Author: Saint Augustine

… Says discordant tunes from customs agents make it difficult for government’s consultation on policy matters The Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi has decried the proliferation of associations in the freight forwarding industry as well as the maritime Media which he said is giving confusing signals to policy makers. Specifically, he disclosed that discordant tunes from the freight forwarders make it difficult for policy makers to consult them on vital policies affecting their profession. Adeniyi was making this observation on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 in Lagos during the Award and Dinner night organized by the…

…As Journalists Call for More Power, Political Support for Customs to Deliver on Mandate The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has been lauded for convincing the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board, FOB value on imports into the country. Speaking at the ceremony for the presentation of “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award 2024” to the CGC by Nigerian Maritime Journalists in Lagos on Thursday, a maritime icon and former National President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, said the suspension is a relief…

… A waterway at a time The Omi Eko project is a visionary initiative aimed at transforming Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation network and a catalyst for urban and economic development. Implemented by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, the project implementation is now set to commence this year 2025 and run till 2030. With a total investment cost of EUR 410 million, the project financing is largely via Global Gateway Initiative in which the French Development Agency, AFD, the European Union, EU, and the European Investment Bank, EIB joined efforts to support…

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris has declared 2025 as a pivotal year of consolidation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at building upon the significant achievements recorded in the first 19 months of governance. During a Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja, Idris emphasized the importance of reflecting on these accomplishments as the administration approaches its mid-term. He stated, “This inaugural briefing for 2025 serves as a reminder of our progress and the context in which these gains are being realized.” The Minister outlined key areas of achievement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership,…

The Finance and Online Publishers Association, FiBOP has announced plans for the second edition of its youth capacity building and empowerment program, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with essential skills in Information and Communication Technology, ICT, insurance, and financial literacy. Themed “Empowering Nigerian Youths with Knowledge of Insurance, Digital Payment, and Investment to Drive Financial Inclusion”, the program is scheduled to take place in April 2025 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Over 300 Senior Secondary School students and teachers from various educational districts in Lagos State are expected to participate. According to FiBOP President, Charles Onwuatogwu, the program aims…

… Calls on NPA, TTP to emulate customs, suspend all anti-people charges The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, APFFLON has commended the Comptroller General of Customs and indeed, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS for the bold step they have taken to suspend the controversial 4% Free On Board, FOB levy on all imported goods into the country. It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service, last week, introduced the 4% FOB levy on all imports coming into the country citing Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023 as the reason for its…

… Promises to consolidate on policy thrust of CGC The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD. as its new Customs Area Controller following the retirement of his predecessor. Comptroller Oramalugo, an accomplished and seasoned officer, officially assumed duty today, 11 February 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to effective border management and trade facilitation. The change of leadership was marked by a brief handing-over ceremony at the ECOWAS complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, JBP, attended by journalists. During the ceremony, Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, DC…

Following a public outcry and huge condemnation that trailed its implementation, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced the suspension of the implementation of 4% Free-on-Board, FOB value on imports as provided in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCSA 2023. A statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, NPRO of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, in Abuja on Tuesday stated that the suspension was sequel to ongoing consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun and other stakeholders. According to Maiwada, the suspension would enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations…

The National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents in Nigeria, NCJTFCLA has warned that the recent increment in charges by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA without wide consultation across stakeholders may have far-reaching consequences for local manufacturers. Giving reasons for his position, the National President of the group, High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa who spoke in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday said that the hike in port charges would add to the already high overhead costs faced by local manufacturers, making it challenging for them to remain competitive. Nwolisa also posited that with increased costs, manufacturers may be…

Following the controversies that have trailed the planned introduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN, the Maritime Association of Nigeria, MARAN has disclosed that it is time to put the controversies to rest once and for all. To this effect, the association, the leading maritime beat association in the industry, is set to organise an all important roundtable to examine all pertinent issues and controversies surrounding the concept and proffer lasting solutions. The roundtable will bring together relevant players in the industry under one roof at the MARAN International Press Center in Apapa on Thursday, February 27, 2025 to…