Maritime Agencies
HUGE IRONY: Nigerians Battle Hunger, Seme Customs Confiscates Beans For Export.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again reminded Nigerians that the Customs Act 2023 forbids illegal exportation of grains or any other food item as any activity that contravenes this provision especially in the face of crushing hunger attracts stiff sanctions.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme-Krake Joint Border Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi reiterated this,Tuesday, while showcasing 400 bags of intercepted beans whose networth value is N61.45million billed for illegal exportation from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin.
He recalled that as per Federal Government’s stand on this, “we need to ensure that what is being produced locally stayed within the country before we export. The new Customs Act says grains can’t be moved out of the country and when it’s done, there is a procedure which includes NXP, CCI, among others. When that is not done, any attempt to do it illegally will face the wrath of the law,” he emphasized.
“The current market price for beans is put at N120,000 or so per bag. So, if we use that as the Duty Paid Value (DPV), then we will be talking about over N61 million worth of beans. By the time we go to the market, we will be discounting for selling these and it will be sold to the members of the public at a considerably reduced price.”
The Command also showcased a total of 400 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), an equivalent of 12,000 litres with a DPV of N8,347,680. These were intercepted along the creeks on March 2, 2024.
Acting on credible intelligence, the CAC explained, the Command was swift in deploying gallant officers to the creeks to monitor real time, attempts to move those items by boat with the aim to intercept and recover the illicit products.
“They were actually being brought in in large sacks. So, we have to move them and bring them here and of course, put them back into kegs that will make them stable. We know that because of the nature of petroleum products, it’s not something that we can warehouse over a long period of time. Very shortly, we’ll start auctioning these items to members of the public, some of whom I see hanging around.
“When the auctioning takes place, the money will be paid into the coffers of the Federal Government just to account for the sale of these items.”
Bomodi regretted the challenge of tackling smugglers on water.
“Anytime they are tackled on land, they have the tendency to move to the water. We have limited capabilities on water. Even though there are resources that are there but you are talking about a very wide body of water. You are not just talking about the creeks, you are talking about the whole Atlantic and it is often difficult. But we are still ready to put all the resources we have at our disposal to ensure that practices of this nature are discouraged and discontinued.”
The CAC gave thumbs-up to leaders within the Badagry area for showing exemplary conduct.
“They have managed to create a buffer for us – the agencies of government – and the communities by explaining to them what the intentions of the government are and how they should, indeed, make efforts to cooperate with us to see that these items that pose a threat and danger to Nigeria and Nigerians do not either leave the country or come in.”
Reacting to concerns on the possibility of the smugglers fighting back as the illegal products are being evacuated, Bomodi said it is natural.
“It’s a normal practice. Anytime you have to evacuate products either PMS, rice or any other thing, there’s a threat and we are not just talking about those that are actively involved in it. Sometimes, we have certain communities that present hostile faces to us.
On the confiscated bags of beans, Comptroller Timi Bomodi disclosed that they are safe in government warehouse and would be sold to the public at a discounted rate.
Once the Customs Headquarters approves, he assured, the items would be moved to the market for sale at discounted price.
“Ordinarily, these things shouldn’t be leaving the country when we have food crisis in the country. We must ensure that that which is being produced within Nigeria is used up within Nigeria.”
“The citizens of this country come first and the government of the day is prioritizing the needs of the people and that is why the Nigeria Customs Service has undertaken this bold step to make this arrest and to ensure that these goods eventually end up at the market places where they will be distributed to Nigerians at a cost that is affordable”.
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) unveils “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue” as the theme of her unification conference scheduled for November 13 in Lagos , several prominent personalities in Nigeria’s maritime industry and political landscape have indicated interest to attend.
These include the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Senator Wasiu Eshilokun; former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Eugene Nweke; and Dr. Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
Also participating are key policymakers, heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, legal practitioners, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders whose voices cannot be ignored while deliberating on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event which takes place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
Discussions will particularly focus on ongoing reforms, infrastructure development and strategic interventions required to strengthen the maritime industry’s contribution to national economic growth.
According to Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the NNMJ President and Public Relations Officer respectively, the conference will provide an avenue for constructive engagement among government representatives, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical measures to reposition Nigeria’s maritime industry for improved efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaport modernisation, rehabilitation and renewal of critical port infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue optimisation and strategies for identifying and eliminating financial leakages across the maritime value chain will form key discussion points at the Unity Conference.
Participants will also examine opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s seaports.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents and other influential stakeholders across the maritime industry.
The Unity Conference also avails stakeholders opportunity to evaluate existing government policies and reforms, identify implementation gaps and recommend sustainable solutions to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade, increase government revenue and unlock the vast economic potentials of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organizers further underscored the strategic importance of maritime journalism in promoting transparency and accountability, providing credible industry analysis and sustaining informed public discourse on government policies, regulatory interventions and reforms affecting the marine and blue economy.
The NNMJ leadership expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen relationships among industry stakeholders, encourage meaningful policy engagement and reinforce collective efforts towards building a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive maritime industry.
Maritime Agencies
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ engagement of the Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) kicks off November 12 – 14, the
body has called for accelerated reforms and development in Nigeria’s maritime capacity training sector to ensure job creation for graduating cadets.
The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators and shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing in Lagos, Saturday, AMANO President, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa described the conference as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions as it is more than a re+union of alumni.
This year’s convention, Maiguwa explained, is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.
The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of MAN, Oron and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders thus expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.
Maiguwa had at the Academy’s 2026 Cadets Passing-Out Parade last week, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers and invited them to the Lagos convention.
As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of ₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet.
Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and translate maritime policies into measurable results.
The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implementation.
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 Industry Bigwigs Pledge to Attend the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference.
AMANO Advocates Rapid Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector, Holds National Convention
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 .
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 .
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IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
PTML Customs Hits Over N350Bn in 9 Months, Intercepts ₦200m Illicit Pharmaceuticals,
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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
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