Friday, 13 February 2026

ANLCA NOT A MEMBER OF JACCOF - ANLCA


ANLCA NOT A MEMBER OF JACCOF - ANLCA
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents has officially notified the public that ANLCA is not a member of any Joint Association of Customs Clearing Forwarding Agents, JACCOF, 

This information was  made available through an official Notice of Disclaimer and signed by the National Secretary, ANLCA, Fakanlu Olumide.

56 Grassroots Football Clubs Vie for Taiwo Afolabi Cup


56 Grassroots Football Clubs Vie for Taiwo Afolabi Cup

No fewer than 56 grassroots football teams will compete for honours as the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi U-17 Football Tournament which will kick off on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Lagos.

The tournament, organised by the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association,  LSGSA, and sponsored by SIFAX Group, is played in honour of Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group. It will feature 32 male teams and 24 female teams, making it one of the largest youth football competitions in the state’s grassroots football calendar.

Preliminary matches will be held at the Ojo Oniyun Sports Centre, Ebute Metta, and the Anthony Mini Stadium, Gbagada, while the grand finale is scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. 

Speaking at the press conference to announce the tournament, Afuka Abu, the Assistant Secretary of LSGSA, described the competition as a proven platform for discovering and grooming young talents for professional football.

“This tournament has consistently provided young players with the structure, exposure and discipline they need to progress to higher levels of the game. Many of our participants have moved on to national teams and professional clubs, and that remains our goal — to give every talented child a genuine opportunity,” Abu said.
SIFAX Group has supported the tournament for a decade as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to youth empowerment, sports development and community growth.

Oliver Omajuwa, Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations at SIFAX Group, said the sponsorship is rooted in the company’s philosophy of creating lasting value beyond business.

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” he said. “This tournament was conceived not just as a competition, but as a platform for discovery, development and hope. For us, Corporate Social Responsibility is a long-term responsibility, not a one-time gesture.”

Over the years, the Taiwo Afolabi Cup has produced several standout talents who have gone on to represent Nigeria and secure contracts with clubs in Europe and other international leagues.

Notable players discovered through the competition include Samson Tijani, former Golden Eaglets captain, discovered at the 2019 edition, who currently plays for Dukla Prague in the Czech Republic; Soliu Afolabi, former Flying Eagles player, a player of Slovan Liberec; Chijioke Light, who later represented Nigeria at the WAFU Championship and the Africa Women Cup of Nations, and Ebenezer Ojo of Greater Tomorrow Academy, discovered in 2022, and currently playing in the Norwegian league.

Football stakeholders, scouts, former internationals and administrators are expected to attend the matches to identify emerging talents and provide guidance to participating players.

The 10th anniversary edition will not only celebrate a decade of impact but also raise the standard of grassroots football development in Lagos.

The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to discovering and nurturing young football talents through competitive platforms and community-based initiatives.

Customs Cares Initiative: CGC Adeniyi Commissions Classroom Block @Kirikiri Correctional Centre

Customs Cares Initiative:  CGC Adeniyi Commissions Classroom Block @
Kirikiri Correctional Centre 

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  has reaffirmed its commitment to social development by commissioning a four-classroom block at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre, Lagos.

The project was commissioned by Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi and executed by the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT, Command under the Customs Cares Initiative, which is designed to improve access to education for inmates and support their reintegration into society.

Speaking at the event, Adeniyi reiterated that the Service would continue to implement people-focused interventions aligned with global development priorities and national policy direction.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, through the Customs Cares Initiative, will continue to undertake several interventions inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, health, provision of water and support for literacy. These outcomes are driving our efforts, and this project is also in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving lives and promoting sustainable national development,” he said.
He commended the project's initiator, Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, Joy Edeldouk, for her dedication and leadership in bringing the project to fruition.

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria  Correctional Service , Sylvester Nwakuche, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Corrections, Amos Kupan, described the project as a major contribution to the correctional centre’s rehabilitation efforts.

“This laudable intervention is a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and its support for the rehabilitation mandate of the Nigerian Correctional Service,” Kupan said. “We deeply appreciate this partnership, which underscores the shared responsibilities of government institutions in nation-building and human capital development.”

He further noted that the facility will improve the learning environment within the correctional centre and strengthen educational and vocational training programmes.
ACG Edeldouk, alongside the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, DC Bolaji Adigun, described the classroom block as a symbol of hope for inmates’ personal development through education.

Stakeholders at the event applauded the initiative, commending the Customs Service for extending its impact beyond statutory duties to promote social development and human dignity.

The event concluded with the official commissioning of the classroom block by the Comptroller-General of Customs, followed by a guided tour of the facility.

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

CGC Adeniyi Pays Historic Visit to Emir of Gwandu

CGC Adeniyi Pays Historic Visit to Emir of Gwandu
…Charges Kebbi Command Officers on Discipline, Transit Integrity

Bisi Akingbade 

Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has paid homage to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions in strengthening border security, community engagement, and national development.

The visit, held at the Emir’s palace in Kebbi State, underscored the Service’s recognition of the critical role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, promoting lawful trade, and supporting security agencies in border communities. The CGC was accompanied by senior officers of the Service, including retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo and retired Assistant Comptroller-General Samba Dangaladima, both of whom currently serve under the Gwandu Emirate.

Speaking during the engagement, CGC Adeniyi described the visit as strategic to Customs’ stakeholder partnership framework, noting that sustainable border management requires cooperation beyond enforcement institutions. He emphasised that traditional authorities remain indispensable allies in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling, and fostering trust between security agencies and local communities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to sustain dialogue and collaboration with the Kebbi Emirate Council and border communities in curbing smuggling and other cross-border crimes that undermine national security and economic stability.

In his response, the Emir of Gwandu commended the CGC and his entourage for the visit and pledged the continued support of the Emirate Council to the NCS and other security agencies operating within the state. The monarch urged residents of border communities to cooperate with authorities by providing timely information to help tackle smuggling and related criminal activities.

As part of his official engagements in the state, the Comptroller-General visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, where he inspected ongoing ultra-modern projects aimed at improving operational capacity and personnel welfare. He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, CGC Adeniyi charged them to remain disciplined, professional, and committed to their responsibilities, describing Kebbi as a strategically significant border Command for both revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He stressed the need to ensure that goods move strictly through approved corridors and warned against any compromise in the handling of transit cargo.

The CGC noted that Kebbi State remains a critical route used by smugglers and economic saboteurs, particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products, which informed the deployment of special operations in the area. He disclosed that he had conveyed the president's approval for reopening the Tsamiya border and reminded officers that the development carries increased responsibility to prevent the diversion of transit goods.

He further emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration in addressing smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of organised crime, while assuring personnel of improved welfare and the continued deployment of technology to enhance operational efficiency.

The visit concluded on a symbolic note as the Comptroller-General joined officers and senior Customs officials in a friendly football match at the newly commissioned five-aside pitch, reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and morale within the Command.

SIFAX Group:Ports and Cargo Handling Services Targets Stronger Rebound in 2026



SIFAX Group:Ports and Cargo Handling Services Targets Stronger Rebound in 2026


Bisi Akingbade 

Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has said its strategic decision of refocusing its business primarily on general cargo and break-bulk handling was responsible for its operational rebound in 2025. 

The improved performance follows a strategic repositioning of the terminal after a challenging 2024 where it lost some high-profile clients, which negatively affected the terminal’s cargo volumes and earnings. In response, the company refocused its operations on general cargo and break-bulk handling, a move that stabilised the business and unlocked a new growth trajectory.

According to John Jenkins, Managing Director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, the restructuring of its stevedoring activities also played a major role in the recovery process.
“Our strategic operational reforms played a critical role in the rebound. The company restructured its stevedoring operations, resulting in a significant reduction in operating costs and measurable improvements in productivity following a change in service provider.

“We also invested in critical equipment such as forklifts and spare parts, while rebalancing our workforce. This included filling key operational roles with competent hands to strengthen service delivery and support higher volumes,” Jenkins added.

Looking ahead, the company has projected a significant revenue growth, with general cargo accounting for the largest share of these projections, supported by increased volumes of steel, vehicles, and palletised cargo, as well as higher import flows from Asia into Nigeria.

To sustain this growth and cope with expected increase in business volume, the company has outlined a 2026 capital expenditure that includes investments in crane upgrade, acquisition of additional forklifts, and terminal trucks. These investments will also help at easing capacity constraints, reducing equipment hire costs, and maintaining operational efficiency.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as space constraints and volatility in container shipping services, management expressed confidence in the company’s outlook.
“The lessons learned in 2025 have strengthened our approach to cost control, customer engagement, and operational execution. With demand no longer our primary constraint, our focus in 2026 is on efficient execution, handling higher cargo volumes while protecting margins and sustaining profitability,” Jenkins said.
Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited operates as part of the SIFAX Group’s port and logistics portfolio, providing specialised cargo handling solutions within Nigeria’s maritime sector.


Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Nigeria Customs Deepens Global Push for Innovation-Driven Trade Facilitation

Nigeria Customs Deepens Global Push for Innovation-Driven Trade Facilitation
…As CGC Adeniyi, Trade Modernisation Team Engage Global Customs Leaders in Abu Dhabi


The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its commitment to technology-driven border management and international cooperation as the 2026 World Customs Organisation WCO, Technology Conference and Exhibition commenced on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC, in the United Arab Emirates.

The conference, organised by the WCO under the theme “Customs Agility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade through Innovation,” brings together Customs administrations, technology providers, policymakers and industry leaders from across the globe to examine how innovation can strengthen border security while facilitating legitimate trade.

Nigeria’s participation in the high-level event underscores the Service’s ongoing trade modernisation drive and its alignment with global best practices in Customs administration, particularly in data exchange, digitalisation, and intelligence-led enforcement.

Speaking during a panel session titled “Customs Agility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade through Innovation,” the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, who is also the Chairperson of the WCO Council, emphasised the importance of structured international collaboration in addressing emerging cross-border challenges.

According to the CGC, “Our experience has shown that robust engagement with international organisations such as INTERPOL, World Intellectual Property Organisation, WIPO and the Universal Postal Union creates opportunities for deeper cooperation, especially in tracking criminal networks, protecting intellectual property and managing emerging trade risks.”

He noted that enhanced data exchange and stronger governance frameworks remain critical to addressing global challenges such as cargo diversion along transit corridors.
“Diversion of goods in transit is not a challenge unique to Nigeria; it is a global issue that requires coordinated Customs-to-Customs cooperation. Through existing WCO instruments and mutual administrative assistance frameworks, Customs administrations can more effectively investigate offences and ensure that goods reach their intended destinations,” Adeniyi said.

The CGC also commended the innovative solutions showcased at the conference, citing a digital humanitarian corridor solution presented by the UAE as a practical tool to improve the movement of relief consignments.

“I saw a tool today developed by the UAE that creates a digital humanitarian corridor. If scaled across the global Customs community, it can significantly enhance our ability to move humanitarian goods efficiently within a fully digitalised environment,” he added.

The Comptroller-General of Customs further noted that the global Customs response to evolving border challenges has been shaped by a coordinated framework of standards and practical tools developed over time, with technology remaining at the core of these interventions. 
According to him, organisational agility goes beyond the deployment of systems and platforms, as it requires the capacity to absorb change, respond to emerging risks and continuously adapt operational approaches. 

“Technology has been central to the work of the WCO and Customs administrations worldwide, and the progress recorded by UAE Customs across various operational areas demonstrates what is achievable when innovation is fully embraced,” he said. 

CGC Adeniyi, however, stressed that sustainable modernisation must be supported by deliberate investment in human capital renewal, noting that Customs administrations across WCO member states are confronting generational transitions as experienced officers exit the system. He emphasised that building the skills and capacity of the next generation of officers is critical to maximising the benefits of technology and sustaining long-term institutional effectiveness.

Also representing the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Team, the General Manager, TMP, Ahmed Ogunsola, participated in a panel session titled “Above the Clouds: Enhancing Customs Security through Cloud Computing and Data Analytics,” where discussions focused on leveraging cloud-based infrastructure and advanced analytics to strengthen risk management, improve compliance and enhance Customs security.
Also from TMP, Nabil Mustapha, the software development lead, did a tech talk on the evolution of national trade systems, focusing on 3 key areas: secure architectures, seamless user experience and beneficial outcomes.

At the exhibition site, TMP also had a booth showcasing the work done to modernise customs operations in Nigeria, highlighting the indigenous custom-made B'odogwu application and other technology solutions that brought together all parties involved in the trade ecosystem and eased the work for Customs officers and stakeholders. 

The opening ceremony of the conference featured remarks by senior UAE officials, including the Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, Ali Mohammed Al Shamsi, who highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, data analytics and smart monitoring systems in achieving secure and seamless trade, as well as the Director-General of Customs and Port Security, Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahaj Al Falasi, who outlined future pillars of Customs development anchored on technology, human capacity and inter-agency integration.

In his address, the Secretary-General of the WCO, Ian Saunders, stressed that Customs administrations remain central to global economic and social prosperity, noting that innovation is essential for managing evolving border threats, securing supply chains and facilitating legitimate trade.

The three-day conference features panel discussions, case studies and live demonstrations covering risk management, innovative scanning technologies, cybersecurity, e-commerce, cloud computing and sustainable Customs operations, alongside an exhibition showcasing next-generation solutions for border management.

NCS and TMP Limited's active participation in the conference reflects a continued resolve to modernise operations, strengthen international partnerships, and deploy innovation to achieve efficient, secure, and globally aligned trade facilitation.

Beyond exhibition presence, the TMP and NCS team actively participated in the conference's Hackathon, collaborating with global Customs and technology experts to explore practical, innovation-led responses to emerging trade and border challenges. The exercise provided an opportunity to demonstrate Nigeria’s growing capacity to contribute to global Customs technology solutions rather than merely adopt them.

Oyetola' Aide Dismisses Osun Assembly’s Claims, Says Minister Plays No Role in LG Finances

Oyetola' Aide Dismisses Osun Assembly’s Claims, Says Minister Plays No Role in LG Finances
Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON


The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has been emphatically exonerated from unfounded allegations levelled by the Osun State House of Assembly, as his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola, described the Assembly’s claims as fabricated and malicious. This is as Dr Akinola reaffirmed that all local governments in Nigeria have full financial autonomy.

Reacting to a press release issued by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, on Sunday, 1st February 2026, Akinola said the attempt to link Dr Oyetola to the administration or disbursement of local government funds was reckless propaganda designed to distract the public from the state government’s own failures and ongoing legal battles. He stressed that the Minister has no constitutional or statutory role in local government finance and has neither issued directives to banks nor interfered in the running of local councils.

Dr Akinola stated that the press statement attributed to Egbedun merely recycled the same discredited narratives earlier pushed by Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing them as a desperate attempt to unlawfully reassert state control over local government funds in defiance of binding court judgments. According to him, the Osun State Government and the State Assembly are uncomfortable with the reality that local governments have full financial autonomy protected by the Constitution and the Supreme Court. 

He pointed out that the Supreme Court judgment delivered on 11 July 2024 unequivocally granted full financial autonomy to all local governments in Nigeria, affirming their independence and expressly barring state governors from interfering in their affairs or hijacking their funds. He said the judgment was clear, final and incapable of being overturned by press releases or political threats.

Akinola also recalled that a valid and subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on 10 February 2025 reinstated the duly elected local government chairmen in Osun State. He emphasised that the Osun State Government chose not to appeal the judgment, making it final, binding and enforceable in law. By that decision, the reinstated chairmen are lawfully entitled to administer their councils, a fact he said the state government has persistently but unsuccessfully sought to undermine.

He dismissed as false and intellectually dishonest the repeated description of the chairmen as “illegal”, stressing that they were duly elected, duly reinstated by a superior court of record and remain fully protected by binding judicial pronouncements. He said no amount of political rhetoric can nullify or wish away those judgments.

He said the Osun State Government has instituted no fewer than twelve separate court cases on the matter, thereby creating administrative bottlenecks and for which the government must now wait for judicial outcomes rather than resorting to propaganda.

He further accused the Adeleke administration of instigating and sponsoring an eleven-month strike by local government workers, thereby paralysing the councils in an attempt to frustrate the autonomous functioning of the councils and create a false narrative.

He asserted that the local governments have full authority to administer their funds without recourse to Governor Ademola Adeleke or the Osun State House of Assembly, and they have their own duly elected councillors who constitutionally form the legislative arm of local government administration.

Akinola strongly condemned what he described as deliberate and calculated misinformation being pushed into the public domain by the Speaker of the House, accusing him of misrepresenting settled legal issues to mislead the public. He also cautioned Egbedun to exercise restraint in his public utterances, particularly against making reckless and insulting remarks against the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, warning that public office does not grant immunity from responsibility or consequences.

He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations and all supporters of constitutional democracy to stand in defence of local government autonomy and to condemn ongoing attempts by the Osun State Government and House of Assembly to circumvent the Supreme Court judgment of 11 July 2024, insisting that the rule of law must prevail over political desperation.