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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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NDIC, EFCC STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION FOR ASSET RECOVERY, PROSECUTION OF BANK FAILURE OFFENCES

NDIC, EFCC STRENGTHENS  COLLABORATION FOR ASSET RECOVERY,  PROSECUTION OF BANK FAILURE OFFENCES

caption: MD, NDIC Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede,

Bisi Akingbade 

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, has reaffirmed NDIC commitments to strengthened corporation with the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to enhance the recovery of failed banks’ assets and debts as well as the investigation and prosecution of persons who contribute to the failure of banks.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit by the Management of the Corporation to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. The delegation included the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Mrs. Emily Osuji, the Executive Director, Operations, Dr. Kabir Katata, as well as other key Directors of the Corporation.

He explained that effective collaboration with the EFCC is critical to the successful liquidation of failed banks, which involves asset realisation and debt recovery, the proceeds of which are applied to the payment of uninsured deposits. He noted that addressing cases of asset stripping and concealment of assets requires close partnership with the EFCC through enhanced asset tracing, recovery and enforcement actions. He also identified areas of collaboration in the Corporation’s efforts in addressing banking fraud and financial crimes in the banking system and the prosecution of individuals who contribute towards bank failure.

He emphasised that, through the effective implementation of its four core mandates of Deposit Guarantee, Bank Supervision, Distress Resolution and Bank Liquidation, the NDIC contributes significantly to ensuring the stability of the financial system. He added that the ultimate objective of the Corporation is the protection of depositors’ funds, prompt payment of depositors in the event of bank failure and strengthening public confidence in the financial system. Noting that the NDIC and the EFCC share core values of integrity, professionalism and collaboration, he described the visit as a formal engagement towards strengthening institutional partnership, particularly in areas where EFCC’s investigative and prosecutorial capabilities are crucial to the achievement of NDIC’s mandates.

In his response, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, reaffirmed the Commission’s strong working relationship with the NDIC in addressing financial crimes in the banking sector. He acknowledged the longstanding cooperation between both institutions, especially in investigations and capacity building on the intricacies of banking operations.

Mr. Olukoyede informed the delegation about key departments within the Commission, including the Bank Fraud Section, which handles NDIC-related cases. He urged the Corporation to bring forward any pending cases for prompt review to ensure better traction and effective monitoring of progress.

He also highlighted the role of the EFCC’s Fraud Risk Assessment and Control Department, which focuses on proactive monitoring of compliance, promotion of sound risk management processes, and internal controls within public and private sector 

institutions. 

He described this as part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to support and safeguard the Nigerian economy.

The EFCC Chairman pledged the Commission’s continued commitment to deepening collaboration and strengthening synergy with the NDIC in combating financial crimes, enhancing asset recovery, and prosecuting those whose actions undermine the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s banking sector.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

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SIFAX Marine Targets Asset-Led Growth in 2026

SIFAX Marine Targets Asset-Led Growth in 2026

Executive Director of SIFAX Marine, Afolabi Olayinka, 

…Positions for Stronger Participation in the Oil and Gas Market

SIFAX Marine Services Limited has announced a far-reaching expansion strategy for 2026 aimed at driving asset-led growth and repositioning the company as a stronger contender in Nigeria’s offshore and oil and gas marine services market.

According to Afolabi Olayinka, Executive Director of SIFAX Marine, the plan marks a decisive shift from revenue growth driven mainly by rate increases to a more sustainable and scalable model built on vessel ownership and fleet expansion.

He said: “Our experience over the past year has made one thing very clear, sustainable and exponential growth will only come from deliberate investment in marine assets that we own and control. While rate adjustments supported revenue performance in the last financial year, the future of SIFAX Marine lies in building a strong owned fleet that gives us capacity, resilience, and long-term competitive advantage.”

To translate this vision into action, SIFAX Marine plans to acquire additional sea-going barges, creek vessels, and offshore support vessels. These assets are expected to significantly boost operational capacity, deepen market reach, and unlock higher-value contracts, particularly within the oil and gas sector.

By expanding its owned fleet, SIFAX Marine aims to retain more value within the business while offering clients greater consistency, responsiveness, and certainty in service delivery.

A central pillar of the 2026 strategy is increased participation in oil and gas projects. The company plans to acquire vessel types required for higher regulatory categorization, enabling it to access more opportunities on industry tender platforms and improve its prequalification prospects with major operators.

“Asset expansion is not just about growth, it is about readiness,” Olayinka explained. “Our focus is to ensure that SIFAX Marine is properly equipped to respond swiftly to market demand, especially in offshore support and oil and gas marine services where capacity, compliance, and reliability are critical.”

This regulatory readiness drive is expected to position the company for technically demanding and higher-margin offshore contracts that have traditionally been out of reach for operators without sufficient owned assets and compliance credentials.

Beyond vessel acquisition, SIFAX Marine is also exploring strategic partnerships and joint ventures to accelerate market entry and scale operations faster. In addition, the company is considering expansion into vessel management and other complementary services that support offshore operations, further strengthening its value proposition as a full-spectrum marine services provider.

About SIFAX Marine Services Limited

SIFAX Marine Services Limited is a leading provider of marine logistics and offshore support services in Nigeria, serving ports, terminals, and oil and gas operations across the country’s coastal and inland waterways.

-end-

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Oyo/Osun Command Seizes Contrabands worth N2.7 billion, Generates N8.3billion Revenue

Oyo/Osun Command Seizes Contrabands worth N2.7 billion, Generates N8.3billion Revenue 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun , Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, has disclosed  a significant seizure with the sun of ₦2,701,762,558.00k made within the period under review and generated ₦8,374,471,941.10k as revenue in December 2025

He made this disclosure during his maiden  press briefing at the command 

His word: "I warmly welcome you to my first press briefing of the year 2026 as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command. 

"Within the period under review, the Oyo/Osun Area Command recorded notable operational successes in line with the Service’s mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and protection of the national economy.

"Within one month of my assumption as the acting-controller, the Command made significant seizures with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Two Billion, Seven Hundred and One Million, Seven hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Fifty-Eight Naira Only (₦2,701,762,558.00k); 

The  seized items are highlighted as follows:

Foreign Parboiled Rice

2,234 (50kg) Bags

₦385,210,215.00k, Used Tyres

1,112 Pieces, ₦256,392,990.00k, Premium Motor Spirit

562 (25Litre) Kegs ₦33,683,119.00k, 

Used Clothes 124 Bales ₦782,444,250.00k, Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) 37 Wraps ₦4,256,156.00k

Codeine Syrup

15 Pieces ₦432,169.00, Tramadol

10 Packs (250MG) ₦17,286,750.00k

Used Shoes 42 Sacks ₦424,507,242.00k

Others includes Foreign Spaghetti 110 Cartons ₦8,549,888.00k, Used Compressors 150 Pieces ₦15,000,000k

Pharmaceuticals 107 Cartons ₦119,180,250.00k TOKUNBO: Toyota 1 ₦95,862,375.00k Camry 1 ₦59,590,125.00k, Hyundai Sonata

1₦95,862,375.00k, Hyundai Jeep 1₦47,931,188.00k, Chevrolet EQ, Mercedes GLE 1 ₦103,635,000.00k

MEANS OF CONVEYANCE:₦69,018,750.00k

Volvo Truck 1 ₦42,673,275.00k

Volkswagen Bus  J5 3 ₦140,246,441.00k with total amount ₦2,701,762,558.00k

He said these items were intercepted at various flashpoints across the Command’s Area of Responsibility through credible intelligence, sustained patrols, and strategic enforcement operations.

In the area of revenue generation, the command collected the total amount  of ₦8,374,471,941.10k (Eight Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-One Naira, Ten Kobo) for the month of December 2025. 

However, it is worthy of note that the Command’s surpassed the Revenue target of the year 2025; ₦86,297,581,081.00k (Eighty-Six Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand, Eighty-One Naira Only) with a Revenue Target Surplus of ₦13,135, 424, 793.29k (Thirteen Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Three Naira, Twenty-Nine Kobo) resulting to a 15.22% increase in the year 2025 revenue target. This reflects on improved compliance, effective monitoring, and the commitment of officers to lawful trade facilitation.

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