Maritime Agencies
Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Railway Corporation Partner To Promote Cargo Transshipment By Rail.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
To resolve numerous problems of cargo movement through the rail, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Thursday, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and promote effective transshipment of cargo to all nooks and crannies of the country, going forward.
The MoU marked the highlight of events at a one-day stakeholders’ summit in Lagos on the theme “Limitations To Rail Transportation of Cargo in Nigeria”.
Declaring the well-attended event open, the NSC Executive Secretary, Barr. Pius Akutah, MON, harped on the need to increase exports, saying that more than ever before, the port economic regulator is set to identify and resolve challenges bedeviling cargo transportation in Nigeria.
Seated: Engr Fidet Okhiria, MD, NRC and Barr Pius Akutah, ES, NSC signing the MoU.
“We are working with the NRC,” he stated, “to encourage railway utilization for cargo evacuation and conveyance of goods from hinterlands to the ports.”
“Railway has been found to be the best mode for transporting cargoes in terms of safety and it is also cost-efficient. This MoU with NRC is to develop policies and infrastructure to enhance the use of railway for cargo transshipment.”
“Nigeria is looking at improving its exports under the present government. This is also important to make Nigerians benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) trade. If Nigerians are going to favourably compete in the regional trade, then the cost of transportation for moving cargoes to seaports must be reduced.”
The ES disclosed that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working on a policy to address infrastructure deficits at Nigerian ports part of which is involving private sector investors since the government cannot do it all.
The NSC’s partnership with the NRC, he said, will facilitate the development and use of inland container depots all over Nigeria.
In his remarks, Engr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, NRC, described the MoU as a work tool for his agency and the NSC to jointly confront the problems militating against seamless rail cargo movement to and from the seaport terminals to the advantage of shippers. However, his worry is the availability of cargoes to be conveyed.
“The last time we moved about 17 containers to Kano, it took us a very long time to gather these containers. We also try to encourage manufacturers to come together so that we can move their goods in bulk,” Okhiria said.
He called on terminals with access to railway lines to provide an enabling environment for importers and exporters to move their cargo by rail.
Speaking on what she described as the poor patronage of rail haulage, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO, Le Look Bags, advised the NRC to do more publicity and sensitization on its railway cargo routes and services.
“We are glad to have witnessed this MoU between NRC and Shippers’ Council because we are in the business of exports. But witnessing the MoU is one thing and having it effectively executed is a completely different matter.”
She expressed optimism that if the rail system works as expected, the cost of manufacturing and other overheads would surely go down.
“Surely an optimized railway system will bring done the cost of manufacturing. There are some raffia we need for manufacturing that are found in Cross River State and it is so expensive to move by road. Moving by railway makes it cheaper and enables us save cost,” she explained.
Explaining the role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in evacuation of cargoes from seaports, the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Deraa Nnadi, mni, observed that the Service inspects and documents cargoes before they exit the seaports.
Nnadi encouraged shippers and their freight agents to gainfully utilize the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) to have an estimate of the cost of Customs duty and expedite cargo clearance.
While emphasizing the need for Nigeria to pay greater attention to exports, he described the NSC/NSC MoU as commendable.
In her goodwill message, the Chairperson, Apapa Local Government Council, Hon (Mrs) Idowu Sebanjo, lamented that her local government and residents are not enjoying the dividends of being a landlord to Papa and Tincan Island ports, the biggest seaports in Nigeria.
“Government should look inwards,” she advised, “and rebuild Apapa as a strategic ports city, taking advantage of the presence of key government agencies.”
“There are no proper roads to service the train stations at Apapa. The Flour Mills access road isn’t sufficient and we hope that something will be done about this amid plans to refurbish the railway. Apapa isn’t benefitting from having the nation’s biggest seaports,” Sebanjo said.
In addition to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and freight forwarding organizations, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Nigeria Police Force also attended the event.
Maritime Agencies
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In continuation of the campaign against illegal trafficking of wild life and endangered animal species, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species, including one lion cub and two patas monkeys. This followed a stop-and-search operation along the Badagry–Seme Expressway.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman says the interception occurred at about 2:19 a.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025, when operatives stopped a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA at Gbaji.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals whose cross-border transportation was a clear violation of national and international wildlife protection laws.
Two suspects — Mathew Kofi, a Beninoise national and Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian — claimed ownership of the animals and admitted to purchasing them in Kano with the intention of conveying them to Benin Republic.
The Command immediately confiscated the animals in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The suspects were detained for further investigation to determine their level of involvement in wildlife trafficking.
Formally handing over the lion cub and monkeys to the Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative for proper handling, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Wale Adenuga, represented by Deputy Comptroller A.Y.Mohammed, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws, environmental conservation and border security.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the illegal trade in endangered species is decisively curtailed,” he stated.
He said the interception underscores Nigeria Customs’ growing role in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity, while reinforcing the country’s compliance with international conservation standards.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been unveiled as the Special Guest of Honour for the official launch of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (MARAN) latest publication, “50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.”
The high-profile event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos by 12noon.
According to a statement by the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, the ceremony will be chaired by former Nigerian Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Bivbere noted that the presence of these eminent personalities underscores the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape, particularly as the nation intensifies efforts toward repositioning its marine and blue economy for sustainable growth.
He described the forthcoming book as a “comprehensive compendium” that documents the individuals, agencies, and organisations shaping Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
His words: “This indispensable volume educates industry professionals on the profound history and current opportunities within the sector, spotlighting the people and institutions whose contributions continue to drive national development.
”With the book, readers can discover how the blue economy’s past is paving the way for a promising future.”
The MARAN President explained that the publication is the product of months of rigorous research and editorial work aimed at capturing the achievements and innovations of the 50 most influential drivers in the sector.
He added that the December 4 launch is expected to attract top government functionaries, regulators, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminal operators, scholars, and investors, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings of maritime leaders in recent years.
Bivbere assured that arrangements are in top gear to deliver a befitting event that celebrates excellence, professionalism, and service to the nation’s maritime advancement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In pursuit of her determination to maintain an enviable record of a major revenue earner for the Federal Government, the The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service realized a total of N154.3billion last October.
The Command which has continued to witness focused leadership has also experienced sterling performances in other areas of operations following the introduction of B’Odogwu,the Unified Customs Management System software platform.
According to a release by Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the Command image maker, the October record shows the second highest revenue generation in a couple of months.
It is recalled that in August when the Command recorded its highest revenue generation so far, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Onyeka said the revenue breakthrough was attributable to the successful deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu trade platform, a homegrown initiative which has “significantly improved trade facilitation and enhanced revenue performance.”
In August, the Command realized a total of ₦159 billion, an achievement for which officers and men earned special commendation from the CAC. He also gave kudos to stakeholders for displaying heightened commitment in efforts to keep the Command on top of her game.
He also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for his massive encouragement and recognition of the efforts of the Command.
The Tin Can Island Port Command has fully keyed into the policy of collaboration, consolidation and innovation as espoused by the CGC and this has been a driving force in the activities of the Command this year.
ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING: Seme Border Customs Nabs Traffickers of Lion Cubs, Patas Monkeys.
Oyetola, Iheanacho, To Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Launch MARAN’s New Book
IMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
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MARAN Launches Major Industry Publication In December
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APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
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Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoBADAGRY: Customs Broker Deplores Role of Unapproved Checkpoints As Baggage Maritime Magazine Celebrates
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoApapa Customs Unveils ECTS To Deepen Trade Facilitation, Boost Revenue And National Security.I
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOCTOBER REVENUE: Apapa Customs Breaks Record, Nets 304Bn In A Month
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Maritime Agencies6 days agoIMPRESSIVE REVENUE DRIVE: Tincan Customs Generates ₦154.3Bn In October.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoMAN: Only A NASS Review Can Convert It To A Conventional University, Governing Council Warns.
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