Maritime Agencies
JANUARY TO MARCH: Tincan Customs Realized N240bn, Intercepted 11 Rifles, Illicit Drugs, etc
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the first two-and-a-half months of 2024, the Tincan Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a revenue of N240,302 million even as the Command’s monthly target stands at N94 billion.
For January and February, the Command surpassed her expected revenue target of 188billion.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Deraa Nnadi disclosed this to the press, Friday. He congratulated the Command’s
stakeholders who have been responsible for the payment of this duty but most importantly, officers of the Service and other esteemed stakeholders including the press family for helping to sustain some of these achievements.
He disclosed that for the month of January, the command surpassed its revenue collection by 107%.
“For the month of February, it was also surpassed by 140%. So, consistently, we keep improving”, the CAC assured.
On arms seizures, the CAC displayed 11 guns including pump action guns, 6 pistols including semi-automatic arms and pepper spray guns, military vests, among others.
In collaboration with the NDLEA, her partner agency, the Command also confiscated psychotropic substances imported into Nigeria.
Handing over the seized items to the DSS and the NDLEA, Nnadi said:“The Command’s anti-smuggling drive has yielded the following results: one 20P 9964 Rifle; another 20P 9964 Rifle; one Pump Action Rifle; one Practical Tactical 30H 80019922 Rifle; another 20P 992 Rifle; two AV Pump Action Rifle; and yet another P10115 Rifle. In total, we seized 11 Rifles and six Pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.”
Also confiscated are several kilograms of Cannabis Indica and 23 packages containing 23 kilograms of Heroin concealed in a container. The Command, he said, is mum on further disclosures regarding this so as not to endanger ongoing investigations.
“Let me state that our resolve to make these seizures is further support to the efforts of the federal government to keep the nation safe. As you are all aware, the conveyors of these products intend to use them for nefarious activities that includes support to the insurgents, kidnapping activities and other vices that are inimical to the well-being and security of our nation.”
He beckoned on the Command’s stakeholders to join and support the recently unveiled Time Release Study initiative aimed at measuring the time it takes to take delivery of cargo from the ship side when the cargo is dropped till it enters the owner’s warehouse.
“It is a World Customs Organization- supported programme that will further help to optimize service delivery in our seaports and in our business process”.
He requested the press to keep highlighting this because it is a tool for the WCO to measure the time it takes to deliver cargo.
“As far back as 2006, we have been promoting the idea of 48 hours cargo clearance. In fact, as some of you may recall, during my second media briefing with you, I said that by now, we should be talking about 24 hours cargo clearance and not 48 hours because from 2006 till now, we have come a long way and we should have improved beyond this.”
“The question is, are we already achieving less than 48 hours? Yes, we have. But certain circumstances, when you take the average time it takes to clear cargo, overall, we have not done so much and that is why the Time Release Study was introduced to measure the time it takes to take delivery of cargo from the port.”
He hailed the press for helping to propagate some of the ideas.
“As you all know, we said that the time for delivering our result for this Time Release Study is six months. But like I said at Marriott Hotel during the launch, we try as much as possible to reduce the time- frame and deliver the result earlier than six months”.
Elaborating on inter-agency collaboration, the CAC vowed that the Service would not rest on its oars.
“This collaboration,” he announced, “has been existing since 2017 when barge operation was introduced. Successive governments have set up task forces to find solutions to this. All government agencies have been involved. We’re going to consolidate on the gains already achieved and ensure these are sustained.”
“As you also know, on assumption of office, the Comptroller-General of Customs made it a point of duty to visit all security and government agencies. He visited the IG of Police, National Security Adviser, Chief of Army Staff. For the NDLEA, we signed an MOU on collaboration. At the strategic level, we’re collaborating. At the operational level in the ports we’re collaborating and the results are showing.”
He strongly suggested that same collaboration be extended to the tactical level which is the lowest level of Customs administration to include training opportunities.
“Talking about training, just three days ago, the CGC was at Jaji to kick off 2024 ‘Exercise Haske Biu’, a joint exercise organized by the Nigerian military for all security agencies ranging from Customs, the Police, Immigration, NDLEA, Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. I have been a participant at ‘Haske Biu’ twice as team leader and once to deliver a paper. So, you can see that all these are a sustained effort. Rome was not built in a day!
Regarding concerns on the source of the seized arms, Nnadi commended the media for being so smart to identify when information is not being given out.
“You also notice that I did not give out container numbers. What we try to do is to protect some of these information in order not to jeopardize investigations.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the ongoing efforts to thwart economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, Tantita Security Services Ltd, the firm engaged in pipeline surveillance operations in the oil -rich region, has nabbed four suspected oil thieves, intercepting their vessel named MT Thor. Suspects are to undergo trial for economic sabotage .
Speaking at the handover of the suspects at Koko Port, Tantita’s Executive Director of Operations, Capt Warredi Enisouh, said the suspects were apprehended with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally-sourced petroleum products aboard the vessel.
The interception occurred on 15 December 2025, around the Koko–Excravos axis of Delta State, says a situation report made available by the Special Prosecution Team (SPT) of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft.
The report stated that Tantita alerted the Head of Investigation of the SPT after intercepting MT Thor, allegedly laden with crude oil obtained through illicit means.
It was further alleged that the vessel was being escorted by personnel of the Police Marine Unit, Delta State, who reportedly claimed they were acting on directives from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja.
Preliminary investigations by law enforcement agencies revealed that the vessel, now classified as an exhibit in an ongoing criminal investigation, is linked to a jetty operated by Ebenco Global Services Limited. Investigation officers disclosed that documents and correspondence connected to the jetty were obtained and are currently under review.
“The owner of the jetty, Mr. Ebenezer, was contacted by investigators and reportedly provided additional documents, including court orders, which are also being analysed as part of the investigation.
“On December 16, a joint investigation team led by the Head of Investigation of the SPT conducted a Joint Inspection Visit in Koko. The team first met at Tantita’s corporate headquarters in Warri for a briefing, which was also attended by the jetty owner.
“During the inspection, investigators attempted to obtain samples from MT Thor but were unable to do so immediately as the vessel had not yet arrived at the jetty, having been towed from an earlier location by security operatives.
“While awaiting the vessel’s arrival, the team inspected other containers suspected to be carrying crude oil within the premises of Ebenco Global Links Limited, where samples were taken from a storage barge.
“MT Thor eventually berthed at about 8:30 p.m. on 16 December, prompting the joint team to adjourn sampling and other procedures until the following day. As of 17 December 2025, investigators were reported to be en route to Koko to continue sample collection and complete investigation formalities,” the report read.
Receiving the suspects, the Head of the Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force, Omar Sini, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to dismantle crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta, assuring that all findings would be thoroughly examined and prosecuted in line with the law.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Seven days to the end of 2025, the Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has comfortably met her revenue target for the year, exceeding same by over N51.8 billion.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka who stated this in Lagos, Wednesday, announced that the Command generated a total of ₦1.576 trillion in revenue, surpassing its assigned target of ₦1.524 trillion by about ₦51.84 billion.
The performance which he described as remarkable came about following the decision of his officers and men to be on the path of discipline, professionalism and unwavering commitment to trade rules and regulations.
Other enhancers of the achievement, he explained, included the strict implementation of deliberate reforms, improved operational efficiency and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
He said that major contributors to the increased revenue in the year included bulk cargo, general merchandise and imported ‘tokunboh’ vehicles. Strict cargo examination procedures and full compliance with customs regulations ensured accurate assessment and collection of expected revenue.
The Command employed conscious efforts to eliminate revenue leakages and operational inefficiency even as multiple and unnecessary alerts were substantially curtailed by adopting a streamlined alert management and enhanced internal coordination.
“This strategy improved operational efficiency without compromising effective customs control”, the CAC disclosed.
Commending the role of stakeholders engagement in the realization of the annual revenue, Onyeka recalled regular interaction with importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators and shipping companies.
Diligent enforcement coupled with intelligence-driven operations also resulted in massive seizure of prohibited and undeclared goods.
“These seizures reflect our determination to facilitate trade while safeguarding national security, public safety, and economic integrity”, he remarked.
He assured that the Command is ever ready to sustain and improve on the 2025 revenue performance and compliance enforcement. All revenue due to the federal government will be properly assessed, collected and remitted at all times.
The Tin Can Island Port Customs boss expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi for his strategic leadership and institutional support, noting that the Command’s success aligns with the Service’s ongoing reform and modernisation agenda.
He also commended stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to improved compliance and adherence to extant rules.
“As we progress, the Command remains focused on consolidating these gains, deepening transparency, and contributing meaningfully to the federal government’s fiscal objectives”, Onyeka stated.
Customs
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
It has been canvassed that as the maritime industry grows in complexity, driven by digitalization, new trade realities, regulatory reforms and global logistic shifts, journalism practice within the space should toe the same line.
Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) stated this in a keynote address he delivered in Lagos, Thursday, during the 10th Anniversary Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists hosted by First Mediacon Network Ltd, publishers of Shipping Position Daily.
Acknowledging that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has benefitted immensely from the sustained and professional coverage offered by the maritime press, more collaborative efforts is needed to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the port environment. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Mr Moses Abere.
”This decade-long journey affirms a simple truth: no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable and committed media community.” Akutah added.
Strengthening maritime journalism for the future, he noted, requires technical accuracy, understanding of global practices and an appreciation of regulatory frameworks.
The journalist should also be equipped to interrogate data, utilize digital tools and apply emerging technologies such as Al in research, storytelling and analysis.
He added that in a sensitive sector such as maritime, misinformation can undermine policy, investor confidence and national economic stability.
”At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we remain committed to open communication and structured engagement with the media to enhance mutual understanding and sectoral development.”
Akutah assured that the NSC would continue to partner with the press through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building collaborations and joint initiatives that support a more informed and capable maritime media landscape.
”As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to promoting efficiency, transparency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.”
”We consider the media as essential partners in informing stakeholders, shaping public understanding and strengthening accountability.”
”We will continue to support credible and responsible maritime journalism and are open to meaningful engagements that enhance professionalism and knowledge within the press community.”
Dr Akabogu (left) presenting a souvenir to Dr Maiwada, National PRO, Nigeria Customs Service.
As the press celebrates
a 10-year milestone, Akutah advised, there should be a commitment to build a stronger future, one defined by accurate information, robust collaboration and shared progress.
Unveiling the Centre for Maritime Media & Capacity Development at the event, Mr Sesan Onileimo, CEO First Mediacon Network Ltd stressed the need to future-proof maritime reporting in Nigeria. The new Centre, he said, was created to respond to rapid changes reshaping journalism and the maritime sector.
“The maritime media space is evolving rapidly under the pressure of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and social media. This Centre is our bold response to ensure journalists remain knowledgeable, relevant and impactful, regardless of how long they have been on the beat,” Onileimo explained.
The Centre, he added, would not only take over the organisation of the annual seminar but would also deliver continuous, year-round manpower development programmes for maritime journalists and content creators.
“What we are doing is moving from an annual event to a permanent structure for capacity development. The Centre is also open to partnerships with industry stakeholders who share our vision of a stronger and more professional maritime media,” Onileimo added.
Dignitaries at the event included Mr Babandede, ACG Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service accompanied by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr Aliyu Maiwada, notable maritime lawyer Dr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) and Dr Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
NIGER DELTA SECURITY : Tantita Arrests 4 Oil Thieves, Nabs Vessel .
Tincan Customs Achieves N51.8Bn Surplus Above 2025 Revenue Target
NSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIndustry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoFIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
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Customs2 weeks agoNSC Boss, Akutah, Speaks At Maritime Journalists’ Seminar, Harps on Developing Trends the Press Cannot Overlook.