Inter-Agency Collaboration: Comptr. Anani Sets Agenda for Compliance, Trade Facilitation, Strategic Partnership

Inter-Agency Collaboration: Comptr. Anani Sets Agenda for Compliance, Trade Facilitation, Strategic Partnership

COMPTROLLER JOSEPH ANANI, CAC, TINCAN ISLAND PORT COMMAND 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has commenced his stewardship of the Command with a series of strategic engagements, inspections, and courtesy visits aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, fostering stakeholder confidence, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.

As part of his familiarisation tour, Comptroller Anani conducted an extensive inspection of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers' working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment. The inspection which signaled his first assignment was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In his maiden stakeholder engagement, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players. During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.

Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.

"We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tincan Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency." He said.

The Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command. He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.

He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property. The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.

According to the press release issued by the Chief Superintendent of Customs 

Public Relations Officer, Tincan Island Port Command,  Oscar Ivara stated that in a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho. During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment. They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation's gateways.

Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation's premier port command. He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.

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Nigeria Customs Unveils Special Operations Against Vegetable Oil Smuggling to Protect Local Investments

Nigeria Customs Unveils Special Operations Against Vegetable Oil Smuggling to Protect Local Investments

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intensified efforts to combat the smuggling of vegetable oil into the country, with plans to launch intelligence-driven special operations aimed at protecting local investments, preserving jobs, and supporting the growth of the agricultural value chain.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders in the vegetable oil industry at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Adeniyi said the Service remains committed to tackling smuggling through strategic enforcement, intelligence gathering, and stakeholder collaboration. He noted that Customs and operators in the vegetable oil sector share a common objective of protecting legitimate businesses, encouraging investment, and strengthening the national economy.

CGC Adeniyi explained that addressing smuggling requires sustained cooperation between government agencies and the private sector, particularly in sectors that contribute significantly to employment generation and economic development.

He also called on stakeholders to support enforcement efforts by providing credible intelligence on smuggling routes and illicit trade activities.

“Fighting smuggling is a continuous process that requires intelligence, policy support and collaboration. We value constructive engagement with stakeholders and will continue to strengthen our partnership with the private sector,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, highlighted the Service’s achievements in curbing the illegal importation of vegetable oil products.

Bomodi disclosed that Customs recorded several seizures across key border corridors and assured stakeholders that surveillance would be intensified in vulnerable locations.

“We recorded about 65 seizures of vegetable oil products in 2025 and another 23 seizures in 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value of approximately N1.314 billion,” he said.

He noted that many of the seizures were made along major smuggling corridors, including Seme and Idiroko, adding that surveillance would also be strengthened in other identified vulnerable locations.

Leading the industry delegation, the Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, Dr Fatai Afolabi, commended the Service for creating a platform for dialogue while drawing attention to the need to clamp down on vegetable oil smuggling into the country.

“Smuggling of vegetable oil will undermining local production, discouraging investment and threatening thousands of jobs across the value chain,” Afolabi stated.

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Action Grassroot Alliance Inaugurates Executives, Rallies support for PBAT's Re-election, Endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governorship

Action Grassroot Alliance Inaugurates Executives, Rallies support for PBAT's Re-election, Endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governorship

Bisi Akingbade 

The Action Grassroots Alliance has inaugurated its grassroots executives across the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of Lagos State.

The event, held in Lagos, attracted over 1,000 grassroots mobilizers and supporters from different parts of the state, demonstrating the growing strength and commitment of the movement towards grassroots political engagement and development.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Director General, The Action Grassroots Alliance, Lagos State Chapter

Amb. Dr. Adegbenro S A, emphasized the importance of grassroots participation in governance and electoral processes.

 The newly inaugurated executives were charged with the responsibility of mobilizing residents, promoting good governance, and strengthening support structures across their respective communities.

The gathering reaffirmed the Alliance's commitment to supporting the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and advancing the governorship aspiration of Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 Lagos State Governorship election.

Members pledged to intensify voter education, community engagement, and grassroots mobilization efforts to ensure widespread participation in the democratic process and continued support for the ideals and achievements of the current administration.

The Action Grassroots Alliance expressed confidence that with a strong grassroots structure across all LGAs and LCDAs, the organization is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the success of its political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Action Grassroot Alliance Inaugurates Executives, Rallies support for PBAT's Re-election, Endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governorship

Action Grassroot Alliance Inaugurates Executives, Rallies support for PBAT's Re-election, Endorses Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governorship

Bisi Akingbade 

The Action Grassroots Alliance has inaugurated its grassroots executives across the 20 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, of Lagos State.

The event, held in Lagos, attracted over 1,000 grassroots mobilizers and supporters from different parts of the state, demonstrating the growing strength and commitment of the movement towards grassroots political engagement and development.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Director General, The Action Grassroots Alliance, Lagos State Chapter

Amb. Dr. Adegbenro S A, emphasized the importance of grassroots participation in governance and electoral processes.

 The newly inaugurated executives were charged with the responsibility of mobilizing residents, promoting good governance, and strengthening support structures across their respective communities.

The gathering reaffirmed the Alliance's commitment to supporting the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and advancing the governorship aspiration of Obafemi Hamzat for the 2027 Lagos State Governorship election.

Members pledged to intensify voter education, community engagement, and grassroots mobilization efforts to ensure widespread participation in the democratic process and continued support for the ideals and achievements of the current administration.

The Action Grassroots Alliance expressed confidence that with a strong grassroots structure across all LGAs and LCDAs, the organization is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the success of its political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.

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YOUTH LEADERSHIP: NDIC, NILE UNIVERSITY HOST IMMERSION CHALLENGE FOR BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS

YOUTH LEADERSHIP: NDIC, NILE UNIVERSITY HOST IMMERSION CHALLENGE FOR BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC,  has reaffirmed its commitment to talent development and stronger industry-academia collaboration, through the platform of the Executive Industry Immersion Challenge, EIIC,  programme that was conducted in partnership with the Nile Business School, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 4-day programme at the Corporation’s Head Office in Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, described the initiative as strategic in addressing the widening gap between the academia and the business community.

According to the NDIC Chief Executive, the rapidly evolving global work environment requires professionals who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical insight into the realities of the corporate world.  In his words, “the Executive Industry Immersion Challenge has provided the NDIC with the opportunity of a practical platform to expose participants to real-world experience in policy formulation, institutional governance, and public sector management.”

Head, Communication & Public Affairs Department, Hawwau Gambo stated in the press release that the Managing Director reiterated the commitment of the NDIC as a critical financial safety-net institution, to the promotion of financial system stability and enhancement of depositor confidence in the financial system. He urged participants, who are students of the executive NBA programme of the University, to embrace the positive values that will be learnt during the programme and adopt them as guiding principles for leadership and national development. He stressed that institutions can only command public confidence when their actions consistently reflect honesty, sound ethical conduct, good governance and transparency.

The Project Coordinator of the programme for the NDIC and Director, Research, Policy & International Relations Department, Mr. Ibrahim Aliyu, explained that the EIIC had been consciously designed as an experiential learning initiative aimed at bridging the gap between theory and industry practice.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Nile Business School, Prof. Hauwa Lamido, represented by a senior faculty member, Dr. Festus Ekechi stated that, the choice of the Corporation for the Industry Immersion Programme was informed by its footprint of sound corporate governance, professionalism and integrity in the nation’s financial landscape. He assured that the School would take conscious steps toward integrating all the learning points from the exercise into its curriculum with a view to ensuring practical application the knowledge by the participants in their places of work.

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FG to Expand Deep Blue Project to Bakassi, Other Vulnerable Maritime Corridors — Oyetola

FG to Expand Deep Blue Project to Bakassi, Other Vulnerable Maritime Corridors — Oyetola

*CAPTION* 

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (left) presenting certificate to a graduating security personnel at the Graduation Ceremony of the Advanced Combat Personnel and Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State, on Thursday, as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right) watches.

...As NIMASA Graduates 492 Advanced Combat Personnel for Deep Blue Project

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Deep Blue Project to vulnerable coastal and maritime corridors across the country, including the sensitive Bakassi axis, as part of efforts to further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of 492 Advanced Combat Personnel and Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State. 

Dr. Oyetola said the planned expansion would target critical coastal areas such as Bakassi Peninsula, Igbokoda and other vulnerable maritime corridors across the country.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at consolidating the gains already recorded under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, popularly known as the Deep Blue Project.

“Building on the significant strides already made, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is currently evaluating strategic frameworks for the expansion of the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen our maritime security architecture in critical coastal areas such as Igbokoda, Bakassi, and other vulnerable maritime corridors,” the minister said.

He explained that the move would further curtail maritime insecurity, enhance operational capacity, improve maintenance systems and ensure maritime security assets remain fully functional and effective in safeguarding Nigeria’s waters.

The minister stated that Nigeria had recorded zero piracy incidents within its territorial waters over the past four years due to the sustained implementation of the Deep Blue Project and collaboration among security agencies. He also said that piracy incidents across the Gulf of Guinea had declined by more than 70 per cent within the same period.

According to him, prior to the establishment of the Deep Blue Project in 2021, the Gulf of Guinea had become one of the most dangerous maritime corridors globally, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of reported global piracy incidents and over 90 per cent of crew kidnappings at sea during peak periods.

He said the project had significantly transformed Nigeria’s maritime security framework through the deployment of integrated air, land and sea assets supported by advanced surveillance systems and rapid response capabilities.

The Minister linked the successes of the project to the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying maritime security remained critical to economic growth, trade facilitation, investment promotion and national development.

He urged the graduating personnel to uphold professionalism, patriotism, teamwork and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.

Oyetola also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Armed Forces, security agencies and training partners for their contributions to the success of the initiative. 

The Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola stated that the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the event as a major demonstration of Nigeria’s “operational readiness, institutional resilience, and determination to maintain a safe, secure, and economically viable maritime environment”.

According to him, the graduating officers completed 33 specialised training programmes covering multiple operational units within the Deep Blue architecture. 

He said the graduates comprised 232 Maritime Security Unit operatives, 19 armoured vehicle drivers, 13 armoured vehicle mechanics, eight special mission helicopter pilots, eight helicopter technicians, five special mission aircraft pilots, six aircraft technicians, 49 special mission vessel crew members, 28 interceptor boat mechanics, 62 interceptor boat drivers, 52 Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence (C4I) operators, and 10 Vertical Take-Off and Landing Unmanned Aerial Systems operators.

The NIMASA boss said the personnel underwent advanced security and operational training in several countries, including Syria, Italy, Swaziland, Australia, and Nigeria, exposing them to global best practices in maritime security operations.

He said the operational assets of the Deep Blue Project include two special mission aircraft fitted with maritime surveillance sensors, two special mission helicopters for over-sea operations, two special mission vessels for deep-sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interceptor boats, and 15 armoured coastal patrol vehicles.

The NIMASA Director-General thanked the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for providing strategic leadership and support for maritime security reforms. 

The event was attended by representatives of the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, and service chiefs, all of whom delivered goodwill messages.

Highlights of the ceremony included the commissioning of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Workshop and Training Centre by the Minister, inspection of Deep Blue Project assets, tactical demonstrations and the presentation of certificates to the graduating security personnel.

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Oyetola Flags Off PMAWCA Board Meeting

Oyetola Flags Off PMAWCA Board Meeting

*CAPTION* 

L-R: Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority and President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, during the opening ceremony of the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of PMAWCA hosted by NPA in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday.

... Says Nigeria Expanding Port Capacity to Lead Regional Trade

Bisi Akingbade 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that Nigeria is expanding its port capacity and implementing major maritime reforms aimed at positioning the country as the leading trade and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.

Dr. Oyetola said this while declaring open the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Victoria Island, Lagos. The meeting is themed, “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development.”

The minister said the Federal Government had approved the development of additional deep seaports across the country to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

“Approvals have therefore been granted for the development of additional deep seaports across the country to complement existing infrastructure, strengthen supply chain resilience, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as the preferred maritime and logistics hub for West and Central Africa,” Dr. Oyetola said.

He added that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to modernising the nation’s ports through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation and improved operational efficiency.

In the press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola indicated that coordinated policy interventions and stronger inter-agency collaboration had significantly reduced logistics bottlenecks at major seaports. 

“These efforts have contributed to improved cargo evacuation, reduced vessel waiting time, greater operational efficiency, and a more predictable business environment for port users and investors,” he said.

Oyetola described the Federal Government’s National Single Window initiative as a landmark reform designed to streamline cargo clearance through digital integration of government agencies and port operations. 

He also disclosed that existing seaports would undergo comprehensive upgrades, including channel deepening, to attract larger vessels.

“These upgrades are critical to ensuring that our ports remain globally competitive and capable of supporting larger volumes of trade in the years ahead,” the minister stated.

On maritime security, Dr. Oyetola said the implementation of the Deep Blue Project had eliminated piracy in Nigerian waters and drastically reduced maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that the achievement had restored investor confidence and strengthened the region’s attractiveness as a secure maritime corridor for international commerce.

The minister charged delegates to advance initiatives that would “strengthen logistical resilience in port operations and regional supply chains,” while also promoting sustainable port management, innovation, digital transformation and inclusive community development linked to maritime activities.

In his welcome address, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of PMAWCA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said West and Central Africa was witnessing a major resurgence in maritime infrastructure investment, with more than $27 billion worth of port projects underway or recently announced across the sub-region.

Dantsoho cited major projects including the $20 billion Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the $2 billion Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire, the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos, and port developments in Ghana and Senegal. He also highlighted ongoing investments in Nigeria’s Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, alongside a $600 million investment by APM Terminals.

He said ports in West and Central Africa must move beyond their traditional role as cargo gateways and become drivers of broader blue economy growth. 

According to him, “the future of the sector lies in areas such as renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology.” 

The event, scheduled to hold from 18 to 20 May 2026, was also attended by the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Kefas Agbu; the Governor of Lagos State represented by the Commissioner of Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Special Adviser on Policy Coordination to the President, Hadiza Bala Usman, among many others. 

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