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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎In line with her commitment to constructive engagement and public advocacy as a reliable watchdog of the society, pioneer maritime journalists’ group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), has reaffirmed that she would continue to monitor developments while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the Apapa and Tin Can commercial and industrial corridors remain safe, friendly, efficient and environmentally compliant.
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‎Making the reaffirmation in a statement in Lagos, MARAN President, Godfrey Bivbere, highlighted what the association described as “increasingly hazardous working conditions” linked to airborne particles believed to originate from flour and other processing activities.
‎The group noted that these conditions appear to be affecting port users, workers, journalists, and security personnel operating in the area.
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‎MARAN’s statement comes on the heels of the deteriorating environmental and health conditions around major industrial zones in the Apapa and Tin Can Island axis, particularly in the vicinity of facilities operated by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, the Dangote Group, Olem Agric, BUA Foods, and Honeywell Flour Mills
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‎ MARAN observes that individuals who frequent Apapa, especially the corridor being referred to, often report symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort. The association is concerned about the need for urgent intervention by relevant regulatory bodies to assess the situation and ensure that industries operating in the area comply with environmental safety standards.
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‎“The Apapa and Tin-can port corridors are a vital national asset and must be maintained to the highest environmental and health standards,” the statement  read.
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‎”We are observing a significant presence of airborne dust which raises concerns about long-term health implications and infrastructure degradation.”
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‎MARAN called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to conduct an independent air quality assessment in the area and compare findings with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
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‎The association also recommended the deployment of mobile medical clinics to support workers who may be experiencing health issues related to prolonged exposure to industrial pollution.
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‎In addition, MARAN urged companies operating in the area to review their environmental management practices and align with international best practices, including the use of enclosed silos and dust extraction systems.
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‎These recommendations, the group emphasized, are based on global standards for industrial hygiene geared towards promoting a safer, more sustainable working environment.
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‎The association also expressed concern over the impact of dust accumulation on recently rehabilitated roads, warning that continued exposure could accelerate infrastructure deterioration and undermine public investment.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Nigeria’s business community have been reminded that the ban on the importation of rice through land borders remains as operational as ever because it is a measure put in place to protect local rice farmers and millers and discourage the perennial dependence on imported rice and other items that can be produced in-country.
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‎Seme Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, gave the reminder at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Command headquarters, Thursday, while briefing the press on the operational activities of the Command and spectacular seizures achieved May 14 to July 24, 2025.
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‎Between July 1 and 19, he announced, operatives of the Command successfully intercepted and seized 5 trucks laden with smuggled goods along the Lagos -Abidjan corridor following credible intelligence and coordinated enforcement.
‎”The trucks were found to contain 2, 800 bags of perboiled foreign rice, 50 kg each, and 250 bales of second -hand clothing. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized rice and means of conveyance is N919, 500, 626.00.”

‎”Other notable seizures during the period include 898 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,319 bags of parboiled foreign rice (50 kg each), 40 bags of sugar (50 kg each), 64 bags of flour (50 kg each), 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato, one boat engine, 20 bales of second -hand clothing and 4 bales of used shoes.” The total DPV is N1,268,794,474.

‎He explained that the successful operations lent eloquence credence to the vigilance, resilience and doggedness of officers and men of the Area Command and the collaborative support of other security agencies especially the military.
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‎”As you are aware” the CAC continued, “the Federal Government of Nigeria has placed a ban on the importation of rice through land borders to protect our rice farmers and millers and reduce dependence on imported rice.”.
‎However, he regretted, rice millers in Nigeria have continued to face challenges due to insufficient patronage which hampers their ability to operate at full capacity.
‎The CAC emphasized that the ban is a strategic measure to boost local production and ensure that the nation’s agriculture sector survives.
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‎He regretted that some unpatriotic citizens have refused to see reasons not to engage in illegal importation which undermines the nation’s economic growth.
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‎”Let me make it clear that the Seme Area Command is not, and will never be a fertile ground for smugglers.”
‎Comptroller Oramalugo declared that the monumental seizures sends a strong message to those involved in illicit activities that Seme Border operatives are resolute, equipped and prepared to enforce the Federal Government’s fiscal policies with unwavering commitment and determination.
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‎On revenue generation, Seme Command posted N1, 593, 676,123.26 for May and June, a feat that reflects sustained measures aimed to block all revenue leakages and ensure that legitimate money due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.
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‎In line with the government’s economic diversification agenda via non-oil exports, Seme Command facilitated the movement of 1,837 trucks, an equivalent of 116, 723.26MT of made-in- Nigeria goods. While the FOB Value is N22,368,388, 976.10, the National Export Supervision Scheme fees stood at N111,841,944.87.
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‎He appreciated the solid support and encouragement from the Comptroller-General of Customs who recently allocated 12 patrol vehicles for the Command, a move that has significantly enhanced the capacity to patrol and secure the Lagos -Abidjan corridor.
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‎”We remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, fostering legitimate trade and ensuring the security of our borders. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has renovated and commissioned Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Olodi Apapa, Lagos State, as part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
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‎The school, located in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, was in a dilapidated state before the intervention of the NCS. The renovation is a testament to the service’s commitment to improving learning conditions and supporting education.
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‎Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the value of education and diligence as critical pillars for future success. He urged the pupils to be serious with their studies, drawing from his personal journey in life. “Education is power,” he stated.
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‎”I started just like you, and with God’s help, education charted the course for my rise.”
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‎The CGC also announced that the NCS has adopted the school and will continue to take care of it. He promised the school’s management and staff that the service will sustain its support in education, health, and youth development.
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‎As part of its CSR blueprint, the NCS aims to empower 50,000 pupils nationwide with school kits by 2025, having already reached 10,000. The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller Frank Onyeka, played a significant role in this initiative.
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‎The Headmistress of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, expressed her excitement and appreciation for the school’s selection. She thanked the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by CGC Adeniyi, saying, “This transformation is more than just new walls, fresh paint, or improved facilities. It is a reflection of your belief in the potential of our pupils, your commitment to quality education, and your desire to make a lasting difference.”
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‎The project was funded by Tin Can Island Port Command in collaboration with the NCS Headquarters. The CGC stated that the target of the service in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students by supporting them with educational items. He highlighted that the NCS had achieved part of this goal with help already rendered to 12,000 students; with 5,000 of them in Lagos, including 2,000 presented with items at the ceremony.
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‎The CGC also announced plans to support sports development in the community, including the development of the Marakana Mini stadium in Ajegunle.
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‎The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this initiative, even as he commended stakeholders of the maritime industry for their support to ensure that the project comes to fruition.
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‎He also recognized the invaluable contributions of community stakeholders, school leadership, teachers, and students who through their cooperation made the renovation project a success.
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‎The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, HRM, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, who commended Customs for the CSR initiative and called on other government agencies to contribute to the growth of the community.
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‎The House of Representatives member for Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency, Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, appreciated Customs and implored other agencies to emulate the initiative.
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‎The Lagos State Commissioner of Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, appreciated Customs for the project, adding that it is a leverage to what the state government is doing in the educational sector. He promised that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in the state will ensure proper maintenance of the project.
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‎The outgoing Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Fatai Ayoola, thanked Customs for bringing succour to the community and ameliorating the sufferings of the people while the  Education Secretary, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Barr. Remi-Williams Abiola, described the project as unique and commended Customs for its CSR initiative.
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‎Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Port Command, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead this initiative, even as commended stakeholders of the maritime industry for their support to ensure that the project comes to fruition.
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‎He placed on record the invaluable contributions of community stakeholders, school leadership, teachers, and students through whose cooperation the renovation project became a success.
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