Maritime Agencies
FOOD SCARCITY: Customs Kick-starts Distribution of Rice, other Items To Vulnerable Nigerians
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As part of her intervention to address hunger currently ravaging the land, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Thursday, commenced the distribution of 25 kg bags of rice each to vulnerable Nigerians especially those suffering under the harsh economic realities of the moment, having secured necessary approval from President Bola Tinubu.
Apart from rice, other items for distribution include dried fish and pepper, beans, maize, salt, sugar, garri, guinea corn, millet and soya beans.
At the take-off of the interventionist programme at the Nigeria Customs Service Zone A Headquarters, Harvey Road, Yaba, Lagos, the Comptroller- General of the Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the bags of rice, grains and other items were those confiscated from importers who contravened trade regulations.
Before the commencement of the exercise, he assured, necessary tests were carried out and recommendations obtained from the NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to ensure that the items were wholesome and fit for human consumption.
To make the bags of rice reach as many Nigerians as possible, the CGC announced, it has been repackaged into a 25 kg content to be sold at a token amount of N10,000.00.
Customs made it clear that to benefit from the sales, Nigerians must present a verifiable National Identification Number (NIN).
Targeted groups include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other people within the relevant operational units and areas of the Nigeria Customs Service. The CGC stressed that for the exercise to maintain integrity and achieve maximum impact, beneficiaries are to be reached directly through organized structures and associations to which they belong.
“ To ensure the security and integrity of this initiative, NCS has put in place comprehensive measures. These measures encompass robust security protocols throughout the process. Our officers will be closely monitoring the entire supply chain to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items. Moreover, we have established strict guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that the items are distributed only to those in genuine need.”
“Additionally, we will be working
closely with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the terms of this programme.”
“It is imperative that beneficiaries of this exercise understand that the items are not to be resold. We take a strong stance against any form of profiteering or exploitation of this initiative.”
Adeniyi urged Nigerians to report any incidences of misuse
or unauthorized re-sale of the seized food items as the NCS is fully committed to transparency and accountability in the process.
“We will not hesitate to take
decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be in violation of the terms of this programme.
He stressed that the NCS is committed to advancing the nation’s goals and objectives in alignment with the Federal Government’s policies and aspirations for a prosperous
Nigeria.
“Recognizing the significance of its responsibility to protect the society and facilitate trade,” the CGC stated, “NCS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding
national interests and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians.”
“ Furthermore, the NCS is committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and public service. By upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, the NCS will continue to earn the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people.”
“As a responsive and forward-thinking organization, the NCS will remain at the forefront of efforts to drive sustainable development, enhance
competitiveness and promote inclusive growth. In doing so, the NCS will contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably among all Nigerians”.
Adeniyi also said the Customs Service has remained responsive in carrying out its mandate to protect the borders from the inflow and outflow of restricted goods.
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.
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