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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Once again, officers and men of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have received fresh accolades for being professional, vigilant and unwavering in pushing the realization of the aims and objectives of the Service.
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‎Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made the commendation  in Lagos, July 1, as he unveiled and handed over nine containers of narcotics and expired pharmaceuticals recently seized by the Apapa Command to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
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‎The contrabands worth over N53.39bn, the CGC explained, were confiscated from unscrupulous importers after painstaking intelligence gathering, scanning analysis and physical examination by the NCS in collaboration with the NDLEA and NAFDAC.
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‎CGC Adeniyi referred to resolutions at the 147th/148th Sessions of the Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels, where Customs administrations from 187 member-countries deliberated on  the theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” saying the latest achievement of Apapa Command aligns with the spirit and expectations.
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‎He said the sessions provided participants opportunities to engage with critical stakeholders including the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL to deepen international cooperation to advance societal protection mandate.
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‎“It is indeed showcasing the end- product of diligent commitment to societal cause, driven and supported by collaboration between and among Agencies, within and across our national jurisdiction,” he stated,
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‎The massive Apapa Port seizure comes just days after the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to protecting the borders, preserving the health of the citizens, safeguarding the future of the youths and strengthening national security through intelligence-driven border management, the CGC said.
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‎”A breakdown of the seizures include: 1x40ft container with number CAAU7569127 found to contain 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) weighing 1819.5 kilograms, concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts; and 1x40ft container with number HAMU3246311 conveying 9,918 sachets of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 4.95 metric tones, concealed alongside two imported vehicles and household items.”
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‎”Others are 1x40ft container with number MRKU3816476 conveying 1,700 cartons (170,000 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed with 38 cartons of insulated casserole dishes; 1x40ft container with number TGBU5399178 conveying 1,698 cartons (169,800 bottles) of Codeine Syrup (CSP) concealed inside 36 cartons of casserole products; 1x40ft container with number HASU4519480 conveying 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol (Timakadol); 1x40ft container with number MRKU4961275 conveying 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including Oxytocin injections, Mexclor Eye Drops and Carbamazepine tablets (Termigral brand); and 1x40ft container number PCIU8771576 comprising expired pharmaceutical products, including Cloxicillin capsules 100mg, Cynamine 12 Vitamin B12 injections and Becoline B-Complex injections.
‎Additionally, 1x20ft container with number MRKU 6964435 conveying Piccan Teething Powder, and 1x40ft container, No. TCKU7000791, conveying 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC Registration Number (04-6646) and an expiry date of December 2028 were also Intercepted.”
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‎“This particular seizure at a first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC. The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health.
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‎“Consequently, the consignment was seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and will be handed over to NAFDAC for further regulatory action and investigation.”
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated her resolve to continue to explore ways of empowering the media particularly through structured training, sensitization workshops and capacity-building programmes as it realizes that a well-informed and equipped press will not only enhance the quality of reportage but also strengthen the institutional understanding of Customs operations and challenges.
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‎Tincan Command  Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani stated this, Wednesday, while speaking during his maiden engagement with the press following his recent appointment. He charged the press to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while reporting the Command’s activities because responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation to ensure that the realization of Customs’ collective objectives is not marred by inaccurate or misleading reportage.
‎He pledged that the Command will not relent in leveraging the ongoing modernization of the Service as part of her forward-looking agenda.
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‎”We are committed to strengthening systems, processes and technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and trade facilitation at the port.”
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‎”In line with our new mandate, this administration will uphold total compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
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‎”Compliance will be at the heart of our operations and we will continue to enforce the law firmly, fairly and professionally.”
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‎In the area of revenue generation, Comptroller Anani announced that the Tincan Command generated N111.27 billion in the month of May and is poised for a remarkable increase in the commendable trajectory.
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‎”This positive trajectory is a reflection of the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels and enhanced operational efficiency.”
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‎He promised to consolidate on these gains and, indeed, strive to surpass previous achievements by the preceding administration.
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‎While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to head such a strategic Command, Comptroller Anani extolled his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to reform and reposition the Service for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
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‎He reaffirmed the Command’s openness,  commitment and collaborative  approach to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the media.
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‎”To further strengthen our relationship with the media, the Public Relations Unit of the Command will be specifically charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all press-related matters receive the priority and attention they deserve. The Unit will maintain a close and continuous interface with members of the press, providing timely information, facilitating access to relevant developments and fostering mutual understanding between the Command and the media. We believe that a strong and professional partnership with the media is essential to achieving our objectives and keeping the public adequately informed about our activities.”
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‎”Together we can ensure that Tincan Island Port Command continues to play its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation and revenue generation.”
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Topmost public relations and events management expert, Mr Bolaji Abimbola has stated that to realize its full meaning as a profession, maritime journalism must showcase accountability, public trust, informed citizenship and ethical reporting as these are indispensable if effective maritime and national development are to be achieved.
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‎Mr Abimbola who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Indigo Integrated Nigeria Ltd made the call in Lagos, Tuesday, during the inauguration of the newly-elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), an event whose theme was ‘Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development’ ‘.
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‎In attendance were maritime industry leaders including officials of relevant government agencies. Other Industry  stakeholders were security agencies, freight forwarders and media practitioners.
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‎Abimbola explained that maritime development encompasses shipping, port operations, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal trade, and the blue economy which massively contribute to the overall national economic growth. For any reporter on the beat, he warned,  unethical acts could undermine investor confidence, distort public perception and hinder effective policy implementation.
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‎According to him, inaccurate reports on issues such as port congestion, piracy, and maritime regulations have the potential to discourage investors and shipping operators, while sensational reporting of security incidents could trigger unnecessary panic and misconceptions about the sector.
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‎He urged journalists to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, balance, accountability, and humanity in their reporting, while embracing data-driven and investigative journalism to deepen public understanding of maritime issues.
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‎The public relations guru also identified economic pressures, political interference, safety concerns, and the proliferation of misinformation on digital platforms as some of the major challenges working against ethical journalism in Nigeria.
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‎In his intervention, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chairman of the occasion and President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), emphasized the importance of ethical and investigative reportage in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the maritime industry.
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‎Journalists, Maiguwa noted, have a critical responsibility to remain committed to factual reporting and continuous professional development in order to maintain public trust and contribute meaningfully to policy reforms and sectoral growth.
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‎Earlier in his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde pledged to build a stronger, more united, and professionally vibrant association capable of responding to the evolving demands of maritime journalism.
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‎He described MARAN as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected maritime journalism bodies, noting that the association has consistently served as a bridge between industry stakeholders and the public through decades of reforms, economic shifts, and industry transformation.
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‎According to Onigbinde, ethical journalism remains fundamental to maritime development because sustainable growth in the sector depends on credible information, transparency, and accountability.
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‎”As maritime journalists, our duty goes beyond reporting events. We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism, reject misinformation and ensure that every report we publish is guided by truth, fairness, balance and professionalism,” he stated.
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‎The MARAN President outlined his administration’s priorities, including enhanced capacity building, promotion of investigative and data-driven journalism and the adoption of digital reporting tools. Other priorities include improved welfare for members and stronger engagement with industry stakeholders while maintaining editorial independence.
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‎He called for unity and cooperation among members especially now electioneering campaigns have ended and a new leadership has emerged.
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‎”The elections are behind us. There are no longer camps. There are no factions. There is only one MARAN,” he announced.
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‎Speaking through Godfrey Nwosu, the association’s General Secretary,  the National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, described ethical journalism as a stabilizing force capable of strengthening the maritime sector.
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‎Responsible journalism, he explained, promotes transparency in port operations, enhances institutional accountability, boosts investor confidence and supports reforms necessary for the growth of the industry.
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‎He urged the newly inaugurated executive council to focus on upholding professional standards, strengthening investigative reporting, deepening stakeholder engagement, embracing digital transformation, and investing in continuous capacity development.
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‎He also reaffirmed NAGAFF’s commitment to collaborating with MARAN in the areas of training, research, information sharing, and advocacy.
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‎Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, highlighted the strategic role of maritime journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding of issues affecting the maritime industry.
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‎The police commissioner commended MARAN for its professionalism in reporting security-related developments within the ports environment, noting that the association’s work has contributed significantly to crime prevention awareness and strengthened public confidence in security agencies.
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‎She assured stakeholders that the Command was committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and business-friendly port environment through intelligence-led policing, proactive stakeholder engagement and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
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‎Agbaminoja called on the newly inaugurated executive to build on the achievements of their predecessors while upholding the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and integrity.
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‎The event ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support ethical journalism as a vital instrument for maritime development, institutional accountability, economic growth, and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.
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