Maritime Agencies
Reasons NAGAFF Reconstituted 100%Compliance Task Team
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Members of the newly-inaugurated 100%Compliance Task Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) have been charged not to witchunt any NAGAFF member or other freight forwarders as they discharge their duties. Chapter chairmen are also enjoined to strictly see the task team members as people out to serve NAGAFF.
Chairman of the Task Team, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim stated this at NAGAFF Headquarters in Lagos, Wednesday, during the inauguration of 25 members of a new task team.
On reasons for going for a fresh task team, he said as the previous team was functioning, certain negative developments kept recurring.
“We noticed a lot of bad eggs among us. That is why we decided to dissolve them. We took a long time to constitute a new team. Finally, we have to select fresh hands.”
He warned the new task team not to give room for bad eggs to infiltrate their fold.
He assured that henceforth, stakeholders will begin to see a different compliance task team as things will begin to happen differently .
“A lot of things went wrong; we are going to make amendments; we are going to make corrections. If you look at NPA, APMT Bonded Terminal, shipping companies, everywhere, people are not happy. But I bet you, going forward, there will be serious amendments”, he promised.
On fears about newly-posted Customs Controllers, he said even though they may be new in the commands, they are not new in the system. As customs officers, he continued, if they can stick to the things that guide them, there will be no issues with the Task Team, Alhaji Tanko stated.
“What we are saying is that everybody should do the right thing. You and I know what is the right thing. When you refuse to do the right thing, we (the Task Team) will ask: ‘ why are you not doing the right thing?’. For us to say this, I don’t think we are offending any person.”
“What we are expecting from the newly-inaugurated task team is to insist that Customs, importers, freight forwarders and all stakeholders do the right thing.”
Inaugurating the Team earlier, NAGAFF National President, Chief Toochukwu Ezisi, recalled that over the years, the association has evolved as a major stakeholder, a strong voice in Nigeria’s maritime industry. The 100%Compliance Task Team has been instrumental to this laudable achievement. After tinkering with the outlook following emerging operational issues, he announced, it has become necessary to restructure and effect a change in name.
“It is important to highlight that the primary aim for the reconstitution is to achieve strong synergy between the national and chapter chairmen because all are working for the one big family, NAGAFF.”
He said that if all hands are not on deck, achieving the desired results becomes a mirage. He charged every stakeholder to work with a positive mindset towards achieving desired results.
Speaking, the NAGAFF Academy Registrar, Forwarder Francis Omotosho said a two-day compulsory training programme has been designed for the new compliance officers. He advised those of them already enrolled in the Academy to continue with their studies even as they function as compliance officers.
In a vote of thanks, NAGAFF Deputy National President, Forwarder Simeon Nwonu, mandated members of the Task Team to be civil and responsible in their actions and conduct.
“We want to see the Compliance Task Team work as a team. NAGAFF is knowledge-driven. We want all of you to be part of the new order.
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.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoContainer Movement To Seaports: NPA Meets With APM Terminals, Shipping Lines, for Coordination.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCG Adeniyi Commends Ogun II Command for Massive Revenue Increase.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoPORTBIZNESS Celebrates Excellence in Customer Service Delivery, Holds Special Awards Night
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoKebbi Customs Command Introduces Health Screening, Mandatory Sports To Ensure Work-life Balance