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By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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As smugglers divise various means of plying their ignoble trade to the detriment of the national economy, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has, in collaboration with sister-agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) remained ahead and ever committed in nipping in the bud whatever strategies they adopt.
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‎ During a press briefing at the Tincan Customs Command, Thursday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka unveiled 185 jumbo bags of Cannabis Indica worth over N18.9billion concealed in a container falsely declared as containiing used vehicles.
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‎He said the container with number HAMU429966/1, originated from Canada and was red-flagged by the Customs. Arising from reliable intelligence, a 100% physical examination revealed 9,458 packages of Cannabis Indica weighing 4,729 kilograms statchehed in-between a 2010 Toyota Camry and a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado.
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‎“The estimated street value of the seizure is ₦18,916,000,000,” the Controller said. “This demonstrates the vigilance and professionalism of our officers, and affirms the strength of our collaboration with sister agencies.”
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‎On April 27, 2026, the NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the NDLEA Chairman, Brig-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd) signed a historic agreement in Abuja on the need to strengthen inter-agency synergy against drug trafficking.
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Under the Standard Operating Procedures of the agreement, both agencies will deepen intelligence- sharing and conduct coordinated operations. The headquarters of the standing inter-agency committee will be domiciled at the NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.
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‎Comptroller Onyeka paid tribute to CGC Adeniyi for his “visionary leadership” even as he thanked the NDLEA, port operators and the media for their support.
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‎He restated that the NCS , in collaboration with partners, is ever ready to thwart the antics of smugglers in whatever form. To the ever ingenious smugglers, he warned: “The NCS is fully prepared and determined to detect, intercept, and prosecute all forms of illegal activities.”
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‎There will be no safe haven for economic saboteurs, he said, even as he reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and ports through intelligence-driven strategies.
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‎The seized drugs were formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Nigeria’s maritime stakeholders and business community have once again been reminded that the future of global trade is being shaped by technology, efficiency and sustainability across the world because ports are evolving from traditional gateways into intelligent ecosystems powered by automation, data and innovation.
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‎Acting Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna stated this in Lagos, Friday, while speaking at a town hall meeting put together by JournalNG, on the theme “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.”
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‎Represented by Domo Umoekpe, the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Okonna said “Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind; our ports must not only catch up, they must be at the forefront.”
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‎”A smart port is more than digital infrastructure. It requires seamless operations, reduced turnaround time, enhanced security, environmental responsibility, and, most importantly, a workforce equipped with the right knowledge and skills to drive it.”
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‎At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, he stated, emphasis is placed on a competent workforce as the bedrock of every smart system.
‎”So, we are committed to raising forward-thinking maritime professionals who are not only technically sound but digitally ready for this evolving landscape. The Academy offers courses relevant to port operations, port management and port security with emphasis on utilization of digital technologies to achieve smart operations. The Academy is also equipped with smart classrooms, state-of-the-art training facilities, including advanced simulators that provide hands-on experiences in very conducive digital learning spaces.”
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‎He announced that the Academy recently obtained an international certification from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its Integrated Management System (IMS) in line with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems (QMS) and ISO 21001:2025 for Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS).
‎”This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to global best practices, quality assurance, and maritime education and training excellence – values that are significant to the smart port vision.”
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‎”As we chart this course together, let us be bold in our thinking, deliberate in our actions and united in our purpose. The journey towards smart ports in Nigeria is not a distant dream, it is a present responsibility, that we are all be involved”
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‎He commended JournalNG, organizers of the event, for creating what he referred to as an important platform. He urged all stakeholders to translate conversations of the day into concrete actions that will reposition Nigeria as a hub of maritime excellence.
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‎”Together, we can build ports that are not just functional, but digitally integrated and smart,” he concluded.
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‎Highlight of the event was the Distinguished Leadership Award bestowed on the Acting Rector.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Even as responsible reportage induces sectoral reforms and investment, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode confidence.
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‎Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, Master Mariner and former Minister of Interior stated this, Friday, while speaking as guest at a reception the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hosted in Lagos to honour her past presidents.

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‎Iheanacho, who spoke through Dr. Emeka Akabogwu (SAN), delivered this message at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos.
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‎Drawing from nearly five decades of experience across private enterprise and public service, the former minister who was represented by Barr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which the media can influence maritime development.
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‎The media, he explained, possesses a unique power to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
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‎“Many genuine industry problems do not move into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them. Sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also followed through to completion.”
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‎On accountability, Iheanacho acknowledged the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector. However, he cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts or insufficient technical understanding.
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‎“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based,” he cautioned.
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‎He further stressed the importance of public education, noting that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment.
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‎He called for more data-driven reporting, simplified explanation of policies and increased coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, warning that Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.
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‎On stakeholder mobilisation, Iheanacho said the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms.
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‎“The media provides the platform where alignment begins. But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes,” he added.
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‎Addressing MARAN members directly, he described maritime journalism as a “strategic national assignment,” urging practitioners to deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage.
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‎“Your words can attract confidence—or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choices—or deepen confusion,” he said
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‎Adding historical context to the association’s evolution, MARAN’s pioneer president, Alban Opara, in a brief historical reflection, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the Babangida administration.
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‎He noted that early maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions, but remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism.
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‎He added that MARAN was established not only to protect the interests of maritime journalists but also to position the media as a critical partner in national economic and maritime development.
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‎In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Katsina State, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, traced his long-standing relationship with MARAN which began in 1989 during his tenure as Public Relations Officer at the Apapa Customs Command.
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‎Kankara, who was represented at the event, commended the association for its professionalism and support over the years, recalling how MARAN’s coverage contributed to his recognition as Best PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1999 and helped the Tin Can Island Command earn accolades for public engagement.
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‎In his speech, Capt  Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, lauded MARAN for contributing to maritime advocacy and transparency. Capt Umoren who was represented by Engr Richard Owolabi described the association as a vital partner in promoting safe and sustainable shipping in West and Central Africa.
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‎Among past MARAN presidents recognised was Dr.Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy who was described as a “destiny supporter” and a key ally in advancing regional maritime objectives.
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‎The Abuja MoU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with MARAN to enhance accurate reporting and support the growth of a safe and environment ally free ports.
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‎Recalling the association’s formation in 1988, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman Tunde Ayodele said many of the pioneers were young professionals in their early 30s at the time, who came together to establish a dedicated maritime reporting beat in Nigeria.
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‎“Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s, and we gather not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacy, sacrifice, and vision,” he said.
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‎Ayodele noted that MARAN’s past presidents had distinguished themselves not only in journalism but also in public service, advisory roles, and national development, citing figures such as Alban Opara, Elder Asu Beks, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi, and Dr. Bolaji Akinola as examples of enduring leadership.
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‎“When my team assumed office as caretakers, one of our key priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men,” he said, adding that their wisdom and guidance remain essential to the association’s future.
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‎He appealed to the past leaders to continue to see MARAN as their home, stressing that their continued involvement would strengthen the association and sustain its relevance in the maritime sector.
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