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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Customs Launches Smart Declaration Platform to End Airport Delays

Customs Launches Smart Declaration Platform to End Airport Delays

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has officially launched the Simplified Customs Advanced Declaration System,  SCADS, at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a move aimed at improving passenger clearance, compliance and Customs operations.

The platform, designed to simplify baggage declaration for inbound international passengers, is expected to reduce manual bottlenecks, improve transparency in revenue assessment and enhance operational efficiency at Nigeria’s international airports.

Speaking at the official launch, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said the deployment marks another major step in the Service’s digital transformation agenda under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

DCG Adebakin said the initiative became necessary following operational challenges encountered on the Service’s previous passenger declaration platform earlier this year, stressing that, rather than allow the setbacks to slow operations, the Service chose to develop a stronger, more efficient alternative.

“When the earlier platform experienced operational challenges, we chose not to see it as a setback. We saw it as an opportunity to build something better, stronger and more efficient,” she said.

According to her, the newly introduced SCADS platform allows passengers to declare items before arrival, thereby reducing clearance time while improving compliance and operational integrity.

“For passengers, this system creates the opportunity for advance declaration before arrival. It means faster clearance, easier compliance and smoother movement through our airports,” she added.

The DCG further explained that the system will eliminate subjective revenue assessment by ensuring that duties are automatically generated based on declared items, their quantities, and their actual values.

“When we talk about revenue collection, it is not about collecting more or less. It is about collecting the right revenue. With this system, assessment will now be more objective, accurate and driven by data,” she stated.

She commended officers of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Unit, members of the deployment team and technical partners whose efforts made the pilot rollout possible.

Earlier, the Customs Area Controller, FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Alibo, described the selection of the Command for the pilot phase as a vote of confidence in its operational capacity.

She said the new platform integrates passenger baggage and e-commerce declarations into a single digital framework designed to support global Customs best practices.

“SCADS is designed to simplify declarations, reduce clearance time, eliminate manual bottlenecks and align our operations with international standards,” Comptroller Alibo said.

She disclosed that the pilot phase will run for five days, from Monday, 18 May to Friday, 22 May 2026, during which officers will evaluate the system in a live environment ahead of nationwide deployment.

The pilot launch of SCADS was attended by senior Customs officers, officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, partner government agencies, technical teams and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation and border management ecosystem.

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NIMASA, HYDROGRAPHIC AGENCY EXPLORES LOCAL HYDROGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS

NIMASA, HYDROGRAPHIC AGENCY EXPLORES LOCAL HYDROGRAPHIC SOLUTIONS 

Caption: Director General and Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Maritime Administration And Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Hydrographer of the Federation; Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, during a meeting at the NIMASA Headquarters, Lagos.

 

Bisi Akingbade 

The management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the National Hydrographic Agency are exploring avenues to enhance the use and patronage of locally developed nautical charts and other hydrographic communication tools as part of efforts to advance maritime safety in Nigeria.

This formed the thrust of deliberations when the Hydrographer of the Nation, Rear Admiral Olumide Fadahunsi, paid a working visit to the management of NIMASA.

While commending the management of NIMASA for its commitment to maritime safety and development, Rear Admiral Fadahunsi assured the Agency of the National Hydrographic Agency’s continuous cooperation in the provision of hydrographic services to Nigeria’s maritime sector. He noted that increased compliance with locally generated hydrographic information would improve navigational safety, maritime security, and the effective management of Nigeria’s territorial waters.

According to him, “Hydrography remains a critical component of maritime safety and national development. Strengthening collaboration between the National Hydrographic Agency and NIMASA will enhance navigational safety, improve maritime security, and support sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime domain.”

In his remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the Agency is focused on strengthening Maritime Safety Information infrastructure, enhancing enforcement strategies, and promoting continuous capacity building to improve hydrographic services in Nigeria. He added that collaboration with the National Hydrographic Agency is central to achieving these goals.

Mobereola said, “At NIMASA, we recognize that effective collaboration among maritime institutions is essential to achieving safer and more efficient waterways. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen maritime safety, improve operational standards, and enhance the overall growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.”

The collaboration between both agencies is expected to further strengthen maritime administration and support NIMASA’s statutory mandate of ensuring safety of navigation and shipping in line with the provisions of the NIMASA Act, particularly through the deployment and enforcement of accurate and up-to-date navigational charts essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.

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CUSTOMS, NSCDC, CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FORGE STRONGER SECURITY SYNERGY IN OYO STATE

CUSTOMS, NSCDC, CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FORGE STRONGER SECURITY SYNERGY IN OYO STATE

Bisi Akingbade 

The Acting Customs Area Controller  Oyo/Osun Area Command DC Wale Moses Adewole, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthened inter-agency collaboration following a series of courtesy visits to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service in Oyo State.

 The courtesy engagements, led by the Acting Customs Area Controller, were aimed at fostering stronger institutional relationships and enhancing operational synergy among the sister security agencies in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

According to the press statement issued by the Assistant Superintendent of Customs Command Public Relations Officer, Oyo/Osun Area Command,  

Abdulmalik Akintola highlighted that during the visits, DC Adewole emphasized that effective national security management requires sustained cooperation, mutual support, and intelligence sharing among relevant government agencies. He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to working closely with sister agencies to combat smuggling, secure national borders, and promote lawful trade.

He further stated that the visits were part of the Command’s broader strategy to consolidate existing partnerships and build stronger channels of communication for coordinated responses to security challenges within Oyo and Osun States.

The leadership of both the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Correctional Service commended the initiative and reiterated their readiness to sustain cordial working relationships with the Nigeria Customs Service in pursuit of shared national objectives.

The Oyo/Osun Area Command maintains that inter-agency cooperation remains vital to achieving effective security administration and ensuring the protection of government interests and the public.

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President Tinubu Charts Africa’s Blue Economy Future, Says Piracy Eliminated in Nigerian Waters

President Tinubu Charts Africa’s Blue Economy Future, Says Piracy Eliminated in Nigerian Waters

NIGERIA PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Africa must move from “sea blindness” to “ocean sovereignty,” positioning maritime governance and security as the foundation for unlocking the continent’s blue economy potential.

Speaking at the High-Level Roundtable on Maritime Sovereignty and Ocean Governance during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria had transformed its maritime strategy from one focused largely on threats to one centred on economic opportunity, regional security and investment.

“For too long, ‘sea blindness’ has meant that we have looked upon the vast waters under our jurisdiction as voids, or simply as sources of threat,” the President said. “Nigeria is here to tell a different story: our maritime domain is a sovereign territory, and its governance must be asserted, resourced, and institutionalised.”

The President also said that piracy incidents had been eliminated within Nigerian waters following sustained investments in maritime security infrastructure under the country’s Deep Blue Project.

He said the initiative deployed an integrated network of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, including command-and-control centres, special mission vessels, fast intervention boats and aerial platforms.

“The global maritime community has acknowledged the elimination of piracy incidents within Nigerian waters and the substantial reduction of attacks across the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

The President said maritime sovereignty is an economic imperative for Africa’s future, insisting that secure sea lanes and predictable regulation were necessary conditions for attracting private capital into the blue economy.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent institutional reforms, including the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as proof that ocean governance had become a central pillar of state policy. 

President Tinubu called for deeper regional coordination across the Gulf of Guinea, warning that maritime crime cannot be effectively tackled by countries acting in isolation.

“As we endorse the Nairobi Declaration, Nigeria affirms that maritime sovereignty and ocean governance are the non-negotiable foundations of Africa’s Blue Economy transformation,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by urging African states to treat ocean governance as a generational responsibility, declaring that “the oceans have no duplicate as a common heritage of mankind.”

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Oyetola Showcases Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda at Africa Forward Summit

Oyetola Showcases Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda at Africa Forward Summit

CAPTION

L-R: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola; former Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia; Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday.

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, showcased Nigeria’s Blue Economy at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where he participated in a high-level panel discussion on “Blue Economy — Maritime Sovereignty & Sustainable Valorization.”

The summit brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors and development partners to advance discussions on innovation, economic growth and strategic partnerships across the continent. The panel session also featured the French Minister of the Sea and Fisheries, Catherine Chabaud, alongside other distinguished maritime stakeholders from across Africa.

The landmark summit, co-hosted by William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, was held under the theme “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth.” 

Nigeria’s President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, joined fellow African leaders at the event, which has been widely regarded as a significant diplomatic and economic engagement marking a new phase in Africa-France relations, particularly as the first Africa-France summit hosted in an English-speaking, non-Francophone African country.

In the press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola stated that 

the Federal Government has continued to implement deliberate measures aimed at unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy resources, including the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in August 2023. Since its establishment, the Ministry has recorded notable milestones, including the development of Nigeria’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, designed to provide a strategic framework for sustainable sectoral growth.

Agencies under the Ministry have also achieved record revenue performance, generating N1.83 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year. In addition, the Federal Government has approved a comprehensive port modernization and upgrade programme expected to attract larger vessels, expand employment opportunities and reinforce Nigeria’s position as the leading maritime hub for West and Central Africa.

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NCS Reinforces Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Through Sensitisation Programme

NCS Reinforces Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Through Sensitisation Programme

Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reinforced its commitment to combating illicit financial flows and terrorism financing through a sensitization programme on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT,  held at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The engagement, held on Monday, 4 May 2026, formed part of the Service’s first-quarter operational review meeting and training for officers of the AML/CFT Unit, focusing on enhancing capacity, promoting ethical standards and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

Speaking during the session, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Headquarters, ACG Muhammad Shuaibu, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of AML/CFT operations within the Service and Nigeria’s broader financial and security framework.

He noted that the impact of the Unit extends beyond seaports, airports and border stations, adding that its achievements over the past year have positioned it as a critical component in safeguarding the nation’s financial system.

ACG Shuaibu also highlighted improvements in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, noting that Nigerian-issued bank cards are now globally functional, enabling seamless international transactions with automatic currency conversion.

“This is a major milestone. Nigerians can now travel and use their cards anywhere in the world, with transactions reflecting the local currency. This is a significant achievement for the nation,” he said.

He further emphasised that postings to the AML/CFT Unit should be seen as opportunities for career growth and capacity development, rather than punitive assignments, while also referencing ongoing collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to align operations with global best practices.

Also speaking, the Ag. Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Saulawa Sunusi, stressed the importance of integrity, professionalism and discipline in the discharge of duties.

“Officers must remain disciplined, professional, and committed to ethical conduct. Integrity remains the foundation of everything we do,” he said.

He urged officers to continually build their capacity through training and to demonstrate leadership by example, while maintaining high standards of punctuality, fairness and professionalism.

Sunusi also highlighted the need for effective collaboration and conflict resolution within the Service, noting that strong internal synergy is essential for operational success.

Participants were advised to remain vigilant, maintain high morale and carry out their duties without bias. They were also cautioned against the unauthorised sharing of sensitive information and urged to adhere strictly to established communication protocols.

The session featured a lecture by Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Faisal Abubakar on service correspondence, where officers were guided on its importance and application in official communication.

In his remarks, National Coordinator of AML/CFT, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Mas’ud Salihu, highlighted the evolving nature of financial crimes, noting that illicit activities are increasingly shifting into digital and virtual spaces.

He explained that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms, identifying operational gaps and improving communication between field officers and management.

Salihu emphasised that sensitisation remains a key strategy in tackling financial crimes, urging officers to remain proactive in identifying and blocking emerging threats.

He commended participants for their engagement and appreciated the management of the Service for its continued support in strengthening the AML/CFT framework.

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