Maritime Agencies
COMTUA, AWAEMAP CRY OUT: NPA MD Is Grounding Nigerian Exports, Sending Us Out Of Business.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) has raised the alarm, accusing the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mr Mohamed Bello-Koko of strangulating them out of the nation’s agro export-processing industry to give room for him and his cronies to corner undeserved retirement businesses for themselves.
AWAEMAP brought this to light at a press conference it organized in Lagos, Thursday, in conjunction with the Conference of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations (COMTUA).
Speaking at the event, AWAEMAP President, Bunmi Olumekun, alleged that the NPA Managing Director has unilaterally chosen five out of many Export Processing Terminals (EPT) to process agro exports. Sadly, two of these belong to Lebanese with whom he has joint hidden interests.
AWAEMAP is worried that the NPA MD seeks to introduce a new Standard Operating System to establish one-stop terminal for agro export containers.
“These terminals referred to as Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW) are meant to serve the purpose of a one-stop shop for all government regulatory agencies to process all agro export containers and also serve as the only pre-gate terminals for all agro export container boxes seeking access into Apapa Port and all other port complexes in Nigeria for onward shipment to various destinations across the globe”.
The body stated that the measure by the NPA would have received applause if going for the five warehouses as being arranged would serve to complement the already- existing licensed customs warehouses scattered all over Nigeria.
“Rather, the decision is to refuse entry into Nigerian ports all over the country any agro bound container that has not made use of these warehouses.”
Condemning the decision of the NPA MD on this matter, the Association said by designating only five warehouses where export-bound containers would be accepted for getting-in, he has contravened the Customs & Excise Management Act, (CEMA), CAP 84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990, especially Part IV, Section 82 which clearly makes provisions for the use of licensed warehouses including private warehouses for the purpose of processing export-bound goods.
“This decision is being enabled by the MD of NPA to ensure he continues to enrich himself even after his tenure at the helms of NPA comes to an end.
“The NPA MD who has disclosed and undisclosed interest in these warehouses has decided that for his ulterior motive to come to light, he must likewise destroy the Nigerian economy while at the same time increasing the unemployment rate of Nigerians. We understand that out of the five warehouses being introduced, two are owned and operated by foreign entities.”
The consequence of implementing the policy, AWAEMAP regretted, is that all the existing Licensed/FPIS warehouses used, owned and managed by her members nationwide would become useless.
“These DEW which are limited in number would be overrun by thousands of agro-export containers, thereby creating another round of congestion in and around the ports environment.”
“This policy will take the export industry several years back after all the improvement and achievements recorded since the introduction and implementation of the Electronic Call-up System through the Eto mobile App.”
It warned that if Bello Koko is allowed to implement what it described as a repugnant policy, it will wipe off improvements and sanity being witnessed in Apapa ports. It will also increase the overall cost of exporting agro commodities in Nigeria.
“Invariably, our exportation prowess will decrease as exporters will be forced to sell at a loss as the international rates of exportable cash crops takes no cognizance of the exorbitant cost of exportations of our country due to the greed of a select few.”
AWAEMAP insists that with the introduction of this policy, exporters would be forced to pay for handling charge, weighbridge documentation and examination position fee. Others impositions are trucking to ports and storage charges cumulatively amounting to about $650 extra charges per container box.
“All these charges listed would have been incurred by exporters prior to accessing this DEW invariably leads to double expenditure for exporters.
Currently, agro-export containers departing Benin and other neighbouring countries come at a cost of $200 cheaper than exporting same value agro export container box from any port within Nigeria following numerous regulatory and logistic challenges prevalent in the maritime export industry.
The body condemned the situation whereby her members are being subjected to hardship, finding it hard to survive as they compete with neighbouring countries.
It stressed the need to condemn and prevent the actions of the NPA MD in this matter “as the ripple effect of this policy will cut across all spheres of the Nigerian economy”.
Even though business is free, Bunmi Olumekun observed, “but we can’t be subjected to the whims and caprices of NPA MD’s cronies.”
He beckoned on Nigerians to intervene and help them because of the damage PFP is doing to the system.
In his contribution, the Boat Chairman, Alhaji Ina-Olaji Nofiu Liadi recalled that processing a container in NPA’s so-called five warehouses costs an exporter not less than N120,000. Other constraints, he stated, are unbearable bank charges coupled with expenses on the Eto system. He regretted that this cannot be regulated.
“Our case is on terminal export processing of goods whereby goods already processed are to go through same process in their so-called five terminals.
He said they had gone to court to interpret reasons processed export goods must undergo fresh processing to satisfy NPA MD and his cronies who run the five terminals in question.
Speaking on behalf of his group, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, President, Conference of Maritime Truck Unions Associations (COMTUA) was emphatic that NPA’s agenda was to keep truck owners out of business and to expose them to what he called stiff competition with foreigners now in the picture.
“We’re rejecting the export-processing terminals. Why should we go through NPA whose poor management acts led to ports concession? NPA does not meet with any stakeholder in the transportation industry. He queried the TTP, insisting that terminal operators reject containers due to scarcity of information on the terminals by the NPA, a reason trucks remain on the road despite Eto.
“There is a racket between NPA and TTP Ltd. We’re rejecting NPA’s involvement in cargo handling. Extortion is NPA’s aim, provision of jobs to NPA’s cronies through whom they corner money and chase is out of business.”
COMTUA beckoned on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to intervene and use her good offices as the economic regulator to discourage the attitude of business grabbing being exhibited by the NPA.
COMTUA warned that the Federal Government should not allow anybody discourage her in the interest to grow export of goods from Nigeria.
Efforts to get the NPA side of the matter before publication were unsuccessful as calls to relevant units were not responded to.
Maritime Agencies
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller A.A.Ibrhaim says strict adherence to professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 would be his watchword.
D.C.Ibrahim made the pledge at Idiroko, Ogun State, Wednesday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from Deputy Comptroller O.O.Afeni.
Describing Afeni’s record as a legacy worthy of emulation, Ibrahim commended him for landmark strides in anti-smuggling, revenue generation and stakeholder collaboration.
Ogun I Command, he stated, is a unique and demanding operational environment characterised by extensive borders and vibrant economic activities.
He promised that his administration would deepen the gains already achieved in community relations, operational efficiency, intelligence-led enforcement, corporate social responsibility, trade facilitation and stakeholder collaboration.
Emphasizing the essence of teamwork and adherence to ethical standards, he urged officers and men of the Command to remain disciplined and professional in order to achieve the Command’s objectives.
He told traditional rulers, stakeholders and operators in the border corridor that he was out to maintain an open-door policy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and legitimate economic activities, even as he
warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that the area has no place for them.
“Under my leadership, the Command will not tolerate acts of economic sabotage. We shall employ all lawful and legitimate means at our disposal to combat smuggling, protect government revenue and ensure compliance with extant trade laws. Our approach will be firm, fair, professional and intelligence-driven,” Ibrahim pledged.
Describing the Command as strategic, Ibrahim called for support and prayers from all and sundry.
In his valedictory speech earlier, Deputy Comptroller Afeni informed that the Command strengthened operational collaboration with sister security agencies including the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and others to combat cross-border crimes.
He said the Command also sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build trust and minimise hostility during enforcement operations.
On revenue generation, export and anti-smuggling, he said the Command took difficult but necessary decisions to meet the targets set by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Afeni disclosed that the Command had a target of ₦545,348,440.12 for the period he was in charge but generated ₦896,539,138 between January and August 2026, thus exceeding the ceiling by ₦350,713,920.82.
He attributed the performance to the dedication, transparency and resilience of officers and men of the Command.
The Command also recorded 31,177 metric tonnes of exports with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦4,644,740,110.09 during the period.
Afeni said the figure represented a significant improvement from the corresponding period in 2025, when the Command recorded no export trade.
On anti-smuggling operations, he said the Command recorded 327 seizures between December 4, 2025 and September 29, 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦14,750,394,251.92.
The seizures included 32,449 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, including Colorado and Ghana Loud; 50 sacks of raw cannabis; 19,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 8,787 cartons of spaghetti; 11,578 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 12 truckloads; 6,453 kegs of vegetable oil; six live pangolins; 2,128 live cartridges; 1,315 Riodin explosives; two revolver pistols; 11 Dane guns; two locally made pistols; five complete sets of camouflage uniforms; 32 camouflage inner wears; 32 camouflage tops; 197 camouflage trousers; and seven foreign-used vehicles, including a 2026 Range Rover P530 Autobiography.
The Command’s collaboration with sister agencies, he announced, also resulted in the handing-over of seized illicit drugs to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, while confiscated arms and ammunition were transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for necessary action.
The Command’s corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives executed during his tenure included the sponsorship of the AFENI Cup inter-school football tournament at Iko Gateway Grammar School in July 2026, aimed at promoting discipline and discouraging youth involvement in smuggling.
He also disclosed that the Command emerged as champion in volleyball at the inter-command athletic competitions held in August and September 2026.
As part of its environmental initiatives, the Command launched a Green Border and Environmental Sustainability afforestation programme, during which hundreds of trees were planted along critical border corridors.
Two major infrastructure projects executed under the Comptroller-General’s corporate social responsibility initiative had been completed and would soon be commissioned, Afeni disclosed. These include the complete renovation of Igiri High School, Ijofin in Ipokia Local Government Area covering classroom blocks, the principal’s office and sanitary facilities, as well as a newly constructed jetty at Ijofin to support riverine transportation and local trade.
Afeni attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and host communities.
He thanked the Comptroller-General, NCS management, officers and men of the Command and other stakeholders for their support.
Present at the occasion were the Acting Area Controller, PTML Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko; senior Customs officers from various units within Zone A; heads of sister security agencies; freight forwarders; traditional rulers and community leaders. Representatives from the Republic of Benin and other stakeholders also attended.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has officially announced the 3.0 Edition of a sporting collaboration between her and the United Nigeria Airlines. Known as the United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 (3.0 Edition), the sporting fiesta is part of a fresh initiative to encourage her members and staff of the airline to engage in sporting activities for leisure.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, National President of the traders’ group, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu described the official unveiling as a milestone.
”Today, we are marking another milestone. We are bringing all 58 markets together, not in the marketplace, but on the football pitch under one umbrella of unity.”
”As you all know, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association is the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos State with over 2 million traders. Our mandate goes beyond trade – we promote unity, peace, welfare and progress of our members and the entire Lagos trading community.
Describing football as a unifying language, he said it serves as a positive engagement and a unifying force for youths in the market, hence the choice.
”We need to promote healthy living among our traders. We want to strengthen brotherhood among markets – Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
”I am therefore very delighted to announce that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our National Grand Patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), has graciously accepted to be the Title Sponsor of this tournament,” Ukatu stated.
”United Nigeria Airlines is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses – just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy.”
The tournament named United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 has the theme Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living.
Of 58 affiliate markets,12 qualified market teams are billed to participate for a duration of six weeks.
Grand finale in Lagos featuring trophies, medals and cash prizes will be graced by an expected audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over 5 million reach via radio and social media.
”This tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower our youths.”
On behalf of the National Executive of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Ukatu thanked the Chairman and Management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in the vision.
”I also thank all our media partners who have agreed to join us on this journey.”
He called on all market leaders, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support the laudable project.
Maritime Agencies
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following heightening campaign activities preparatory to the 2027 general elections, the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has taken what it calls a political and economic stand as it affects the Nigerian trader.
Chief Chinedu Ukatu, President of the traders’ group made the disclosure in Lagos, Monday, while speaking on the state of the nation and issues of grave concern to the Nigerian trading community.
Ukatu explained that as leaders of the largest market association in West Africa representing over 58 major markets and millions of traders in Lagos State, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association cannot remain silent and unconcerned while her members bear the brunt of the current realities of the Nigerian nation.
On the political turf, he described his Association as non-partisan.
”Let us state clearly once again that as an Association, we are non-partisan. We do not belong to any political party. But we will only support and endorse parties and candidates who are willing to accommodate our aims and objectives vis-à-vis protecting the interests of traders.”
”As traders, we desire only one thing: stability. Business thrives where there is peace and predictability.”
While commending the Federal Government on current efforts to secure the nation, the Association singled out insecurity on the highways.
”Lagos to Onitsha, to Kano, to Port Harcourt has become a direct tax on trading. Our members pay heavily to move goods. Trucks are delayed, goods are lost, drivers are attacked.”
Warning that the economy cannot grow when the roads that connect the markets are not safe, Ukatu appealed to the Federal and State Governments to do more to secure the trade corridors.
”The trader is not a politician; he is not interested in party A or party B. He is interested in whether his goods will get to the market safely.”
”We also call for an end to multiple taxation and harassment by non-state and state actors. In Lagos alone, a single container is subjected to over 15 different levies from the port to the shop. This is politically unsustainable.”
Still on the economic state of the nation, the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association Servant-Leader described the Nigerian trader as resilient. However, resilience has a limit, he explained.
”Today, the Nigerian economy is facing a triple challenge: high exchange rate, high cost of energy, and low purchasing power.”
Addressing foreign exchange and imports, he said over 70% of goods in Nigerian markets are imported.
”The volatility of the Naira to the Dollar has made price planning impossible. A trader who orders goods today cannot predict the cost of clearing it tomorrow. We call on the Central Bank of Nigeria to create a special stability window for genuine importers of essential commodities and raw materials.”
Traders, he regretted, run their businesses on diesel and generators.
” The cost of power is now higher than the rent of our shops. We cannot compete with other nations where traders have 24-hour electricity. We urge the Federal Government to fast-track the special industrial and market power projects.”
Decrying mounting inflation and a reduction in purchasing power, the Association boss said their customers now buy less.
”Families are cutting down on everything. When the buyer has no money, the seller cannot sell. We therefore support all policies that bring down food inflation and put money back in the pockets of ordinary Nigerians.”
On rumoured protests regarding Chinese and other foreigners taking over retail trade ordinarily reserved for Nigerians, he clarified that his group never mobilized any trader to protest against Chinese citizens or any other foreigners in Nigeria as Nigeria is a hospitable nation.
”However, as a trade union, we are asking for what is done all over the world. We seek the required legislation and enforcement of the Indigenous Trade Policy as regards retail trade and investment.
The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1972 now replaced by the NIPC Act, he recalled, clearly reserved retail trading for Nigerians.
”Today, we see foreigners moving from wholesale and manufacturing directly into our markets to sell retail, competing with our members who cannot do the same in their countries.”
”We are not asking for xenophobia; we are asking for reciprocity and protection as provided in other climes. We call on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to revisit and strengthen the Local Content and Retail Trade protection laws to save Nigerian traders from extinction,” he demanded.
On political parties now canvassing for votes, the group said the traders would only support candidates or parties that will abide by specific commitments that favour the association.
”For the sake of the millions of traders we represent, we shall only support any Candidate or Party that will assure us of the following:
1. Setting up a joint Federal and State Task Force to address multiple taxation at the ports and on the roads.
2. Improved security on major trade routes, especially the Lagos – Benin – Onitsha corridor.”
Other commitments include providing single-digit interest rate loans for traders through the Bank of Industry and other development banks;
inclusion of market leaders in the formulation of trade and fiscal policies as policy for traders cannot be made without traders.
Enactment and enforcement of a clear Retail Trade Protection Law to regulate foreign participation in the retail space is also a major commitment candidates and parties seeking for votes must abide by, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association stated.
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
SPORTS: Group Unveils United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders’ Cup, 2026.
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
Tantita’s Oil Pipeline Surveillance Yields Huge Dividend, Shoots Nigeria’s Q2 Oil Exports Earnings To $9.39bn.
Ehingbeti Summit: Stakeholders Say Coastal Communities Need Funding for Development.
Ogun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.
Unregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
Nigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
NPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
MAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
MAMAL 2026: Stakeholders Recommend End -To-End Modernization of Nigeria’s Port System To Achieve Competitiveness.
MAN, Oron Commends MAMAL 2026, Urges Efficient, Competitive and Globally- Respected Maritime Sector.
LIMWEEK 2026: Measurable Outcomes Must Guide Policies in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
CUSTOMS’ ZONE ‘A’ SPORTS EVENT: CGC Adeniyi Highlights Need for Discipline, Teamwork in Customs Operations.
Parts Central Ltd Set To Turn Waterway Waste into Wealth, says Onifade.
Oyetola Transfers Inland Dry Ports to NPA, Sets Up Committee for NSC–NPERA Transition.
ABUJA MoU: WE FUNCTION BEHIND A MASK, says Capt Umoren
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Adesuwa Ladoja Becomes MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLIMWEEK 2026: Measurable Outcomes Must Guide Policies in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
-
Maritime Agencies3 days agoTraders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoUnregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAMAL 2026: Stakeholders Recommend End -To-End Modernization of Nigeria’s Port System To Achieve Competitiveness.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, Oron Commends MAMAL 2026, Urges Efficient, Competitive and Globally- Respected Maritime Sector.