Maritime Agencies
CRFFN Makes History, Resolves 5-Year Old ANLCA Crisis
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In line with statutory powers conferred on her to regulate the activities of freight forwarding in Nigeria, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Wednesday, successfully intervened and resolved the 5-year-old crisis rocking the pioneer customs brokers organization in Nigeria, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
The occasion was the 2023 ANLCA Annual General Meeting (AGM) attended by the CRFFN, DSS and the Police as observers.
In his remarks, CRFFN Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Tsanni bemoaned the lingering crisis which, among other things, had ridiculed the integrity of members of the foremost freight forwarding group in Nigeria in the eyes of industry stakeholders.
He expressed the determination of CRFFN to bring the feuding factions together and end the crisis once and for all through realist and honest discussions even if achieving this meant everyone passing a night at the venue. He stated that his team and key ANLCA members from either side just rose from a 5-hour closed door meeting to prepare grounds to achieve a lasting piece via the AGM.
He appealed to the two factions of the association to sheath their swords.
Initially, it appeared achieving a resolution was a mission impossible for the AGM going by the initial resistance of many members to plans to produce an 8-member Board of Trustees (BOT), four from each faction.
At a time, the CRFFN Chairman threatened to withdraw the license of ANLCA and lock up the secretariat until members decided to forget old grievances and forge ahead.
But after a heated debate followed by pacifying interventions from ANLCA Acting National President Dr Kayode Farinto, Alhaji Tsanni and elders from either side, reason prevailed.
Farinto pleaded that to achieve a lasting peace in ANLCA, members should see the CRFFN intervention as very necessary.
He also argued that the powers of the BOT in ANLCA be reduced in line with the Companies & Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 2020 which prescribed an advisory role for it.
He noted that despite the differences between both factions since the crisis commenced, there is no doubt that leaders on either side have contributed immensely to the growth of the association.
In his comments, former factional BOT Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha appealed to all aggrieved members of the association to embrace peace.
“Whatever was brought to the table today was out of being magnanimous. It has been a situation of give-and-take. We must have the spirit of forgiveness. This ANLCA will be great again,” Mustapha declared.
An agreement was reached to form and instantly inaugurate a new BOT.
Members who took their oath of office were Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, Ozor Chukwura, Eniola Igbaroola, Dayo Azeez, Ernest Elochukwu, Kingsley Offor, Dennis Okafor and Alhaji Shamsedeen Awopeju.
High point of the AGM were comments of reconciliation and a peaceful return to the one big family by Prince Taiye Oyeniyi, former secretary of the Taiwo Mustapha-led BOT who willingly relinquished his position.
He was subsequently decorated a Patron of ANLCA.
Alhaji Tsanni who looked relieved after achieving what had appeared herculean announced that the Council would meet with the reformed ANLCA to discuss and sort out other peace moves including the NECOM election.
“Today, God has done it again by showing us his power in resolving this crisis of five years and today we’ve all agreed and have come up with eight members of the BoT that have been inaugurated today and the factions have decided to come back to one. So there is peace now in the association”, elated Tsanni stated.
The Chairman also inaugurated the seven-member Association Electoral Commission (ASECO) comprising Aloy Anokuru, Fatimehin Tope, Samuel Obe, Babalola Lekan and three others.
In his remarks, an arrowhead of one of the feuding factions, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi, expressed delight over the peaceful resolution, stating that ANLCA only went on recess and not dead as some have speculated.
In her intervention, Acting Registrar of CRFFN, Mrs Chinyere Uromta, commended the way and manner ANLCA members peacefully resolved their grievances with wisdom and understanding.
“Where there is peace, there is progress. It’s a plus for the Council and the freight forwarders, so that they grow the economy of the country,” she stated.
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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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