Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF Boss, Chief Afam Chukwuma, Hails B’Odogwu, Insists that 24-hour Cargo Clearance is Achievable .
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Notable freight forwarder, Chief Afam Chukwuma has said that 24 hours cargo clearance can be achieved in Nigerian ports.
”We need to reduce body contacts by going full automation. Achieving 24hours cargo clearance is not a rocket science. We need to make it work no matter what it takes”.
Chief Chukwuma, the Deputy National Chairman (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) stated this in Lagos,Thursday, when he featured as a special guest at a monthly Roundtable of the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners- CONMMEP .
CONMMEP Monthly Roundtable affords key maritime stakeholders opportunity to engage with maritime press to examine and analyze issues of relevance and come up with actionable measures government could consider as she strives to improve and make the system better for the good of all.
Chief Chukwuma, Chairman , ISCS Group and Managing Director/ CEO of International Supply Chain Systems Limited, a foremost International Trade Logistics and Freight Forwarding Company, called on freight forwarders to upgrade themselves via training and retraining, encouraging a 100% automated clearing system.
He said that full automation would make the system easier and more efficient against operational challenges and bottlenecks that add financial burdens on importers and their agents.
Analysing the challenges associated with B’Odogwu, the trade facilitation tool recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Afam Chukwuma was optimistic that despite obvious hitches, it will work to the satisfaction of all.
He announced that in several fora, he had argued that the Nigeria Customs Service is the best government agency when it comes to electronics and digitalized processes which B’Odogwu incorporates.
”I say this because l interact with the Police; l also interact with the military. None of them has a seamless electronic process like Customs.”
“For instance, in Customs today, if anything is happening in any Command, the integration of its system is very effective that even the CGC can view what is happening in a terminal in Enugu without being to the terminal.
I was in Customs Headquarters sometime ago in Wuse before they moved to Maitama, it was there l saw a large screen in the office of the ACG Tariff and Trade and he was showing me the revenue graphs of all the commands in Nigeria as they stood in real time. As duties were being paid, the graphs were growing. Right in his office he knew in real time when the revenue was dropping and also when it was rising. Within the space of 45 minutes l spent in his office, l could see the rise in figures .That’s the level of efficiency of Customs electronic process and digitalization.”
“Again, if you make a wrong declaration at Tincan or any other Command, an officer in Abuja would alert the Service, and your job is referred. If there is an issue in Onne, or anywhere in the East, you can be in Murtala Muhammed International Airport and view what is happening in Port Harcourt, just like in the banking industry that you can walk into any branch and make your transaction irrespective of where you are.”
“Customs has been able to achieve that level of integration. Before now, entries were released manually. But now, for instance,B’Odogwu can operate at home because it is a continuation of the modernization policy of the Nigeria Customs Service. Don’t forget that Customs started from Asycuda to Asycuda ++ to NCIS 1 and 2, and now they are continuing into what they now call B’Odogwu. But the difference is that all those other platforms were foreign. But B’Odogwu as a platform is indigenous.”
“We witnessed the same thing when late Dikko was the CG of Customs. He moved us from Risk Assessment Report (RAR) to Pre- Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). Then we had SGS, Cotecna and Global Scan. When Dikko said we were going indigenous, there was pannick, there was fear, people were skeptical about it. And today, PAAR has come to stay, and every one has moved on. The same thing the CGC, Wale Adeniyi has repeated.”
“Surely, it is not all rosy but all we owe them is patience and understanding. I have also told Customs point blank that we are going to support B’Odogwu to work, because we are working to grow the Nigerian economy. If any sector wants to indigenise its system, we need to give it maximum support. ”
B’Odogwu, Chief Adam argued, is a Nigerian thing, and as patriotic citizens, we have no choice than to support home- grown products. “Though there are challenges, delays and network issues, but we need to be patient. All those are teething problems which l believe will give way soon. It is technology, it is ICT; nobody can get it 100% right at a time. But with our patience and understanding, it will stabilize.”
“I believe that B’Odogwu will improve, and you can see that between three weeks ago and now, there has been a tremendous improvement. There was a time one week ran out, no network, but it is no longer the same story today. But as at the moment, it is not working well and Customs know that so well.
He explained that freight forwarders had reasons to demand that Customs should grant them some level of compensation since the initial teething problem were fraught with some cost effects.
”Demurrages are there. Shipping companies and terminal operators will always say that it is not their fault; they are even enjoying it because they are making fortune out of it. Though the CG has said that he had engaged the Executive Secretary of Shipper’s Council in that regard, we are yet to see the result. So while trying to improve on the platform, they should also look for a way to compensate freight forwarders and importers, even if it is by granting provisional release or whatever they can do to fast-track the process.”
He criticized the reintroduction of the Free-on- Board (FoB) process in importation. According to him, The notable freight forwarder Chief said he was still trying to know why the Nigeria Customs reintroduced it, though with little modification.
“Technically, they say it is 3%, and we have been at that. It is legal because it is in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The 4% is there, what has been delayed is the implementation. Legally speaking, Customs has not erred. What we are looking at is the timing, the moral angle – how bad the situation is presently. Inflation is here, prices of things are going up everyday. 4% at this time will automatically mean high clearing costs because every businessman checks his landing cost and spreads it on the goods to fix his price. And ultimately, the burden will be on end-users.”
He would rather ask Customs to hold on, especially this time there are teething problems with B’Odogwu.
”Not that we are saying they don’t have the power to implement it; they have the legal backing to do that. My humble appeal is that Customs should delay the implementation until we begin to reap the benefits of B’Odogwu.”
Maritime Agencies
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has acknowledged the invaluable support and contributions of Nigerian journalists, especially the maritime media, to the recent success of Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization(IMO) elections.
It could be recalled that Nigeria won the elusive category C council election at the IMO after 14 years of failed attempts.
Receiving the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by Mr Tunde Ayodele at the Headquarters of NIMASA, Edward Osagie, the Deputy Director and Head of the Public Relations Department of the agency noted that maritime media complemented the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to showcase the enormous maritime potentials of Nigeria and its capacity in maritime administration that eventually won the country the coveted global seat.
The NIMASA Chief spokesman highlighted the importance of developmental journalism to nation’s building while admonishing the media, especially maritime media, to guard against reportorial styles that could de-market the country.
”The international community is taking note of every single report we write as journalists about the country and it’s what they use to assess us as a nation.
” That is why it is imperative for us as journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to nation building guide the way we write”
He however frowned at attempt by few journalists to push wrong narrative over the recent incident of the arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER , detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)over alleged crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.
Osagie reiterated the fact that the detained vessel was neither flying Nigerian flag nor its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
He said that what identifies a vessel is the flag it flies and since the detained vessel did not carry Nigeria’s flag, those who tried to ascribe its ownership to Nigeria did so either out of sheer mischief or ignorance.
Osagie however lauded MARAN for its responsible journalism, acknowledging the support of its members to NIMASA despite the agency’s perceived shortcomings in their expectations.
” Despite the fact that the agency may not have met all the expectations of members of MARAN, they haven’t written negative reports on our activities and operations” Osagie noted.
” MARAN brand is a brand I am proud of and we are also proud of in the
industry. MARAN has not done badly in its reportorial duties.
”At NIMASA here, we will support anything you request and in any area we are able to support, we will support the administration for a smooth management of the association.
”And by the grace of God, we will not let you down. God bless you.God bless MARAN” NIMASA Chief image maker declared.
Ayodele has led his caretaker committee members to NIMASA to consolidate on the long-standing relationship between the agency and MARAN.
Leading his PR team to receive the MARAN leadership, Osagie expressed happiness on the visit which he believed will further boost the cordial relationship between the two parties
”I am glad that you’re here today. It’s a special day. I’m glad to have you in our midst today” Osagie enthused.
The two parties engaged in frank discussions aimed at enhancing their operations and further boost their shared values and partnership.
Ayodele informed his hosts that MARAN will continue to practise responsible journalism that will enhance the operations of NIMASA in particular and boost the credibility of the country to the outside world.
He therefore asked NIMASA to reciprocate this gesture through actions that will enhance the professional integrity and impact the welfare of his members.
Osagie however pledged the support of the agency for the new caretaker committee and the MARAN as a whole, a situation he said is in alignment with the belief of NIMASA’s management in the values which the agency shares with the association.
Maritime Agencies
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Barely taking over the mantle of leadership in the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following the transfer of Comptroller Godwin Otunla to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, the ‘brand new’ Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Controller O. O. Afeni, within 11 days, confiscated smuggled items valued at over ₦2 billion. These include exotic cars worth over N28 million. It is recalled that D.C. Afeni mounted the saddle on December 4, 2025 when he was appointed a CAC on acting capacity.
Addressing journalists at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko , Wednesday, the acting Area Controller declared a renewed crackdown on smuggling activities. He sounded a note of warning to smugglers saying that with him in charge, there will be no hiding place for perpetrators within the Command’s jurisdiction.
Different illicit items the Command intercepted include 16 parcels of heroin (16kg) valued at ₦240 million, 3,355 wraps of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦435.08 million, 2,200 kegs of foreign groundnut oil valued at ₦264 million, and 5,417 cartons of foreign spaghetti estimated at ₦162.51 million. The seizure, the Acting CAC observed underscores the command’s intensified efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs and smuggled goods through Nigeria’s southwestern border corridors.
Also confiscated were narcotics which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Accepting the narcotics, the Idiroko Area Commander of NDLEA, Ekundayo Williams commended DC Afeni for what he described as spectacular seizures.
Maritime Agencies
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Barely three years since the commencement of port operations, the Lekki Deepsea has achieved half of its projected operational capacity. There has been a noticeable spike in container throughput especially since September, 2025, and chances are that the establishment will meet her full operational capacity before expectations. With this incredible growth rate, the port is set to overtake others in Nigeria by next year.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Ltd, Mr. Wang Qiang disclosed this in Lagos, Tuesday, during an end-of-the-year interaction and media tour of the facility to observe scanners, Customs at work and shipside night offloading of containers from a vessel at the quayside.
Mr Qiang who featured alongside other members of the top management of the port during the media chat said Lekki Deepsea Port currently operates at close to 50 percent capacity, reflecting increasing confidence by shipping lines and cargo owners in the ability of Nigeria’s first deep seaport to deliver not only for the local and regional market but even beyond. Top management officers present during the media parley included Weilian Zhong, C.O.O, Lekki Port, Jedrzej Mierzewski and Ajay Tyagi
“We already reached 50 per cent of our capacity now – almost 50 per cent of the port capacity,” he stated. He attributed this development to steady improvement in the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) the port handles monthly.
He said cooperation is needed from stakeholders to improve efficiency badly needed in cargo movement. Critical stakeholders include government, the business community, importers, exporters (foreign and local). On trans-shipment, Qiang implored cooperation by all to achieve competitive trans -shipment. Efficient multimodal connectivity, he explained, is crucial in efforts to accelerate and maintain the desired growth at the port.
Barge operations, the Lekki Port boss said, has become an important means of evacuating cargo as it currently accounts for about 10% means of cargo movement. Since inception, the port has moved 3000 TEUs of cargo even as plans are in top gear to improve on the capacity.
On concerns about cargo dwell time, he announced that Lekki Deepsea Port cannot, on its own, reduce this. Importers, Customs, banks and all other players must collaborate to resolve issues of cargo dwell time. When cargoes move seamlessly, the port makes money.
The Lagos -Calabar coastal road is one infrastructure that will be of huge assistance in stemming down congestion, improve overall access and cargo evaluation from Lekki Deepsea Port, he explained. Even then, he added, rail connectivity remains essential, particularly given the quantum of industrial activities taking place along the Lekki corridor.
“I believe the train option is something the government is concerned about, and with the level of industrial activities in this region, we expect that it will be provided,” he added.
While reiterating that Lekki Port is a fully automated terminal, Wang asserted that delays may persist until all stakeholders, including government agencies, fully align with end-to-end digital processes.
He explained that Customs procedures, particularly physical cargo examinations, and other port services must be fully digitalised to significantly reduce cargo dwell time.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT), Capt. Jedrzej Mierzewski, expressed excitement that after only two years of operations, LFT has already become the number two terminal in the Nigerian market.
“We are the fastest-growing terminal in the country, combining modern infrastructure, operational excellence, and a clear ambition to become a leading transshipment hub for West Africa.
“Our growth supports the Nigerian economy by strengthening trade connectivity and helping to reduce the cost of foreign trade through efficient, reliable, and competitive port services.
“For automation to work efficiently, all players must be ready – customers, government and every stakeholder. Only then can we have a fantastic system.”
He also stressed that improved connectivity would allow the port to effectively double capacity through performance optimisation without expanding its physical footprint.
Speaking on the new tax regime coming into effect in 2026, he urged the government to adopt a simplified tax framework that supports ease of doing business. He cited Germany and other countries where goods are cleared from ports with a 30-day window allowed for value added tax (VAT) remittance.
NIGERIA’S IMO FEAT: NIMASA Hails Media Contributions, Seeks Support For Sustained Momentum.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: No Hiding Place for Smugglers, D.C.Afeni Pledges, Confiscates Exotic Cars, 2bn Worth of Contrabands in 11 Days.
Lekki Deepsea Port Set to Achieve Full Capacity Before Expectations, Deepens Barge Operations, among others.
FIGHT AGAINST FINANCIAL CRIMES: MMIA CAC Makes Huge Haul of Foreign Currencies, Hands Over To EFCC
WIKE AT 62: TSSL Celebrates Courage, Conviction and Unwavering Sense of Duty.
MARITIME SEMINAR FOR JUDGES: Group Urges Probe of Shippers’ Council Funds.
Industry Gurus Head To Badagry As BACCIMA, Portbizness Discuss Trans-Border International Trade.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: DC Oladapo Afeni Pledges Stronger Trade Facilitation, Border Security As He Becomes Acting CAC.
Shippers’ Council Boss, Akutah, Advocates Stronger Alternative Disputes Resolution, Bags Special Honours from NBA
MMA Customs Command Hits 100.1% of Annual Revenue Target 11 Months Before Year-End.
MARAN Dissolves Exco, Appoints An Interim Leadership.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
MAN, ORON: Minister, Governing Council, Celebrate Management and Cadets At 2025 Graduation Event
MAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
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