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
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The story of STARZS Group’s phenomenal growth and impact in the past four decades, in many respects, mirrors Nigeria’s growth and advancement in all spheres. The story reflects boldness in vision, resilience in capacity, innovation in execution and steadfastness in the pursuit of excellence.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola made the submission in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an impressive ceremony by the company to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He was represented by the Director -General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola.
”As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded that no action and no nation can attain sustainable maritime prosperity without a vibrant and competitive indigenous values sector. Government creates the enabling environment, but it is the enterprise, innovation, and doggedness of companies such as STARZS that transform policy into economic opportunity, create jobs, build local capacity, and deepen national prosperity.”
”This conviction underpins the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic platform for unlocking the immense potentials of Nigerian maritime domain. Our mandate is clear to position the marine and maritime blue economy as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth, food security, trade competitiveness, and national development. We will remain committed to expanding opportunities for indigenous compensation across the maritime planetary, whether in shipping, marine logistics, shipping management, offshore support services, shipbuilding, or marine engineering.”
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s objective which is to ensure that Nigerian companies are not just participants but leaders in the growth of the maritime economy.
” We will continue to work with relevant institutions to strengthen local capacity, encourage responsible investment and create an environment in which indigenous businesses thrive. Human capital development remains central to this vision.”
”The future of the maritime industry will ultimately depend on the quality, competence, and innovation of our people. We are therefore placing renewed emphasis on maritime education, seafarer development, technical skill acquisition, and greater collaboration with governments, academia, and industry to prepare the generation of new maritime professionals for Nigeria. Equally important is our commitment to maritime safety and security.”
The progress Nigeria has made in securing its maritime domain through the Deep Blue project, Oyetola explained, has enhanced investor confidence and reinforced her standing within the Gulf of Guinea.
Nigeria shall continue to consolidate on these gains through stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved surveillance capabilities and sustained investment in maritime security infrastructure, recognizing the fundamental importance of safe waters.
Maritime Agencies
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) says four decades of sustained contribution to Nigeria’s maritime and offshore logistics sector reflects resilience, vision, innovation and commitment to national development.
Engr Felix Omatshola, NCDMB Executive Secretary/CEO made the submission in Port Harcourt, Friday, during a high-powered symposium put together by the STARZS Investments Company Limited to celebrate her 40th anniversary. He described the theme of the symposium – anchoring resilience, 40 years of private indigenous initiative, shaping Nigeria’s maritime future as both timely and significant as it speaks directly to the role of indigenous enterprise in building a competitive and sustainable maritime industry. The milestone recorded by STARZS Group, he explained , is worthy of celebration.
Speaking through Mr Silas Ajimijaye, the agency’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Engr Omatshola congratulated Starzs which has, over the past 40 years, distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous service providers, contributing to the growth of local capacity in marine logistics, shipyard services, offshore support operations and workforce development.
”The company’s journey demonstrates what is possible when Nigerian entrepreneurs are provided with opportunities, enabling policies and the determination to invest in local talent and infrastructure that meets international standards.”
”At the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, we strongly believe that sustainable national development is achieved when indigenous companies are empowered to participate meaningfully across the entire value chain of the oil and gas and maritime sectors. These beliefs remain at the heart of NCDMB and of course the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010
which seeks to maximize in-country value retention, promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and build sustainable Nigerian capacity.”
NCDMB, he explained, is encouraged by the progress recorded by indigenous maritime companies such as STARZS whose investments have contributed significantly to strengthening local participation and reducing dependence on foreign service providers.
”The collaboration between NCDMB and indigenous companies has continued to yield positive outcomes in line with our mandate to deepen Nigerian content and foster economic diversification.”
”In recent years, we have also witnessed STARZS expand its investment into strategic growth areas within the energy sector, including initiatives that support Nigeria’s gas development aspirations and the federal government’s decade of gas programme. Such investments are important because they align with our collective vision of building strong indigenous institutions capable of driving industrial growth, energy security, and long-term economic prosperity for our dear country.”
”As we look towards the future, there is a need for stronger collaboration among industry operators, maritime service providers, financial institutions, policymakers, and regulators to address existing challenges and unlock new opportunities within the blue economy.
We must continue to invest in human capacity development, technology acquisition, infrastructure expansion, local manufacturing, research innovation, and operational excellence. To ensure that Nigerian companies remain globally competitive, the future of Nigerian maritime industry will depend not only on policy support but also on the willingness of Nigerian indigenous businesses to embrace innovation, maintain high standards of corporate governance, and pursue strategic partnerships that create long-term value,” Engr Omatshola concluded.
Maritime Agencies
OPERATION WHIRLWIND: Customs Auctions 20,500 Litres Of Confiscated PMS, NMDPRA Warns Against Products Diversion.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Operation Whirlwind interventionist outfit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to aggressively confront and combat the menace of illegal diversion and cross-border smuggling of petroleum products.
National Coordinator of the outfit, Deputy Controller of Customs Abubakar Lucky Aliyu made the pledge in Ikeja, Monday, as he supervised the public auction of 20, 500 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS) contained in 820 jerrycans of 25 litres each
intercepted from smugglers through intelligence-led operations along major smuggling corridors in Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko and Seme. Five vehicles used to convey the products were also seized, bringing the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the petroleum products and vehicles to about ₦38 million.
Aliu described Operation Whirlwind as a strategic initiative established by the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to curb the illegal exportation of petroleum products, safeguard Nigeria’s energy security, protect government revenue and ensure that fuel meant for domestic consumption remains available in-country.
DC Aliyu warned that petroleum products smuggling continues to undermine the nation’s economy by disrupting local fuel supply, encouraging artificial scarcity, depriving government of revenue and financing criminal activities.
The Service, he assured Nigerians, would continue to deploy intelligence, surveillance and enforcement strategies to dismantle smuggling syndicates operating along the nation’s borders.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), partner security agencies and officers of Operation Whirlwind for their sustained collaboration in tackling petroleum smuggling.
Mrs Grace Dauda
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mrs. Grace Dauda, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to partner with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Customs Service under Operation Whirlwind.
While NMDPRA remains committed to creating an enabling environment for legitimate business, she explained, operators in the downstream petroleum sector must strictly comply with regulatory requirements governing the movement of petroleum products.
Marketers are free to transport products to any part of the country for lawful commercial purposes, provided every consignment is properly manifested from the point of loading to its final destination.
She stressed that proper documentation enables regulators to monitor the movement of petroleum products nationwide, prevent diversion into illegal channels and ensure adequate supply for households, agriculture, fisheries and small and medium-scale industries.
Dauda urged Nigerians to support the fight against fuel smuggling by reporting suspicious movements of petroleum products to NMDPRA offices located across the 36 states or to other relevant security agencies.
She further advised operators to comply fully with the existing regulatory framework to avoid losses resulting from the interception of illegally diverted products.
The NMDPRA representative commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA and the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for strengthening inter-agency collaboration in protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and promoting legitimate business activities.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement operations to eliminate petroleum smuggling, protect the nation’s energy security and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
Oyetola Vows to Strengthen Local Capacity, Innovation, Responsible Investments As STARZS Celebrates 40th Anniversary.
NCDMB Hails STARZS @ 40, Reiterates Objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010.
OPERATION WHIRLWIND: Customs Auctions 20,500 Litres Of Confiscated PMS, NMDPRA Warns Against Products Diversion.
Jumoke Oduwole, Industry, Trade and Investments Minister, Commends STARZS at 40, Tasks African Trade Ministers on AfCFTA.
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STARZS CEO Commissions School Projects, Champions Environmental Protection and Tree -Planting to Mark 40th Anniversary.
Starzs’ 40th Anniversary : Group’s CSR Will Rewrite Our Story, Benefitting Communities Say.
Starzs’ 40th Anniversary: Company Doles out Scholarships to 40 Youths from Host Communities, Maritime Institutions.
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DATELINE: JULY 4, 2026. Faces at Starzs Investments Company’s Special Thanksgiving in Port Harcourt to Celebrate 4 Decades of Existence.
Starzs Investments Begins Week-long Celebration of her 40th Anniversary With a Thanksgiving Service.
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STARZS INVESTMENTS COMPANY LTD @40: Four Decades of Advancing Indigenous Maritime Excellence.
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