Maritime Agencies
Oyetola Opens LIMWEEK 2024, Harps On Port Efficiency and Safety
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola says in the maritime world, port efficiency and safety are critical components that can never be overlooked while discussing economic growth, trade and investment.
The Minister stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, while declaring open the 2024 edition of the Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) and the Business To-Business Conference and Exhibition with the theme ‘Navigating the Future of Africa’s Marine & Blue Economy – Safety First.’
Improvement in safety and ports efficiency, he explained, top the chart on the responsibilities President Bola Tinubu handed to him to achieve as Minister.
The Minister, who was represented by Mr Chinedu Mbam, Legal Director in the Ministry, added that government was fully committed to drive the modernisation and improvement of the ports and maritime infrastructure.
By upgrading the nation’s ports to global standards, he noted, Nigeria will position herself to become a leader in international maritime trade since ports serve as gateway to prosperity.
“We understand that port efficiency and safety are not options; they are imperatives for unlocking the full potential of the blue economy. This is significant because safety remains the cornerstone upon which all maritime operations and business success rest.”
Through key safety initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project, he explained, Nigeria and, indeed the Gulf of Guinea, have achieved reasonable reduction in maritime crimes such as piracy, sea robbery and smuggling.
Mrs Sofiye Uzor (Centre) receiving the Award on behalf of Engr Greg Ogbeifun.
In his contribution, the Lagos Star Commissioner of Police acknowledged his responsibility to secure the maritime domain, including the intricate inland waterways crucial to Nigeria’s economy and Africa’s broader maritime sector. “The Gulf of Guinea, as many of us are aware of, is both a region rich in resources and a key artery for global maritime trade also faces persistent security challenges. The Nigeria Police, through its Maritime Command, has played a pivotal role in securing our maritime domain. Our mandate extends beyond merely patrolling the waterways. We work hand-in-hand with other national and international agencies to protect vital assets, combat piracy and ensure that our marine environment is safe and secure for all stakeholders.”
The Police boss who spoke through Chief Superintendent of Police Segun Falemara said as a matter of routine, the Police collaborates with NIMASA and other critical stakeholders in joint operations to reduce maritime crimes.
“The Marine Police deploys advanced surveillance techniques, leveraging human intelligence and technological solutions to monitor criminal activities along the waterways.”
“Through regional and international partnerships, we ensure our officers are well trained to address emerging maritime threats and security challenges.”
To achieve reasonable security in the Gulf of Guinea, he suggested a coordinated effort from the component littoral states and international partners.
Nigeria, he recalled, has been at the forefront of fostering regional collaboration to ensure a safer maritime environment.
“Some of these include the AGWE Project and the SWAIM SAR Project.” The AGWE Project anchored by the Interpol is a collaborative programme of five West African states aim at training, mentoring and providing equipment for boosting maritime security while SWAIM (Support to West African Integrated Maritime Security) have enhanced the search-and- rescue capabilities in the Gulf of Guinea.
“These initiatives have improved the region’s ability to swiftly respond to maritime emergencies and criminal activities, fostering safety on our waters”. He explained that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has been invaluable in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea.
“Through UNODC, the Danish government has funded training programmes that have equipped our offices with Visit, Board, Search and Seizures (VIBSS) procedures in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy to combat illegal activities at sea.
On the proliferation of dangerous materials, he said that partnering with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the US International Counter-proliferation Programme, Nigeria has worked to prevent the smuggling of hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction into the Gulf of Guinea. This is a critical step towards ensuring that the blue economy is not compromised by illicit activities that would have devastating environmental and security consequences.
The Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, he said, has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s legal framework for tackling piracy and other maritime crimes. “It aligns our national laws with international frameworks and provide the necessary legal backing for prosecuting offenders in Nigeria.”
Through the Harmonized
Standard Operating Procedures (HSOPs), efforts are on to ensure that regional maritime security agencies adhere to harmonized SOPs, ensuring a “legal finish” in prosecuting maritime offenders.
Nigeria participates actively in national and regional maritime security conferences such as the Yaounde Architecture for Maritime Security which facilitates coordination between West and Central African states. Mentoring programmes including training supported by international partners such as the US and European Union have played a key role in improving Nigeria’s operational capabilities. “The Nigeria Police also contributes to the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), comprehensive, concerted, coherent and coordinated approach that improve maritime conditions with respect to environmental and socio-economic development as well as the capacity to generate wealth from sustainable governance of Africa’s blue economy.”
The Police boss assured Nigeria’s commitment to the development of her blue economy through fostering safety and security across her maritime domain.
In his intervention from the perspective of the British Royal Navy, Commander Daniel Waskett, SO2 Marine, disclosed the UK strategy which is to establish long-term and mutually-beneficial partnerships with African nations to build on shared interests for safer, healthier and more prosperous future for all. However, like many nations committed to ensuring a free, secure global common maintenance of international rules-based order and supporting democracy, he stated, the UK is experiencing a time of increased operational demand the Royal Navy is deploying globally at a scale unprecedented for many years.
“Destroyers and Frigates are protecting shipping in the Red Sea to ensure trade can continue freely.”
Highlight of the event, among others, was the conferment of a lifetime achievement award on Engr Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman, Starzs Marine and Engineering Co Ltd.
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.
Maritime Agencies
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Within 15 days of taking over as the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim has hit the ground running, intercepting 43 consignments of prohibited and improperly imported goods whose Duty Paid Value (DPV) stand at N3.15 billion.
The Acting CAC stated this, Thursday, when he addressed the press at the Command’s headquarters, Idiroko, Ogun State. He pledged his commitment to intensify enforcement operations to prevent prohibited goods from entering the country through Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin.
The seizures, which include foreign rice, pasta, pharmaceutical products, cannabis, petroleum products and 13 exotic vehicles, underscore the command’s renewed offensive against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
Attributing the swift success to intelligence-driven strategies, intensified surveillance and collaboration with sister security agencies and border communities,
he warned smugglers that the Command would not tolerate activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy, public health and national security.
“From the outset, I made it clear that Ogun I Area Command under my watch would not tolerate any form of economic sabotage. We are determined to deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with existing trade laws and regulations,” Ibrahim stated.
On October 2, 2026, he explained, trucks conveying large quantities of foreign pasta and condensed milk suspected to have been smuggled into the country were confiscated.
”The first truck contained 2,740 cartons of foreign Siddo Pasta concealed alongside 500 cartons of Oki Condensed Milk, while the second carried 6,000 cartons of foreign Ginny Pasta. The third truck was loaded with 6,500 cartons of foreign Doga Pasta.
The trucks were subsequently moved to the command’s headquarters for physical examination in accordance with Section 227 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”
On October 4, he added, officers intercepted a Dangote truck along the Afamin-Dangote-Itori axis conveying 100 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice concealed beneath mica and gypsum stones in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Yet on October 11, the Command also intercepted a 10-tyre truck containing 321 military camouflage face caps and 27,831 assorted unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The pharmaceutical products included codeine-based cough syrups, injections, eye drops and dietary supplements without registration numbers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ibrahim deplored the illegal importation of restricted military accessories and unregistered medicines with serious implications for national security and public health respectively.
“These seizures are not merely about confiscating prohibited goods. They are about protecting our citizens, safeguarding public health, defending our national security and ensuring that legitimate businesses are not undermined by illegal trade,” Comptroller Ibrahim said.
The trucks involved in the major interceptions, he disclosed, would be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with Section 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Other items seized during the period included 4,013 parcels of cannabis sativa, one wrap of Canadian Loud, 950 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 660 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, four bundles of used pneumatic tyres, 106 bales of second-hand clothing, 1,320 pairs of new shoes, 3,700 pairs of used shoes, 252 imported face caps and 1,250 foreign-used bags.
Ogun 1 Command also impounded 13 exotic foreign-used vehicles, including Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, Toyota Venza, Lexus LX 600, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avensis Verso, Peugeot 406, Ford Galaxy and Nissan Almera models.
Ibrahim put the total Duty Paid Value of the 43 seizures at N3,153,591,000, describing the figure as evidence of the command’s determination to frustrate smuggling networks and protect the Nigerian economy.
He expressed particular concern over the interception of cannabis, warning that the substance poses significant risks to young people, public health and national security.
As part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the command formally handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Area Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
He attributed the operational successes to the leadership and support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who continues to c provide strategic direction and motivation to officers across the country.
As he acknowledged the contributions of sister security agencies, traditional institutions, youths and border communities to the fight against smuggling, he praised his officers and men for being resilient and professional in discharging their duties.
“The message is clear: smugglers and their collaborators should steer clear of Ogun I Area Command. We remain committed to protecting the nation’s economic and security interests with professionalism, integrity and courage,” he warned.
In his intervention, Akande Olasumbo Oluwafemi, the Commander, NDLEA Idiroko Special Area Command, commended the Customs Service for intercepting the prohibited substances and pharmaceutical products.
Oluwafemi described the seizures as an important intervention in efforts to combat drug abuse and disrupt the supply chains through which illicit substances reach consumers.
He expressed concern over the increasing abuse of codeine-based cough syrups among Nigerian youths, noting that products originally intended for legitimate medical use were being misused because of their addictive properties.
“Initially, codeine was something mixed with other ingredients in cough syrups. But because of addiction, our youths now buy a bottle of codeine and swallow the entire contents at once,” he lamented.
He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the Customs Service and the NDLEA in identifying, intercepting and preventing the circulation of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
2026 World Maritime Day: Nigeria Subscribes to Safer Waterways and Excellence.
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
Ogun 1 Customs Hits Smugglers Hard 15 Days into New Leadership, Intercepts N3.15 bn Contrabands.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTraders’ Umbrella Group Evaluates State of the Nation, Expresses Serious Concerns of the Trading Public.
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