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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For posting an impressive revenue performance, the Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been specifically commended with a firm pledge to address operational challenges she is grappling with.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known, Wednesday, during a working tour of the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bisi Alade described the CGC’s visit as a morale booster for the command’s officers and men.
“Your presence here today Sir,” he remarked, “is not only encouraging but also a strong indication of your commitment to every arm of the Service.”
“It has uplifted the spirit of our officers and reinforced our resolve to deliver on the Service’s mandate with renewed vigour.”
Comptroller Alade disclosed that between January and April, 2025, the Ogun II Command generated a total revenue of ₦15.191 billion, representing a 40 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.165 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.
The Ogun II Command, he stated, oversees three Free Trade Zones, 67 excise factories, and one bonded terminal, making it a strategic revenue-generating and industrial oversight zone within the Nigeria Customs Service architecture.
“We shall continue to remain focused, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of our duties, while aligning with the CGC’s reform agenda,” he reaffirmed
The CAC drew attention to several challenges facing the Command, including inadequate operational vehicles, medical laboratory equipment at the Command’s clinic and the need to renovate two 30-man rank-and-file quarters. Others are improved borehole facilities and the installation of a solar power system for the office complex.
In response, CGC Adeniyi commended the Command’s performance and assured that the Service Headquarters would consider the issues raised. He urged officers to prioritise continuous professional development, stressing that competence, knowledge and dedication are essential to enable them to effectively discharge the Service’s responsibilities.
The CGC also praised Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, for leveraging the state’s strategic location as Nigeria’s industrial gateway, particularly in light of its shared border with the Republic of Benin.
“Ogun State is a strategic location in Nigeria, and the Governor is clearly repositioning the state for industrial growth,” Adeniyi remarked.
CGC Adeniyi assured the government and people of Ogun State that the Nigeria Customs Service remains a committed partner in driving the nation’s economic prosperity. He further encouraged Comptroller Alade to deepen collaboration with other security agencies and the state government to achieve
shared goals.
Maritime Agencies
Container Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for an enhanced coordination between her on one hand, shipping lines, terminal operators and others on the other, to address challenges associated with container movement to seaports.
Enhanced coordination, the agency says, has become necessary following public outcry over the delay in evacuation of empty containers, a situation that has led to yard congestion at the APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
The NPA made the call during a crucial meeting between her, major shipping lines and the APM Terminals to discuss challenges and how to chart a way forward.
Enhanced cooperation, the agency noted, is in line with the commitment of the Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, to ensure smooth port operations free from encumbrances.
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara who
Disclosing this to newsmen in Lagos, Thursday, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, informed that the meeting which held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the instance of the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal, had in attendance major shipping lines. These included Maersk Line, Hapag Lloyd and Pacific International Lines. Others are PIL, CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping and APM Terminals (APMT).
All shipping lines in attendance at the meeting, Onyemekara said, submitted that they had holding bays, a prerequisite for license renewal by the NPA.
“They also posited that the NPA Headquarters’ Operations Team usually inspects those holding bays to ascertain their capacity before license renewal”, the GM stated.
While requesting all the shipping lines to submit a list detailing their holding bays, including locations and capacity, the Port Management emphasized the need to be involved in the examination of those holding bays so as to keep abreast of the potential operational challenges.
On the terminal capacity at the APM Terminals, Onyemekara quoted the shipping lines as saying that the Management of APMT usually communicates available free pools to each shipping line in order to guide their container movement.
He stated that the shipping lines also blamed the significant congestion during the period under review on a simultaneous gate closure to all the shipping lines by the management of APMT.
He however said that the APMT management insisted that the terminal reached its full capacity due to increased import and export volume arguing that there was a notable delay in the evacuation of both imports and exports by the shipping lines.
Speaking on the resolutions reached at the meeting, the NPA spokesman observed that it was resolved that the APMT should regularly communicate yard stock levels to the shipping lines to improve planning and coordination.
“It was also resolved that the notification period prior to terminal gate closure should be revised as follows: five (5) days initial notice in advance; three (3) days reminder before closure and one day (1) final notice before closure.
“While it was further resolved that APMT was to engage off dock terminals by moving import containers to off dock terminals in order to create more space within the terminal, the Port Management should actively participate in the inspection and assessment of holding bays to better understand and manage capacity and operational challenges.
“While all parties acknowledged their respective responsibilities, it was agreed that better communication, timely notification and strategic use of holding bays and bonded terminals were critical to alleviating pressure on terminal capacity”, he submitted.
He thereafter quoted the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal as emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced coordination among terminal operators, shipping lines and the port management to address the growing challenges related to terminal congestion, especially due to the accumulation of empty containers.
Recall that there have been insinuations suggesting that APM Terminals Apapa is not receiving empty containers, allegedly contributing to yard congestion. However, the terminal operator has clarified that the management of empty container evacuation into the terminal – and subsequent shipment onto vessels – is the exclusive responsibility of shipping lines, which own and control all containers.
In a statement recently, APM Terminals Apapa Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, said due to a sharp and sustained surge in import cargo volumes over recent weeks, shipping lines have had to prioritize discharging incoming laden containers over evacuating empties. This operational shift has resulted in a growing inventory of empty containers within the terminal, significantly limiting yard space.
“As a result of this accumulation, APM Terminals Apapa has had to temporarily restrict the reception of additional empty containers until the existing stock is cleared by the shipping lines”, Knudsen said.
Maritime Agencies
ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her renewed vigour to fight smuggling and criminalities through intelligence-driven operations, resilience and dedication to duty, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos, has confiscated 11 used vehicles, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4000 litres of premium motor spirit, bullet proof vests in Ogun, Lagos and other states within the South-West axis. The feat comes barely two weeks after the inaugural briefing by the Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Tuesday, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu who explained that the entire seizure is worth N1.2bn announced:
“On the 23rd and 24th of May 2025, at about 0300hrs and 0230hrs, our patrol teams within Lagos metropolis acted on intelligence intercepted and seized 2X40FT containers with containers numbers (MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090) respectively along Ijora-Olopa, and Mile 2 axis. The examination reports of these containers revealed the following contents: seven (7) Mitsubishi Canters five Toyota Hiace buses and three mini shuttle buses all cut up with their parts complete with clear intention of evading Customs duties.”
Other items include bicycles, 213 bales of printed wax 23 bales of used clothing, 42 used gas cylinders and 30 used flat screen televisions, 65 table-top cookers and 31 units of used split airconditioners, among others.l whose contravene Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff.
”Similarly, on the 19th of May, 2025, at about 0300 hours, another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck and investigation revealed it contained 1263 pieces of used tyres and other goods. One suspect was also arrested.”
”In the same vein, on the 19th of May, 2025, at about 2300h hours, our officers on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu Ode expressway in Ogun State intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying un-customed goods including bullet -proof vests. Again, an investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of Tramadol.”
”Furthermore, on the 26th of May, 2025, at about 0600 hours, through intelligence -driven operations our men on the Ijebu Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck . Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by our officers which led to the uncovering of concealment of Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure”.
”Additionally, our patrol teams around the border areas across the six States of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of our borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerans, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in flash points of Imeko,Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State.”
In all, forty six (46) interceptions were recorded during this two weeks of operations comprising 2051 50kg foreign parboiled rice equivalent to three trailer loads; 11 used vehicles and 1665kg of Cannabis Sativa. Others are 4000 litres of premium motor spirit, one white and black J5 commercial bus loaded with expired goods and one Volvo truck containing 180 sacks of new towel.
The DPV of the various seizures amount to N1,285,600,383. 00.
The CAC said as the lead agency in border security and trade facilitation, customs realizes the need to balance responsibilities through risk management tools. He recognized that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by customs operations will spare no efforts in devising different counter measures. He assured the public that Customs would remain alive to her responsibilities and will not be deterred by anyone out to cast aspersions on officers who have always paid ultimate price for the service to their fatherland.
”As criminals get more desperate and daring, we at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ will ensure the sustainability of a more formidable defence against any antics devised by these non-state actors. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to design and implement sustainable programmes that will grow our economy, increase revenue for the government and encourage legitimate trade.”
The seized 1665 kg of Indian Hemp was handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Within the two weeks of operations, the CAC stated, the Unit recovered a total of N48,340,720.08 through issuance of demand notices (DN) from improper declaration of consignments.
He commended his officers for exhibiting unwavering dedication, steadfastness, gallantry and integrity.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Secures Approval to Dredge Lekki Deepsea Port Channel To 19 Metres
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs , International Network and NDLEA Collaborate to Confiscate Unregistered Pharmaceuticals.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoDangote Hits Another First, Named “Most Admired African Brand” in Addis Ababa.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoINLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY: Oyetola Flags Off 3,500 Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos.
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn
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Maritime Agencies3 hours agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.