Maritime Agencies
ANLCA NECOM: No Non- Licensed Company Owner Can Be Acting NECOM Member.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As current efforts are in top gear to resolve the lingering crisis in the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), four chieftains appointed by the alleged self- acclaimed registered BOT Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, cannot fly as it has been revealed that their licenses are not registered as required by the Association Constitution.
They are Pius Ujubuonu, Adeyinka Jamiu Ishola, Waheed Badmus and Francis Ozemede Itua who Taiwo Mustapha appointed Acting National President, Vice President, Financial Secretary and National Publicity Secretary respectively.
In a release made available to Falcon Watch Online, the ANLCA National Secretary, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila maintains that as long as the gentlemen are non-licensed members of ANLCA, their appointment on acting capacity by anybody stands disclaimed and cannot stand as it runs counter to the prescriptions of the Constitution of the Association.
As Mukaila stated during a recent exclusive interview reported in the press release, the four persons Taiwo Mustapha appointed on acting capacity have no licenses. Mustapha who claims to be a leader in ANLCA, he argued, should have known the Association’s Constitution if he did not do what he did to simply cause confusion.
“The Constitution of ANLCA, Section 4 under membership stipulates that membership of the Association shall be limited to corporate bodies incorporated under the CAMA 1990 as amended 2020. So, all our AGMs are expected to be governed by general members, those companies who are corporate members of ANLCA. It is just the company owners that should come forward and participate in the AGM. Representatives of these companies ought to be Directors who must have had at least 10% of shareholding of those companies at least five years running and whose membership status must be as well five years with ANLCA.
On any other requirements for members desirous to attend an AGM, he referred to Section 4 of the Constitution on membership.
“For that purpose, a member shall make application in writing to the ANLCA Headquarters through his Chapter within his area of operation via Executive or Committee set-up shall recommend the applicant to the NECOM. The applicant is then deemed a fit and proper person to be admitted as a member.”
He said payment of an annual dues of N10,000 and possession of a valid license as well as being up-to-date in financial commitment qualify a member to attend an AGM. Therefore, he wondered, it is difficult to decipher whatever else the aggrieved faction is asking for because as an ANLCA member, attending an AGM is automatic as a company director with valid license and dues paid up-to-date. For anybody raising an eyebrow, he stated, it is either he does not have a license or is not financially up-to-date.
As the National Secretary and custodian of ANLCA’s data and documents, he told non-licensed members of the aggrieved faction appointed acting members of the NECOM that in a crisis situation all over the world, the first casualty is truth. ANLCA is not exempted.
“There have been a lot of falsehood and fake news. To put it straight, I believe ANLCA members who have served at the highest level should know better and be conversant with the Constitution.”
He recalled when Mustapha broke into the National Secretariat to say he had appointed an interim NECOM.
“The ANLCA Constitution is very clear under Section 4 that membership shall be limited to corporate companies notwithstanding Subsection 1. Under Section 2, it went further to say that no company or firm should be registered as member if Section 4 , Subsection 2a does not do business in shipping and freight forwarding and if not licensed by the Nigeria Customs. He described as mischief or lack of knowledge as factors that prompted Taiwo Mustapha to violate ANLCA Constitution by appointing people who do not have corporate licenses from Customs to positions at the national level.
Referring to 24th August, 2022, when Taiwo Mustapha made what he called the grievous mistake that caused the present confusion everybody is suffering from, Pius Ujubuonu was appointed Acting National President or Interim President.
“I want to let you know that in 2012 when the data protocol of ANLCA was being perfected as it was then, I was the ASECO Chairman. Pius Ujubuonu came to
me to present a license of a corporate company called MIRACLE VENTURES LTD. That license as at the year the data was being processed in 2013 did not exist. Pius Ujubuonu, with ID Card No WZ5100000083, the company did not exist!. So, in the last ten years, Pius Ujubuonu did not have a license.
On the list of Tincan Island ANLCA corporate members, he also explained, there is a company called DEJIDE INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD.
“The company had a gentleman called Jide as director and principal officer who employed one Adeyinka Jamiu Ishola, staff ID Card No WZ2300000285. Four years ago, Mr Jide passed away and the license has remained moribund since then. This is the same person Taiwo Mustapha appointed Acting National President of ANLCA.”
“He did not stop at that! Just to cause more confusion in ANLCA, he went further to appoint another person the Acting National Financial Secretary. The gentleman is a clerk in a company called OMO-BOY INTERNATIONAL, a company whose Director is one late Alabi. Taiwo Mustapha appointed Gbadamosi Waheed Badmus as Acting Financial Secretary of ANLCA. That makes them three.
He said that another imposter was Francis Ozemede Itua who was appointed Acting Publicity Secretary of ANLCA.
“Francis Itua is just a clerk with SEVEN 86 IMPEX & ALLIED LTD, a company that has all directors as Indians. So, for Francis Itua to be issuing statements, calling himself the Acting NPS of ANLCA is not only dangerous but criminal, full of mischief. He has to be disclaimed so that the general public will know”.
On the AGM being planned, the National Secretary said it was necessary to bend backwards and move forward because ANLCA needs breath.
“All registered corporate members of ANLCA should come forward and register for the AGM. It is the right of corporate members of ANLCA,” Alhaji Mukaila pointed out.
Maritime Agencies
Suspend Charges Review, Engage Stakeholders, Shippers’ Council Tasks Shipping Companies
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
All shipping companies, shipping agents, and terminals operating within Nigerian ports have been given marching orders to suspend and discontinue the implementation of any review or upward adjustment of their charges until they have fully engaged their stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by Rebecca Adamu, Head of Public Relations of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria’s Ports Economic Regulator.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council clarifies that the recent adjustment was approved strictly in accordance with her statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator in which case all tariff reviews were conducted in a transparent, structured, and well-defined regulatory process.
”These processes included detailed technical and consultative engagement with affected service providers aimed at examining the cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations and regulatory compliance.”
”The engagements did not constitute automatic approvals; rather, they informed a broader evaluative process. Final determinations were reached only after rigorous internal, technical, and financial assessments guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks, and prevailing economic conditions.”
”Notwithstanding, shipping companies, agents, and terminal operators are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until they have duly consulted and engaged their stakeholders. As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will wield the big stick against any port service providers disrupting port operations”, the statement warned.
The Council emphasised that transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation are fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah (MON), further warned that the Council is empowered under its regulatory mandate to apply appropriate sanctions against defaulting operators, including enforcement measures provided for under relevant regulatory frameworks. He encourages constructive engagement, dialogue, and compliance.
Any service provider that proceeds with charge reviews without stakeholders’ engagement should be prepared to face decisive regulatory action.
He assured that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to protecting the interests of port users, promoting fair competition and ensuring a balanced and predictable business environment within the Nigerian maritime industry.
Customs
FG Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Highlights Need for Reduced Port Costs, Fair Pricing.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The inauguration of a new Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Monday, sets a clear reform agenda for Nigerian seaports as reduced port costs and fair pricing now take centre stage.
Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated this in a statement.
At the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola charged the Board to focus on improving accountability in operations, reduced cost of doing business and strengthened regulation processes across the shipping sector.
The reconstitution of the Council’s governing structure, he stated, follows the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that good governance and repositioning of the Marine and Blue Economy should serve as a key engine of national economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oyetola reminded the Board that as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Shippers’ Council is central in efforts to achieve efficiency, transparency and fairness in port charges and service delivery.
Robust economic regulation, the Minister maintained, is critical to lowering trade costs, protecting shippers and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness within the sub-region and beyond.
The Minister urged Board members to provide firm strategic leadership and effective oversight, insisting that regulatory decisions must translate into measurable outcomes, including improved port efficiency, fair pricing, and enhanced trade facilitation.
He called for seamless collaboration between the Board and the Council’s management, while assuring members of the Ministry’s full support in delivering their mandate.
Dr Ibrahim Shema, former Governor of Katsina State, is the Chair of the newly -inaugurated Board. Other members are Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (NACCIMA); Mr. John Aluya (MAN); Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins and Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde.
Others are Dr. Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed (NNPCL); Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs. Uzoamaka Okereke from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Shema thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and commended the Minister for his leadership of the sector. He pledged that the Board would uphold professionalism and integrity while supporting reforms aimed at improving port performance, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, and delivering tangible benefits to shippers and the national economy.
NSC serves as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations, while safeguarding the interests of shippers and enhancing the country’s maritime trade environment.
Maritime Agencies
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSL), the company in charge of security surveillance over oil and gas installations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is in collaboration with Textron Systems Corporation, a United States–based defence and aerospace company, to supply her three advanced Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
TSSNL owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo) disclosed the business deal in her website publication of December 29, 2025. The drones will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 is designed to operate without runways, utilising hybrid quadrotor technology that enables vertical takeoff and landing, as well as fixed-wing flight.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS, Textron Systems says, is a mature, industry-proven autonomous platform known for its high reliability and operational flexibility. Its dual-mode capability allows it to operate seamlessly in complex and high-risk environments, making it well-suited for security operations within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Giving further insight into the contract, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, David Phillips, said the deployment would significantly enhance Tantita’s operational capability.
”The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a proven solution that will enable Tantita Security Services to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity,” he stated.
The Aerosonde platform has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across some of the world’s most challenging operating environments, underscoring its reliability and performance.
Tantita Security Services is expected to deploy the systems to strengthen surveillance and protection of critical oil and gas assets across Nigeria.
The contract also includes options for operator training and the supply of additional aircraft to support future capability expansion. Textron Systems noted that the agreement builds on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to Nigeria, further highlighting its ongoing commitment to supporting Nigerian security operations.
Textron Systems is a global leader in uncrewed air, land and sea systems, with the Aerosonde family of UAS currently supporting international customers and operations aboard more than 10 U.S. Navy ships. The company is a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), a diversified multinational with interests spanning aviation, defence, industrial manufacturing and finance.
With multiple payload configurations and comprehensive training and support services, the Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a versatile and efficient solution for security operations in demanding environments, reinforcing Tantita Security Services’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
Suspend Charges Review, Engage Stakeholders, Shippers’ Council Tasks Shipping Companies
FG Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Highlights Need for Reduced Port Costs, Fair Pricing.
OIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
NIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
Tincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOIL FACILITIES PROTECTION: Tompolo’s Tantita Acquires High-Tech Drones From US Firm.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNEW YEAR CELEBRATION: MARAN Appreciates Stakeholders, Requests Greater Support and Collaboration in 2026.
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Maritime Agencies1 day agoSuspend Charges Review, Engage Stakeholders, Shippers’ Council Tasks Shipping Companies
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Customs1 day agoFG Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Highlights Need for Reduced Port Costs, Fair Pricing.