Maritime Agencies
CILT AGM, 2023: Aviation Minister, Gov Obaseki, Others Confirm Attendance.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) Nigeria holds her 2023 Annual General Meeting/National Conference at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, November 27 and 28.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, is the Special Guest of Honour while Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State will unveil a book entitled “Perspectives on Sustainable Innovation in Global Logistics and Transport.”
Other dignitaries expected include Teete Owusu Nortey, Ghanaian Transportation Minister and Dr Mrs Kema Chikwe, one-time Aviation Minister of Nigeria. The AGM will also witness the inauguration of the new CILT executive led by Mrs Mfon Usoro as a reelected President.
At a pre-conference webinar meeting in Lagos, Monday, Ms Adaora Nwonu, co-chair of the Conference Technical Committee, stated that CILT members are expected to pay a conference fee of N55,000 while non-members and young participants will register with N60,000 and N25,000 respectively. An excursion for which attendees would pay N8,000 per participant is incorporated into the conference programme to encourage a blend of outdoor sightseeing and recreation to serve as a creative link for academic and industrial practitioners.
Nwonu announced that there have been positive response for sponsorship from private and public organizations even as some companies have begun to promote the CILT brand.
For the participants, she added, the Conference is expected to provide value for money, networking and rewarding interactive activities. She assured that about 500 participants expected at the occasion will be availed the right facilities for seamless registration while a gala dinner takes place to wrap up the conference after the excursion.
Summarizing the preparations of the Logistics sub-Committee, Mr Jafaar Bello stated that adequate arrangements were in place to ensure seamless traffic and movement to and from the conference venue. Comfortable accommodation at discounted rates have been arranged for delegates in nearby hotels to the venue. The hotels can be accessed on the CILT website.
There will be a boat cruise and lagoon tour on November 28 to enable participants savour the rich serenity of Lagos city and the marine environment.
There will also be a light (metro) rail trip from Marina to Mile 2 and LASTMA, VIS, etc have been mobilized to facilitate stress-free movement.
To cater for healthcare needs of the attendees, arrangements have been made to have healthcare personnel and an ambulance for emergencies.
In her submission, the CILT President, Mrs Mfon Usoro, appraised the conference as of international standard. “The Conference is physical because we want to meet and interact with the participants. Registration is done online while Speakers will collect tags from the Moderator.” She advised participants to register online between November 20 and 21.
CILT, she recalled, is for logistics and transport as it traverses all modes of transportation. During the cultural night, delegates are expected to done their rich cultural attires. Discussion topics will centre on cross-border trade, regional integration, infrastructure development and management. The session will be led by an ECOWAS expert on trade, Prof Jonathan Aremu.
Mrs Usoro described the Conference venue as a 5- Star Hotel. “We’ve upgraded standards. Let’s try to register today or tomorrow”, she advised. Leadership in CILT, she stated, is now metamorphosing from the elderly to the younger members and that is the surest way to sustainability. While acknowledging the integration of the transportation modes, she urged transportation reporters to widely report and give wide content reportage to the Conference.
Dr Gidado, a contributor to the webinar dwelt on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the need to contact the headquarters in Ghana on issues concerning trade in Nigeria.
At the webinar, Prof Kayode Oyesiku who chairs the planning committee said the Conference theme is “Designing the Future of Transportation and Logistics in Africa”. The Conference holds in Lagos following the successes recorded at the 2020 edition, he recalled.
Prof Kayode Oyesiku urged members to register before the event as is the practice worldwide.
According to the Publicity Committee Chairman, Mr Bashir Ambi Mohammed, the unit has recorded healthy and robust public awareness in line with the mandate to create a positive public perception for the CILT. Following aggressive publicity, he said, over 400 registrations have been achieved. While hoping that registrations continue at the venue, he said the committee has been publicizing the Conference link and disseminating information to participants to register for the tour. He appealed for CILT’s membership upgrade at the Conference while the press in attendance should ensure robust and wide coverage.
Maritime Agencies
CGC Restates Position on Illicit Arms, Unveils Intercepted Weapons and Drugs Worth N373m
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, has restated the resolve of the Service to stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest, and prosecute every individual connected to criminal enterprises as Nigeria’s ports will never be safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods.
The CGC made the vow in Lagos, Thursday, during a press conference at the Tincan Island Port Command to unveil a container bearing parts of pump-action rifles alongside the seizure of two 40-footer containers laden with cannabis-infused products concealed among imported goods.
The operations, he explained, underscore the unwavering commitment of the Customs shield Nigeria’s borders from prohibited importations that threaten national security and public health.
”On 8 July 2026, Container No. TEMU 184536/9 arrived at Tincan Island Port aboard MV VELIKA and was flagged through our intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring. Acting on credible intelligence, officers placed the container under surveillance and subsequently subjected it to a detailed physical examination at the Customs Enforcement Station.
The examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles, which are currently undergoing detailed technical examination and inventory to determine the exact quantity and configuration recovered.”
”Investigations extended beyond the seizure. On 31 July 2026, one suspect was arrested at Migfo Bonded Terminal while attempting to facilitate the release of the container. Documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis established his connection with the named consignee, including a ₦10,000 payment received from a company account linked to the consignee on the day of his arrest. Two suspects are currently in custody assisting investigators, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively pursued.”
”In a separate enforcement operation, officers intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying illicit cannabis-infused products concealed alongside two used vehicles, two used pumping generators, rolls of blue polypropylene spunbond fabric, new tubular batteries, and thunder arrester cables.
”The seizures include: 109 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-roll cookies (8,720 pieces; 17.44kg) valued at ₦308,792,640.
125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies (740 packs; 515.2kg) valued at ₦40,700,000.
73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies (442 packs; 309.4kg) valued at ₦24,310,000.
The combined street value of all illicit substances seized is ₦373,802,640.”
He described the interceptions as strategic and worrisome because they demonstrate the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks who exploit legitimate trade channels to traffic illicit weapons and dangerous narcotic products. The interceptions also reaffirm the effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service’s intelligence-driven enforcement strategy, advanced risk profiling systems, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
CGC Adeniyi gave kudos to officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command and the Customs Enforcement Unit for being vigilant, professional and dedicated.
He also appreciated the continued support of sister security and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation.
”I assure Nigerians that the Service remains resolute in securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing the importation of prohibited and dangerous goods. We encourage members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support our efforts against smuggling and transnational organised crime.”
”We will continue to keep the public informed as investigations progress and prosecutions commence.”
Maritime Agencies
Topfield College Clinches Overall Position as Customs’ WASA Sports Event ends in Lagos.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The competition which was organised by the Western Marine Command in collaboration with the Apapa Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), saw 380 students from 10 secondary schools compete in various sporting events including football, table tennis, scrabble, basketball and chess.
Drawing a curtain on the tournament, the Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said the various events competed for by the young lads showcased talent, teamwork and character building.
Beyond classroom experience, the students were given an opportunity to imbibe the art of sportsmanship, personal development and other innate potentials.
Ntadi who noted that the sports arena was established through the vision and commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose passion for youth empowerment inspired the initiative said:
“This arena reflects the belief that investing in young people goes beyond academics. It is about nurturing character, promoting sportsmanship and creating opportunities for children to discover and develop their talents” .
The Customs Area Controller commended teachers, parents, officials and organisers for their support throughout the competition, noting that their diligent inputs led to a successful 5-day tournament.
The overall medals winner Moses Chibuike from Topfield College.
He hoped that future editions of the championship would attract more schools, more sporting events and more opportunities for young athletes.
As the competition came to a close, Topfield Secondary School swept the medals table with 107 points to emerge overall winner. Gaskiya College finished second with 43 points, while Pathfinders Path Joe School secured third position with 35 points.
Dorcas Memorial College placed fourth with 28 points, followed by El-Leanora College with 26 points. Rock Foundation College earned 18 points, GIF College recorded 15 points, Hope Springs College finished with 13 points, Cardoso College secured 10 points, while Caro Favoured College ended the tournament with nine points. Moses Chibuike of Topfield College became the overall medals winner in the personal category.
That every competitor won at least one medal during the competition, Ntadi stated, shows the students participated in games and tournaments that were inclusive.
He congratulated all 380 students for their performances and praised spectators for attending massively to cheer them up.
Speaking through his representative, Deputy Comptroller Thomas Jonah, the Acting Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun commended the Western Marine Command for providing a platform that positively engages young people.
He urged the students to remain focused and disciplined, stressing that dedication, perseverance and hard work remain essential ingredients for success in sports and life.
In his submission, Onasanya Agbolabo, the techical director of the event said the championship featured 10 sporting events involving eight private schools and two public schools.
He highlighted the impressive performances of several athletes, including Sandra Abutu in table tennis, Anita Akinbami and Zodij Blessing, noting that Sandra Abutu also distinguished herself during the football final. He commended the Western Marine Command for erecting such an impressive sporting arena for the good of not just the Command but for the populace.
Agbolabo Onasanya, Technical Director (left) and Jenmi Richard, Sports Coordinator (right).
In his remarks, the Baale of Ebute-Ibafon, Chief Kayode Hassan, who represented the Oba of Iwa Kingdom, Oba Maroof Oluwa, described the championship as one of the most impactful youth-focused programmes hosted in the community.
He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Nigeria Customs Service for bringing the competition to the area, noting that it not only engaged young people positively but also demonstrated the capacity of local communities to host quality sporting events.
The 2026 edition of the WASA competition ended with medal presentations, celebrations and renewed calls for sustained investment in youth and grassroots sports development.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As part of the reform and modernisation agenda being championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to build a transparent, technology-driven and globally competitive 21st-century Customs Service, the Port & PTML Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a sensitization programme for officers and key stakeholders ahead of the introduction of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko, announced this in Lagos , Tuesday, during a stakeholders’ workshop held at the Command.
He announced that PTML Command
was selected as the second pilot command for the nationwide implementation of the ECTS following the successful deployment of the initiative at the Apapa Area Command. He explained that the selection recognises PTML’s critical role in trade facilitation and national revenue generation.
Miko noted that the movement of cargo under transire to bonded terminals, other Customs commands, and Free Trade Zones has traditionally depended on physical escorts by Customs officers. However, increasing trade volumes have made the practice inefficient, resulting in operational delays and pressure on personnel.
He explained that the Electronic Cargo Tracking System will provide real-time GPS monitoring of cargo from its point of departure to its final destination, issue instant alerts in cases of route deviation or seal tampering, optimise manpower deployment, and strengthen revenue assurance through improved cargo monitoring.
The system is also expected to benefit stakeholders by speeding up cargo clearance, reducing demurrage costs, lowering the cost of doing business, and enhancing transparency through continuous Customs monitoring of consignments.
“This workshop is designed to familiarise stakeholders with the procedures, responsibilities, and expectations under the Electronic Cargo Tracking System,” Miko said. “I encourage everyone to support this initiative to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.”
The workshop brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, terminal operators, and other private sector stakeholders.
Participants commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the NCS management for advancing the digital transformation of Customs operations across the country.
CGC Restates Position on Illicit Arms, Unveils Intercepted Weapons and Drugs Worth N373m
Topfield College Clinches Overall Position as Customs’ WASA Sports Event ends in Lagos.
ECTS: PTML Customs Mounts an Awareness Campaign
AfCFTA: Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin To Establish Joint Customs Strategic Steering Committee on Beitbridge Communique.
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CSR: Customs CG Hosts Apapa Students in Sports, Pledges Sponsorship for Outstanding Young Athletes.
Disaster Imminent in Apapa as Widening Cracks Overtake Liverpool-Marine Road Junction. ………. Stakeholders Send SOS to Government.
Tochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Bags RATTAWU’s Logistics Excellence Award.
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News2 weeks agoDisaster Imminent in Apapa as Widening Cracks Overtake Liverpool-Marine Road Junction. ………. Stakeholders Send SOS to Government.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Bags RATTAWU’s Logistics Excellence Award.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCSR: Customs CG Hosts Apapa Students in Sports, Pledges Sponsorship for Outstanding Young Athletes.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTRANSQuest MAGAZINE @ 21: With Huge Maritime Endowments, Stakeholders Warn, Nigeria Can’t be Poor, Government Must Realign Her Priorities.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoAfCFTA: Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin To Establish Joint Customs Strategic Steering Committee on Beitbridge Communique.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoECTS: PTML Customs Mounts an Awareness Campaign