Maritime Agencies
NPA Secures Approval to Dredge Lekki Deepsea Port Channel To 19 Metres
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As the Federal Government targets 19meters depth for the $1.5bn Lekki Deepsea Port channel, an approval has been secured for maintenance dredging to achieve a depth of 16.5 metres to 17 metres for now.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho disclosed this during a weekend visit to the port.
He charged the management to consolidate and prioritize increased transshipment of large volumes of cargoes to landlocked neighboring countries even as he expressed excitement over the rise in current throughput volume at the new port.
”Lekki’s capacity to berth super-post panamax vessels and deliver rapid cargo and vessel turnaround positions is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction”, he remarked.
”The port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
”This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand, boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy.”
The rising export figures, he noted, was pleasing. The agency hopes that the export volume would double or even triple in the nearest future.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NPA management to do what is possible with the support of the Federal Government to ensure that the beautiful throughput trend now in place in the port continues to grow and increase.
”So, what are we doing to ensure that this trend continues? We are doing about five things. Now, number one, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the recommendation of the Nigerian Ports Authority, has gotten the approval for the dredging of the channel at Lekki Port.
”This is something that we have been working towards; something that we’ve been discussing for almost two or three years. And finally, we give God the glory that it has happened.
Dr Dansoho announced that the agency has also syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation.
”We wanted to also enhance the relationship and make the partnership stronger in a concerted bid to grow Nigeria’s trade volumes”.
This, he said, illustrates how serious and supportive the agency could be when it comes to issues concerning Lekki Port.
On automation, he stated that being the
most current and most modern port in Nigeria, Lekki Port it is expected to have the technologies and all facilities a modern port requires.
”The technology that is here will be part of the main requirements for the deployment of the port community system, which is a precursor for keying into the National Single Window.
”We are hoping that other port locations or other terminals will very soon also have 100 percent capability in terms of technology deployment so that once we deploy the Port Community System, keying into it would not be an issue. I really appreciate that Lekki Port has done well in the area of technology deployment.”
H announced that a contract on channel survey has been awarded.
”We have awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, which is also a major requirement of the international port and harbour and navigation systems. This will give us more optimisation in the area of channel management around Lekki Port.”
On Lekki Port request for a reduction in Ship Dues, the NPA MD explained that many of the equipment the Authority buys to ensure efficiency at the ports are dollarised.
”We keep buying Navigational Buoys, Tug Boats and others to ensure efficiency in port operations across the country. Because many of the things that we buy are dollarised, in as much as it’s necessary to lessen the burden of Lekki Port payments to government, Lekki Port should also know that we need to have more money to be able to buy more of these things and also ensure that personnel who are running them are also well paid.
”When the Single window is finally deployed, and 95% of port processes become paperless, the revenue at the ports will triple. Electronic transaction will completely or near completely eliminate unreceipted payments in our ports.
”When this happens, it is believed that we are going to make more money. At that point, I think NPA will look at the possibility of bringing down the Ship Dues.”
The NPA MD also commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and remains unwavering in its commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential.
In.his remarks earlier, the MD of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD.
”We wish to request for an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, reduction in Ship Dues specifically for large vessels and feeders, to enhance port competitiveness.
He requested for the provision of
Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time, amongst others.
The NPA MD also paid a visit to the $19.5bn Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery where he met Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
Maritime Agencies
PTML CUSTOMS: Comptroller Joe Anani Takes Over from ACG Daniyan, Harps on Improved Compliance.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Comptroller Joe Anani, the new Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says the successful roll-out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System, remains a great milestone that must be improved upon.
He has, therefore, implored all customs officers, sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) high.
He particularly appealed to stakeholders to always stick to compliance because they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times.
Comptroller Anani stated this in Lagos, Friday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from the immediate-past Controller, ACG Tenny Daniyan, at a brief but colourful ceremony marking the change of guards. Describing the Command and stakeholders as well organised, he promised to build on the various pioneering feats recorded by his predecessor. He enjoined everyone to feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.
“While thanking God and the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.”
”I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation”.
”I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.
”I am aware that this Command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment. The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours”.
Compliance, he recalled, is the key to trade facilitation. It is critical for smooth port operations and ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks and fosters trust among trading partners.
”Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.”
” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money. Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest. Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.
He promised full enforcement of the CGC’s directive on zero tolerance for smuggling even as he acknowledged that stakeholders are already on the right track.
Welcoming Comptroller Anani, stakeholders who turned out in their numbers commended ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployment across various commands nationwide. They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.
The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively. He urged ACG Daniyan to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.
Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.
Maritime Agencies
LAGOS PORTS ACCESS: NAGAFF Hails TTP on Free Traffic, Recommends Contract Renewal.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following the remarkable achievement of free flow of traffic along the Apapa -Tincan ports access spearheaded by the Truck Transit Park (TTP) Ltd, a case has been made for the renewal of the agency’s contract with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government- Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) made the call in Lagos, Thursday. He urged the NPA to promptly renew the contract so as to sustain the free flow of truck movement along the Lagos ports corridor which is receiving commendation from all and sundry.
Speaking at a press briefing to
assess the traffic flow in the port corridors of Apapa and Tincan in Lagos, Ezisi who was represented by Mr Godfrey Nwosu, NAGAFF’s National Secretary, informed that TTP’s contract with the NPA would expire in 2026.
According to him, TTP has submitted several applications to NPA, including a proposal for an e-Tag system to further streamline truck entry and exit but approvals have not been secured.
“The contract of TTP will expire by next year. They have presented several applications to NPA which (are) still lying on the table of the Authority for approval. One of those things they have presented is the need for the NPA to approve the use of e-Tag in accessing the port and exiting the port but approval hasn’t been given.”
Ezisi placed on record that within two years of operation, via her Eto digital traffic management system, the TTP has satisfactorily resolved the chaotic traffic gridlock that worked against businesses along the Lagos ports axis.
“We vividly recall with nostalgia the harrowing experiences endured by port operators prior to the arrival of TTP. During that time, business activities were nearly crippled. Many companies were forced to shut down operations and relocate from Apapa, and in many cases, from Lagos entirely”.
”Property and real estate values plummeted. Both the federal and state governments suffered significant revenue losses. Several traffic decongestion task forces and measures were implemented, but the problems persisted.”
He saluted the ingenuity of the NPA and the former Ministry of Transportation which made what he described as a strategic decision to engage the services of TTP. In less than two years, the positive impact of their digital traffic management operations began to manifest. The once intractable traffic gridlock started to ease, and port operators breathed a sigh of relief.
“Within the period under review, the eye witness account can authoritatively report the positive outcomes of improved traffic management in the Apapa and Tin-Can Island port corridors. This is a direct result of the federal government’s traffic management reform policy aimed at facilitating the smooth flow of freight and logistics operations, ” he said.
He explained that TTP Ltd has processed 2.7 million truck movements through the Eto system, this, reducing the cost of transporting cargo to and from Lagos ports by 65% and slashing truck turnaround time from 2-3 weeks to less than three days, a reason to justify their continued engagement.
In his submission, Dr Increase Uche, former National President of NAGAFF recalled that whereas fewer than 50 trucks could be evacuated daily in the pre-Eto era, now the FMCG and Oil & Gas industries can evacuate over 400 trucks daily. He said TTP’s operations are now impacting positively on trade facilitation.
Delays in the movement of export goods, he recalled, have been drastically reduced. Nigerian exporters are no longer required by overseas buyers to provide performance bonds during sales contracts. Export containers from the hinterlands are now arriving at the ports in a more timely and predictable manner.
“In the real estate sector, property values in Apapa have appreciated significantly. According to our research, the Eto technology has directly created around 225 jobs, and empowered over 500 ancillary workers within the port environment. ”
While celebrating the current strides achieved on the strategic ports access route, NAGAFF stressed the need for sustenance and consolidation in order to avoid a relapse. There must be the political will to monitor TTP and other service providers to ensure the maintenance of high standards at all times.
“The old tradition of failing to build upon progress should be discarded. The government must develop the political will to monitor and ensure that the standards set by service providers like TTP are maintained. Globally, modern ports are developing and tilting towards efficient and effective service delivery to port users to reduce port costs and excessive delays.
“This feat is quite encouraging and also the more reason TTP, an indigenous service provider that has proven Nigeria’s capacity to solve long-standing logistical challenges, deserves continued support and encouragement,” he said.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
ACG Babatunde Olomu, PhD, erstwhile Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port Command has said that the Command’s transformation under his 15-month leadership reflected teamwork, extra commitment of officers and a strict adherence to the agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
ACG Olomu was spoke at an impressive event at the Command, Monday, when he handed over to Comptroller E.O.A. Osoba in the presence of key stakeholders and members of the press.
In his valedictory address, an elated Olomu explained that under his watch, Apapa Command shattered existing revenue records when it hit its first-ever ₦2 trillion collection—a feat that earned the command special award including the CGC Special Award for Excellence in Revenue Collection. He was also bestowed with the accolade of Overall Best Area Controller.
In addition to these laurels, the Command set new benchmarks in daily revenue collection:
– ₦17.9 billion on June 19, 2024,
– ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025
In August 2025 alone, the command collected ₦214.9 billion using the newly introduced B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, in spite of initial technical challenges. As of September, total revenue for 2025 stands at ₦1.83 trillion, reflecting a 60% of the annual target for the year.
Apapa Command emerged as a central hub for trade modernization, playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s historic entry into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In July 2024, the command facilitated Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment from Apapa Port, followed by another milestone shipment to Kenya in November.
Olomu emphasized the command’s commitment to faster cargo clearance, seamless dispute resolution, and compliance promotion across all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.
The outgoing CAC reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling. During his tenure, Apapa recorded 75 seizures, including 62 units of 40ft containers and 13 units of 20ft containers. The intercepted items ranged from fake and expired drugs to controlled substances like codeine and tramadol, as well as Indian hemp, used clothing, and wood.
Olomu’s leadership was marked by an open-door policy and proactive communication with stakeholders. His personal phone line remained accessible for feedback and issue resolution, fostering transparency and trust.
He also extended heartfelt appreciation to sister agencies including DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, Immigration, Police, and others for their unwavering support.
In his acceptance remarks, the new CAC , Comptroller Osoba, promised to deepen transparency, integrity and an unwavering focus on excellence which his predecessor championed and got bountiful results during his tenure. He implored stakeholders to be supportive at all times to enable him succeed.
PTML CUSTOMS: Comptroller Joe Anani Takes Over from ACG Daniyan, Harps on Improved Compliance.
LAGOS PORTS ACCESS: NAGAFF Hails TTP on Free Traffic, Recommends Contract Renewal.
CAC Osoba Takes Over Apapa Customs Command As ACG Olomu Bows Out .
Comptroller Shuaibu, ‘FOU’ Zone ‘A’ Customs Boss, Intercepts Drones, 4,841 Rounds of Bullets, Rifles.
LFTZ CUSTOMS: Comptroller Olumoh Retires, Posts Over N459.8BN in 8 Months .
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NAGAFF Boss, Chief Afam Chukwuma, Hails B’Odogwu, Insists that 24-hour Cargo Clearance is Achievable .
Fola Tinubu, Transport and Logistics Expert, Tips Strategic Partnership for Seamless Transportation System in Nigeria.
MAN, Oron, Earns Accolades on Performance Bond for Ministerial Deliverables.
COWA National President, Mrs Adeniyi, Inaugurates Kebbi Customs Command Secretariat.
Le Look Marks 40 Years of Resilience and Doggedness in Entrepreneurship
MAMAL 2025: Ogbeifun Salutes President Tinubu on the new Marine Ministry, Tasks MARAN To Follow Up Her Resolutions
MAMAL 2025: Shippers’ Council Canvasses Removal of WRI Surcharge on Nigeria -Bound Ships
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
Engr Greg Ogbeifun Chairs War Risk Insurance Lecture At MAMAL 2025.
B’ODOGWU: Tincan Island Port Customs Command Rakes in N16.4bn In a Day .
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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