Author: Saint Augustine

…Expert says West, North Africa lost $407bn through trade mis-invoicing in 10 years …FIRS, Finance Minister, Customs, others call for greater collaboration Stakeholders from across sectors and agencies, recently, unanimously agreed that illicit financial flows, IFFs remain a critical drain on government’s generable revenue and thus called for urgent concerted effort to tackle the menace. The stakeholders spoke at the opening of a two-day national conference on IFFs organised by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS with the theme: “Combating IFFs: Strengthening Nigeria’s Domestic Resource Mobilisation”, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, in his welcome address, charged…

In a strategic move to enhance safety and boost public confidence in water transportation, the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA has commenced the Year 2025 Safety Sensitisation Program with the distribution of life jackets across major jetties and riverine communities in the state. The initiative is part of LASWA’s continuous effort to promote a safety-first culture among waterway users while reducing incidents of boat mishaps on Lagos inland waterways. The sensitisation program covers key operational jetties and terminals including Falomo, Ijede, Sangotedo, Badore, Ito-Omu, Tarzan and Baiyeku jetties where LASWA officers engaged passengers, boat operators, and community members in live…

By Sea Empowerment Research Centre Background The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, pursuant to its powers under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and in alignment with government efforts to modernize customs administration, recently issued a circular directing the immediate suspension of the 846 Vehicle Valuation System. This directive further mandates that all vehicles presently on ground in terminals, on vessels approaching Nigerian ports, and all future imports be subjected to the Vehicle Identification Number, VIN Valuation System, with additional demand notices issued where necessary. While modernization is welcome, the abrupt nature of this shift raises concerns regarding the statutory obligations…

Premium Cassava Products Division, PCPD, a business entity of FMN Agro, recently collaborated with the Federal government for the 2025 World Cassava Day. The event, held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, brought together invaluable stakeholders and industry captains from various sectors to commemorate Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava producer. The event which was driven by the Office of the Senior Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, was themed, “Farm to Global Markets: Driving Industrialization, Food Security and Exports”. The program outcome was anchored on cassava industrialization, youth innovation, import substitution, and export competitiveness.…

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON extends its heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa on his well-deserved appointment as Chairman, Standards Council of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. A seasoned administrator and statesman of proven integrity, Hon. Inuwa brings with him a wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and an unflinching commitment to national development. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the Organisation is intensifying its efforts to promote standardization, quality assurance, and industrial competitiveness in line with national and global best practices. The Director General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, on behalf of…

In a strategic move to deepen national understanding and engagement with the Blue Economy, the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria, IMION, a research and training arm established by the Nigerian Navy, has announced an exclusive executive course tailored for media practitioners. The training scheduled to hold later this month will convene top-tier maritime journalists and media executives to explore the vast potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain. The initiative underscores the critical role of the media in shaping public discourse, influencing policy, and driving sustainable development within the Blue Economy ecosystem. IMION, renowned for its international-standard training programs, brings together eminent…

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has renovated and commissioned Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Olodi Apapa, Lagos State, as part of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS’ Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR initiative. The school, located in Ajaromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, was in a dilapidated state before the intervention of the NCS. The renovation is a testament to the service’s commitment to improving learning conditions and supporting education. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the value of education and diligence as critical pillars for future success. He urged the pupils to be serious with…

While the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA under its Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has stated its commitment to eliminating the exorbitant and unjustifiable War Risk Insurance, WRI premiums imposed by foreign insurance firms on Nigerian bound ships, the actual impact of their aggressive campaign remains questionable. This persistent drain of WRI on the Nigerian economy, is estimated at a staggering $500 million annually. It is an international affront that demands immediate and decisive action. While the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA claims to be aggressively campaigning against this fraud, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria,…

To better manage the evolving complexities associated with the management of a performance- inclined Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO in this fast-paced technology-driven age, MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame, WoFHoF Initiative has rejigged its Board of Trustees, BoT and the Governing Council membership. Also, a Steering Committee has been set up for the MMS Amazons to help drive the vision of mentoring and growing younger women of worth to become formidable and influential in their chosen career paths. In a press statement issued by the management of MMS WoFHoF Initiative on Tuesday in Lagos, while a-seven member BoT was appointed,…

The 21st Indigenous Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Z. Gambo has paid a glowing tribute to a former President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, late Muhammadu Buhari who was yesterday buried in his residence at Daura, Katsina State. Gambo who was saddened by the passing of the former President, described him as “a towering figure in our national history, our beloved father, leader and elder statesman. In a statement he personally signed in Abuja on Monday, the former Chief of Naval Staff acknowledged that Buhari’s passing was not only a monumental loss to his…