Maritime Agencies
PORT CHARGES: T-PACI Raises Alarm, Condemns Corruption and Unilateral Increase, Insists on Wide Consultation
.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Patriots Anti-Corruption Initiative (T-PACI), a group of freight forwarders fighting corruption in the port industry, has revisited the issue of a unilateral increment in charges, insisting that the move remains a corrupt practice and a fraudulent system carefully designed to rip off Nigerians.
This is even as shipping companies, port concessionaires, some handpicked freight forwarder associations and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in the week, hurriedly agreed to reduce port operation charges to douse growing tension initially created in the system.
T-PACI National President, Comrade Stephen Chigozie Ibe disclosed this in Lagos, Tuesday, while adding the association’s voice in condemning an explosive act which a hurried agreement with a handful of stakeholders can never lay to rest. Any increment in costs, he said, is usually transferred to the ultimate consumers of goods involved because the importer is in business to make profit.
“T-PACI is not saying that port concessionaires should not increase port operation charges,” he explained.
“Before such increment is effected, there should or ought to be due consultation with all relevant stakeholders, particularly the importers.”
He recalled that when the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was in charge of the ports, storage charges were not up to N1,500, regretting that since port concessionaires took over, they have effected incessant increases in port charges almost every day, till now.
“The point being made is that their final previous storage charges was even astronomically on the high side, not to talk of now that it has been increased to N180,000 per day from the amount they were charging previously.”
The body argues that before thinking of unilaterally hiking charges, concessionaires should have been mindful of the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with the NPA many of whose terms still remain unfulfilled. Therefore, there is no justification to think of increment in port charges because doing so tantamounts to a fraudulent way of ripping off Nigerians.
Even as importers and agents pay necessary charges to concessionaires, they still find reasons not to drop their containers the same day. Instead, they are usually asked to come in five day’s time.
“It’s even absurd that the importers/agents cannot approach the concessionaires to make inquiries as to the reasons for such corrupt acts and practices owing to the fact that they (the concessionaires) have bouncers to barricade any importer/clearing agent from gaining access to their offices.”
“For instance, a cursory observation at the entrance gate of TICT at Point Road, Apapa, one will notice the presence of bouncers wearing black shirts and trousers. The same scenario is applicable at APMT.”
The T-PACI leader condemned the act of a company holding an agent’s container, advising him to come back in five day’s time even when he is ready for his container to be dropped for examination.
“They will deliberately refuse the request to drop the container for examination but will insist on charging you for storage for five days and foisting this on you.”
“The most annoying scenario is even if you come in five day’s time, you would discover to your dismay that your container might not even be among those listed to be dropped for examination. The reason they will insist the importer/agent comes in five days is to make sure they charge for storage.”
“It is very mandatory that you shall not escape paying the concessionaires the storage charges. Additionally, they have made their various terminals where they influence other government agencies to illegally and corruptly block cargoes and containers, thereafter, calling agents and importers to come forward and bribe them.
“While waiting for the bribe to be seen, the cargoes and containers will remain in their custody incurring storage charges.”
“For instance, how can you justify a space being taken by a 40ft container which is approximately 15 square meters and be collecting N100.00 per day on the container? Multiply that by 7 containers being stacked on top of the container on the ground. It will amount to N700, 000 per day. The rip-off on Nigerians is collosal.”
He condemned the various bottlenecks created by the concessionaires before containers can be cleared on time, describing them as an index of corruption which has eaten so deep into the activities of terminal opperators and government agencies.
As the concessionaires have the right to increase their operational charges when it is due, Comrade Ibe reasons, this must follow due consultation with all relevant stakeholders, he insists.
“The Patriots Anti-Corruption Initiative (T-PACI) shall lean on the side of the law and the due process of the law to make sure that corruption will not be tolerated in the country.”
Present at the briefing were the T-PACI National Secretary, Joseph Ezeali, National Public Relations Officer, Humphrey Okwuosa and Eke Okogbue, incoming Apapa Chairman. Others are Edmund Etokudor, Customs Coordinator and Barr Chukwuemeka Onyeokoro, Legal Adviser.
Maritime Agencies
PORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Popular media outfit, Portbuziness, is set to thrill the maritime and business community on Lagos come June, 2025, in an award event tagged the Distinguished Customer Service Appreciation Night.
The event is to showcase and appreciate exceptional corporate organizations and individuals who have made a mark in various fields of business endeavour.
The Award will feature a series of thought-provoking discussions and receptions to celebrate corporate organisations and individuals that are placing measurable value on people, societies and the nation in general.
In a release by James Shodiya, the Convener and MD/CEO, Portbizness, the DCS Awards & Recognitions is one unique event that will bring together brands and persons from different walks of life under one platform to examine the importance of offering quality service delivery to customers and clients under the theme: Standard & Satisfactory Service Delivery in a Challenged Economy.
The Portbizness boss stressed that the DCS Awards & Recognition is considered the Gold Standard for Corporate organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in offering exceptional service delivery in different areas of business.
The event, Shodiya added, will be attended by the most innovative and high-impact Corporate Organisations and nominees will be evaluated through strict observations and recommendations by authorities in various business sectors.
The event which takes place at the popular Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, will feature top brands in Telecoms, Maritime, Pharmaceuticals and Food & Beverages. Others are Transportation & Logistics, Real Estate, Hospitality, etc.
Captains of industry, Chief Executives of Companies , Government Agencies and customer service experts are expected to grace the occasion.
Gold Sponsors for the event include Trucks Transit Parks Ltd and Global Transport Policy.
Maritime Agencies
Kebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a renewed effort to promote healthy living and wellness of men and officers, a factor that contributes to operational fitness, increased productivity and morale in the workplace, the Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently took giant steps to re-introduce routine medical check-ups and mandatory weekly fitness exercises.
The first phase of the physical wellness initiative being promoted by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, aims to promote a work-life balance within the Service.
The programme which the CAC flagged off Thursday at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi saw officers and men of the Command participating in a series of health screening and sporting activities. These included football, basketball, and table tennis all aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among Customs officers in order to make them fit to carry out their responsibilities.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Nwokorie reiterated the importance of regular health check-up to determine the physical fitness of men and officers. This is required for them to maintain the alertness and effectiveness
required for Customs duties. He noted that the exercise is not meant to be seen as a burden or an obligation imposed on officers. It is rather a proactive measure put in place to ensure optimal health status which impacts productivity and effectiveness.
Going forward, the Controller stated, medical examinations would be conducted fortnightly, while physical exercise sessions would be held every week without fail. The objective is to strengthen the resilience, agility, and general health of personnel tasked with enforcing Nigeria’s trade laws and combating illicit smuggling activities across the nation’s borders.
The activities concluded with officers engaging in various forms of sports and recreational games, reinforcing camaraderie and team spirit within the Command. This is essential for building a cohesive team that can work together effectively to achieve its goals.
The Kebbi Command’s renewed focus on health and physical fitness comes at a time when security agencies are under pressure to meet growing national border security expectations and anti-smuggling enforcement. By prioritizing the health and well-being of its officers, the Command is demonstrating its commitment to their success.
The Kebbi Customs Command’s initiative, observers say, serves as a model for other security agencies. By prioritizing the health and well-being of officers, agencies can improve their performance and overall effectiveness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For posting an impressive revenue performance, the Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has been specifically commended with a firm pledge to address operational challenges she is grappling with.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known, Wednesday, during a working tour of the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bisi Alade described the CGC’s visit as a morale booster for the command’s officers and men.
“Your presence here today Sir,” he remarked, “is not only encouraging but also a strong indication of your commitment to every arm of the Service.”
“It has uplifted the spirit of our officers and reinforced our resolve to deliver on the Service’s mandate with renewed vigour.”
Comptroller Alade disclosed that between January and April, 2025, the Ogun II Command generated a total revenue of ₦15.191 billion, representing a 40 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.165 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.
The Ogun II Command, he stated, oversees three Free Trade Zones, 67 excise factories, and one bonded terminal, making it a strategic revenue-generating and industrial oversight zone within the Nigeria Customs Service architecture.
“We shall continue to remain focused, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of our duties, while aligning with the CGC’s reform agenda,” he reaffirmed
The CAC drew attention to several challenges facing the Command, including inadequate operational vehicles, medical laboratory equipment at the Command’s clinic and the need to renovate two 30-man rank-and-file quarters. Others are improved borehole facilities and the installation of a solar power system for the office complex.
In response, CGC Adeniyi commended the Command’s performance and assured that the Service Headquarters would consider the issues raised. He urged officers to prioritise continuous professional development, stressing that competence, knowledge and dedication are essential to enable them to effectively discharge the Service’s responsibilities.
The CGC also praised Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, for leveraging the state’s strategic location as Nigeria’s industrial gateway, particularly in light of its shared border with the Republic of Benin.
“Ogun State is a strategic location in Nigeria, and the Governor is clearly repositioning the state for industrial growth,” Adeniyi remarked.
CGC Adeniyi assured the government and people of Ogun State that the Nigeria Customs Service remains a committed partner in driving the nation’s economic prosperity. He further encouraged Comptroller Alade to deepen collaboration with other security agencies and the state government to achieve
shared goals.
PORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
Kebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance
CG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
Container Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS: FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ups the Ante, Confiscates Bulletproof Vests, Cannabis Sativa,etc, worth N1.2bn
INLAND WATERWAYS SAFETY: Oyetola Flags Off 3,500 Life Jacket Distribution Campaign in Lagos.
Dangote Hits Another First, Named “Most Admired African Brand” in Addis Ababa.
NPA Secures Approval to Dredge Lekki Deepsea Port Channel To 19 Metres
Apapa Customs , International Network and NDLEA Collaborate to Confiscate Unregistered Pharmaceuticals.
Nigeria Hosts French Ambassador, Seeks Support for Her IMO Council Membership Quest.
TRADE FACILITATION: Nigeria And Benin Customs Deploy SIGMAT To Address Diversion And Fraud
Improving Ease of Doing Business: NPA Set To Clear Ports Corridor
Seme Customs Collects N847m in a month, facilitates non-oil exports valued at N16Bn
CVFF Disbursement: NIMASA Raises the Bar, Undertakes Sensitization To The Delight of Stakeholders.
NPA Debunks Corruption Allegations, Urges Media To Always Seek Clarifications.
Distribution of ‘Poisoned Rice’: Count Us Out, says Seme Customs
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
MUAZU SAMBO: Showcasing Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials At The Global Arena
Photo News: Salah Celebration
Lilypond Export Command Is Meeting Expectations, Handles 70% of Nigeria’s Total Tonnage of Export Cargo, says CAC Odusanya.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MARAN Salutes DCG Adeniyi On His Elevation As Customs Comptroller-General.
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
PUBLIC RELATIONS: New Image Maker Mounts the Saddle at NPA.
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
-
Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
-
Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoPORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
-
Maritime Agencies1 week agoKebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance