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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s pioneer maritime reporters body, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Thursday, set aside the Godfrey Bivbere-led Executive, replacing it with a 3-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the body in the interim.
The Caretaker Committee unanimously put in place is part of a major reorganization to reposition MARAN to enable her meet her cardinal aspirations .
Led by Mr Tunde Ayodele as Chairman, Mr John Obot and Mrs Ruth Sunday Umunna now serve as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.
Unveiling the new dispensation in a release, MARAN wishes all stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector, ministries, government departments and agencies to, henceforth, direct and channel all dealings with the new leadership.
”The Association wishes to state categorically that the action is for the good of the Association, the industry and the nation in general and should therefore not be misconstrued.”
”We wish to use this medium to invite our highly esteemed stakeholders to our Association’s forthcoming launch of the book, “50 Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”, coming up on the 4th of December, at Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.”
”The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, is a foremost body of highly cerebral, credible, erudite and professional Journalists, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. It has been covering the activities of the maritime industry for nearly four decades.”
”The Association had made its indelible mark in the maritime sector through unbiased, insightful, and impactful reportage of the sector over the years.
It is the first and the longest Maritime Association in the Industry and has evolved with more than forty members from the Prints, Electronic and Online platforms.”
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
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MAN, ORON, Charges Graduating Cadets To Uphold Academy’s Core Values.
Customs Embraces OSS, A Special Platform, To Deepen Trade Facilitation
MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
PTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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BADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
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OTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security
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CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
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Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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