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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service,Thursday, hosted the launching of the One-Stop-Shop (OSS), a simplified cargo clearance platform.
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‎The initiative which aims to enhance  efficiency and transparency in trade facilitation across customs commands nationwide is designed to deepen the awareness of importers and their agents on the need for honest and sincere declarations at all times.

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‎Addressing a large gathering of senior customs officers and stakeholders, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Zone  ‘A’, ACG Mohammed Babandede explained that sincere declaration makes OSS work better.
‎Stressing the need for interaction with stakeholders, the Customs boss stated that this was necessary to ensure that everybody was on the same page regarding the workings of the new arrangement .
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‎Speaking on the modalities of OSS, the Project Manager for Apapa Customs Command, Assistant Comptroller Olawale Onigbanjo said the OSS integrates all critical Customs functions into a single digital platform, eliminating duplication and reducing delays in cargo clearance.
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‎The key steps in the OSS clearance process, he explained, guide importers to make honest declarations through the B’Odogwu platform.  Regarding risk assessment at the Customs Processing Center, he explained that via the OSS, submissions against risk parameters are easily evaluated even as non-compliant entries are easily flagged for review.
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‎Under the OSS arrangement, relevant Customs units can conduct joint reviews. These units include valuation, intelligence and physical examination. These can collaborate simultaneously under one umbrella platform to reduce delays and waste. Joint physical examinations are conducted when required, demand notices are issued for additional duties, and seizures initiated if non-compliance to lawful trade rules is noticed.
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‎He also noted that additional duties are assessed and processed digitally; cargo is cleared for exit once desired requirements of seamless trade are satisfied.

‎On dispute resolution, Onigbanjo told stakeholders that this can be done within 14 hours with what he referred to as structured escalation-reducing timelines.
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‎The OSS initiative, he added, helps to “cut clearance times, improve predictability, and reduce errors.

‎By consolidating processes and ensuring transparency, the system strengthens Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework while enhancing revenue collection.”
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‎“The initiative forms part of the broader reform agenda of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, which prioritizes professionalism, compliance and digital transformation in customs operations.”
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Come December 4, 2025, Nigeria’s pioneer maritime media group, the  Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will launch an industry publication entitled ’50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy’.
‎Venue of the landmark event is the Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
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‎As stated in a release by Godfrey Bivbere, MARAN President, the publication, among other things, pays a befitting tribute to  individuals, organizations and institutions whose innovation, leadership, and dedication have, over the years, shaped the transformation and growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
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‎The compendium aims to celebrate excellence while serving as an essential resource for policymakers, investors, and researchers who have interest in understanding the evolution and future prospects  Nigeria’s maritime industry has to offer.
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‎“This indispensable volume educates professionals on the rich history and vast opportunities within the blue economy, while spotlighting individuals and organisations whose efforts are helping Nigeria harness its marine resources responsibly for sustainable growth and national development,” Bivbere said.
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‎The publication, he noted, is the outcome of months of extensive research and painstaking editorial work by MARAN members, meticulously documenting the contributions of key players, agencies, and associations driving progress in the sector.
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‎The event is expected to attract top government officials, regulators, shipowners, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other industry stakeholders.
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‎Bivbere described the launching as a celebration of excellence, professionalism, and service within the maritime industry.
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‎“Arrangements are in top gear to make this launch a memorable occasion, one that brings together the finest minds in the maritime and blue economy space,” he added.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎In what has been described as the first of its kind in the history of the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML)
‎ Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, a huge seizure of 1000kg, equivalent to one tonne of cannabis sativa concealed in an empty container originally designated for export use was unveiled Tuesday and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

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‎The seizure whose value stands at ₦29.4 billion, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller J.A. Anani explained, is the first of its kind in volume and means of conveyance the Command has recorded.
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‎The startling discovery on October 7, 2025, Comptroller Anani said, followed a routine disinfection of 39 empty containers brought in for export loading.
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‎”On the 7th of October, 2025, the PTML terminal operator brought to the attention of the Command that in the process of disinfecting 39 empty containers that were brought into the country for loading of exports consignments, it discovered some suspicious items in a 1x20ft container number GCNU1332851.”
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‎”The Command immediately conducted joint examination on the container with sister government agencies including the NDLEA, Department of State Service, Police Anti-Bomb Squad and others.”
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‎”A total of 50 packages containing 20 parcels each were found inside the container. Rapid tests conducted on the substances found in the container tested positive to cocaine and it was jointly weighed with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The total weight of the substance was found to be 1000kg (1 tonne).
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‎The duty paid value (DPV) of this cocaine stands at ₦29,403,738,000, Comptroller Anani announced even as other containers Jointly examined by all other port agencies were empty.”
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‎Inside the container, officials found 50 packages, each containing 20 parcels of cocaine, totaling 1,000 kilograms. Rapid tests confirmed the substance, and the NDLEA has since taken custody of the seizure for further investigation.
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‎“This is not just the first hard drug seizure in PTML’s history,” Anani stated, “but also one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions ever recorded by the Nigeria Customs Service.”
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‎Preliminary investigations suggest the container was purposely loaded as empty from Freetown, Sierra Leone, with no consignee listed, thus, making the entire arrangement unusual. All other containers examined were confirmed to be empty.
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‎No arrest was made as there was no consignee in respect of the container arriving Nigeria since it did not come as import. The terminal operators brought it empty to be used for conveyance of export goods.
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‎ Commending the PTML terminal operators for being vigilant and swift in reporting, Comptroller Anani emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s ports.
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‎The Command, he restated, is ever committed to maintaining its  no-go area status for prohibited items and will not  tolerate any stakeholder out to test her will in this regard.
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‎In line with a standing directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Controller handed the seizure to the NDLEA for further action.
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