the past.
“We are looking at opportunities to ensure that when we start to dispose the CVFF, it will be for the benefit of shipping promotion in Nigeria,” he said.
He cautioned against repeating past mistakes whereby loan beneficiaries failed to make refunds, an act that ran contrary to the motive of enhancing the fortunes of ship owners and shipping development .
“In the past, resources were given to the wrong people, and there was no benefit to the nation or to ship owners who were contributing.
We would be doing ourselves an injustice if we didn’t consider what is happening now, both in Nigeria and internationally, before we start disbursing the CVFF.” the DG said. He noted that the CVFF is not only about vessels but steady availability of cargo for vessels to make revenue for the sector.
On relationship with coastal states, the DG confirmed full presence in Bayelsa with Delta in view. Engagement with other coastal states, he promised, would depend on the peculiarities.
Reacting to concerns that sourcing information and data from NIMASA is problematic as staff in charge do not cooperate, Mobereola placed on record the important role journalists play as worthy partners, acknowledging their contributions to shaping public perception and holding the agency accountable.
According to the DG, what is most important is data and knowledge- sharing.
“If we do not provide you with accurate information that we have spent time and knowledge collecting, we cannot expect you to report accurately,” he noted.
He also promised improvements in media relations, including the training of maritime media practitioners. Provision for this, he indicated, is already made in the 2024 budget. Remuneration for media professionals covering the sector, he announced, is under review to reflect the agency’s commitment to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with the press.
The DG urged the media stakeholders to continue raising industry issues and comparing them with international best practices.
“When you speak, it is perceived as being in the industry’s best interest. I encourage you to continue raising these subjects, comparing them with international best practices, and advising us on what the NPA and Shippers’ Council should be doing,” he said.
On maritime safety, the DG said: “We are collaborating with our sister agency, NIWA, to come up with strategies to ensure safety both in deep waters and in the areas NIWA controls,” he explained.
He recalled the core mandate of NIMASA which is safety, a goal collaboration is crucial in achieving . “Safety is one of our core mandates, and I will be judged on it.”
He announced that going forward, NIMASA’s vessel registration processes would be automated.
Maritime Agencies
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
With a whooping revenue of N350,347,173,787.92 billion the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized between January and September, 2025, the coast is quite clear that it will surpass the amount of N362.5 billion it posted in 2024.
Comptroller Joe Anani, the Customs Area Controller, stated this in Lagos, Friday, while speaking during his maiden press chat at the Command’s headquarters.
The January – September figure which is 96.64% of the 2025 target, he explained, almost equals the ₦362,521,085,250.98 realized by the PTML Command from January to December the previous year.
The CAC disclosed that in spite of obvious challenges associated with the B’Odogwu initiative, in the third quarter of 2025, the Command recorded a total revenue of ₦116,243,603,670.58. This is 34.3% higher than ₦86,584,012,733.43 collected during the corresponding period in 2024.
A comparative analysis of the Command’s revenue performance in Q3, 2025, shows that the PTML Command has maintained a steady increase in revenue collection likely to be surpassed as the year winds down.
The Command intercepted a 1X20FT container with number GCNU1275880 falsely declared as supermarket items. Upon 100% examination, however, it was discovered to be laden with pharmaceutical products.
Two containers of unregistered “medicines” intercepted include: one (1) Taiwan Airsoft pistol, Two (2) magazines and 12 rounds of live ammunitions, 1x40ft container with marks and number ACLU9806850 falsely declared as magnetic resonance imaging apparatus was also apprehended and upon 100% examination, it was found to contain 6,262 cartons of antibiotics of various brands.
In line with the existing interagency collaboration approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller Anani handed the seized containers over to Dr Olakunle Olaniran, the Director of Ports Inspection Directorate of the NAFDAC who stood in for the Director-General.
CAC Anani said: “Our anti-smuggling and enforcement drives remain intact without compromise.”
“As a Command, we are not compromising national security on the altar of trade facilitation.
“I have visited various agencies of government and received them in my office on similar visits where we renewed our resolve for regular cooperation, inter- agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and crime prevention strategies.
He thanked the Command’s stakeholders and urged them to always stick to extant provisions on legitimate trade.
“Compliance saves time, saves money and helps in building a reputation for business growth towards migration into the AEO status.”
Receiving the seizures, the NAFDAC officer thanked Customs for their life -saving enforcement drive.
He commended the memorandum of understanding between Customs and NAFDAC as a working pact even he urged Nigerians to patronise only registered pharmaceutical vendors.
He commented Customs for supporting his agency to safeguard Nigerian lives through ensuring that prohibited medicines, including hypertension drugs and other prescription medications without NAFDAC authorization are not allowed into the country.
Maritime Agencies
Focus on Innovation, Integrity and Continuous Learning, Apapa Customs Boss Charges Newly Promoted Officers
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
With higher responsibilities within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), newly promoted Deputy Controllers and Assistant Controllers must embrace innovation, integrity and continuous learning in order to achieve the core objectives of the Management.
As stated in a release by Superintendent of Customs, J.T. Ayagbalo, Public Relations Officer, Apapa Customs Command, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba gave the charge in Lagos, Wednesday, during the opening session of a special training programme for the newly elevated officers. Congratulating the participants on their career advancement, Oshoba described their promotions as both “a reward for hard work and a call to greater service.”
Urging the officers to exhibit excellence, discipline and commitment to the modernization vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, he reminded them to realize that the new ranks come with increased expectations from the Service and the nation.
“These elevations come with benefits, challenges, and responsibilities. The management of the NCS demands more commitment, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to excellence in carrying out the CGC’s reform agenda.”
Highlighting the Service’s transformation drive, the Apapa CAC noted that Customs operations have become more knowledge-driven, with modernization initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Time Release Study, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the One Stop Shop mechanism redefining trade facilitation in Nigeria.
He tasked the newly promoted officers to familiarize themselves with these tools and deploy them effectively to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk management.
”There are cases of non-compliance, either from ignorance or deliberate circumvention of procedures. This calls for greater alertness and the smart use of technology for risk assessment,” Oshoba warned.
While urging participants to leverage the training for professional development, he encouraged them to interact, exchange ideas, and build networks that will strengthen teamwork and leadership capacity across commands.
“As new leaders, some of you will be entrusted with sensitive duties, including custodianship of release passwords and supervision of junior officers,” he added. “You must uphold the tenets of Justice and Honesty, which are core values of the Service.”
Capacity building, Oshoba assured, remains a priority for the Service under the current leadership, with continuous training and retraining forming part of the long-term strategy for institutional excellence.
The training session hosted at the Apapa Area Command headquarters, aims to equip the newly promoted officers with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for driving Customs modernization and effective trade facilitation.
Maritime Agencies
Seme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
“Guided by the CGC’s commitment to transparency and modernisation, the Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernisation and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor”.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Border Command gave this reaffirmation at the Seme-Krake border, Thursday, as he gave a rundown of recent exploits in revenue generation, anti-smuggling and trade facilitation.
In the month of September, 2025, the Command generated ₦1,500,029,233.88 in contrast to ₦531,462,332.45 collected in the corresponding period of 2024. This represents an increase of over 182%
Talking of exports, Seme Command facilitated the movement of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦7,969,376,198.78 even as the total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) realization was ₦39,868,354.42.
The most significant seizure achieved through
credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration was that involving five (5) trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,210,300,000.00. The interception pulled through following a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
Other seizures include 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and 120 packs of tramadol (120mg) seized alongside two suspects handed over to the NDLEA Seme Command on October 7th, 2025 for further investigation.
After a sting operation at sea, the Nigerian Navy seized over 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and handed same over to Customs.
Other seizures showcased by Comptroller Adenuga were 150 bales of second-hand clothing,169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine and 5 used vehicles.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stands at ₦1,999,093,429.00.
Accepting the seized drugs on behalf of the DG of NAFDAC, the Seme Area boss, Dr Nurudeen Audu recalled that his agency has continued to synergise with the NCS in protecting the nation’s economy and checking the illegal entry of dangerous and expired pharmaceuticals into Nigeria. He added that “seized food items are usually sent to our laboratory at Oshodi for testing before they are allowed to be sold or taken to the internally displaced persons camps for distribution”.
On behalf of the leadership of the NDLEA, Ajoku Rita, Controller of Narcotics, said of the seized tramadol and cannabis sativa: “we are working together assiduously to make sure that these illegal drugs do not come in to wreck havoc on our youths”.
Concerning the means of conveyance of the seized items, Comptroller Adenuga assured of plans to dispose them soon as the CGC is averse to any kind of wastage.
Earlier in the week, the CAC hosted
traditional and youth leaders, sister-security agencies in the Seme-Krake border area, cross-border agencies from Benin Republic and the press to discuss the issue of numerous checkpoints along the busy Lagos -Badagry trade corridor and the need to reduce these as much as possible to enhance free movement and trade facilitation. He reported that within a short notice, stakeholders and various agencies complicated were already cooperating to ease movement of people and legitimate goods.
As far as the Nigeria Customs is concerned, he announced, only two checkpoints are approved on the Mile 2 to Seme border trade route. These are Agbara and Gbaji. However, there are one or two points where roving customs officers are sighted strictly for intervention and reinforcement. These are not answerable to Seme Command.
’Only God Is Wise’ bonded terminal under the supervision of the Command was inspected as the CAC directed.
According to the facility manager, Mr Adetoun Abidemi, the terminal which the command conceived began operations in 2019 for the purpose of improving trade facilitation.
Adetoun noted that the terminal handles general services and that examination of cargoes is presently done at 100%. He disclosed that for now, the terminal is operating at very low capacity as a result of low patronage. Abidemi called on all importers and exporters to use the bonded terminal facility while processing their cargoes.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIMO Commends Nigeria’s Maritime Security Architecture, Blue Economy Policy.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIMO Hails Nigeria’s Anti-piracy Arrangement, Recommends Same To Other Nations.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoABUJA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR: Abuja’s Location, Agro-allied Potentials Favour Non-oil Revenue, says NPA.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: Seme Customs Hosts Joint Border Stakeholders’ Engagement To Deepen Cordial Relationships.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSeme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoFocus on Innovation, Integrity and Continuous Learning, Apapa Customs Boss Charges Newly Promoted Officers
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Maritime Agencies7 hours agoPTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,