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
Tincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Tincan Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated her resolve to continue to explore ways of empowering the media particularly through structured training, sensitization workshops and capacity-building programmes as it realizes that a well-informed and equipped press will not only enhance the quality of reportage but also strengthen the institutional understanding of Customs operations and challenges.
Tincan Command Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani stated this, Wednesday, while speaking during his maiden engagement with the press following his recent appointment. He charged the press to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while reporting the Command’s activities because responsible journalism is critical to maintaining public trust, preventing misinformation to ensure that the realization of Customs’ collective objectives is not marred by inaccurate or misleading reportage.
He pledged that the Command will not relent in leveraging the ongoing modernization of the Service as part of her forward-looking agenda.
”We are committed to strengthening systems, processes and technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and trade facilitation at the port.”
”In line with our new mandate, this administration will uphold total compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
”Compliance will be at the heart of our operations and we will continue to enforce the law firmly, fairly and professionally.”
In the area of revenue generation, Comptroller Anani announced that the Tincan Command generated N111.27 billion in the month of May and is poised for a remarkable increase in the commendable trajectory.
”This positive trajectory is a reflection of the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels and enhanced operational efficiency.”
He promised to consolidate on these gains and, indeed, strive to surpass previous achievements by the preceding administration.
While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to head such a strategic Command, Comptroller Anani extolled his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to reform and reposition the Service for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
He reaffirmed the Command’s openness, commitment and collaborative approach to constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including the media.
”To further strengthen our relationship with the media, the Public Relations Unit of the Command will be specifically charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all press-related matters receive the priority and attention they deserve. The Unit will maintain a close and continuous interface with members of the press, providing timely information, facilitating access to relevant developments and fostering mutual understanding between the Command and the media. We believe that a strong and professional partnership with the media is essential to achieving our objectives and keeping the public adequately informed about our activities.”
”Together we can ensure that Tincan Island Port Command continues to play its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation and revenue generation.”
Maritime Agencies
Maritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Topmost public relations and events management expert, Mr Bolaji Abimbola has stated that to realize its full meaning as a profession, maritime journalism must showcase accountability, public trust, informed citizenship and ethical reporting as these are indispensable if effective maritime and national development are to be achieved.
Mr Abimbola who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Indigo Integrated Nigeria Ltd made the call in Lagos, Tuesday, during the inauguration of the newly-elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), an event whose theme was ‘Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development’ ‘.
In attendance were maritime industry leaders including officials of relevant government agencies. Other Industry stakeholders were security agencies, freight forwarders and media practitioners.
Abimbola explained that maritime development encompasses shipping, port operations, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal trade, and the blue economy which massively contribute to the overall national economic growth. For any reporter on the beat, he warned, unethical acts could undermine investor confidence, distort public perception and hinder effective policy implementation.
According to him, inaccurate reports on issues such as port congestion, piracy, and maritime regulations have the potential to discourage investors and shipping operators, while sensational reporting of security incidents could trigger unnecessary panic and misconceptions about the sector.
He urged journalists to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, balance, accountability, and humanity in their reporting, while embracing data-driven and investigative journalism to deepen public understanding of maritime issues.
The public relations guru also identified economic pressures, political interference, safety concerns, and the proliferation of misinformation on digital platforms as some of the major challenges working against ethical journalism in Nigeria.
In his intervention, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, Chairman of the occasion and President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), emphasized the importance of ethical and investigative reportage in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the maritime industry.
Journalists, Maiguwa noted, have a critical responsibility to remain committed to factual reporting and continuous professional development in order to maintain public trust and contribute meaningfully to policy reforms and sectoral growth.
Earlier in his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde pledged to build a stronger, more united, and professionally vibrant association capable of responding to the evolving demands of maritime journalism.
He described MARAN as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected maritime journalism bodies, noting that the association has consistently served as a bridge between industry stakeholders and the public through decades of reforms, economic shifts, and industry transformation.
According to Onigbinde, ethical journalism remains fundamental to maritime development because sustainable growth in the sector depends on credible information, transparency, and accountability.
”As maritime journalists, our duty goes beyond reporting events. We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism, reject misinformation and ensure that every report we publish is guided by truth, fairness, balance and professionalism,” he stated.
The MARAN President outlined his administration’s priorities, including enhanced capacity building, promotion of investigative and data-driven journalism and the adoption of digital reporting tools. Other priorities include improved welfare for members and stronger engagement with industry stakeholders while maintaining editorial independence.
He called for unity and cooperation among members especially now electioneering campaigns have ended and a new leadership has emerged.
”The elections are behind us. There are no longer camps. There are no factions. There is only one MARAN,” he announced.
Speaking through Godfrey Nwosu, the association’s General Secretary, the National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, described ethical journalism as a stabilizing force capable of strengthening the maritime sector.
Responsible journalism, he explained, promotes transparency in port operations, enhances institutional accountability, boosts investor confidence and supports reforms necessary for the growth of the industry.
He urged the newly inaugurated executive council to focus on upholding professional standards, strengthening investigative reporting, deepening stakeholder engagement, embracing digital transformation, and investing in continuous capacity development.
He also reaffirmed NAGAFF’s commitment to collaborating with MARAN in the areas of training, research, information sharing, and advocacy.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin, highlighted the strategic role of maritime journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding of issues affecting the maritime industry.
The police commissioner commended MARAN for its professionalism in reporting security-related developments within the ports environment, noting that the association’s work has contributed significantly to crime prevention awareness and strengthened public confidence in security agencies.
She assured stakeholders that the Command was committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and business-friendly port environment through intelligence-led policing, proactive stakeholder engagement and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Agbaminoja called on the newly inaugurated executive to build on the achievements of their predecessors while upholding the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and integrity.
The event ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to support ethical journalism as a vital instrument for maritime development, institutional accountability, economic growth, and the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Tuesday, June 23, the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will be inaugurated at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos with the theme
’Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.’
The event scheduled for 10 am is expected to, among others, attract top players in the maritime, shipping, logistics, security and media sectors. Heads of key regulatory agencies and leaders of various maritime associations have also indicated interest to grace the occasion.
Chairman of the occasion is the President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, while renowned public relations and event management expert, Bolaji Abimbola, will deliver the keynote address.
Among dignitaries expected are the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah Ukeyima.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside chief executives of maritime agencies, captains of industry, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain will also attend.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, MARAN President, Comrade Oluyinka Onigbinde, described the event as a defining moment in the association’s quest to deepen professionalism, credibility and responsible maritime reporting.
He said the new executive would focus on strengthening the association through capacity building, constructive engagement and adherence to ethical standards, stressing that responsible journalism remains critical to transparency, accountability and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry and the nation’s blue economy aspirations.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoGreg Ogbeifun, Warredi Enisuoh, Task FG on Shipping Development as Platform Communications Marks 10th Anniversary.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoMARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Bags ‘Maritime Reporter of the Year’ Award.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoAPAPA CUSTOMS’ Intelligence-led Operations Yield Massive Seizure of Cannabis Sativa, other Contrabands.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMARAN Makes History June 23 as it Inaugurates New Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies5 days agoMaritime Stakeholders Caution Journalists on Ethical Standards As MARAN Inaugurates New Leadership.
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Maritime Agencies4 days agoTincan Customs Pledges Strong Partnership with the Media, Sues for Total Compliance by Stakeholders.