Maritime Agencies
Cargo Clearance: Stakeholder Condemns Attempt to Reintroduce CTN, Opts for Automation
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is fraudulent, a sure way to further kill the economy.
Widescope Nig Ltd Managing Director, Dr Segun Musa stated this in Lagos during a meeting with the executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Musa, the National Vice President, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), said the ICTN regime is same as the Customs Risk Assessment Report that profiles all cargo coming into Nigeria.
He informed that the Reintroducing the ICTN, he argued, would further increase cargo clearance costs, saying that with the intervention of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on his petition, the ICTN was suspended a airports. He wondered why the ICTN, already jettisoned by the government, is being reintroduced by the government.
“ICTN is a fraud. This is a fastest way of killing the economy. We are waiting for them,” Musa vowed.
The foremost freight forwarder called the Nigeria Customs Service to implement automation of cargo clearance and delivery, having promised that the B’Odogwu initiative would address cargo clearance and facilitate trade.
“I want to believe it is achievable. What we need is the full automation; we are against use of companies but rather individuals with their identity number in cargo clearance. Everything from inspection to delivery should be automated. This is where the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service will come to play,” said Musa.
Whether Customs will allow the automation to work or Customs agents will declare correctly, Musa averred that the world is changing and Nigeria cannot be left behind, saying “Nobody wants a change. The world is migrating away from analog. This is why investors do not want to come to Nigeria. To advance our economy, we must embrace change – automation.”
He deplored the homongous revenue collections imposed on the Customs, saying that instead, what matters should be transparency.
“I was the lone voice calling for the privatisation of the Customs; anybody can generate revenue. The PIDA did it during the administration of General Sanni Abacha. Customs generating revenue is not special; a consortium can generate revenue while Customs is saddled with a border patrol. We did it before and we can do it again. If the Customs is not transparent enough, I will not hesitate to call on the government to privatise the customs,” Musa remarked.
He averred that incessant increase in customs duties and revenue target is an indicator that the national economy is not working and is also a lazy way by the politicians to run the economy. He pointed out that “the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) is a fraud. Agents should have gone to court to challenge it. It is illegal. The CISS money was meant for inspection agencies to run their operations.t EFCC should have investigated the government over the trillion of Naira of CISS.”
Regarding foreigners, Musa said it is not true that they are taking over Nigerian freight forwarding. Freight forwarding, he explained, is an international job and everyone is free to practice it.
“Foreigners have not taken over freight forwarding in Nigeria. People need to understand that we live in a global neighborhood. You must have strength and capacity if you want to participate in freight forwarding, an international job. Government should create a level playing field for all actors. We collect a lot of revenue for the government but we get nothing. Chinese government provide funds and enabling environment for her citizens to thrive everywhere. But it is not the case here in Nigeria,” he regretted.
Dr. Musa said the land border was closed because of rice, a decision which he described as
He described as irrational Nigeria’s border closure against rice importation when the nation lacks the capacity to produce enough rice to feed her citizens. He maintained that no nation closes her border against goods it lacks capacity to produce enough, expressing fears that the nation may become a dumping ground for other countries as Nigeria does not have capacity and infrastructure to compete competitively in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“We don’t have production capacity to tap AfCFTA. We may likely become the dumping ground. We don’t have manufacturers again who can produce for enough for local consumption and for export under AfCFTA,” said Musa
On the National Single Window (NSW), Dr. Musa hinted that his fears about the National Single Window (NSW) had been allayed that NSW would not be handled alone by an agency, calling on the government to set up a committee of trustworthy actors to supervise the Single Window.
On the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Musa said it is not a new thing. “It has been with us for long. The Minister loves talkshows and globetrotting. How do we harness the blue economy when we don’t have ships and equipments?,” Musa said.
“In 2024, we had a lot of challenges – inconsistent government policies, fluctuations in FOREX that plummeted volumes of cargo traffic and Customs putting pressure on importers with various ideas to meet her revenue target.”
“We had a lot of opportunities to change the narratives but we never had Association’s strong enough to protect our interests”.
“Hike in the cost of transportation due to incessant increase in diesel cost did not help the situation. The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) was handicapped by its teething problems and every freight forwarder bore his cross.”
Maritime Agencies
MARAN Deplores Filthy Environment of Industries in Apapa, Tincan Ports, Calls for Improvement .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In line with her commitment to constructive engagement and public advocacy as a reliable watchdog of the society, pioneer maritime journalists’ group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), has reaffirmed that she would continue to monitor developments while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the Apapa and Tin Can commercial and industrial corridors remain safe, friendly, efficient and environmentally compliant.
Making the reaffirmation in a statement in Lagos, MARAN President, Godfrey Bivbere, highlighted what the association described as “increasingly hazardous working conditions” linked to airborne particles believed to originate from flour and other processing activities.
The group noted that these conditions appear to be affecting port users, workers, journalists, and security personnel operating in the area.
MARAN’s statement comes on the heels of the deteriorating environmental and health conditions around major industrial zones in the Apapa and Tin Can Island axis, particularly in the vicinity of facilities operated by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, the Dangote Group, Olem Agric, BUA Foods, and Honeywell Flour Mills
MARAN observes that individuals who frequent Apapa, especially the corridor being referred to, often report symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort. The association is concerned about the need for urgent intervention by relevant regulatory bodies to assess the situation and ensure that industries operating in the area comply with environmental safety standards.
“The Apapa and Tin-can port corridors are a vital national asset and must be maintained to the highest environmental and health standards,” the statement read.
”We are observing a significant presence of airborne dust which raises concerns about long-term health implications and infrastructure degradation.”
MARAN called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to conduct an independent air quality assessment in the area and compare findings with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
The association also recommended the deployment of mobile medical clinics to support workers who may be experiencing health issues related to prolonged exposure to industrial pollution.
In addition, MARAN urged companies operating in the area to review their environmental management practices and align with international best practices, including the use of enclosed silos and dust extraction systems.
These recommendations, the group emphasized, are based on global standards for industrial hygiene geared towards promoting a safer, more sustainable working environment.
The association also expressed concern over the impact of dust accumulation on recently rehabilitated roads, warning that continued exposure could accelerate infrastructure deterioration and undermine public investment.
Maritime Agencies
Seme Customs Deplores Threat To Local Rice Production, Promises Hard Times for Smugglers
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s business community have been reminded that the ban on the importation of rice through land borders remains as operational as ever because it is a measure put in place to protect local rice farmers and millers and discourage the perennial dependence on imported rice and other items that can be produced in-country.
Seme Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, gave the reminder at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Command headquarters, Thursday, while briefing the press on the operational activities of the Command and spectacular seizures achieved May 14 to July 24, 2025.
Between July 1 and 19, he announced, operatives of the Command successfully intercepted and seized 5 trucks laden with smuggled goods along the Lagos -Abidjan corridor following credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement.
”The trucks were found to contain 2, 800 bags of perboiled foreign rice, 50 kg each, and 250 bales of second -hand clothing. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized rice and means of conveyance is N919, 500, 626.00.”
”Other notable seizures during the period include 898 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,319 bags of parboiled foreign rice (50 kg each), 40 bags of sugar (50 kg each), 64 bags of flour (50 kg each), 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato, one boat engine, 20 bales of second -hand clothing and 4 bales of used shoes.” The total DPV is N1,268,794,474.
He explained that the successful operations lent eloquence credence to the vigilance, resilience and doggedness of officers and men of the Area Command and the collaborative support of other security agencies especially the military.
”As you are aware” the CAC continued, “the Federal Government of Nigeria has placed a ban on the importation of rice through land borders to protect our rice farmers and millers and reduce dependence on imported rice.”.
However, he regretted, rice millers in Nigeria have continued to face challenges due to insufficient patronage which hampers their ability to operate at full capacity.
The CAC emphasized that the ban is a strategic measure to boost local production and ensure that the nation’s agriculture sector survives.
He regretted that some unpatriotic citizens have refused to see reasons not to engage in illegal importation which undermines the nation’s economic growth.
”Let me make it clear that the Seme Area Command is not, and will never be a fertile ground for smugglers.”
Comptroller Oramalugo declared that the monumental seizures sends a strong message to those involved in illicit activities that Seme Border operatives are resolute, equipped and prepared to enforce the Federal Government’s fiscal policies with unwavering commitment and determination.
On revenue generation, Seme Command posted N1, 593, 676,123.26 for May and June, a feat that reflects sustained measures aimed to block all revenue leakages and ensure that legitimate money due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.
In line with the government’s economic diversification agenda via non-oil exports, Seme Command facilitated the movement of 1,837 trucks, an equivalent of 116, 723.26MT of made-in- Nigeria goods. While the FOB Value is N22,368,388, 976.10, the National Export Supervision Scheme fees stood at N111,841,944.87.
He appreciated the solid support and encouragement from the Comptroller-General of Customs who recently allocated 12 patrol vehicles for the Command, a move that has significantly enhanced the capacity to patrol and secure the Lagos -Abidjan corridor.
”We remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, fostering legitimate trade and ensuring the security of our borders. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”
Maritime Agencies
MAN Rector Stresses the Importance of Skilled Manpower To Grow Nigeria’s Maritime Sector .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Even as Nigeria’s blue economy is expanding and gaining significant relevance in the present economic equation, it has been observed, without skilled manpower, the tide may not lift all ships.
Dr Kevin Okonna, Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, made the submission in Lagos , Friday, while speaking at the 2025 edition of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, (AMJON’s) conference which took place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
The theme of the event was “Maritime Development: Training, Ports Efficiency and Shipping Development.”
Domo Umoekpe, Head of Public Relations (left) receiving a souvenir on behalf of MAN Rector.
The Rector who was represented by Domo Umoekpe, the school ‘s Head of Public Relations, re-assured that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria is committed to delivering its core mandate. However , he opined, not much would be realized to achieve the lofty objectives for carving out the Marine and Blue Economy if due attention is not given to the training of skilled manpower in all facets of the sector.
Speaking on the topic ‘Ensuring Efficient Manpower in Nigeria’s Maritime Industry: Strategies and Options’, the Rector outlined numerous strategies the nautical school has in place to maximise skilled manpower development as per global standards.
“We’re not just training maritime professionals, we are charting Nigeria’s course to global relevance which is the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”
He said the strategies include modern maritime training.
“We provide innovative maritime programmes that satisfy national and international standards and comply with statutory requirements.”
MAN, he explained, utilizes up-to-date technology for training.
“We utilise up-to-date technology for training. We have simulators and other equipment for practical training, industry collaborations and partnerships:”
On conducive learning environment, the Rector said MAN parades an environment where students’ success, development and career opportunities thrive. Conducive hostels and medical facilities for cadets, students and staff are readily available.
The Academy provides leadership and training for other maritime training institutions, training instructors from other MTIs on IMO Model Course 6.09. From time to time, he informed, the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State brings its students to the Academy for Mandatory Short Course Training.
The Academy, through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been able to attract and retain industry experts as instructors.
“The quality of training that we offer has attracted foreign students to the Academy,” he stated.
MARAN Deplores Filthy Environment of Industries in Apapa, Tincan Ports, Calls for Improvement .
Seme Customs Deplores Threat To Local Rice Production, Promises Hard Times for Smugglers
MAN Rector Stresses the Importance of Skilled Manpower To Grow Nigeria’s Maritime Sector .
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Apapa Customs Revives Rail Haulage of Cargo, Shuts Three Bonded Terminals
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Release Approved N200bn Capital Projects Fund To MAN, Oron, House of Representatives Charges NIMASA .
NPA Berths Nigerian-Owned Container Vessel,”MV OCEAN DRAGON,” To Boost Incountry and Regional Trade,
NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY BERTHS FIRST WHOLLY NIGERIAN-OWNED CONTAINER VESSEL.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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Maritime Agencies4 days agoSeme Customs Deplores Threat To Local Rice Production, Promises Hard Times for Smugglers
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