Maritime Agencies
Toochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF President, Celebrates 51st Birthday, Pledges To Deliver National Secretariat
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For the freight-forwarding family and, particularly, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders ( NAGAFF), it was a commendations galore, Friday, as the National President, Chief Toochukwu Ezisi marked his 51st birthday anniversary at the NAGAFF Village, Lagos.
Speaking at the event,
Esizi who restated his dedication to foster love and unity within the association and the entire freight forwarding community placed on record the immense love and support the freight forwarding community has showered on him over the years.
As a payback, he expressed commitment to continued dedication to the ideals of the freight forwarding profession and to serve the business community with more love and charity.
The NAGAFF President cited numerous instances of his philanthropic engagements for humanity, adding that he has built 176 houses for widows and the poor in the South East as well as currently sponsoring over 500 students in schools with about 180 currently in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
On the permanent secretariat he promised NAGAFF, he regretted that the challenging economic situation in Nigeria is causing a delay in the delivery. He however expressed determination to fulfil the promise even as he hinted that it might take longer than initially planned. Funds, he stated, had been set aside for the project and as progress is being made on the job, regular updates would be made.
“The delaying factor which all of us know is the bad economy. The bad economy affected everything, but I must tell you, to be honest, it might take us more than the time we said we would do it. But God willing, we will do it. I will stay here to tell you I will have an account for it and we have some money in the account for that project. So, to the best of my knowledge, we are doing well on that side. When we are ready, we will call the press and tell you what we are working on.”
On the birthday party organised for him, he said, “You cannot give what you don’t have. The show of love didn’t just come. The show of love is returning that love I have shown. They didn’t just start. They’ve had other presidents here, and such things have never happened. Something must have happened to allow this to happen. I love my family. I’m a peacemaker. I am not power drunk. My office is open to everybody.
”So, I’ve been living my life for people. I’m a very charitable person. When you talk about love, I understand what love is all about. I understand what love is all about. It’s on record. I’ve built 176 houses for the widows and the poor in the Southeast. I am sponsoring over 500 students and I have over 180 of them in the university. In my town, I have empowered a minimum of 50 people with a minimum of 4 million Naira every year. Everyone knows that I share three houses to the farmers, the best farmers in my community. I’ve run it for many years. I know what love is all about. And that is what I want to instil in NAGAFF”, he promised.
Ezisi stressed the significance of love and unity within the NAGAFF family and the larger society, maintaining that the association under his watch would always prioritize in-house resolution of issues within the freight forwarding community.
The birthday celebration was massively attended by NAGAFF members from different branches, community leaders and personalities from various sectors who took turns to express admiration and gratitude to God for making Ezisi achieve a lot so far in his lifetime.
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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Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPTML Customs Intercepts 1000kg of Cocaine In Empty Container
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