2026 Seafarer's Day : No maritime nation has ever achieved maritime greatness without investing in its seafarers - Captain Olubowale

2026 Seafarer's Day : No maritime nation has ever achieved maritime greatness without investing in its seafarers - Captain Olubowale 

Group Managing Director/CEO of Seamate Maritime Integrated Services Limited, Captain Ladi Olubowale,

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and one of the continent’s most strategically positioned maritime nations, joins the international community to celebrate the Day of the Seafarer 2026, her maritime future depends significantly on the quality, competence, and sustainability of maritime workforce, and at the centre of the workforce are Nigerian seafarers.

For the country to become a leading maritime nation in Africa, the Federal Government must invest deliberately and consistently in maritime human capital as there is no maritime nation that can build a strong maritime domain without strong seafarers as ships, ports and policies alone do not create maritime nations but people do.

A seasoned shipping professional and Group Managing Director/CEO of Seamate Maritime Integrated Services Limited, Captain Ladi Olubowale, gave this counsel while interacting with the media to celebrate the day in Lagos. 

The immediate past President of Africa Shipowners Association (ASA) Nigeria, Captain Ladi Olubowale said the future of Nigeria's shipping industry, port system, offshore sector, coastal trade, marine services, and Blue Economy depends on the strength of her maritime workforce.

According to him, "throughout history, the world’s leading maritime nations have shared a common characteristic: they invested deliberately and consistently in maritime human capital.

"The maritime success of countries such as Norway, Singapore, Greece, Denmark, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands was not built solely on infrastructure, ports, ships, or regulations. It was built on the strength of their maritime professionals."

Captain Olubowale added further that for Nigeria to remain competitive in maritime business, there must be a significant increase in investments in maritime education, training while capacity development must become national priorities.

According to him, “No maritime nation has ever achieved maritime greatness without investing in its seafarers. The future of Nigeria’s Blue Economy will not be determined solely by the ships we acquire, the ports we modernize, or the policies we formulate, but by the people we train, protect, empower, and elevate to leadership within the maritime sector."

He expressed worries over the long-standing challenge of sea-time training opportunities for Nigerian cadets, saying this has limited the growth of indigenous maritime manpower.

The challenge, according to the shipping operator, must be addressed through a coordinated framework involving government, regulators, shipowners, offshore operators, maritime institutions, and private sector stakeholders.

"The future competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers depends not only on certification but also on meaningful exposure to modern vessel operations and international best practices," said he. 

To unlock the enormous opportunities within the maritime and Blue Economy sectors, Olubowale averred that there is an urgent need for a comprehensive National Seafarers Development Strategy to align maritime education, sea-time opportunities, certification pathways, welfare standards, employment creation, leadership development, and international competitiveness into a coordinated national framework.

"The strategy should be designed to ensure that Nigeria produces a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled maritime professionals capable of supporting the nation’s shipping, offshore, logistics, marine services, and Blue Economy ambitions over the coming decades," said the former ASA President.

He reiterated the need for the Indigenous Shipping Development and Seafarer Employment to strengthen indigenous ship ownership, support fleet expansion, encourage coastal shipping participation, and increase Nigerian participation in maritime transportation will directly create opportunities for employment, sea-time acquisition, skills development, technology transfer, maritime entrepreneurship, and local capacity building.

Olubowale encouraged the Federal Government of Nigeria to make  seafarers’ welfare a national maritime priority and encourage experienced seafarers become maritime leaders. "while training and certification are critical, they must be accompanied by an equally strong commitment to welfare and wellbeing.

"A truly sustainable maritime sector must create pathways that enable seafarers to transition from shipboard service into positions of leadership and influence ashore.

"The experience gained at sea is invaluable to the development of effective maritime institutions and governance systems."

On the future of Nigeria's maritime sector and strengthening of sustainable growth, he called for deliberate efforts by the government to attract more young Nigerians into maritime careers and create greater opportunities for women in seafaring and maritime leadership.

"No maritime sector can achieve sustainable growth without effective governance. Professional, transparent, accountable, and forward-looking governance remains essential to building a globally competitive maritime industry.

"We are reminded that behind every maritime policy, every shipping strategy, every port reform, every vessel movement, and every Blue Economy initiative are the men and women whose skills, sacrifices, and professionalism sustain maritime commerce and national development," he maintained. 

Appreciating the indispensable role of seafarers in growing the world economy, Captain Ladi Olubowale, who is an Ambassador, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network UK, said the theme of the celebration “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks" was timely and profound but unfortunately seafarers often remain among the least visible contributors to economic development.

"Today, we at Seamate Maritime Integrated Services Limited join the international maritime community in celebrating Nigerian seafarers serving onboard merchant vessels, tankers, offshore support vessels, container ships, coastal vessels, fishing fleets, dredgers, and specialized maritime platforms across the globe.

"We honour their professionalism. We recognize their resilience. We celebrate their contribution. And we acknowledge their sacrifices."

Concluding, Olubowale said the  occasion should mark the beginning of a renewed national commitment to place Nigerian seafarers at the centre of maritime development.

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Customs Moves to Safeguard Local Manufacturers, Impounds 1,996 Kegs of Smuggled Vegetable Oil Worth N273.7 MN

Customs Moves to Safeguard Local  Manufacturers, Impounds 1,996 Kegs of Smuggled Vegetable Oil Worth N273.7MN

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reinforced its commitment to protecting Nigerian manufacturers and preserving jobs by intercepting prohibited imported goods valued at over N273 million in Cross River State. 

Speaking during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, the Customs Area Controller, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Comptroller Giwa Dauda, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard local manufacturers from the adverse effects of smuggling and illegal importation.

According to him, officers intercepted two 20-foot containers carrying 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway on 14 June 2026. "The products, with a Duty Paid Value, DPV,  of N195.5 million, were concealed in a truck intercepted during a routine patrol operation", he added.

Comptroller Dauda noted that vegetable oil remains one of the products in which Nigerian manufacturers have made significant investments. He explained that allowing the import of prohibited foreign products into the domestic market would undermine local production capacity, discourage investment, and threaten thousands of jobs across the agricultural and manufacturing value chains.

He stressed that "These products are listed under the Federal Government’s import prohibition policy, which seeks to stimulate local production, promote self-sufficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base."

Beyond the vegetable oil seizure, the Command also intercepted 1,500 used tyres and 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing. Combined with other seizures, the total Duty Paid Value of the prohibited items stood at N273.7 million.

The Area Controller further disclosed that officers intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bringing the total volume of petrol seized by the Command in 2026 to 5,760 litres. "The product was subsequently disposed of in accordance with approved safety procedures due to its highly combustible nature", he stated.

The Customs Area Controller also warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegal importation activities, stressing that such practices weaken local industries, distort market competition, and undermine government efforts to achieve economic diversification through industrialisation.

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OYO/OSUN COMMAND GENERATES N28.5BN WITHIN 3 MONTHS, SEIZES MOST DANGEROUS DRUGS, WEAPONS

OYO/OSUN COMMAND GENERATES N28.5BN WITHIN 3 MONTHS, SEIZES  MOST DANGEROUS DRUGS, WEAPONS 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced seizures worth three billion N3.2 billion and a revenue breakthrough of N28.5 billion between March and May 2026.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, briefed  the journalists at the Command' headquarters in Ibadan where he stated that the command had entered a new phase of “intelligence-driven enforcement and zero tolerance” for economic sabotage.

His words “This is not luck. This is strategy,” DC Adewole declared. “The dedication of our officers, combined with stronger collaboration with sister agencies, has produced these results. We are here to protect Nigeria’s economy, not negotiate with smugglers.”

The Command’s dragnet swept across highways and border routes, confiscating a mountain of illegal goods. The seizure list reads like a smuggler’s inventory: -1,537 bags of foreign parboiled rice valued at ₦286.8m; 

- 102 bales + 13 sacks of used clothing worth ₦217.5m; 

- 56 sacks of used shoes* worth ₦368.1m; 

- 1,105 used tyres valued at ₦204.4m; and 

- 604 kegs of PMS* totalling 15,100 litres worth ₦49.3m.

The operatives intercepted the most dangerous drugs and weapons of 5,595 packs/sachets of Tramadol 250mg worth over N1.17 billion, 1,769 wraps of Cannabis Sativa valued at ₦167.6m, and cartons of controlled pharmaceuticals including Rohypnol, Hiegra, and Analgin Injection. In a chilling discovery, three pump-action rifles were seized, leading to the arrest of three suspects now undergoing interrogation.

DC Adewole declared that “Anyone attempting to flood our streets with arms and drugs will meet the full force of the law. Investigation is ongoing, and we will trace this network to its roots.”

Beyond seizures, the Command posted impressive numbers on revenue. It generated ₦28,503,393,802.75 between March-May 2026, compared to ₦26,233,796,496.57 in the same period last year. That’s an 8% increase about ₦2.27 billion more in just 90 days.

DC Adewole credited compliant traders, effective anti-leakage measures, and the sacrifice of officers working round the clock to keep revenue flowing.

Comptroller Adewole reiterated that Oyo/Osun Command will not relent. "We will continue to dismantle smuggling networks, facilitate legitimate trade, protect national security, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.” He extended gratitude to sister security agencies, the business community, and the media for their partnership.

The briefing ended with a Commendation Awards ceremony where outstanding officers were celebrated for bravery, integrity, and exceptional service delivery.

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Customs, American Business Council Deepen Trade Collaboration

Customs, American Business Council Deepen Trade Collaboration

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the American Business Council, ABC, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and addressing bottlenecks affecting business operations through sustained public-private sector engagement.

The resolution was reached during the quarterly meeting held on 16 June 2026 at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on improving trade facilitation, enhancing security, and promoting stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.

Speaking during the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi stressed the importance of regular consultations with stakeholders, noting that the engagement would be institutionalised as a permanent feature of the Service's calendar.

"It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to this kind of engagement," Adeniyi said.

CGC Adeniyi also briefed participants on developments in key trade facilitation initiatives, including the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Post Clearance Audit, the B'Odogwu platform, and ongoing improvements in scanning integration and cargo clearance procedures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.

Members of the American Business Council welcomed the reforms and commended the Service's efforts, while also calling for quicker mechanisms to address outstanding challenges affecting businesses.

President of the American Business Council, Nneka Enwereji, described the meeting as productive and praised the Customs leadership for its commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the country.

"This session has been phenomenal and demonstrates your commitment to improving ease of doing business. You have raised the bar, and there is a lot that can be learned from this," she said.

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Indigboamaka Traders Push for Capable 2027 Leadership, Robust Economic Policies, Seek for Dedicated Traders Bank at MAJAN Roundabout

Indigboamaka Traders Push for Capable 2027 Leadership, Robust Economic Policies, Seek for Dedicated Traders Bank at MAJAN Roundabout 

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria leaders seeking for elective offices in 2027 have been called on by the Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, an umbrella body of over 58 major markets in Lagos, to present a clear economic agendas capable of addressing the challenges confronting traders and small and medium -scale enterprises, SMEs.

The President, Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association,  Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, while addressing, the members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN,  expressed concern over the country's economic direction and the apparent disconnect between policymakers and the trading community.

Ukatu said the high cost of doing business, foreign exchange instability and the absence of regular consultation with stakeholders before policies affecting trade and commerce are introduced.

According to him, political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections has been dominated by power struggles rather than practical discussions on economic growth, infrastructure development and the business environment.

Ukatu said "We are very worried about the 2027 election because what we hear from politicians is mostly about political calculations rather than how to improve the economy, infrastructure and the business environment," he said.

The traders' leader stressed that frequent policy changes and exchange rate volatility have created uncertainty for businesses, making long-term planning difficult for importers and entrepreneurs.

He urged politicians aspiring to leadership positions to clearly articulate their economic programmes and explain how they intend to support trade and expand opportunities for businesses.

"Trade is what drives the economy. Those seeking leadership positions should tell Nigerians exactly what they have in store for traders and for the economy," he added.

Ukatu maintained that poor leadership remained at the root of many of the country's challenges, expressing optimism that competent leadership in 2027 could reposition the economy for sustainable growth.

Highlighting the plight of SMEs, he identified high lending rates, multiple taxation, poor infrastructure, unfriendly trade policies and inadequate government support as major impediments to business growth.

He noted that many traders are unable to access affordable credit, while poor road networks and illegal levies imposed by non-state actors continue to increase operating costs.

"Most markets lack basic infrastructure. Traders build roads, provide security and maintain facilities by themselves, yet they are heavily taxed," he said.

Ukatu further decried the lack of collaboration between government agencies and the trading community, noting that many SMEs have the potential to venture into manufacturing and export businesses but are constrained by limited access to finance and weak support structures.

As part of measures to address the challenges, he advocated the establishment of a dedicated "Traders Bank," jointly owned by government and traders, to provide single-digit interest loans to SMEs.

According to him, such an institution would enhance access to affordable financing, boost business expansion and create employment opportunities.

He also called for greater participation of traders in policy formulation, insisting that those directly affected by economic decisions should be carried along before such policies are implemented.

On national unity, Ukatu disclosed that the association had inaugurated a sensitisation committee to promote peaceful coexistence among traders across ethnic and religious divides.

He argued that commerce thrives on cooperation and mutual prosperity, accusing politicians of exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments for political purposes.

"For traders, business comes first. Customers buy goods based on quality and affordability, not the tribe of the seller. We are preaching unity because trade is about partnership and mutual prosperity," he stated.

In his welcome address, Ukatu in his welcome address underscored the strategic role of maritime journalism in exposing challenges and advocating reforms within the maritime sector, urging practitioners to uphold professionalism, objectivity and unity in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Earlier, President of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, commended the NDIGBOAMAKA Progressive Market Association for its contributions to national economic development through trade and entrepreneurship.

Aguigbo described traders as critical stakeholders in economic growth, noting that their activities have continued to facilitate commerce, create jobs and sustain livelihoods across the country.

He called for stronger collaboration between the media and the trading community in promoting policies and initiatives that would enhance trade facilitation and accelerate economic development.

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Apapa Customs Intercepts 1.8 tonnes of Canadian Loud, seizes Expired Pharmaceuticals with combined DPV worth ₦12.7BN

Apapa Customs Intercepts 1.8 tonnes of Canadian Loud, seizes Expired Pharmaceuticals with combined DPV worth ₦12.7BN

 

Bisi Akingbade 

The  Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command acting on credible, actionable intelligence and utilizing advanced risk assessment tools, officers of the Command in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Monday, 15th June 2026 at about 1200hrs has successfully intercepted 1 x 40FT container with number CAAU7569127 conveying a large consignment of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as “Canadian Loud.” The operation led to the recovery of 3,639 sachets of the illicit substance, with each sachet weighing 500 grams. This brings the total weight to approximately 1,819 kilograms (1.81 tonnes). Preliminary field tests conducted on the substance returned positive results for Cannabis Sativa. 

The drugs were cleverly concealed inside a black Toyota Nissan vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, along with several bags and drums loaded inside the container.This intelligence-driven interception highlights the Command’s enhanced capacity to detect and dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s maritime entry points.

The examination was carried out in collaboration with key security and regulatory agencies.

 In a related development, the Command intercepted 2 x 40FT containers loaded with expired pharmaceutical products illegally imported into the country. Physical examination revealed that the pharmaceutical products have varied expiry date of 2021, 2022 and 2023 which the importers planned to relabel  and reintroduce into the Nigerian market, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

The 1 x 40FT with number PCIU8771576 contained expired pharmaceuticals including Cidoxilin Capsules, Cynamine Vitamin B12 Injection and Becoline B-Complex Injection. While, 1 x 40FT container with number MRKU4961275 contained various expired medical products such as Oxytocin Injection, Mexclor Eye Drops, Avomex Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Silymarin Tablets, Nystatin Tablets, Hyoscine Butylbromide Tablets.

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

Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command,  Isah Sulaiman highlighted that the seized items have a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of  Twelve Billion, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Four Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-One Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo (₦12,784,479,341.72k) only. 

This substantial seizure highlights the scale of the attempted economic sabotage and underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to protecting national security, public health and the Nigerian economy through intelligence-driven enforcement operations.

These interceptions prevented potentially harmful and ineffective medications from entering hospitals, pharmacies and homes across Nigeria.

These successes demonstrate that the Apapa Area Command’s enforcement strategy is anchored on intelligence gathering, strategic profiling, data analysis and strong stakeholder collaboration. The Command continues to deploy modern techniques to target high-risk consignments while facilitating legitimate trade in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.

Commenting on the seizures, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba warned that “unpatriotic importers and their collaborators who deliberately engage in smuggling, drug trafficking and the importation of expired pharmaceuticals are enemies of Nigeria’s progress. We have the intelligence, the technology and the resolve to identify and apprehend them. Anyone still contemplating these criminal acts should immediately desist, because the consequences will be swift, decisive and uncompromising. Apapa Port will not be used as a conduit for economic sabotage and public health endangerment.”

Comptroller Oshoba further warns that Apapa Port and all Customs-controlled areas remain under constant surveillance. The entire Officers of the Command remain resolute in protecting the Nigerian economy, safeguarding public health and preventing criminal exploitation of the nation’s borders.

The CAC reassures all Nigerians of the Command's commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations to protect lives, secure legitimate trade and uphold national security.

 

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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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