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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has called on maritime journalists to uphold ethical journalism, embrace constructive reporting, and partner with stakeholders in promoting Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
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‎The call was made on Monday when the newly-elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) paid a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
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‎The MARAN delegation was received by NIMASA’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward, alongside senior officials of the Public Relations Department.
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‎The visit, which was the first official engagement between the new MARAN leadership and NIMASA, also served as a platform to discuss areas of collaboration, particularly capacity building for maritime journalists, information dissemination, and support for the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN conveyed the association’s condolences to NIMASA over the death of one of its staff members, Ifenyinwa, who reportedly passed away over the weekend.
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‎The MARAN President expressed sympathy with the management and staff of the Agency and prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, while asking God to grant her family and colleagues the strength to bear the loss.
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‎He noted that the purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between MARAN and NIMASA over the years, while seeking deeper collaboration in advancing the maritime sector through responsible and informed journalism.
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‎According to him, there is a need for more structured capacity development programmes for maritime journalists to enhance their understanding of industry issues and improve the quality of reportage within the sector.
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‎Responding, Osagie Edward congratulated the newly-elected executives on their emergence, describing their election as a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by members of the association.
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‎Edward acknowledged the longstanding relationship between MARAN and NIMASA, noting that the association has remained a key stakeholder in the growth and development of the maritime industry for more than two decades.
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‎”We have known MARAN for over 20 years, from the days when press releases were physically distributed to the present digital era. You are now leading a digital MARAN and I encourage you to build on the achievements of your predecessors,” he stated.
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‎He assured the association of NIMASA’s readiness to continue collaborating with maritime journalists for the advancement of the industry and the country’s economy.
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‎According to him, the media occupies a strategic position in projecting the vast opportunities available within Nigeria’s blue economy and attracting the investments needed to unlock its full potential.
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‎”The Nigerian blue economy presents enormous opportunities. If the sector is properly projected and branded, the world will become more aware of the potentials we have and investors will come seeking opportunities. This will ultimately benefit the country,” Edward said.
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‎He further disclosed that the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is leading a team committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime nation globally.
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‎”As a maritime administration, the DG believes Nigeria should be a global leader in maritime administration, and we are working towards that objective. We can only achieve it by working together in the interest of the country,” he added.
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‎On MARAN’s request for increased training opportunities, Osagie assured the association that capacity development remains a priority for NIMASA.
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‎”Capacity building is very dear to NIMASA management. We have noted your request and discussions are already ongoing regarding training opportunities for the media. We will continue to engage because informed and constructive reporting is beneficial to the industry,” he stated.
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‎Also speaking, Assistant Director, Public Relations, Daniel Kajo, urged members of MARAN to remain committed to the ethics of journalism and continue to promote professionalism in their reportage.
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‎Kajo emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and balanced reporting, noting that the media remains an indispensable partner in the development of the maritime sector.
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‎He encouraged maritime journalists to continue holding institutions accountable while ensuring that their reports are factual, objective, and geared towards national development.
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‎The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the areas of information sharing, professional development, and the promotion of Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy aspirations.

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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been described one of the most organised commands in the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎The new Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko stated this at the Command headquarters in Lagos while taking over the mantle of leadership from Comptroller Joe Anani who was recently deployed to the Tincan Island Port Command as Controller.
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‎At the official handover event attended by customs officers, stakeholders, and representatives of sister government agencies, Miko pledged to uphold transparency, professionalism, and efficient service delivery while strengthening trade facilitation at the Command.
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‎Miko who assured stakeholders that he was committed to teamwork, integrity and due process added that his tenure would focus on faster cargo clearance and creation of an enabling environment for legitimate trade.

‎Miko promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor while deepening collaboration with agencies operating within the port environment. According to him, effective inter-agency cooperation remains critical to national security, revenue generation, and seamless port operations.
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‎The new Acting Controller also pledged to maintain an open-door policy anchored on transparency, accessibility, fairness, and constructive engagement with stakeholders.
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‎He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him and vowed to support the Service’s reform agenda built on innovation, consolidation, and collaboration.
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‎In his remarks, outgoing Comptroller Joe Anani described his eight-month tenure at PTML as productive and impactful, disclosing that the Command generated over ₦181 billion in revenue during the period.
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‎“We generated more than ₦181 billion in revenue and consolidated the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System known as B’Odogwu,” Anani stated.
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‎He explained that although the digital platform was introduced before his arrival, his administration focused on stabilising operations and resolving initial implementation challenges.
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‎Highlighting key enforcement achievements, Anani said the Command intercepted and transferred illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition to relevant agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
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‎He further noted that the Command introduced a one-hour clearance process for compliant vehicle imports, a move that improved operational efficiency and encouraged voluntary compliance among port users.
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‎Anani thanked officers, stakeholders, and partner agencies for their support, attributing the Command’s achievements to teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence in service delivery.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Customs Area Controller (CAC), PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Joe Anani, Friday, mounted the saddle as the new CAC, Tincan Island Port Command, succeeding CAC Frank Onyeka who was recently elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG).
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‎In his handover remarks, ACG Onyeka implored officers and stakeholders he was leaving behind to extend the same level of cooperation and support accorded him to the new helmsman.
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‎Modest achievements during his short tenure, ACG Onyeka stated, include generating a total revenue of ₦1,609,874,328,972.55 in the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing a statutory target of ₦1,524,669,999,478.52.
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‎In the first quarter of 2026, he added,  the Tincan Customs Command generated an impressive ₦401,011,998,443.7, a feat attributable to discipline, professionalism, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration, and improved trade facilitation processes.

‎The Command also made remarkable breakthroughs in anti-smuggling operations, especially with the interception of illicit drugs and prohibited items valued at over ₦35 billion.
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‎“These achievements were not accidental. They were products of dedication, improved compliance strategies, robust stakeholder engagement and the deployment of modern trade facilitation mechanisms aimed at balancing enforcement with legitimate trade.”
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‎Noting that serving as the CAC at Tincan Customs Command was so far the most demanding of his assignments as a customs officer, ACG commended officers of the Command for their dedication even as he acknowledged the unwavering support and encouragement from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD.
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‎Tributes and goodwill messages from officers and stakeholders at the event commended ACG Onyeka’s leadership style, intelligence, diligence, and accessibility. They expressed optimism that Comptroller Anani would build on the achievements already established at the Command.
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‎In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Joseph Anani expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the leadership of one of the nation’s most strategic Commands.
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‎He placed on record how strategic the Tincan Customs Command is to national revenue generation, trade facilitation, and security.
‎“I accept this responsibility with humility and commitment.”
‎He commended ACG Onyeka for what he described as “giant strides” recorded during his administration, particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎“Under the leadership of ACG Onyeka, the Command witnessed significant progress that positioned Tin Can Island Port Command as a critical gateway for legitimate trade. ”
‎“I pledge to build a Command that is even more efficient, transparent, and result-oriented.”
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‎The new Customs Area Controller also charged officers of the Command to remain professional and uphold the highest standards in the discharge of their duties.
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‎“Professionalism, intelligence, and discipline must remain the hallmark of our conduct.”
‎He warned that his leadership will not tolerate compromise, inefficiency, or acts that undermine the Service and national interest.
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‎Anani further stressed the importance of collaboration with sister agencies operating within the port environment, noting that national security and trade facilitation remain shared responsibilities requiring synergy, timely information sharing, and coordinated actions.
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