Maritime Agencies
Apapa Customs Set To Surpass 2024 Revenue Target, Achieves N1.8Trn In 10 Months.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Between January and October 2024, the Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected over N1.87 trillion.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller B.O.Olomu announced this in Apapa, Monday, while unveiling recent seizures of contrabands hauled into Nigeria by some unscrupulous importers. The huge revenue collection, Olomu disclosed, is significant because it marks a 101% increase when compared to the N931.1 billion generated in the corresponding period in 2023.
Comptroller Olomu who reiterated the Command’s resolve not to waver in her determination to block revenue leakages said he will always optimize collections despite the declining volume of trade inflow.
In October 2024 alone, the Controller pointed out, the Command recorded over N264.5 billion, its highest-ever monthly collection.
With this disposition, he expressed high hopes that Apapa Port Customs Command would meet and even surpass its revenue target of N2.2 trillion by the end of the year.
Olomu highlighted initiatives the command has mapped out to streamline and modernize trade facilitation processes.
These include integrating trade facilitation tools such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Advanced Ruling, as well as operating on weekends to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes without any delay.
“We also have an intra-government working system where all government agencies work together as a team without compromising the mandates of our respective agencies”.
“Equally, we have a wider customs-stakeholders forum where only issues partaining to customs are looked into and addressed as at when due.”
He quickly recalled the significance of the recent first shipment of cargo to Kenya under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which the Apapa Customs Command facilitated.
Speaking about anti-smuggling efforts, the Apapa Command has continued to intensify enforcement. On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Comptroller Olomu handed over six containers with falsely declared and unwholesome pharmaceutical and controlled products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“This handover further underscores the robust inter-agency collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister government agencies in the port. It further demonstrates our ability to prevent illicit importation from entering the Nigerian market through the port.”
“As a service, we owe Nigerians the duty of preventing the import and export of cargo that could undermine their well-being and security. These medical importations have expired while others are not evaluated by NAFDAC and could cause damages to Nigerians if consumed.”
The content of the seized containers, he announced, contravene the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff (CET) and section 233 of the NCS Act 2023. They were carrying unauthorized doses of tramadol, codeine-based cough syrup, injections and other unregistered pharmaceuticals.
“On my watch, the stakeholders’ compliance level in Apapa Port has increased and this is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC.”
While specially thanking all sister government agencies and strategic private sector partners for being part of the success being celebrated, he pledged that the Command would always value their contributions as these have directly impacted on the scorecard being celebrated.
The day’s formal handing-over of seizures to NAFDAC and the NDLEA, he emphasized, should serve as a deterrent to those involved in any form of illegality while serving to encourage lawful and compliant traders.
He reminded all port users that every consignment passing through the Customs in Apapa will be subjected to thorough examination with scanners and physical means where necessary.
“We shall continue to detect false declarations, concealment, undervaluation and other unethical practices aimed at evading duties, short-changing the government and exposing citizens to unsafe products.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Contrary to the impression being bandied in certain quarters regarding the safety of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds (CVFF), the acruals remain intact and secure in the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria and her Single Treasury Account (TSA) arrangement.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) gave the update, November 19 in a release by the agency.
According to the Director-General, the update has become necessary to refute misleading publications alleging that the funds have disappeared from the CVFF account.
“The report of missing money is both misleading and false”, the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Edward Osagie explained in a press statement.
“For the record, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, securely held in the NIMASA account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), remains intact. There has been no disappearance of funds, and no illegal transactions, as the article suggests.
“This misinformation is a figment of the author’s imagination aimed at undermining NIMASA’s integrity, and mislead the public about the Agency’s operations.
“The Management of NIMASA will ensure that the CVFF is utilised in line with its statutory purpose”, the
NIMASA Director General stated.
Mobereola was emphatic about the state of the funds and assured stakeholders of the safety under the CVFF.
“Let us be clear that the CVFF account at the Central Bank of Nigeria is safe, intact, and secure. We at NIMASA will continue to manage it with the utmost responsibility, and there are no irregularities or illegal activities surrounding the funds”
He urged the public to disregard any false narratives and to continue trusting the Agency’s ability to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The CVFF is a fund established under section 42 of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 to promote the development of indigenous ship acquisition capacity and to provide credit facilities to local maritime operators.
NIMASA, the release assured, is committed to transparency, accountability, and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a colourful and well-attended event, Tuesday, the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service celebrated the retiring Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo. His successor, DC MS Shuaibu also received encomiums for being found worthy to take over the mantle of leadership.
Following official redeployments and movements across Customs Commands earlier in the year, it is recalled, DC Shuaibu temporarily held sway at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko. Last April, however, he handed over the reigns to Comptroller James Ojo who was newly deployed to head the Command and left to assume duties as the Coordinator of the now-disbanded Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, Southwest.
But now the table has turned, retiring Comptroller Ojo handed over the leadership baton to DC Shuaibu at the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko.
Speaking at the brief but impressive handing-over ceremony, Comptroller Ojo expressed gratitude to officers and men of the Command for the massive support and cooperation he enjoyed during his stint at the Command.
“Under my watch,” Comptroller Ojo stated, “this Command has not only enforced our mandate of revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation but has also made strides in building stronger collaborations with sister agencies and stakeholders. Together, we have intercepted illicit goods, curbed smuggling and facilitated legitimate trade. Our collective efforts have positioned the Ogun 1 Command as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture. As I retire, I must express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs for the trust reposed in me and for providing the support that enabled the Command’s successes.”
In his remarks, DC MS Shuaibu, the newly deployed controller, applauded Comptroller James Ojo for leaving a legacy of resilience, collaboration and notable achievements.
He pledged to deepen the commitment to prioritizing teamwork, innovation, and discipline among officers and men of the Command.
“I call upon all officers and stakeholders in the Command to join me in this renewed effort as the task ahead is daunting. But with unity, dedication and the grace of God, we can surmount every challenge.’’
He promised to strengthen and maintain collaboration with sister- agencies so as to ensure border security and facilitate legitimate trade.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by a cross section of notable traditional rulers from Idiroko area and beyond. Senior officers from sister-agencies in Nigeria and neighbouring Benin also graced the occasion.
Maritime Agencies
FIGHT AGAINST BANDITS, INSURGENTS: ‘We’re Recording Huge Success’, Says Matawalle.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Since the advent of the President Tinubu administration, the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgents, bandits and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State.
But for security and strategic reasons, a lot of these successes cannot be made public in order not to expose to danger the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces in the forefront of this fight.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during an engagement with Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU).
Hadiza Bala Usman was at the Ministry of Defence to present the 2024 1st-3rd Quarters Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves were always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping. But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make the society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by the Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity. She added that regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and an evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry would do more to surpass previous quarter reports. He commended the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of the country.
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