Maritime Agencies
NPA’s NEW MANAGEMENT: THE EAGERNESS TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE?
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
There are strong indications that the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho is out to change the narrative in the ports regulatory agency, if anything, to justify great expectations that as an inhouse professional with deep knowledge of the system, he has no reasons whatsoever not to make a huge difference now he is at the helm.
When he mounted the saddle last July, Falcon Watch Online Daily recalls, Dr Dantsoho pledged: “As we march towards this great journey, I wish to state that our main goal is to reposition the Nigerian Ports Authority for increased productivity and greater efficiency for increased revenue generation.” Barely four months hence, stakeholders say there are reasons to believe that a new dawn may unfold for me good in the NPA.
NPA DEEPENS INTEREST IN NON-OIL EXPORTS
“Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” was the eloquent sing-song of the NPA at the 2024 edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair earlier in November.
This slogan, industry watchers say, emphasizes the readiness of the NPA to draw special attention to and encourage alternative sources of national revenue principal among which is non-oil exports that must be made to become visible, relevant and impactful in the reckoning of the business community. By this, the port industry regulator made her stand unique and sent a clear and unambiguous message that it has the promotion of non-oil exports as one of her priorities in the new leadership headed by the new Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
Okon Asuquo, Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing, who led other officials on behalf of the MD, took time to go round stands to sensitize and educate members of the business community present at the Fair on NPA’s current stand on non-oil exports and the need to encourage the growth of alternative sources of national revenue for the good of the economy.
On the participation of Nigeria’s neighbours at the Fair, Mrs Eunice Mbah, one of the NPA officials observed: “The Port Autonome De Cotonou is visiting the Lagos Trade Fair for the first time to explore business ties in Nigeria, and the Management of Nigerian Ports Authority, led by Dr. Dantsoho”. She said that the NPA MD was already working assiduously to ensure the realization of the theme “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.
Mbah harped on the cardinal objective of Dr Dantsoho which is to ensure that Nigeria emerges the hub of port business in West and Central Africa.
EXPORT PROCESSING TERMINALS
At the 2024 International Trade Fair, the NPA MD projected the concept of her Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) already designed to function in agreement with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) to avail a one-stop shop for processing and certifying export-bound cargo in quick turnaround time to make Nigerian exports competitive in the global market.
HINTERLAND CONNECTIVITY
NPA also revealed at the Fair that it is focusing on hinterland connectivity as well as creating pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to underline the relevance in the value chain.
EPTs are also being linked with Domestic export warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the NEPC and other relevant partners.
AUTOMATION OF PROCESSES
Through the Ports Community System (PCS), NPA is vigorously pursuing full automation of processes and procedures to put in place a system for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW), a recogniszed global strategy aimed at blocking revenue leakages while delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease. This connects all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction.
REDEPLOYMENT OF SENIOR STAFF
When the MD recently redeployed and appointed top management staff, he stated that it was a deliberate move to place round pegs in round holes, tap from rich experience to enable the agency align with the specialized policy objectives of the new Marine & Blue Economy Ministry.
DEEP SEAPORTS
At the maiden press conference of the Lekki Deepsea Port in 2023, then Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko who spoke
through Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the current Head of Public Communications and Strategy,
paid special tribute to the founders of the Port, promising to work in harmony with other relevant stakeholders to achieve the dreams of the new port in the interest of Nigerian economy.
Being an industry person who appreciates the need to reap from the gains the deepsea offers has to offer, Dr Dantsoho has, as expected, keyed in, pledging to tap into the numerous benefits of the deep seaport which includes promoting the ideals of economy of scale and ease of doing business this brings to the entire system.
WORKERS WELFARE
In addition to rejigging the management structure to maximize use of experience and improve productivity, feelers from the new management of the NPA show commitment towards improving the welfare of the workforce through timely payment of emoluments made up of salaries and allowances. Training and capacity development, especially for employees who add more value in their areas of operations, is also top on the agenda to improve efficiency and ability of personnel to meet expected targets.
SYNERGY WITH SECURITY AGENCIES
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Augustina Ogbodo who heads the Maritime Police Command at the Force Headquarters Annex in Obalende, Lagos, recently paid a courtesy visit to the NPA to seek stronger collaboration between the NPA and the Maritime Police on one hand and the larger society in the interest of improved security in the ports.
In line with the new dispensation, the NPA General Manager, Security, warmly received her on behalf of the MD and pledged maximum cooperation in the interest of the ports regulator and Nigeria’s maritime community.
Maritime Agencies
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller A.A.Ibrhaim says strict adherence to professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 would be his watchword.
D.C.Ibrahim made the pledge at Idiroko, Ogun State, Wednesday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from Deputy Comptroller O.O.Afeni.
Describing Afeni’s record as a legacy worthy of emulation, Ibrahim commended him for landmark strides in anti-smuggling, revenue generation and stakeholder collaboration.
Ogun I Command, he stated, is a unique and demanding operational environment characterised by extensive borders and vibrant economic activities.
He promised that his administration would deepen the gains already achieved in community relations, operational efficiency, intelligence-led enforcement, corporate social responsibility, trade facilitation and stakeholder collaboration.
Emphasizing the essence of teamwork and adherence to ethical standards, he urged officers and men of the Command to remain disciplined and professional in order to achieve the Command’s objectives.
He told traditional rulers, stakeholders and operators in the border corridor that he was out to maintain an open-door policy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and legitimate economic activities, even as he
warned smugglers and economic saboteurs that the area has no place for them.
“Under my leadership, the Command will not tolerate acts of economic sabotage. We shall employ all lawful and legitimate means at our disposal to combat smuggling, protect government revenue and ensure compliance with extant trade laws. Our approach will be firm, fair, professional and intelligence-driven,” Ibrahim pledged.
Describing the Command as strategic, Ibrahim called for support and prayers from all and sundry.
In his valedictory speech earlier, Deputy Comptroller Afeni informed that the Command strengthened operational collaboration with sister security agencies including the DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and others to combat cross-border crimes.
He said the Command also sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders and border community associations to build trust and minimise hostility during enforcement operations.
On revenue generation, export and anti-smuggling, he said the Command took difficult but necessary decisions to meet the targets set by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Afeni disclosed that the Command had a target of ₦545,348,440.12 for the period he was in charge but generated ₦896,539,138 between January and August 2026, thus exceeding the ceiling by ₦350,713,920.82.
He attributed the performance to the dedication, transparency and resilience of officers and men of the Command.
The Command also recorded 31,177 metric tonnes of exports with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦4,644,740,110.09 during the period.
Afeni said the figure represented a significant improvement from the corresponding period in 2025, when the Command recorded no export trade.
On anti-smuggling operations, he said the Command recorded 327 seizures between December 4, 2025 and September 29, 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦14,750,394,251.92.
The seizures included 32,449 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, including Colorado and Ghana Loud; 50 sacks of raw cannabis; 19,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 8,787 cartons of spaghetti; 11,578 bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 12 truckloads; 6,453 kegs of vegetable oil; six live pangolins; 2,128 live cartridges; 1,315 Riodin explosives; two revolver pistols; 11 Dane guns; two locally made pistols; five complete sets of camouflage uniforms; 32 camouflage inner wears; 32 camouflage tops; 197 camouflage trousers; and seven foreign-used vehicles, including a 2026 Range Rover P530 Autobiography.
The Command’s collaboration with sister agencies, he announced, also resulted in the handing-over of seized illicit drugs to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, while confiscated arms and ammunition were transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for necessary action.
The Command’s corporate social responsibility and environmental initiatives executed during his tenure included the sponsorship of the AFENI Cup inter-school football tournament at Iko Gateway Grammar School in July 2026, aimed at promoting discipline and discouraging youth involvement in smuggling.
He also disclosed that the Command emerged as champion in volleyball at the inter-command athletic competitions held in August and September 2026.
As part of its environmental initiatives, the Command launched a Green Border and Environmental Sustainability afforestation programme, during which hundreds of trees were planted along critical border corridors.
Two major infrastructure projects executed under the Comptroller-General’s corporate social responsibility initiative had been completed and would soon be commissioned, Afeni disclosed. These include the complete renovation of Igiri High School, Ijofin in Ipokia Local Government Area covering classroom blocks, the principal’s office and sanitary facilities, as well as a newly constructed jetty at Ijofin to support riverine transportation and local trade.
Afeni attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to the cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and host communities.
He thanked the Comptroller-General, NCS management, officers and men of the Command and other stakeholders for their support.
Present at the occasion were the Acting Area Controller, PTML Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Miko; senior Customs officers from various units within Zone A; heads of sister security agencies; freight forwarders; traditional rulers and community leaders. Representatives from the Republic of Benin and other stakeholders also attended.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has officially announced the 3.0 Edition of a sporting collaboration between her and the United Nigeria Airlines. Known as the United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 (3.0 Edition), the sporting fiesta is part of a fresh initiative to encourage her members and staff of the airline to engage in sporting activities for leisure.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, National President of the traders’ group, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu described the official unveiling as a milestone.
”Today, we are marking another milestone. We are bringing all 58 markets together, not in the marketplace, but on the football pitch under one umbrella of unity.”
”As you all know, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association is the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos State with over 2 million traders. Our mandate goes beyond trade – we promote unity, peace, welfare and progress of our members and the entire Lagos trading community.
Describing football as a unifying language, he said it serves as a positive engagement and a unifying force for youths in the market, hence the choice.
”We need to promote healthy living among our traders. We want to strengthen brotherhood among markets – Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
”I am therefore very delighted to announce that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our National Grand Patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), has graciously accepted to be the Title Sponsor of this tournament,” Ukatu stated.
”United Nigeria Airlines is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses – just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy.”
The tournament named United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 has the theme Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living.
Of 58 affiliate markets,12 qualified market teams are billed to participate for a duration of six weeks.
Grand finale in Lagos featuring trophies, medals and cash prizes will be graced by an expected audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over 5 million reach via radio and social media.
”This tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower our youths.”
On behalf of the National Executive of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Ukatu thanked the Chairman and Management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in the vision.
”I also thank all our media partners who have agreed to join us on this journey.”
He called on all market leaders, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support the laudable project.
Maritime Agencies
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following heightening campaign activities preparatory to the 2027 general elections, the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has taken what it calls a political and economic stand as it affects the Nigerian trader.
Chief Chinedu Ukatu, President of the traders’ group made the disclosure in Lagos, Monday, while speaking on the state of the nation and issues of grave concern to the Nigerian trading community.
Ukatu explained that as leaders of the largest market association in West Africa representing over 58 major markets and millions of traders in Lagos State, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association cannot remain silent and unconcerned while her members bear the brunt of the current realities of the Nigerian nation.
On the political turf, he described his Association as non-partisan.
”Let us state clearly once again that as an Association, we are non-partisan. We do not belong to any political party. But we will only support and endorse parties and candidates who are willing to accommodate our aims and objectives vis-à-vis protecting the interests of traders.”
”As traders, we desire only one thing: stability. Business thrives where there is peace and predictability.”
While commending the Federal Government on current efforts to secure the nation, the Association singled out insecurity on the highways.
”Lagos to Onitsha, to Kano, to Port Harcourt has become a direct tax on trading. Our members pay heavily to move goods. Trucks are delayed, goods are lost, drivers are attacked.”
Warning that the economy cannot grow when the roads that connect the markets are not safe, Ukatu appealed to the Federal and State Governments to do more to secure the trade corridors.
”The trader is not a politician; he is not interested in party A or party B. He is interested in whether his goods will get to the market safely.”
”We also call for an end to multiple taxation and harassment by non-state and state actors. In Lagos alone, a single container is subjected to over 15 different levies from the port to the shop. This is politically unsustainable.”
Still on the economic state of the nation, the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association Servant-Leader described the Nigerian trader as resilient. However, resilience has a limit, he explained.
”Today, the Nigerian economy is facing a triple challenge: high exchange rate, high cost of energy, and low purchasing power.”
Addressing foreign exchange and imports, he said over 70% of goods in Nigerian markets are imported.
”The volatility of the Naira to the Dollar has made price planning impossible. A trader who orders goods today cannot predict the cost of clearing it tomorrow. We call on the Central Bank of Nigeria to create a special stability window for genuine importers of essential commodities and raw materials.”
Traders, he regretted, run their businesses on diesel and generators.
” The cost of power is now higher than the rent of our shops. We cannot compete with other nations where traders have 24-hour electricity. We urge the Federal Government to fast-track the special industrial and market power projects.”
Decrying mounting inflation and a reduction in purchasing power, the Association boss said their customers now buy less.
”Families are cutting down on everything. When the buyer has no money, the seller cannot sell. We therefore support all policies that bring down food inflation and put money back in the pockets of ordinary Nigerians.”
On rumoured protests regarding Chinese and other foreigners taking over retail trade ordinarily reserved for Nigerians, he clarified that his group never mobilized any trader to protest against Chinese citizens or any other foreigners in Nigeria as Nigeria is a hospitable nation.
”However, as a trade union, we are asking for what is done all over the world. We seek the required legislation and enforcement of the Indigenous Trade Policy as regards retail trade and investment.
The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1972 now replaced by the NIPC Act, he recalled, clearly reserved retail trading for Nigerians.
”Today, we see foreigners moving from wholesale and manufacturing directly into our markets to sell retail, competing with our members who cannot do the same in their countries.”
”We are not asking for xenophobia; we are asking for reciprocity and protection as provided in other climes. We call on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to revisit and strengthen the Local Content and Retail Trade protection laws to save Nigerian traders from extinction,” he demanded.
On political parties now canvassing for votes, the group said the traders would only support candidates or parties that will abide by specific commitments that favour the association.
”For the sake of the millions of traders we represent, we shall only support any Candidate or Party that will assure us of the following:
1. Setting up a joint Federal and State Task Force to address multiple taxation at the ports and on the roads.
2. Improved security on major trade routes, especially the Lagos – Benin – Onitsha corridor.”
Other commitments include providing single-digit interest rate loans for traders through the Bank of Industry and other development banks;
inclusion of market leaders in the formulation of trade and fiscal policies as policy for traders cannot be made without traders.
Enactment and enforcement of a clear Retail Trade Protection Law to regulate foreign participation in the retail space is also a major commitment candidates and parties seeking for votes must abide by, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association stated.
CHANGE OF BATON AT OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: A.A.Ibrahim Succeeds O.O.Afeni, Pledges Intelligence-Driven Enforcement.
SPORTS: Group Unveils United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders’ Cup, 2026.
Traders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
Tantita’s Oil Pipeline Surveillance Yields Huge Dividend, Shoots Nigeria’s Q2 Oil Exports Earnings To $9.39bn.
Ehingbeti Summit: Stakeholders Say Coastal Communities Need Funding for Development.
Ogun 1 Customs Repeats Stern Warning To Smugglers, Confiscates Latest Brand of Range Rover, Other Contrabands.
Unregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
Nigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
NPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
MAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
MAMAL 2026: Stakeholders Recommend End -To-End Modernization of Nigeria’s Port System To Achieve Competitiveness.
MAN, Oron Commends MAMAL 2026, Urges Efficient, Competitive and Globally- Respected Maritime Sector.
LIMWEEK 2026: Measurable Outcomes Must Guide Policies in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
CUSTOMS’ ZONE ‘A’ SPORTS EVENT: CGC Adeniyi Highlights Need for Discipline, Teamwork in Customs Operations.
Parts Central Ltd Set To Turn Waterway Waste into Wealth, says Onifade.
Oyetola Transfers Inland Dry Ports to NPA, Sets Up Committee for NSC–NPERA Transition.
ABUJA MoU: WE FUNCTION BEHIND A MASK, says Capt Umoren
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Adesuwa Ladoja Becomes MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone.
Photo News: Salah Celebration
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoLIMWEEK 2026: Measurable Outcomes Must Guide Policies in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
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Maritime Agencies3 days agoTraders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNigeria Collaborates with Benin Republic to Launch Modernised Joint Customs Border Post.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoUnregulated Deployment of Unmanned Vessels Threatens Maritime Security — Navy.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNPA Emphasizes the Importance of Truck Drivers, Donates 400 Safety Vests to AMATO and NURTW.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAMAL 2026: FG Targets Globally Competitive Ports As Tantita Urges a ‘Look Beyond Lagos’ in Port Development.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAMAL 2026: Stakeholders Recommend End -To-End Modernization of Nigeria’s Port System To Achieve Competitiveness.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMAN, Oron Commends MAMAL 2026, Urges Efficient, Competitive and Globally- Respected Maritime Sector.