Maritime Agencies
NIgeria Customs Service Hails Gallant Officers, Condemns Smugglers for Inhuman Acts.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has described as wicked, callous and inhuman the resort by smugglers to smuggle foreign parboiled rice in jerrycans ordinarily used for petrol and diesel all in a quest to make quick money.
Comptroller HK Ejubunu, Controller, Federal Operations Unit , Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, stated this, Thursday, while showcasing seizures the enforcement arm made in the month of February.
He said that the smuggling of foreign parboiled rice in petroleum jerrycans is not only injurious to the national economy but also exposes potential consumers of the food item to the risk of consuming grains that had poisonous properties because they were delivered through unwholesome media such as premium motor spirit (PMS), diesel, or other petroleum products.
He was full of commendations for Sunday Okorie Uzoaru, a Superintendent of Customs, who led the crack team of gallant officers that has been making waves on the Ajilete checking point in Ogun State to ensure that diehard smugglers and their collaborators are denied every opportunity of illegally accessing Nigeria from that end.
At the same Ajilete/Idiroko road, Ogun State, the Controller told the press, the unit also intercepted three trucks headed to the Republic of Benin to export 880 bags of white beans, 584 bags of onions and 18 bags of dry pepper in the face of widespread hunger and starvation in Nigeria.
Instead of seizing the food items, Ejubunu explained, the unit ensured the trucks were re-directed to Nigerian markets where they were sold to Nigerians by the owners at reasonable prices.
“A total of 3,779 X 50kg bags of suspected foreign rice equivalent to over seven trailer loads worth over N365m were seized from various parts of the South West.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos also intercepted 11 exotic used vehicles, 28,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 3,779 X 50kg bags of foreign rice and other contrabands valued at N751 million and the total duty paid value of the seizures worth of N751,127,025 while nine smugglers were arrested in connection with the seized contrabands.
He said that the seized vehicles worth over N200 million were intercepted by the anti-smuggling operations unit of the Zone when the owners decided to avert duty payment, resorting to under- declaration and under-valuation.
Other items seized in the month under review include one locally made gun and six pieces of empty cartridges at Abeokuta road, 731 parcels of Indian hemp weighing 482kg, a 1 X 40ft container found to contain 286 cartons of new rubber slippers, seven units of used motorcycles, 28,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 2,420 pieces of used tyres.
“In line with Federal Government policies at ensuring food security for its teaming population as well as address the high cost of living which the Comptroller General of Customs and the management are pursuing with vigor, this Unit has demonstrated its passion and willingness to intensify the fight against smuggling. That explains the drastic reduction in rice smuggling and fuel bunkering.
“Due to violation of various sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and the federal government import and export prohibition guidelines, we vigorously and relentlessly prosecuted our anti-smuggling campaign which resulted in a total number of 93 seizures, arrest of 9 suspects made to prevent smuggling and protect our national economy. The seizures made are worth a total duty paid value of ₦751,127,025.
In achieving this, he noted, the Service successfully outsmarted the economic saboteurs, beating them to their game.
“We also prevented the smuggling of eleven exotic used vehicles worth over ₦200m into the country through our area of responsibility.
“Smugglers of these vehicles met our stiff resistance against their duty evasion and deviant behaviour.
“The sum of ₦78,164,255.20 was recovered as revenue into the federation account through the issuance of demand notices (DN) on Customs duties that were discovered to be underpaid.
“As usual, rice was top on the list of our February 2024 seizures in terms of volume and value.
“A total of 3,779 X 50kg bags of suspected foreign rice equivalent to over 7 trailer loads worth over N365m were seized from various parts of the South West.
“Other items seized in the month under review include one locally made gun and six pieces of empty cartridges at Abeokuta road, 731 parcels of Indian hemp weighing 482kg, 1 X 40ft container found to contain 286 cartons of new rubber slippers, 7 units of used motorcycles, 28,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS).
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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