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.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Association of Women in Journalism (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter has honoured veteran journalist, Hajia Hadiza Omowole, as Iconic Woman of the month for November.
This is contained in a release in Lagos jointly signed by Mrs Jumoke Falayi-Johnson and Mrs Anu Thomas, NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary respectively.
Falayi-Johnson described Omowole as a true beacon of excellence, resilience and compassionate leadership, noting her selfless dedication to mentoring young journalists, empowering grassroots women and advocating gender equity..
Omowole’s tenacity, she stated, dedication to service and visionary leadership beautify the world. She described her as Mother-General whose pioneering spirit leaves indelible mark on journalism profession and society generally.
”Omowole holds Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Benin and Master’s in Media, Culture and Technology from University of Bedfordshire, UK, spanning over three-decade distinguished journalism career.
”The veteran journalist joined News Agency of Nigeria in 1992, rising steadily through editorial ranks serving as Senior Editor, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and now Managing Editor and Head of Lagos Operations,” Falayi-Johnson said.
She noted that beyond editorial leadership, Omowole served two historic terms as National President of NAWOJ from 2014 to 2020, becoming first president re-elected, championing welfare and advancement of women journalists nationwide.
Through community specialist work, counselling and initiatives supporting rural and needy women, Omowole continues to serve as an inspiring pillar of guidance for the association and media industry.
The entire NAWOJ Lagos family celebrates Omowole’s unwavering commitment, pioneering spirit and incredible service to humanity, collectively wishing her more success in journalism, leadership and humanitarian endeavours ahead.
Omowole remained actively involved in institutional engagement, public communication, youth development and advocacy for health, child development and gender equality across Nigeria.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Lagos Secretary, Mrs Anu Thomas, noted that the association proudly recognised outstanding contributions of Omowole to journalism, women empowerment and leadership development in Nigerian media landscape.
Falayi-Johnson reiterated association’s pride in celebrating Omowole, describing her enduring legacy as an inspiration for upcoming female journalists and a testament to excellence in media leadership nationwide.
Maritime Agencies
Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Acting Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller O.O.Afeni has extolled the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement, improved surveillance, risk-based examination, stricter compliance checks and stronger collaboration with relevant government agencies in anti-smuggling operations.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, during his maiden press engagement since assumption of duty.
Between September 30 and November 3, he announced, the Unit recovered ₦683.66 million following enhanced compliance checks, stricter scrutiny of import declarations, correction of under-valuations and issuance of demand notices.
195 smuggling attempts involving prohibited and restricted goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦6.19 billion, he explained, were foiled following four weeks of intensified enforcement operations
Seizures made, he stated, included 5,986 parcels of Cannabis sativa and indica weighing 3,407.83 kilogrammes, 3,028 bags of imported rice weighing 50 kilogrammes each, 995 bags of 25 kilogrammes, 104 bags of 20 kilogrammes and 207 bags of five kilogrammes.
Others were 6,949 cartons of spaghetti, 459 bales and 39 jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, 23,220 pieces of new matchets, 1,236 used tyres, 21 foreign-used vehicles and 1,250 cartridges of Red Star 12-calibre ammunition.
Other seized items included 57 cartons, 37 packs and six pieces of codeine syrup; 400 grammes of cocaine; 100 grammes of methamphetamine; 250 cartons of Lotus sardines without NAFDAC numbers; 173 cartons of imported frozen poultry products; and 8,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Additional interceptions comprised 101 bags of imported sugar weighing 50 kilogrammes each, 12 bags of Grain Oat products weighing 25 kilogrammes each, eight bags of imported creamer powdered milk weighing 25 kilogrammes each, eight live pangolins, 20 cartons of couscous, 33 used rims and one 40-foot container, number SEG U5347239, containing 2,760 pieces of office chairs in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form.
Eleven means of conveyance were also intercepted.
Deploring the quantum of narcotics intercepted and the risk on public health, Afeni cited the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2025 which identified cannabis as the most available and widely used drug which accounts for an estimated 42 per cent of drug use disorder cases worldwide.
He said the interception had helped prevent the circulation of dangerous substances and their associated social and health consequences.
He gave kudos to the NDLEA, Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Army, DSS, NAFDAC, NESREA and other sister agencies for their collaboration.
Afeni assured compliant importers, licensed customs agents and other members of the trading public that the Unit would facilitate legitimate trade but would not tolerate duty evasion, false declarations or activities that threaten national security.
He commended the Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for the confidence reposed in him, while praising officers of the Unit for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty.
Members of the public, he requested, owe Nigeria a duty to report suspicious activities and support lawful trade even as he warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that Customs is ever prepared to disrupt their networks for the overall interest of the nation.
Maritime Agencies
Oyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come November 13, 2026, the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), an umbrella body of all maritime journalists, will convene her Unity Conference.
Venue is the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
This is contained in a release jointly signed by Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, NNMJ’s President and Publicity Secretary respectively.
The Conference is aimed at bringing together maritime industry regulators, policymakers, outstanding industry leaders and other stakeholders to examine the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Key themes include a special focus on the performance, policy direction and operational efficiency of the maritime industry under the new Marine and Blue Economy Ministry with particular emphasis on port modernisation, empowerment and training programmes, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Barr Temi Omatseye
The Special Guest of Honour is HE Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy while the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, is billed to deliver the keynote address.
Emeka Akabogu, SAN
The event whose theme is “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” is expected to provide a platform for constructive engagement among government officials, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime industry. It will also role out ways and means to maximise the contributions of the Ministry and the sector to national economic growth.
Key areas of discussion will include the modernisation of seaports and the renewal of critical infrastructure, improved trade facilitation, enhanced ease of doing business, revenue growth and measures to curb financial leakages.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding the marine and blue economy, creating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and improving the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Dele Aderibigbe, President, NNMJ
The conference is also expected to reinforce the role of the maritime media in promoting accountability, providing informed industry analysis and advancing constructive engagement on policies and reforms affecting the nation’s marine and blue economy.
The event tagged the Unity Conference enables the NNMJ to encourage informed dialogue, strengthen collaboration among public and private-sector stakeholders, and promote policy initiatives that will enhance port efficiency, facilitate legitimate trade, improve revenue performance and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.
Oyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu, Other Dignitaries To Attend Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists Unity Conference in Lagos.
SCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
Lekki Port Customs Confiscates 400kg of Suspected Cannabis Sativa Worth over N2.26bn, Hands over To NDLEA.
MARAN Trains Members at Shipping Institute, Pledges Sustained Capacity Building.
Deputy Comptroller Nkiru Nwala Takes Over C’River, Calabar FTZ and Akwa Ibom Customs Command, Succeeds Comptroller Momodu Dauda.
The Price Of The Byline: When Journalists Cannot Afford To Live
Operation Whirlwind’ Auctions 22,175 Litres of PMS, Deepens Fight Against Petroleum Products Smuggling,
NIGERIA @ 66: AMBO Media Front Pinpoints Signs of a Prosperous Future .
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
SPORTS: Group Unveils United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders’ Cup, 2026.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
ABUJA MoU: WE FUNCTION BEHIND A MASK, says Capt Umoren
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
Adesuwa Ladoja Becomes MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Information Minister Highlights President Tinubu’s Achievements, says 2025 Is A Year of Consolidation.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Apapa Customs Hits Smugglers Hard After CGC’s Visit, Intercepts ₦3.398 Billion Codeine Syrup In 5 Days.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLekki Port Customs Confiscates 400kg of Suspected Cannabis Sativa Worth over N2.26bn, Hands over To NDLEA.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOgun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks ago2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoDredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
-
Maritime Agencies3 days agoOUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: NAWOJ Lagos Honours Omowole, NAN’s Managing Editor.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoSCAN SUMMIT, 2026: Conversion to Earn Higher Interest Rates, the Bane of the CVFF, Omatseye says.
-
Maritime Agencies4 days agoCustoms FOU Zone ‘A’ Hits Smugglers Hard, Confiscates 23, 220 Matchettes, Other Contrabands Worth over N6.19bn.