Maritime Agencies
EXPORT TRADE: AMATO Decries Sabotage of Port Entry Protocols By Operators, Restates Need For Automation.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has expressed concerns that efforts being made to grow Nigeria’s export trade and encourage exportation through automation are being brazenly thwarted by unscrupulous exporters and transporters in the business trade, reports say.
According to Adeshina Ajibola, AMATO’s Head of Research and Development, the whole essence of encouraging export trade stands to be rubbished if the trucking system to access and exit the ports are not automated.
“Once there is any loophole for abuse, trust Nigerians, they will take advantage of it to the point that racketeering will now come in and this is why AMATO has been pushing for full automation of truck movements in and out of the ports.”
He regrets that when the export process is left open, there is a free-for-all and the tendency for abuse is enhanced. What is currently being experienced for import cargoes will also be seen in the export process.
There are indications that the nation’s export trade is currently being threatened
As some unidentified exporters and transporters have devised means to undermine the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the movement of export cargoes to the port from designated Export Processing Terminals in Lagos, established rules and regulations governing port entry are being circumvented without taking into account the consequences on due process and the economy.
This development, findings show, has led to congestion of Export Processing Terminals in the princit of the Lagos Ports as cargoes meant for movement into Apapa ports are currently stuck at these approved Terminals.
Reports suggest that unscrupulous exporters may be working to sabotage the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) initiated by the Nigerian Ports Authority through sidestepping the official protocols for port entry.
This development, Vanguard gathered, has disrupted the operation of the approved EPTs in Lagos as exporters that comply with the protocol for port entry have had their cargoes stuck as they are not regularly called into Apapa port due to the activities of exporters that operate outside established protocols.
The unauthorized movement of export cargoes outside established protocols typically takes place under the cover of night. Under special arrangements and compromise, several government officials at Eleganza Roundabout in Apapa allegedly oversee such unauthorized operations.
Vanguard’s investigation reveal that trucks carrying export goods now occupy the service lane at the Sunrise end of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Commercial Road, opposite Guaranty Trust Bank all the way to Mr. Biggs Junction, as well as Creek Road, turning it into a waiting area, truck park for night movement of cargo to the Lagos Port Complex.
Vanguard further gathered that movement of export cargoes into the ports was caused by an approved ETP that is far from the port corridors.
This particular ETP, it was gathered, admits in their facility and exit trucks into port in virtual circumvention of the call-up system instituted by the NPA, a development that is at variance with the Standard Operating Procedure through which trucks are admitted into the port.
Admitting trucks virtually is also against the established process through which NPA makes requests from EPTs for export truck and container manifests before such cargoes enter the ports in a regulated manner.
The seamless movement of export trucks into port, it is observed, has been managed for a long time until about a month ago when the ugly trend of bypassing the SOP started.
The Task Force constituted by the Nigerian Ports Authority to manage the movement of this category of cargoes has been overwhelmed by the situation.
The Task Force, it was gathered, has begun to turn these illegal trucks back to wherever they were coming from. But these trucks would always find their way to the established export lane on Wharf Port access road.
This is because the compromised government officials at Eleganza Roundabout keep allowing them to come back to export cargo lane and eventually gain access into Apapa port.
Reacting to the development, the Apapa Port Manager, Mr. Debo Lawal, denied the suggestion that many trucks that enter the port may have not been manifested. No truck gets access to the port without a manifest, he added.
However, this does not distract from the reality that many trucks access the Apapa port without manifest following the trending irregularities.
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By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji ( Ambo) media organisation says the Federal Government’s reform interventions across the states provide concrete signs that the nation’s journey towards prosperity, though challenging, is on course.
In Osun State, the impact of these reforms is tangible. Through institutions such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Government has supported public universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and basic education infrastructure with interventions valued at over ₦12 billion since 2023.
Similarly, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme has expanded access to financial support for over 50,000 students in tertiary institutions in the state, including students in the 11 technical colleges owned by the state government. These interventions demonstrate that the Federal Government’s education reforms are not limited to Abuja, but are reaching institutions and students across the federation.
In the housing sector, the Ambo media team which coordinates all media activities of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji who was the APC 2026 governorship candidate in osun state, noted that Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has completed and handed over *24 housing units* constructed under the National Housing Programme to the University of Ilesa. The intervention is part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s effort to improve staff welfare and strengthen institutional development.
The Federal Housing Authority is also making frantic efforts to ensure that the people of Osun benefit adequately from the Federal Government’s plan to provide *154,800 housing units* to Nigerian citizens nationwide.
”This year’s October 1 celebration, therefore, is not being marked in a vacuum. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past 66 years, acknowledge the difficulties confronting citizens today, and equally recognise tangible interventions being undertaken by the Federal Government across Nigeria and, specifically, in Osun State,” the Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji Media Front added.
According to AMBO Media Fronts, the journey to national prosperity is never without challenges. What matters is the ability of leadership to remain focused, make difficult decisions, correct mistakes where necessary, and ensure that the gains of reform ultimately translate into better lives for the people.
The Ambo Media group therefore calls on Osun State indigenes and Nigerians all over the world to remain hopeful and committed to the Nigerian project.
”We believe that with sustained reforms, prudent management of resources, greater accountability and continued investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, industry and human capital, Nigeria can realise its enormous potential,” the Ambo Media Front further stated.
” We stand with our principal , and APC governorship candidate 2026 in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji ( Ambo) as we pray and rejoice with the good people of Osun State and Nigerians all over the world on this auspicious occasion of Nigeria 66th independence Anniversary . May God bless and keep Nigeria”
Maritime Agencies
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller A.A.Ibrhaim says strict adherence to professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 would be his watchword.
D.C.Ibrahim made the pledge at Idiroko, Ogun State, Wednesday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from Deputy Comptroller O.O.Afeni.
Describing Afeni’s record as a legacy worthy of emulation, Ibrahim commended him for landmark strides in anti-smuggling, revenue generation and stakeholder collaboration.
Ogun I Command, he stated, is a unique and demanding operational environment characterised by extensive borders and vibrant economic activities.
He promised that his administration would deepen the gains already achieved in community relations, operational efficiency, intelligence-led enforcement, corporate social responsibility, trade facilitation and stakeholder collaboration.
Emphasizing the essence of teamwork and adherence to ethical standards, he urged officers and men of the Command to remain disciplined and professional in order to achieve the Command’s objectives.
He told traditional rulers, stakeholders and operators in the border corridor that he was out to maintain an open-door policy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and legitimate economic activities, even as he
warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that the area has no place for them.
“Under my leadership, the Command will not tolerate acts of economic sabotage. We shall employ all lawful and legitimate means at our disposal to combat smuggling, protect government revenue and ensure compliance with extant trade laws. Our approach will be firm, fair, professional and intelligence-driven,” Ibrahim pledged.
Describing the Command as strategic, Ibrahim called for support and prayers from all and sundry.
In his valedictory speech earlier, Deputy Comptroller Afeni informed that the Command strengthened operational collaboration with sister security agencies including the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and others to combat cross-border crimes.
He said the Command also sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build trust and minimise hostility during enforcement operations.
On revenue generation, export and anti-smuggling, he said the Command took difficult but necessary decisions to meet the targets set by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Afeni disclosed that the Command had a target of ₦545,348,440.12 for the period he was in charge but generated ₦896,539,138 between January and August 2026, thus exceeding the ceiling by ₦350,713,920.82.
He attributed the performance to the dedication, transparency and resilience of officers and men of the Command.
The Command also recorded 31,177 metric tonnes of exports with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦4,644,740,110.09 during the period.
Afeni said the figure represented a significant improvement from the corresponding period in 2025, when the Command recorded no export trade.
On anti-smuggling operations, he said the Command recorded 327 seizures between December 4, 2025 and September 29, 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦14,750,394,251.92.
The seizures included 32,449 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, including Colorado and Ghana Loud; 50 sacks of raw cannabis; 19,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 8,787 cartons of spaghetti; 11,578 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 12 truckloads; 6,453 kegs of vegetable oil; six live pangolins; 2,128 live cartridges; 1,315 Riodin explosives; two revolver pistols; 11 Dane guns; two locally made pistols; five complete sets of camouflage uniforms; 32 camouflage inner wears; 32 camouflage tops; 197 camouflage trousers; and seven foreign-used vehicles, including a 2026 Range Rover P530 Autobiography.
The Command’s collaboration with sister agencies, he announced, also resulted in the handing-over of seized illicit drugs to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, while confiscated arms and ammunition were transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for necessary action.
The Command’s corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives executed during his tenure included the sponsorship of the AFENI Cup inter-school football tournament at Iko Gateway Grammar School in July 2026, aimed at promoting discipline and discouraging youth involvement in smuggling.
He also disclosed that the Command emerged as champion in volleyball at the inter-command athletic competitions held in August and September 2026.
As part of its environmental initiatives, the Command launched a Green Border and Environmental Sustainability afforestation programme, during which hundreds of trees were planted along critical border corridors.
Two major infrastructure projects executed under the Comptroller-General’s corporate social responsibility initiative had been completed and would soon be commissioned, Afeni disclosed. These include the complete renovation of Igiri High School, Ijofin in Ipokia Local Government Area covering classroom blocks, the principal’s office and sanitary facilities, as well as a newly constructed jetty at Ijofin to support riverine transportation and local trade.
Afeni attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and host communities.
He thanked the Comptroller-General, NCS management, officers and men of the Command and other stakeholders for their support.
Present at the occasion were the Acting Area Controller, PTML Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko; senior Customs officers from various units within Zone A; heads of sister security agencies; freight forwarders; traditional rulers and community leaders. Representatives from the Republic of Benin and other stakeholders also attended.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has officially announced the 3.0 Edition of a sporting collaboration between her and the United Nigeria Airlines. Known as the United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 (3.0 Edition), the sporting fiesta is part of a fresh initiative to encourage her members and staff of the airline to engage in sporting activities for leisure.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, National President of the traders’ group, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu described the official unveiling as a milestone.
”Today, we are marking another milestone. We are bringing all 58 markets together, not in the marketplace, but on the football pitch under one umbrella of unity.”
”As you all know, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association is the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos State with over 2 million traders. Our mandate goes beyond trade – we promote unity, peace, welfare and progress of our members and the entire Lagos trading community.
Describing football as a unifying language, he said it serves as a positive engagement and a unifying force for youths in the market, hence the choice.
”We need to promote healthy living among our traders. We want to strengthen brotherhood among markets – Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
”I am therefore very delighted to announce that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our National Grand Patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), has graciously accepted to be the Title Sponsor of this tournament,” Ukatu stated.
”United Nigeria Airlines is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses – just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy.”
The tournament named United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 has the theme Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living.
Of 58 affiliate markets,12 qualified market teams are billed to participate for a duration of six weeks.
Grand finale in Lagos featuring trophies, medals and cash prizes will be graced by an expected audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over 5 million reach via radio and social media.
”This tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower our youths.”
On behalf of the National Executive of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Ukatu thanked the Chairman and Management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in the vision.
”I also thank all our media partners who have agreed to join us on this journey.”
He called on all market leaders, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support the laudable project.
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.
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
Tantita’s Oil Pipeline Surveillance Yields Huge Dividend, Shoots Nigeria’s Q2 Oil Exports Earnings To $9.39bn.
Ehingbeti Summit: Stakeholders Say Coastal Communities Need Funding for Development.
Ogun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.
Unregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
Nigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
NPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
MAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
MAMAL 2026: Stakeholders Recommend End -To-End Modernization of Nigeria’s Port System To Achieve Competitiveness.
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LIMWEEK 2026: Measurable Outcomes Must Guide Policies in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
CUSTOMS’ ZONE ‘A’ SPORTS EVENT: CGC Adeniyi Highlights Need for Discipline, Teamwork in Customs Operations.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoTraders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoUnregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAMAL 2026: Stakeholders Recommend End -To-End Modernization of Nigeria’s Port System To Achieve Competitiveness.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, Oron Commends MAMAL 2026, Urges Efficient, Competitive and Globally- Respected Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoOgun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.