Maritime Agencies
CSR: Customs Renovates, Adopts School in Lagos, Pledges Sustained Support
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has renovated and commissioned Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Olodi Apapa, Lagos State, as part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The school, located in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, was in a dilapidated state before the intervention of the NCS. The renovation is a testament to the service’s commitment to improving learning conditions and supporting education.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the value of education and diligence as critical pillars for future success. He urged the pupils to be serious with their studies, drawing from his personal journey in life. “Education is power,” he stated.
”I started just like you, and with God’s help, education charted the course for my rise.”
The CGC also announced that the NCS has adopted the school and will continue to take care of it. He promised the school’s management and staff that the service will sustain its support in education, health, and youth development.
As part of its CSR blueprint, the NCS aims to empower 50,000 pupils nationwide with school kits by 2025, having already reached 10,000. The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller Frank Onyeka, played a significant role in this initiative.
The Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, expressed her excitement and appreciation for the school’s selection. She thanked the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by CGC Adeniyi, saying, “This transformation is more than just new walls, fresh paint, or improved facilities. It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupils, your commitment to quality education, and your desire to make a lasting difference.”
The project was funded by Tin Can Island Port Command in collaboration with the NCS Headquarters. The CGC stated that the target of the service in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students by supporting them with educational items. He highlighted that the NCS had achieved part of this goal with help already rendered to 12,000 students; with 5,000 of them in Lagos, including 2,000 presented with items at the ceremony.
The CGC also announced plans to support sports development in the community, including the development of the Marakana Mini stadium in Ajegunle.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this initiative, even as he commended stakeholders of the maritime industry for their support to ensure that the project comes to fruition.
He also recognized the invaluable contributions of community stakeholders, school leadership, teachers, and students who through their cooperation made the renovation project a success.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, HRM, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, who commended Customs for the CSR initiative and called on other government agencies to contribute to the growth of the community.
The House of Representatives member for Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency, Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, appreciated Customs and implored other agencies to emulate the initiative.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, appreciated Customs for the project, adding that it is a leverage to what the state government is doing in the educational sector. He promised that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in the state will ensure proper maintenance of the project.
The outgoing Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola, thanked Customs for bringing succour to the community and ameliorating the sufferings of the people while the Education Secretary, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Barr. Remi-Williams Abiola, described the project as unique and commended Customs for its CSR initiative.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Port Command, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this initiative, even as commended stakeholders of the maritime industry for their support to ensure that the project comes to fruition.
He placed on record the invaluable contributions of community stakeholders, school leadership, teachers, and students through whose cooperation the renovation project became a success.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), the security outfit keeping surveillance over oil and gas installations and other critical assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, has secured an approval to deliver a technical lecture on Drone Security at the 2026 edition of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). This lecture will spotlight the use of drone technology in offshore oil platform protection.
The presentation, scheduled for next year’s global gathering of energy innovation will showcase Tantita’s pioneering efforts in leveraging unmanned aerial systems to monitor and secure Nigeria’s vast offshore assets.
Confirming the development, the company’s Executive Director of Technical and Operations, Captain Dr. Warredi Enisuoh, noted that the approval from OTC reflects growing international recognition of Tantita’s operational successes and technological innovation.
Tantita’s lecture will delve into real-time surveillance, threat detection, and collaborative frameworks for maritime security, aligning with OTC’s broader focus on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-sector innovation in offshore energy.
The 2026 conference is expected to attract thousands of global stakeholders, including engineers, policymakers, and investors, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Maritime Agencies
Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As renewed tanker and truck build-up begin to show up on the ports access route in Apapa, there are strong indications that the infamous traffic gridlock that once crippled business activities in Apapa and environs is gradually resurfacing, threatening to paralyze movement and port operations once again.
Port workers now battle renewed evening congestion as truckers and tankers swarm the port access roads daily, preventing other road users from seamless transit.
Investigations by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMI) reveal that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a long trail of trucks begins forming by evening from both the Costain and Mile 2 entry points.
From the Ijora-Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, trucks line up in droves, allegedly paying between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure a spot in the queue.
Officials of key government agencies, investigations show, are complicit in the illegal toll collection as they allegedly look the other way as the situation worsens.
These agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police.
The most affected areas include Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Commercial Road, Burma Road, and Creek Road.
Speaking on the development, Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the resurgence to the return of vested interests who previously profited from the chaos. The Lagos State Government, he noted, knows what steps to take to prevent a full-blown crisis.
Martins Enebeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed government insincerity for the relapse.
He urged authorities to prioritise rail transport for cargo evacuation from Lagos ports and to revive Eastern and Delta ports to ease pressure on Apapa.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enebeli stated.
Speaking anonymously, a senior official confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is profiting from the tolls collected from truckers, exacerbating the traffic crisis.
Meanwhile, stakeholders have been unanimous in their call for urgent federal government intervention to dismantle the alleged racketeering network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors.
Maritime Agencies
CILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following his outstanding contributions to capacity development in maritime education and training in Nigeria’s premier maritime training centre, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Training (CILT), Nigeria, Thursday, conferred special honours on the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna.
Tagged “Award for Distinguished Leadership in Logistics and Transport”, the conferment was the highlight of the 2025 National Conference and Awards Ceremony of the Institute which took place in Lagos.
Speaking at the event , CILT Nigeria President, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, highlighted the Institute’s strategic partnership with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN). She commended Dr. Okonna for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the Maritime Academy of Nigeria as a centre of excellence in maritime education in Africa.
“Dr. Okonna has shown exceptional leadership and professionalism in ensuring the Academy continues to meet international standards. His passion and zeal for the development of the Academy is worthy of emulation,” Mrs. Usoro stated.
In his remarks following the conferment of the award, the elated Acting Rector expressed appreciation to CILT Nigeria for the honour. He described it as a call to continue striving for excellence in his service to the maritime industry and the nation in general
“This recognition is deeply appreciated. It is a call to a higher responsibility. This award reflects the collective effort of the Management, Staff, Students and Cadets of the Academy, whose dedication continues to drive our progress.”
”It means that what we do quietly is seen and valued. We’re ready to continue doing more for CILT, the industry and the country as a whole,” he promised.
Dr. Kevin Okonna, a seasoned maritime academic and administrator, has dedicated over thirty years to the service of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. As a lecturer, he assiduously rose through the ranks to clinch the position of Acting Rector.
In ten months since he became the Acting Rector, MAN Oron has recorded significant milestones. His leadership has heralded extensive reforms in firming up on training standards, infrastructure renewal, upgrade of teaching facilities and restoration of public power supply to the Academy’s campus and environs. Other key areas include the pursuance of ISO Certification for the Academy, development of Conditions and Scheme of Service, development of Courses on Port State Control, enhancement of staff and cadet welfare and many others.
His tenure has also strengthened collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nautical Institute, UK, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and other global maritime bodies.
The CILT recognition, industry watchers say, underscores the Acting Rector’s enduring legacy of excellence. It also reinforces the Academy’s stance as Nigeria’s foremost maritime education and training institution.
Distinguished officers of MAN Oron witnessed the CILT conferment on the Acting Rector. These included the Acting Director, School of Maritime Transport Studies, Mrs Theresa Eyo; Senior Lecturers – Mrs Nse Okon, Dr. Imoh Ekpo, Dr. Obot Idopise and Dr. Ufia Friday. Others were the Lagos Liaison Officer, Mrs Dorcas Titilola Imogore and Domo Umoekpe, the Academy’s Head of Public Affairs Department.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago’MV DRAGON’: Freight Forwarders Group Hails Clarion Shipping, Stage A Roadshow
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoSeme Customs Hits Big: Intercepts 10,000 Bags of Expired Flour, Cannabis; Facilitates 53, 989.47MT Exports in A Month
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: Seme Customs Hosts Joint Border Stakeholders’ Engagement To Deepen Cordial Relationships.
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoPTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoFocus on Innovation, Integrity and Continuous Learning, Apapa Customs Boss Charges Newly Promoted Officers
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Maritime Agencies2 days agoCILT Honours Dr Okonna, MAN Oron Acting Rector, with Outstanding Leadership and Service Excellence Award
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Maritime Agencies1 day ago Stakeholders Cry Out, Seek FG’s Intervention To Avoid a Return of Apapa Gridlock.
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Maritime Agencies1 day agoOTC 2026: Tantita Secures Approval for Lecture on Drone Security