Maritime Agencies
CUSTOMS: FOU ‘A’ Secured 8 Convictions In 10 Months , Seized Over N747m Contrabands In April.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Acting Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Controller Hussein Ejibunu, says publicizing arrests when made has a way of discouraging smugglers and duty evaders from illicit activities even as it encourages law-abiding business people to stay on the path of legitimacy.
Ejubunu stated this in Lagos, Thursday, while giving an update on the Command’s anti-smuggling activities in April 2023.
He observed that it pays for importers, exporters, haulage operators, and their agents to operate within the ambit of the law as doing otherwise places them at risk of losing their investments and facing prosecution as enshrined in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).
In April, he pointed out, the Command seized contrabands whose total duty paid value (DPV) stands at N746,157,425. During the period under review too, ten suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
“This Unit, through the Federal High Court, had secured eight (8) convictions during the last ten (10) months, while 48 different cases are at various stages of prosecution.”
A breakdown of the seizures made stands thus: 8,309 X 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent of 14 trailer loads), 2,428 X 25 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) and 221 cartons of foreign frozen poultry.
Others are 486 parcels (262kg) of Indian hemp, 4 units of foreign used vehicles,
111 pieces of used tyres, 10 bales of used clothing and 8 sacks of second-hand shoes.
He explained that the Command’s intelligence machinery coupled with sustained round-the-clock patrols really paid off within the period as the smugglers’ strategy to take advantage of the recent public holidays to carry out their nefarious activities became punctured.
“The smugglers planned to take us unawares during the religious festivities. Our round-the-clock patrols were sustained and backed with intelligence even during the public holidays. Interestingly, the outcome of our unrelenting onslaught against smuggling is the remarkable drop evident in the number of seizures recorded with zero casualties.”
The Acting Controller announced that the Command’s continuous quest to prevent revenue loss through various infractions such as under-valuation, under-payments, and wrong classification led to the collection of the sum of N66,726,153.35 after issuing demand notices (DN) to defaulters.
He reminded the business community that smuggling is not a business, but a crime. He reaffirmed that the Customs has resolved to protect the Nigerian economy.
This resolve will continue to be passionately pursued even as the fight against economic saboteurs must remain at the front burner.
“The perpetrators of these criminal activities are not unaware of what the law says because we have taken enlightenment to them through different ways, including enlisting assistance of traditional rulers,
community leaders and the media. Thus, anyone that puts in his savings or obtains a loan to invest in any illegitimate business will have to contend with the attendant consequences of such choices, when the law will take its natural course.”
No matter the mouth-watering returns people expect to make from smuggling, he explained, they should have it at the back of their minds that they stand the risk of losing their investment, prosecuted and jailed.
Ejibunu acknowledged that the successes recorded by the FOU Zone ‘A’ in the suppression of economic criminality would not have been possible without the deployment of logistics support provided by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, (Rtd) CFR, and his management team.
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.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
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