Maritime Agencies
ANTI-SMUGGLING: Kebbi Customs Generates N13.3M In A Month, Confiscates Contrabands Worth N84.2 M.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In demonstration of the ability to make a mark in anti-smuggling operations despite the challenges of border closure, the Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in one month, generated N13.37m in revenue while confiscating contrabands valued at N84.2m.
The feat was achieved through intelligence-sharing, strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and increased field operations.
The newly-appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, stated this,Thursday, during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Comptroller Nwokorie who commended the officers and stakeholders for their dedication and cooperation in achieving the outstanding feat expressed gratitude to God and the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Kebbi Command.
The intercepted contrabands include 145 bales of used second-hand clothing, 13,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 114 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and 20 cartons of new light cigarette. Others are 70 cartons of expired Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuits, 27 cartons of expired Sunwatt (AA) dry battery and 40 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each).
The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seized items, he stated, sums up to N84,219,654.
CAC Nwokorie revealed that the Command confiscated 13,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at N5,500,000.
The seized fuel, he explained, would be auctioned to the public and the proceeds remitted into the Federation Account.
Nwokorie recalled that when he took over headship of the Command from retired Comptroller Ojike 42 days ago, he made a firm commitment to enhance revenue generation and collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and tackle smuggling aggressively but reasonably.
“Today marks the beginning of the fulfilment of that commitment and pledge.”
Despite the closure of the Tsamiya/Sebgana border which left Kamba as the only authorized and official border, the Command was able to generate a total of N13,378,002 within one month.
Comptroller Nwokorie credited this achievement to strengthened collaboration with the Nigerien Customs Authority and other stakeholders.
He told those involved in legitimate business not to entertain fears as they have a friend and supporter in the CGC.
“He (the CGC) has charged us to do all we can, without compromising existing laws, to support and facilitate every legitimate trade.”
Smuggling, he remarked, cannot be entirely eradicated especially due to the peculiar nature of the borders. However, through collaboration with the NDLEA, NAFDAC, NPF, NSA, NIS, DSS, NA, and other agencies, the NCS is working to reduce it to the barest minimum, he affirmed.
Comptroller Nwokorie disclosed that to foster strong relationships and improve intelligence-sharing, he and his management team have visited sister agencies in Kebbi State to reinforce operational synergy and enhance mutual support.
“I have also toured the border stations, starting from Kamba to Doleikaina, Bagudo, Maje, and Lolo, to inspect operational areas and assess the challenges faced by our officers,” Nwokorie said.
Comptroller Nwokorie explained that the Command would, in line with the CGC’s mandate, continue to implement strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and curb smuggling.
“We are here to change the narrative. We will leave no stone unturned as we strengthen the Command’s operations, improve on identified gaps, and ensure that the right strategies are in place,” he declared.
“This is my mission and my bond – to heighten our revenue generation, support legitimate trade, strengthen our partnerships with sister agencies and combat smuggling. I shall not fail the CGC, the Service, or the nation,” he vowed.
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.
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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.