Nigeria, Ghana Customs Deepen Partnership to Combat Illicit Trade, Strengthen Regional Integration

Nigeria, Ghana Customs Deepen Partnership to Combat Illicit Trade, Strengthen Regional Integration

Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA in the fight against illicit trade, while promoting seamless trade facilitation and regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

CGC Adeniyi made this known during a high-level visit to the Commissioner-General of the Customs Division of GRA, Brigadier General Glover Annan, at the Authority’s Headquarters in Accra, Ghana.

During the meeting, both agencies underscored the importance of intelligence sharing, harmonised border procedures, and joint enforcement strategies as critical tools to curb transnational crimes and enhance legitimate trade between the two West African nations.

Speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA, welcomed the Nigerian delegation and expressed Ghana’s readiness to strengthen operational ties with the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Our nations are united not just by history and culture but also by a shared vision to strengthen customs operations. The Nigeria Customs Service has continued to inspire our reforms and innovation in Ghana, and we see great opportunities in renewing our collaboration,” Brig.-Gen. Annan said.

He also commended the NCS for championing the Customs-Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) initiative, developed in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and supported by the World Customs Organisation (WCO). He noted that the upcoming C-PACT Conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 17 to 19, 2025, will provide a continental platform for Customs administrations to explore new frameworks for transparency, lawful trade, and sustainable economic growth.

In his response, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that criminal networks were exploiting existing operational gaps between Customs administrations across Africa to facilitate illicit trade, including the smuggling of dangerous substances and contraband goods. He emphasised that enhanced cooperation was crucial to counter these threats and protect regional economies.

“We must bridge the gaps between our administrations because these are the same weaknesses that transnational criminals exploit. The more we work together, exchanging intelligence and building capacity, the stronger we will be against these syndicates,” the CGC said.

He recalled that Nigeria and Ghana had signed a memorandum of understanding on Customs cooperation in 2001 and suggested that both countries review and update the document to reflect contemporary realities and new opportunities under the AfCFTA.

“It would be my wish that we take a second look at that agreement and breathe new life into it. We can identify new areas of collaboration that align with today’s challenges and the future we envision for African trade,” he stated.

CGC Adeniyi further highlighted that his visit aimed to seek the GRA’s support for the forthcoming C-PACT Conference, as well as explore joint strategies to enhance intra-African trade and economic prosperity.

“Our mission is to strengthen the role of Customs as a major promoter of AfCFTA. We want to increase the volume of trade within Africa and ensure that trade becomes a true driver of growth and prosperity for our people,” he said.

The engagement between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Ghana Customs is expected to lay the groundwork for a renewed bilateral framework focused on intelligence-led enforcement, coordinated border management, and trade modernisation across the sub-region.

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CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Customs' Dedication to Partnering with AfCFTA for Stronger Intra-African Trade

CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Customs' Dedication to Partnering with AfCFTA for Stronger Intra-African Trade

...Secures AfCFTA's Endorsement for Customs PACT Initiative 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to collaborating closely with the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, Secretariat to enhance continental trade integration, improve data accuracy, and address structural barriers hindering intra-African trade.

The Customs Chief made this known on Monday, 3 November 2025, during a courtesy visit to the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, where he met with senior officials to discuss collaborative strategies for enhancing Customs efficiency and promoting the success of the AfCFTA Agreement.

During the meeting, CGC Adeniyi commended the Secretariat for its continuous role in mobilising key stakeholders, including Customs administrations, development partners, and economic operators, towards realising Africa’s trade potential. He stated that the ongoing partnership with the Secretariat had provided a clear pathway for the upcoming Customs-Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 17 to 19, 2025.

“The AfCFTA Secretariat has been beneficial in mobilising African Customs and economic operators. We have received a concept note from the Secretariat and have engaged in a series of meetings. We now have a clear direction in which we want to go during the meeting in Abuja on November 17,” he stated.

CGC Adeniyi highlighted that one of the key outcomes of these engagements was the consensus that Customs administrations must take a lead role in addressing the long-standing issue of deficiencies in trade data across the continent.

“Most importantly, we have heard discussions centring around the fact that Customs needs to take the front role in addressing the issue of deficiencies in our trade data across the continent. This is a challenge that I have accepted to play, working with my colleagues,” he affirmed.

He further noted that the current structure established by the AfCFTA Secretariat, which unites all heads of Customs administrations under one framework, must be strengthened to ensure long-term institutional coordination and policy consistency.

“The existing structure that brings together all heads of Customs under the AfCFTA must be reinforced. Once the Customs Pact is institutionalised, it should be able to operate effectively within the Secretariat’s framework to drive sustainable trade facilitation,” he added.

The Comptroller-General emphasised that addressing challenges such as poor data integration, policy fragmentation, and weak inter-agency cooperation remained critical to unlocking Africa’s full trade potential. He expressed optimism that the C-PACT Conference would set a new benchmark for Customs collaboration and data-driven governance across the continent.

Reacting to the Comptroller-General’s remarks, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, welcomed the Nigerian delegation to the Secretariat and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its leadership in driving continental customs cooperation. 

He acknowledged the persistent challenges against trade growth in Africa, including weak logistics infrastructure, high transportation costs, and limited inter-agency coordination. Mene explained that the Secretariat has continued to engage key stakeholders, particularly the private sector, Customs administrations, and ministries of trade, to foster stronger inter-ministerial collaboration and sustainable trade facilitation. 

He expressed optimism that the upcoming Customs-Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) conference in Abuja would provide a valuable platform for addressing these barriers and exploring actionable solutions.

The Secretary-General further disclosed that the AfCFTA Secretariat is considering institutionalising the C-PACT conference as an annual event to sustain regional dialogue on Customs cooperation and data integration. Recalling an existing Memorandum of Understanding with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Mene said the partnership seeks to enhance private sector inclusion and support the issuance of e-certificates of origin across the continent. He also highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the development of a Single Bond Guarantee Scheme to strengthen the AfCFTA’s Annexe on Transit and enhance cross-border efficiency. 

Emphasising the central role of Customs in the AfCFTA implementation process, Mene urged active participation of Customs administrations in shaping the continent’s trade data systems, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) mutual recognition frameworks, and overall trade statistics management.

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Trailblazing Maritime Women Set for Seminar on B'Odogwu, Women in Maritime - November 4

Trailblazing Maritime Women Set for Seminar on B'Odogwu, Women in Maritime - November 4

Bisi Akingbade 

A landmark seminar celebrating innovation, integrity, and inclusion in Nigeria’s maritime sector is set to take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, starting at 10:00 AM.

Under the theme “The Impact of the B'Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation & Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy – How Far, How Well?”, the event will spotlight the transformative role of women and technology in shaping the future of maritime trade.

The seminar will feature a distinguished lineup of women leaders, including: Mrs. Rollen Macfoy, President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Princess Chi Eze, Vice President, Seaports, NAGAFF,  Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO, Le Look Nigeria Ltd; Dr. Princess Victoria Haastrup, Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Ltd; Chief (Mrs.) Benaldine Eloka, Vice President, Clarion Shipping; Hajia Bola Muse, President, Bomarah Group; and Comptroller Joy Edelduok, CAC, KLT Customs Command.

These trailblazers will share insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The seminar will also explore the impact of the B'Odogwu digital platform—a homegrown innovation revolutionizing trade facilitation in Nigeria. Customs and freight experts will provide deep dives into its success, including: Compt. Frank Onyeka, CAC, Tin Can Customs; Compt. Joe Anani, CAC, PTML; High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, President, NAGAFF; and Dr. Segun Musa, Chief Consultant, GTP.

Among the global dignitaries expected at the seminar are the number one Customs officer in the world, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who is the Chief Guest of Honour; former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chairman/ CEO, Skelas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, who will chair the occasion while the Founder of New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam will be the Father of the Day.

According to statement issued by Mr Lod Onyeji, the Project Coordinator and Reverend John Iwori, the Secretary, the one-day event will explore the impact of the B'Odogwu platform on trade facilitation and honour the contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

Under the theme “The Impact of the B'Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation & Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy – How Far, How Well?”, the seminar will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The Chairman of the event  will be supported by the President, Women in Maritime Africa, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy while Princess Chi Eze will be the Special Guest of Honour. 

The seminar will feature a series of high-profile presentations by prominent women in maritime, including: Dr. Vikky Haastrup, Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Ltd,  Chief (Mrs.) Benaldine Eloka, Vice President, Clarion Shipping, Hajia Bola Muse, President, Bomarah Group, and Comptroller (Mrs) Joy Edelduok, CAC, KLT Customs Command.

These speakers will address the evolving role of women in maritime leadership, the challenges they face, and their contributions to industry growth.

This event promises to be a pivotal moment in advancing gender inclusion and digital innovation in Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

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NIMASA ACCREDITS 27 REGISTERED SHIPYARDS FOR OPERATION IN NIGERIA

NIMASA ACCREDITS 27 REGISTERED SHIPYARDS FOR OPERATION IN NIGERIA

DR. DAYO MOBEREOLA, DG. NIMASA 

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has accredited 27 registered shipyards across the country in accordance with its mandate enshrined in Section 22 of the NIMASA Act, 2007, and sections 335-339 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2007, which gives the Agency statutory powers to regulate, license, inspect and enforce standards for shipyard operations in Nigeria. 

According to the Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA , Osagie Edward, FNIPR stated that out of the 27 accredited facilities, 10 are located in Lagos State, 8 in Rivers State, and 9 in Delta State. These are the only shipyards that have so far complied with the Agency’s stringent regulatory, safety, and operational standards.

Releasing the list of accredited shipyards in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized that the accreditation exercise forms part of the Agency’s broader drive to enhance safety and streamline operational efficiency in the maritime industry.

“Our goal is to ensure that every shipyard operating in Nigeria adheres to international standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. By maintaining a transparent and credible register of accredited facilities, we are boosting investor confidence, protecting maritime assets, and promoting sustainable industry growth. This underscores the Agency’s sustained commitment to promoting transparency, safety, and quality service delivery in ship repair, dry-docking, and vessel construction within Nigeria,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

As a direct benefit of this accreditation, vessels to be built at these facilities will be assigned a Keel Identification Number (KIN) by the Agency’s Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standards Department at the time of construction, in accordance with the “Certificate of Plan and Specification Approval”. This KIN will make such vessel eligible to obtain an IMO Number.

The verification and accreditation process is a continuous one, aimed at ensuring operational excellence across the nation’s maritime value chain. By maintaining an updated and transparent registry of accredited facilities, NIMASA seeks to enhance industry confidence, protect investments, and align local operations with global best practices.

A comprehensive list of the accredited shipyards is available in the link below on the NIMASA website. https://nimasa.gov.ng/list-of-registered-and-licensed-shipyards/

 

 

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CGC Adeniyi Emerges As President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Pledges Reform-Driven Leadership

CGC Adeniyi Emerges As President  of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Pledges Reform-Driven Leadership

Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller-General of Customs,  CGC, Adewale Adeniyi has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to national development as he emerges President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, NWF, The milestone further cements his record of service and leadership excellence.

The election, held on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, was supervised by the National Sports Commission. It drew commendation from athletes and sports administrators nationwide, who described the outcome as timely and strategic for Nigerian sports.

Before venturing into wrestling administration, CGC Adeniyi had already made significant contributions to the nation’s sporting ecosystem. Under his leadership, the Customs Sports Unit has become one of Nigeria’s most formidable institutions in sports development, producing champions, Olympians, and role models across various disciplines.

Speaking after his election, CGC Adeniyi praised the ongoing reforms within the nation’s sports sector and expressed optimism about their impact. He emphasised the importance of structure, transparency, and effective leadership in driving sustainable progress for athletes and federations alike.

“I’m beginning to see the dividends of the reforms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is putting into the sports sector, putting the right people in place, the right processes, and the right systems to drive the electoral process. I am quite satisfied, and I feel this is an environment where I can work and thrive,” he stated.

He expressed commitment to align the Federation’s vision with national sports reforms, working with his board members to prioritise structure, integrity, athlete development, and innovation in the sport’s management.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that his leadership will bring professionalism, accountability, and renewed energy to the Federation. Many believe his reputation for teamwork and inclusiveness will inspire collaboration and lasting transformation within the wrestling community.

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Trailblazing Maritime Women Set for Seminar on B'Odogwu, Women in Maritime - November 4

Trailblazing Maritime Women Set for Seminar on B'Odogwu, Women in Maritime - November 4

Bisi Akingbade 

A landmark seminar celebrating innovation, integrity, and inclusion in Nigeria’s maritime sector is set to take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, starting at 10:00 AM.

Under the theme “The Impact of the B'Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation & Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy – How Far, How Well?”, the event will spotlight the transformative role of women and technology in shaping the future of maritime trade.

The seminar will feature a distinguished lineup of women leaders, including: Mrs. Rollen Macfoy, President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Princess Chi Eze, Vice President, Seaports, NAGAFF,  Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO, Le Look Nigeria Ltd; Dr. Princess Victoria Haastrup, Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Ltd; Chief (Mrs.) Benaldine Eloka, Vice President, Clarion Shipping; Hajia Bola Muse, President, Bomarah Group; and Comptroller Joy Edelduok, CAC, KLT Customs Command.

These trailblazers will share insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The seminar will also explore the impact of the B'Odogwu digital platform—a homegrown innovation revolutionizing trade facilitation in Nigeria. Customs and freight experts will provide deep dives into its success, including: Compt. Frank Onyeka, CAC, Tin Can Customs; Compt. Joe Anani, CAC, PTML; High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, President, NAGAFF; and Dr. Segun Musa, Chief Consultant, GTP.

Among the global dignitaries expected at the seminar are the number one Customs officer in the world, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who is the Chief Guest of Honour; former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chairman/ CEO, Skelas Group, Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, who will chair the occasion while the Founder of New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam will be the Father of the Day.

According to statement issued by Mr Lod Onyeji, the Project Coordinator and Reverend John Iwori, the Secretary, the one-day event will explore the impact of the B'Odogwu platform on trade facilitation and honour the contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. 

Under the theme “The Impact of the B'Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation & Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy – How Far, How Well?”, the seminar will bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The Chairman of the event  will be supported by the President, Women in Maritime Africa, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy while Princess Chi Eze will be the Special Guest of Honour. 

The seminar will feature a series of high-profile presentations by prominent women in maritime, including: Dr. Vikky Haastrup, Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Ltd,  Chief (Mrs.) Benaldine Eloka, Vice President, Clarion Shipping, Hajia Bola Muse, President, Bomarah Group, and Comptroller (Mrs) Joy Edelduok, CAC, KLT Customs Command.

These speakers will address the evolving role of women in maritime leadership, the challenges they face, and their contributions to industry growth.

This event promises to be a pivotal moment in advancing gender inclusion and digital innovation in Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

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Operation Whirlwind Hands Over Truck Laden with 60,000 Ltres of PMS to NMDPRA

Operation Whirlwind Hands Over Truck Laden with 60,000 Ltres of PMS to NMDPRA 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ably represented by the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim fdc, handed over a truck with registration number NSR26ZL, laden with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The NMDPRA was represented by Deputy Manager, Mr. Adamu Jamilu, who received the consignment on behalf of the State Coordinator, Sokoto & Kebbi States, at the Command Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi.

The event, held on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, was graced by the Commander Zone B, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Ntongha Okoi Edet, alongside senior management staff from both agencies.

In his remarks, Comptroller Matawalle stated that the exercise aligns with the vision and directive of the National Coordinator to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure proper handling, investigation, and disposal of petroleum products seized or intercepted under suspicious circumstances.

He further disclosed that the truck in question was suspected of diversion and was detained at the Kebbi Area Command pending investigation. Findings later revealed that the product was originally designated for delivery in Borno State.

In his response, Mr. Adamu Jamilu of NMDPRA acknowledged receipt of the consignment and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained efforts under Operation Whirlwind. He also noted the earlier receipt of two trucks containing about 105,000 litres of PMS handed over to the NMDPRA in Sokoto on 17th October 2025, describing the collaboration as a commendable example of inter-agency synergy.

The session concluded with the physical handover of the vehicle and documentation at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi.

  

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