Nigeria Customs Service Engages AfCFTA Secretariat on Simplified Trade Regime

Nigeria Customs Service Engages AfCFTA Secretariat on Simplified Trade Regime

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, held a strategic engagement with a delegation from the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, Secretariat at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on 23 March 2026. The meeting focused on advancing the implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) to support small-scale cross-border trade.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, who reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating trade and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through simplified and transparent customs processes.

In her remarks, DCG Niagwan stated, “Our goal is to make trade easier, more transparent, and inclusive for small-scale traders, while ensuring compliance with national and regional trade regulations.”

In his opening remarks, the leader of the AfCFTA delegation, Pedro Estevao, outlined the objectives of the engagement and highlighted Nigeria’s designation as the pilot country for the Simplified Trade Regime in West Africa. He noted that Nigeria’s position as the largest market in the region places it at a strategic advantage in driving inclusive trade and regional economic growth.

During the session, the NCS presented its draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the STR in Nigeria. The presentation detailed simplified customs procedures covering informal cross-border trade, passenger baggage, and low-value e-commerce transactions, supported by digital declaration systems and risk-based controls.

Nabil Zibani, a consultant with the AfCFTA Secretariat, delivered a presentation on the proposed continental STR framework. He emphasised the importance of enabling MSMEs to comply with customs procedures through simplified, transparent, and accessible systems that promote participation in regional trade.

Discussions during the engagement identified key areas of convergence between the NCS draft SOP and the AfCFTA framework, including the simplification of documentation and procedures, the use of digital platforms for declaration and clearance, the adoption of de minimis thresholds for low-value trade, and the promotion of inclusive trade, particularly for women and MSMEs.

Both parties agreed on the need for sustained technical engagement to refine implementation strategies, address operational challenges, and ensure alignment between national and continental frameworks.

The engagement marks a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a pilot country for implementing the Simplified Trade Regime under the AfCFTA, while reinforcing the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening regional integration, and supporting inclusive economic growth.

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FOUNDATION CALLS ERNEST IKOLI CRUSADER OF TRUTH, SYMBOL OF THE STRUGGLE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

FOUNDATION CALLS ERNEST IKOLI CRUSADER OF TRUTH, SYMBOL OF THE STRUGGLE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

... LAUDS FIRST EDITOR OF DAILY TIMES FOR ENDING EXTERNAL RULE IN NIGERIA, MENTORING JOURNALISTS, POLITICIANS, TEACHERS 

A Nigerian politician, nationalist and pioneering journalist, Chief Ernest Ikoli, has been described as a crusader of truth and a symbol of the struggle against oppression and discrimination in Nigeria.

‘"Chief Ernest Ikoli was a reformer, politician and a great journalist.  He campaigned for the birth of the Second Republic and departed, saying his work was done with the attainment of the country's political independence".

The former assistant editor of Lagos Weekly Record, first editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria and publisher of African Messenger was also praised for helping to create the Marcus Garvey Universal Negro Improvement Association, People’s Union, Nigeria Youth Movement and the Action Group.

‘"Chief Ernest Ikoli saw all Africans as one. There was no Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or Ijaw. There was only one Nigeria, one Africa and one destiny"

The commendation was showered on the patriot, nationalist and educationist by the Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation.

The Ernest Ikoli Foundation in a birthday statement Wednesday hailed the foremost journalist for facilitating the exercise of virtues in politicians and labour leaders, creating good journalists in the country, changing lives and advancing the struggles for the independence of Nigeria from British colony rule.

"Chief Ernest Ikoli was endowed with exceptional powers and qualities. He was a good man, a courageous man and an inspiration to many"

The statement celebrating the life of a great Nigerian citizen was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman of Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli (SAN).

The statement applauded the frontline political leader and great journalist for advocating steps towards the emancipation of the people, arguing strongly for an end to colonialism and imperialism, creating a number of fantastic networks and influencing the political class in a more egalitarian direction.

The foundation also extolled Ernest Ikoli for putting forward a programme for the development of Nigeria, opening of government to a wider social circle, ending external rule and improving the conditions of workers and institutions through protests and legislations.

‘"Chief Ernest Ikoli wanted a united, industrialized and economically self-reliant nation"

The statement highlighted Ikoli's  eclectic interests, vision of harmonious future, organizational strength, intellectual depth, stable leadership, Christian principles of love of God and man.

"Chief Ernest Ikoli was a bright, amiable and undaunted fellow"

The statement emphasized the magnificent oratory and sense of moderation of the prolific writer of politics, economics and social history.

"Chief Ernest Ikoli was firmly committed to representative democracy and open government"

The statement also underscored his extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.

Chief Ernest Ikoli was one of the activists of Nigeria's political history that fought alongside great nationalists leaders like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello in the struggle for the political independence of Nigeria.

Born on March 25, 1893 in Nembe, the patriot, nationalist and political thinker died on Friday, October 21, 1960 at the age of 67 and was buried at Ikoyi Cemetery.

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OKPE UNION INAUGURATES NEW BOT MEMBERS

OKPE UNION INAUGURATES NEW BOT MEMBERS 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Okpe Union on Sunday, inaugurated newly appointed board of trustees (BoT), to fill the missing page in the governance structure of the Okpe Union’’ 

The event which was held at the Okpe Union headquarters in Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital.

The President General of Okpe Union, Prof Igho Natufe,, said that ‘’We are gathered here today, at the National Headquarters and Registered Office of the Okpe Union, No. 65, Moshalashi Street, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos State, to appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of Okpe Union, as ordered by the Federal High Court, Lagos. On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union, it is my profound pleasure to welcome you all to this historic event, which opens a new page in the glorious history of the Okpe Union; the oldest registered Ethnic Union in Nigeria. 

Professor Nature announced the newly inaugurated BoT members:  Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Atarhe-Abuh as Chairperson and Barrister Felix Orere as secretary, Mr. Bernard Adibor,  Ms. Dora Omuvwie, Mr. Patrick Akpotor, Mrs. Florence Oseragbaje, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Hon. Patrick Ovwile, Chief Remi Rita Onomakpome, Rev. Frank Ojogwa Ekejija and Dr. Evans Igho Akpo were also inaugurated as members of the Okpe Union Board of Trustees.

Natufe commended Okpe nationals, including those not formally members of the Okpe Union, in Nigeria and the Diaspora, for their strategic advice and selfless financial contributions which have sustained the union in its advocacy for good governance and the rule of law in Okpe Nation.

‘’Together, we are a united force for the growth and development of the Okpe Nation. And together with other indigenous ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, we will define the restructuring of Nigeria’s federalism where each ethnic nationality exercises its sovereignty in a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria’’.

He said ‘’On April 30, 2024, the Federal High of Nigeria sitting in Abuja (Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/395) vacated its earlier order which was surreptitiously obtained by the illegal group of the Okpe Union and ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to expunge their names from the CAC’s records.

‘’The order granted us, the legitimate Okpe Union, the authority to appoint new Trustees for the Okpe Union. The ruling of the Federal High Court Abuja is consistent with the earlier judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022), which had declared the leadership appointed by HRM, Orhue l, Orodje of Kingdom, on October 3, 2020, as illegal on January 19, 2023’’.

While the judgement of the Federal High Court Lagos had already nullified and voided the illegal group’s Board of Trustees, the ruling of the Federal High Court Abuja pointedly paved the path for the legitimate leadership of the Okpe Union to appoint new Trustees for Okpe Union.

On October 27, 2025, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Okpe Union filed a motion before the Honourable Justice Bogoro of the Federal High Court, Lagos, praying the Honourable Court to grant Okpe Union leave to appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of the Okpe Union.

At the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Lagos Judicial Division on Wednesday, the 14th day of January, 2026 before his lordship Hon. Justice Y. Bogoro, via Suit No. FHC/L/MISC/1153/2025, leave was granted to the Okpe Union “to convene a meeting and appoint new Trustees for the Incorporated Trustees of Okpe Union in line with the Provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020” and for “the Corporate Affairs Commission to register the Trustees to be appointed by the Applicant upon satisfaction with the Provision of the Companies and Allied Matters Act”.

In her acceptance speech, Dr Atarhe-Abuh described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees as a defining chapter in the continued growth and strengthening of the Okpe Union.

‘’I stand before you today with a deep sense of honour, humility, and responsibility, following the successful inauguration of our Board of Trustees at this meeting today Sunday, the 22nd of March, 2026, held here at Okpe House, 65 Moshalashi Street, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos. This moment is not merely ceremonial; it is a defining chapter in the continued growth and strengthening of the Okpe Union. I am profoundly grateful for the confidence reposed in me and my fellow members of the Board of Trustees. Your trust is both inspiring and humbling, and we do not take it for granted’’.

She expressed her appreciation to all members of the Okpe Union worldwide.

‘’Your unwavering support, encouragement, and commitment to the ideals of our Union have made this day possible. Your dedication to preserving our heritage, fostering unity and advancing the welfare of the Okpe people remains the bedrock of our collective success’’.

The BOT Chairperson promised to discharge her duties with integrity, diligence, and fairness

‘’On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Trustees, I hereby formally accept this appointment. We do so with a full understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to us and with a firm resolve to discharge our duties with integrity, diligence, and fairness. We are committed to upholding the constitution of the Okpe Union and safeguarding its values for present and future generations.

She also pledged to work harmoniously with the National Executive Council and all Stakeholders.

‘’We recognize that the progress of our Union depends on collaboration and mutual respect among all its organs. In this regard, we pledge to work harmoniously with the National Executive Council and all Stakeholders. Together, we shall strive to strengthen the structures of our Union, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure that our programmes and initiatives truly reflect the aspirations of the Okpe people’’.

Her words: ‘’At a time when unity and purposeful leadership are most needed, we must rise above individual differences and focus on our shared vision. The Okpe Union must continue to serve as a beacon of hope, cultural pride, and socio-economic advancement for our people. We are determined to contribute meaningfully towards this noble cause. Let me also acknowledge the efforts of those who have served before us. Their dedication and sacrifices have laid a solid foundation upon which we now build. We are inspired by their legacy and committed to sustaining and surpassing the standards they have set’’.

She called upon every member of the Okpe Union to remain actively engaged and supportive.

‘’The strength of our Union lies in our unity, and together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. I assure you that we shall serve with utmost sincerity and in the best interest of the Okpe people at all times’’ she added.

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US, ISREAL-IRAN WAR DISRUPTS AIR CARGO, THREATENS CUSTOMS REVENUE DRIVE

US, ISREAL-IRAN WAR DISRUPTS AIR CARGO, THREATENS CUSTOMS REVENUE DRIVE

Comptroller Godwin Otunla, CAC,, Murtala Mohammad Airport Command 

Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the Area Controller Murtala Mohammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service while speaking with TodayNews recently said the effects of the ongoing war in Iran is being felt worldwide, and no country is immune or isolated from the negative effects of this War. 

He stated that Nigeria is import dependent, and the effects can be felt right here. "Let me give an example of Qatar Airline which supplies this place with  lots of Cargo, and right now the UAE and Dubai and other Airlines from the Gulf region are grounded because no air craft is flying because of the drones and missiles flying in the Air space in the Middle East. So right now some of their Air crafts are on the Tarmac, they cannot fly. 

On the effect on our revenue collection, this Month I'm sure we will be low, last Month was 17 billion, January was 24 billion, this month, I don't think we can make 17 billion. We pray the war stops because it is affecting everyone.

Otunla sheds light on the similarities and noticeable differences between the land borders and the Airport, which is also a border area.  According to him, the land border and the Airport are borders,  using the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko and the MMAC, he says they are similar in the sense that they both witness entry of goods and services into the country including passengers, and they also exit the country . 

He said "we can notice the Smuggling of both goods and people in the land borders, While it's a bit different at the airport. At the Air border there's  Smuggling but it's different, things come in through the Aircrafts , the Aircrafts bring the cargo and the cargoes are all manifested. However, at the land border, things come in also, some of them unmanifested and no matter the vigilance of the Customs, they can slip through and go through any unapproved route but in the Air border, when cargoes come in, they are channelled into the bonded terminals and warehouses where they are processed before release. So in that place the only way people do Smuggling is through concealment. Here every little thing that comes in through air, has an airway bill. No matter how little, it must come with an airway bill. So what they do is bunching, concealing the smaller items inside the bigger ones to avoid paying for all the items. The land border is a very vast area, it is very hard to stamp out Smuggling, even if all customs Officers standing in a circle and hold hands, they will still slip through our hands. It is as hard as that, the borders are very large we can only reduce Smuggling but we can't eliminate it."

However, at the airport, with thorough checks, although Agents will complain of the rigorous checks but with  thorough checks and dedication to duty we can curtail it and reduce it to the barest minimum, so that is the difference.

Otunla disclosed that to curb bunching, Customs at MMAC has introduced layers of checks, for monitoring, "these are our own creation, because they are not in the normal Customs process, but we do all these things, we created some check points, so to say, to check their excesses."

"Those are the tools we use to check concealment, the checks are done weekly, those Airway bills ( Bills of lading at the seaport) are in the system, same as the manifests. The unutilized are also still lodged in the system, so as you're clearing one you track the unutilized to the system because the manifests are electronically transmitted into the system." 

"Periodically we check the system and we take them to the shed operator to find out who and who carried each of the consignments, and track them. Once we catch up with the culprits, we give them what to pay as penalties, or punitive measure. The only disadvantage is that once these goods have gone out already, no matter how much you ask these people to pay, you can never get the real value of the goods which have been taken away."

"We calculate value through Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF). FAAN and the Airlines  calculate theirs by weight, the Customs calculate value by CIF.  No cargo leaves the shores of any country without being insured. Now, getting to the defaulters, the Customs may collect more or less. It's in two ways, not exact, at times if we find out that a particular agency is recalcitrant, looking at the number of times they have been found wanting, we can slam a huge invoice on that agency to serve as punitive measure, they have to pay, or  stop operating,this serves as a deterance."

He commended Comptroller Afeni for the amount of hard work he is putting in at Idiroko, looking at the large amount of seizures he has made, Otunla said it is encouraging that Afeni is making these huge seizures without skirmishes. "It is important to do this job without loss of lives, it is also important to have an understanding and good relationship with our neighbors at Benin Republic, so that they can help from their own side. Everything is not show of force, sometimes you let go and regroup. Dialogue is key at this point and the relationship with other stakeholders has always worked.

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OZORO VICTIMS: ORETTE CALLS FOR FAIR, UNIMPEDED ACCESS TO JUSTICE

OZORO VICTIMS: ORETTE CALLS FOR FAIR, UNIMPEDED ACCESS TO JUSTICE 

   DR. AUSTIN ORETTE

... DEMANDS STRONGER PROTECTION FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN

An All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, has described the assault on women in Oruamudhu community, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area as the ascendancy of evil in the society and a violation of human rights.

"It tells us that much still needs to be done to truly educate the people on the need to abolish barbaric culture’’

In a statement titled ‘’No to sexual abuse in Delta South Senatorial District’’, Orettee criticized individuals and groups disrupting social cohesion in Isoko North Local Government Area.

He demanded stronger protections for women and children in Delta State.

"The Delta State Government owes it to the victims to take immediate action" he said.

Particularly, Orette condemned harmful practices and the debasing of women in public.

 "The community must not turn a blind eye to these atrocities"

The senatorial hopeful also called for fair and unimpeded access to justice by the victims.

"The onus is on the government to strengthen the rule of law and to ensure that there is proper investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators"

"Delivering justice to victims sends a clear message of zero tolerance with such crimes and helps to stop their recurrence”

He comforted the victims of the Ozoro rape festival.

"These crimes must be punished and those responsible must be held accountable" he said.

"A culture that is based on abuse and debasement of any citizen should be proscribed. Paying  lip service to this gross abuse tantamounts to nurturing evil  in our domain. The perpetrators must be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law. The rule of law is sacrosanct. It is the only thing that separates us from barbarism and the animals in the jungle . We are a nation  of laws. We must strive to do better" he added.

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New Study Shows Clean Cooking Energy Can Save Money, Improve Health in Nigeria

New Study Shows Clean Cooking Energy Can Save Money, Improve Health in Nigeria

Bisi Akingbade 

A new international study has found that switching to clean cooking energy in Nigeria can reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the healthcare system.

The study, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, UK, was conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study—a three-year programme funded by the Medical Research Foundation. The research brings together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the links between climate, environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities.

The findings come at a critical time. As Nigeria experiences rapid urbanisation and rising energy demand, millions of households still rely on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking. These fuels contribute to harmful indoor air pollution and increase the risk of respiratory and other health conditions.

The study was carried out in Alimosho (Lagos State) and Ado-Odo/Ota (Ogun State), two areas that reflect the realities of modern Nigeria, with fast population growth, industrial activity, and mixed-income households. This makes the findings highly relevant for many urban and peri-urban communities across the country.

Importantly, the research shows that clean cooking should not be seen simply as a household expense, but as a long-term investment. Although cleaner energy sources such as gas and electricity may have higher upfront costs, households can save money over time through fewer illnesses, lower healthcare spending, and improved productivity.

Speaking on the findings, Professor Adeloye emphasised that clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development. He noted that the issue goes beyond environmental concerns, directly affecting household finances, disease burden, and national productivity.

The study also highlights important inequalities. Lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt clean cooking solutions. This points to the need for targeted and inclusive policies to ensure that no group is left behind.

To address these challenges, the study calls for stronger government action. This includes subsidising clean energy costs, improving supply chains, expanding access to clean fuels, and integrating clean cooking into national health and climate strategies. Collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to accelerate progress.

With the right policy support, clean cooking could become one of the most cost-effective ways to tackle Nigeria’s interconnected climate, health, and economic challenges.

The findings align with Nigeria’s climate commitments and energy transition plans, offering a practical and scalable solution to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance household welfare.

To read the full study, visit: https://jheor.org/article/158931

About the C2REST Nigeria Study

The C2REST Nigeria Study (https://ccrest.org/) is a multidisciplinary research programme examining the links between climate change, air quality, and respiratory health. It is an equitable partnership collaboration between Teesside University UK and the University of Lagos, combining household data with economic analysis to inform policy and support sustainable development.

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FOU ZONE ‘B’ CRACKS DOWN ON SMUGGLERS OF LIVE PANGOLIN

FOU ZONE ‘B’ CRACKS DOWN ON SMUGGLERS OF LIVE PANGOLIN 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘B’, has intercepted two live pangolins being illegally transported along the Kano–Jigawa axis.  

The arrest occurred on 12 March 2026 at about 10:00 hours. Operatives of the Unit, during a stop-and-search operation, flagged down the vehicle as part of a proactive enforcement sweep.  

The seizure was effected pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement that prohibits trade threatening the survival of wild species.  

Upon interception, the animals were secured in appropriate cages and conveyed to the FOU Zone ‘B’ headquarters in Kaduna. Physical examination showed each pangolin weighed approximately 15 kg.  

The Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Aminu Sule, has ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the endangered species.  

He stated: “This seizure sends a clear message that Zone ‘B’ will not be a transit point for wildlife traffickers.”  

Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world; the interception underscores the Unit’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade.  

The Nigeria Customs Service remains vigilant in enforcing environmental laws and international treaties to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.

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