Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF Boss, Chief Afam Chukwuma, Hails B’Odogwu, Insists that 24-hour Cargo Clearance is Achievable .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Notable freight forwarder, Chief Afam Chukwuma has said that 24 hours cargo clearance can be achieved in Nigerian ports.
”We need to reduce body contacts by going full automation. Achieving 24hours cargo clearance is not a rocket science. We need to make it work no matter what it takes”.
Chief Chukwuma, the Deputy National Chairman (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) stated this in Lagos,Thursday, when he featured as a special guest at a monthly Roundtable of the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners- CONMMEP .
CONMMEP Monthly Roundtable affords key maritime stakeholders opportunity to engage with maritime press to examine and analyze issues of relevance and come up with actionable measures government could consider as she strives to improve and make the system better for the good of all.
Chief Chukwuma, Chairman , ISCS Group and Managing Director/ CEO of International Supply Chain Systems Limited, a foremost International Trade Logistics and Freight Forwarding Company, called on freight forwarders to upgrade themselves via training and retraining, encouraging a 100% automated clearing system.
He said that full automation would make the system easier and more efficient against operational challenges and bottlenecks that add financial burdens on importers and their agents.
Analysing the challenges associated with B’Odogwu, the trade facilitation tool recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Afam Chukwuma was optimistic that despite obvious hitches, it will work to the satisfaction of all.
He announced that in several fora, he had argued that the Nigeria Customs Service is the best government agency when it comes to electronics and digitalized processes which B’Odogwu incorporates.
”I say this because l interact with the Police; l also interact with the military. None of them has a seamless electronic process like Customs.”
“For instance, in Customs today, if anything is happening in any Command, the integration of its system is very effective that even the CGC can view what is happening in a terminal in Enugu without being to the terminal.
I was in Customs Headquarters sometime ago in Wuse before they moved to Maitama, it was there l saw a large screen in the office of the ACG Tariff and Trade and he was showing me the revenue graphs of all the commands in Nigeria as they stood in real time. As duties were being paid, the graphs were growing. Right in his office he knew in real time when the revenue was dropping and also when it was rising. Within the space of 45 minutes l spent in his office, l could see the rise in figures .That’s the level of efficiency of Customs electronic process and digitalization.”
“Again, if you make a wrong declaration at Tincan or any other Command, an officer in Abuja would alert the Service, and your job is referred. If there is an issue in Onne, or anywhere in the East, you can be in Murtala Muhammed International Airport and view what is happening in Port Harcourt, just like in the banking industry that you can walk into any branch and make your transaction irrespective of where you are.”
“Customs has been able to achieve that level of integration. Before now, entries were released manually. But now, for instance,B’Odogwu can operate at home because it is a continuation of the modernization policy of the Nigeria Customs Service. Don’t forget that Customs started from Asycuda to Asycuda ++ to NCIS 1 and 2, and now they are continuing into what they now call B’Odogwu. But the difference is that all those other platforms were foreign. But B’Odogwu as a platform is indigenous.”
“We witnessed the same thing when late Dikko was the CG of Customs. He moved us from Risk Assessment Report (RAR) to Pre- Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). Then we had SGS, Cotecna and Global Scan. When Dikko said we were going indigenous, there was pannick, there was fear, people were skeptical about it. And today, PAAR has come to stay, and every one has moved on. The same thing the CGC, Wale Adeniyi has repeated.”
“Surely, it is not all rosy but all we owe them is patience and understanding. I have also told Customs point blank that we are going to support B’Odogwu to work, because we are working to grow the Nigerian economy. If any sector wants to indigenise its system, we need to give it maximum support. ”
B’Odogwu, Chief Adam argued, is a Nigerian thing, and as patriotic citizens, we have no choice than to support home- grown products. “Though there are challenges, delays and network issues, but we need to be patient. All those are teething problems which l believe will give way soon. It is technology, it is ICT; nobody can get it 100% right at a time. But with our patience and understanding, it will stabilize.”
“I believe that B’Odogwu will improve, and you can see that between three weeks ago and now, there has been a tremendous improvement. There was a time one week ran out, no network, but it is no longer the same story today. But as at the moment, it is not working well and Customs know that so well.
He explained that freight forwarders had reasons to demand that Customs should grant them some level of compensation since the initial teething problem were fraught with some cost effects.
”Demurrages are there. Shipping companies and terminal operators will always say that it is not their fault; they are even enjoying it because they are making fortune out of it. Though the CG has said that he had engaged the Executive Secretary of Shipper’s Council in that regard, we are yet to see the result. So while trying to improve on the platform, they should also look for a way to compensate freight forwarders and importers, even if it is by granting provisional release or whatever they can do to fast-track the process.”
He criticized the reintroduction of the Free-on- Board (FoB) process in importation. According to him, The notable freight forwarder Chief said he was still trying to know why the Nigeria Customs reintroduced it, though with little modification.
“Technically, they say it is 3%, and we have been at that. It is legal because it is in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The 4% is there, what has been delayed is the implementation. Legally speaking, Customs has not erred. What we are looking at is the timing, the moral angle – how bad the situation is presently. Inflation is here, prices of things are going up everyday. 4% at this time will automatically mean high clearing costs because every businessman checks his landing cost and spreads it on the goods to fix his price. And ultimately, the burden will be on end-users.”
He would rather ask Customs to hold on, especially this time there are teething problems with B’Odogwu.
”Not that we are saying they don’t have the power to implement it; they have the legal backing to do that. My humble appeal is that Customs should delay the implementation until we begin to reap the benefits of B’Odogwu.”
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
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AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoOUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoDredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoCustoms FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoSCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
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Maritime Agencies4 days agoAMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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Maritime Agencies4 days ago
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.