From left to right: Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; Mr Frank Nneji, founder of ABC Transport Plc and Assistant Corps Marshal, Mathew Olonisaye, Zonal Commanding Officer, Lagos Zonal Headquarters, Federal Road Safety Corps during 10th anniversary lecture of City Business News in Lagos
FRSC reaffirms commitment to road safety, calls for stronger highway safety measures
Lagos, June 25, 2026, The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to safer highways, stronger enforcement and public education at the 10th anniversary lecture of City Business News in Lagos.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the FRSC will continue to promote safer road use through enforcement and advocacy.
He said the Corps works with stakeholders to reduce crashes and prevent loss of lives on Nigerian highways.
“The joy of FRSC is when we do not record loss of lives on our highways,” Mohammed said.
He stressed the importance of cooperation between agencies and road users to improve safety outcomes.
He said no organisation can achieve road safety goals alone without partnerships.
“Partners will work with responsible organisations to achieve safety objectives,” he said.
Mohammed said the FRSC will continue public enlightenment campaigns to encourage safe driving habits.
He also said enforcement remains critical to reducing road crashes and improving compliance with traffic regulations.
President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, supported stronger road safety enforcement.
He said logistics efficiency depends on safe and well-managed road systems.
Oyeyemi said road transport dominates Nigeria’s freight movement and requires strict safety standards.
He linked poor road discipline and weak enforcement to increased accidents and infrastructure damage.
Stakeholders praised FRSC efforts in improving awareness among road users.
The said safety campaigns have helped reduce reckless driving behaviour in some sectors.
They noted that transport safety contributes to business continuity and economic stability.
The stakeholders also said that collaboration between regulators and private operators strengthens the transport ecosystem.
The anniversary lecture brought together transport regulators, logistics operators, and industry stakeholders.
Participants agreed that road safety remains essential to efficient logistics and national economic development.
A group picture of Customs Area Comptroller Lekki Free Trade Zone, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, stakeholders and officers of the command, during sensitisation and media briefing held in Lagos on Thursday
Customs LFTZ Command records N408.8bn revenue in H1 2026
LAGOS, July 1, 2026 (NAN)The Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service recorded N408.8 billion revenue between January and June 2026.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, disclosed this at a media briefing and stakeholders sensitisation held on Thursday in Lekki.
L-R, The Deputy Comptroller in charge of Enforcement, Dosu Ado, the Customs Area Controller, LFTZ, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar and the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Maijebah Ahmed during media briefing and stakeholders sensitisation held in Lagos on Thursday
She said the command collected N408.8 billion in H1 2026, representing a N91.5 billion increase over N317.3 billion recorded in the same period in 2025, a 28.85 percent growth.
Abubakar announced June 2026 as the command’s highest monthly collection since inception, with N87.1 billion generated, reflecting growing investor confidence in the Free Trade Zone and Lekki Port.
The Controller described the unprecedented growth as deliberate, resulting from strengthened compliance, improved operational efficiency and constructive engagement with stakeholders operating within the Free Trade Zone and Lekki Deepsea Port.
He noted that sustained stakeholder engagement programmes have built mutual trust, encouraged voluntary compliance with customs laws, and created an enabling environment for legitimate trade to flourish.
The Controller commended officers and men for professionalism, integrity and diligence, saying their commitment strengthened the trading community’s confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service’s operations and service delivery.
She expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for visionary leadership and to the Management Team for strategic guidance that enabled commands across the service to achieve remarkable performance.
A cross session of Customs Area Comptroller Lekki Free Trade Zone, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, stakeholders and officers of the command, during sensitisation and media briefing held in Lagos on Thursday
The LFTZ customs boss said since stated that since its establishment four years ago, the command had become a model of trade facilitation, enhancing ease of doing business and boosting government revenue.
The CAC attributed the transformation to the visionary leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, strategic management direction, officers’ dedication and stakeholders’ consistent cooperation within the Free Trade Zone.
He also thanked LFTZ Command officers, personnel of other formations, and units whose collaboration enhanced operational effectiveness and served as the bedrock of the Command’s remarkable achievements in revenue.
The Controller acknowledged sister security and regulatory agencies operating within the Port and Free Zones, saying inter-agency synergy has enhanced security and facilitated legitimate trade effectively.
Comptroller Abubakar said the command welcomed media partnership and reaffirmed commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and national economic development objectives.
He thanked investors, licensed customs agents, importers, exporters and the business community for cooperation and compliance, urging them to sustain the commendable disposition for continued progress.
He pledged that the command would maintained an enabling environment for legitimate trade, promote global best practices, ensure compliance, and uphold transparency, professionalism and stakeholder engagement consistently.
The Controller said the Command would consolidate gains in H2 2026, improve service delivery, surpass targets, and thanked the media for objective reportage of Customs reforms and achievements.
In their presentations the Assistant Comptroller, K.A Yuguda, and Assistant Comptroller O.A Omekam on Customs Processing of Transire
document from modern port to bonded terminal.
They said the Nigeria Customs Service has streamlined transire processing to enable faster movement of goods from seaports to inland destinations under proper customs control and documentation procedures nationwide.
Officials said the electronic transire system now reduces delays, minimizes human interface, and enhances cargo tracking, thereby improving trade facilitation while strengthening revenue assurance and border security across commands.
They urged stakeholders to comply fully with transire guidelines, noting that seamless implementation would promote legitimate trade, curb diversion, and support government’s economic objectives through efficient customs administration.
The Head of Operations, Flour Mills LFTZ, Mr Olanrewaju Okunola, commended the Area Controller for recording N87.1 billion in June 2026, the highest monthly revenue in the Command’s history.
The Zone Administrator, Lekki Free Trade Zone,Mrs Bolanle Dada, described the revenue increase as a turning point, citing exceptional transparency at LFTZ and promising continued efforts to boost government revenue.
A group picture of customs senior officers and stakeholders during sensitisation programme Friday, June 26, 2026, with the theme, “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.”
Customs intensifies campaign as Green Tax takes off July 1
Reporter
Lagos, June 29, 2026(NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its nationwide sensitisation campaign on the implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and related fiscal adjustments ahead of the policy’s commencement on July 1, 2026.
Customs saaid that the initiative was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and encouraging the importation of cleaner vehicles into the country in line with global environmental standards.
According to the statement, the sensitisation programme was held at the Apapa Customs Area Command on Friday, June 26, 2026, with the theme, “Implementation of the Green Tax Surcharge and Related Fiscal Adjustments.”
The event brought together Customs officers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers and other key stakeholders to familiarise them with the new policy ahead of its implementation.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Mohammed Babadende, said the exercise was organised in ensuring that stakeholders fully understand the policy and its implementation framework before it takes effect.
“This sensitisation is designed to ensure that every stakeholder clearly understands the policy before implementation. Our objective is to eliminate uncertainty, promote voluntary compliance and guarantee uniform application of the Green Tax Surcharge across all commands,” Babadende said.
He noted that effective stakeholder engagement would help ensure a seamless rollout of the policy while improving compliance across the country’s ports and border stations.
Delivering a technical presentation, the Comptroller in charge of Tariff, System Audit and Coordination, Murtala Muazu, explained that the Green Tax Surcharge differs from conventional fiscal measures and would therefore require a separate assessment process.
Muazu disclosed that the Service has introduced a simplified implementation mechanism through the Harmonised System (HS) Code declaration platform to facilitate accurate assessment and ease compliance by importers and clearing agents.
He further revealed that the Federal Government has simultaneously reviewed existing import charges on vehicles to cushion the effect of the new environmental levy.
According to him, import levies on vehicles have been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while duties on used vehicles have been cut from 15 per cent to five per cent.
The Customs Service said the reductions were intended to offset the impact of the Green Tax Surcharge while supporting legitimate trade and ensuring businesses were not unduly burdened by the new policy.
The Area Controllers who attended the sensitisation programme urged importers, licensed customs agents and members of the public to support the initiative.
The controllers mentioned that the reduction in import levies would lower the cost of doing business, facilitate legitimate trade and ultimately contribute to reducing transportation costs across the country.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the initiative but called for sustained public awareness campaigns to ensure broader understanding, minimise confusion and encourage voluntary compliance as the rollout date approaches.
The Green Tax Surcharge is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote environmentally friendly transportation and align Nigeria’s import policies with global climate and sustainability objectives.
WISTA Nigeria President, Dr Odunayo Ani and Former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr Peterside Dakuku
WISTA Nigeria backs Net-Zero, hails Peterside vision for Maritime
Lagos, June 28, 2026 , The Women International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, has reaffirmed commitment to the maritime industry’s net-zero transition, applauding the former Director General, Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside’s, keynote on Africa’s maritime policy and trade gaps.
WISTA Nigeria President, Dr Odunayo Ani, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
It also commended former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, for calling for practical reforms in Africa’s maritime policy and trade architecture during a two-day Regional Conference of WISTA Nigeria.
Ani said Peterside’s call in his keynote on Africa’s maritime policy and trade gaps was timely, insightful and action-oriented.
She quoted him as saying African governments, regulators and stakeholders need move beyond policy statements to practical implementation, innovation, institutional strengthening and strategic maritime investment.
She stressed the need for collaboration, cleaner technologies, green financing, capacity development and inclusive leadership to ensure global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
Ani, also Director of Finance, NIMASA, said WISTA Nigeria aligned with Peterside’s call for modern and efficient ports, cleaner shipping corridors, stronger indigenous shipping capacity and sustained investment in maritime human capital.
She said these priorities were essential to building an environmentally responsible and globally competitive African maritime industry capable of attracting investment, reducing emissions and creating sustainable jobs across the continent.
According to her, WISTA Nigeria remains committed, as a leading advocate for diversity, inclusion and sustainable development, to initiatives that accelerate decarbonisation, drive innovation, strengthen policy implementation and empower women professionals.
Ani added that empowering women would deepen contributions to Africa’s blue economy and net-zero ambitions, while strengthening technical skills, mentorship networks and leadership pipelines across shipping, ports and logistics.
She further commended Peterside’s emphasis on bridging policy and execution, describing it as a key pathway to unlocking Africa’s maritime potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and sustainable global trade.
L-R: President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Comrade Francis Bunu, Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh; Director, Maritime safety and security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Makoji Musa; representing the Honorable Minister, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha representing the Chief of Naval staff during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarers in Lagos, Nigeria.
Stakeholders’ demand better welfare for Seafarers
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have called for stronger protection, improved welfare and sustained investment in seafarers, recognising their indispensable role in global trade and economic growth nationwide.
The call was made at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, in Lagos on Saturday.
NIMASA’s Deputy Director, Head of Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie, said the event, themed “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” convened lawmakers, officials, security agencies, labour unions and industry stakeholders.
Senate Committee Chairman on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, described the theme as fitting, reaffirming commitment to legislation promoting maritime safety, seafarers’ welfare, indigenous shipping and maritime education.
“Seafarers are indispensable to international trade and deserve policies that guarantee safety, welfare and advancement. The National Assembly will support initiatives that strengthen the sector and global competitiveness,” he said.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Director Makoji Musa, reaffirmed government’s commitment to decent work, skills development and positioning Nigeria’s workforce under the Blue Economy agenda.
“Seafarers remain the backbone of global trade. This administration will pursue policies that protect welfare, enhance skills and create opportunities in the international maritime labour market,” the Minister stated.
NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said seafarers facilitate over 80 per cent of global trade yet face hazards, security threats and prolonged separation from families daily.
He reaffirmed commitment to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, which has trained 2,459 cadets, and noted wage increases of over 150 per cent.
“NIMASA will place seafarers’ welfare and development at the centre of regulation because a resilient industry requires a motivated, well-trained and adequately protected workforce,” Mobereola said.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha, representing the Chief of Naval Staff, commended seafarers’ contributions and pledged Navy collaboration with NIMASA to safeguard the maritime domain and ensure safe operations.
Maritime Workers Union President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s interventions, saying they enhance capacity and global relevance of Nigeria’s maritime workforce through improved conditions and training.
L-R: Executive Director, Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh; Director, Maritime safety and security, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Makoji Musa; representing the Honorable Minister, Director General, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport; Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha representing the Chief of Naval staff during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarers in Lagos, Nigeria
Stakeholders pledged continued support for NIMASA’s efforts on safety, human capacity and welfare as Nigeria advances its aspiration to become a leading maritime nation.
Nigerian Association of Master Mariners President, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, urged stakeholders to prioritise welfare, stressing seafarers carry world trade and risk amid hazards, isolation, piracy and adverse weather.
L-R: Comrade Engineer Bob Joseph Yousuo, National President of the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA); Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustapha representing the Chief of Naval staff and President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN); Comrade Francis Bunu during the celebration of 2026 Day of the Seafarers in Lagos, Nigeria
Alao called for investment in maritime education, sea-time opportunities, fleet development and fair remuneration, while honouring those lost, including MV River Gurara in 1989 and five Nigerians on MV Leo.
He urged governments, regulators and shipowners to place the human element at the centre of administration. Alao wished seafarers fair winds as the world marks June 25.
From second left, Mrs Nwonu Adaora, Deputy Director, Trade Services, Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Puis Akutah; Technical Adviser of NEXIM Bank, Mr Hope Nyongo, other management staff and the delegates during a courtesy visit to the council Headquarters in Lagos
NSC pledges regulatory support for Sealink Project implementation
Lagos, June 27, 2026, The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing the regulatory guidance and institutional support required for the successful implementation of the Sealink Project.
The Executive Secretary of the council, Dr Pius Akutah, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), supported by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, at the council’s headquarters in Lagos.
The council’s Head of Public Relations, Mrs Rebecca Adamu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Akutah described the Sealink Project as a strategic intervention capable of transforming Nigeria’s maritime and coastal shipping sector, saying the council remained committed to supporting initiatives that enhance trade facilitation and regional connectivity.
The delegation, led by Mr Hope Nyongo, Technical Adviser to NEXIM Bank, presented the project to the council and identified the NSC as a critical stakeholder in its implementation.
Nyongo also conveyed the readiness of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to collaborate on the rehabilitation and upgrade of Burutu Port as a key component of the project.
He said the project, co-funded by the EU and technically supported by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterway transport systems while enhancing regional trade connectivity.
Nyongo noted that the NSC would play a pivotal role in freight logistics development and the protection of shippers’ interests.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Puis Akutah, and Mr Hope Nyongo, the Technical Adviser of NEXIM Bank, during a courtesy visit to the council Headquarters in Lagos
Responding, Akutah commended the initiative but stressed the need to address critical operational and regulatory issues to ensure its sustainability.
He said dredging costs should be integrated into the project’s financial framework, noting that efficient navigation channels were essential to the viability of coastal and inland shipping operations.
According to him, the existing fleet operating along the proposed corridors may be inadequate for the project’s objectives, calling for the deployment of suitable vessels to ensure seamless operations.
Akutah also underscored the need for a robust security architecture, particularly in the Niger Delta, to guarantee the safety of vessels, cargo and personnel.
He disclosed that the council would establish a dedicated technical team to provide regulatory guidance throughout the implementation of the project.
The NSC boss also assured the delegation that an appropriate regulatory framework would be developed and reviewed before any concession arrangement was undertaken.
He expressed optimism that the Sealink Project would boost trade facilitation, maritime connectivity and economic growth.
He added that Nigeria was strategically positioned to emerge as a major trade and maritime hub in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Akutah further called for the establishment of a clear dispute resolution mechanism to address potential commercial and regulatory issues during the implementation of the project, describing it as critical to investor confidence and programme stability.
He said the meeting marked another step toward strengthening institutional collaboration and advancing the Sealink Project as a catalyst for regional trade and maritime development in Nigeria and across Africa.
NSC Trains Future Leaders as Akutah Launches Performance-Driven Retreat for Middle Managers A group photograph of mid-level managers and the management team of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) during the opening session of a 4-day NSC retreat for middle level managers
NSC trains future leaders at Managers’ Retreat
Ogun State, June 25, 2026, The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has commenced a four-day operational retreat for Grade Level 12–14 officers as part of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity, improve performance management, and accelerate the implementation of strategic reforms across the organisation.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Ukeyima Akutah, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abe-Okuta Ogun State.
He described the retreat as a critical investment in leadership development, succession planning, and institutional transformation.
The retreat, themed “Middle Managers as Catalysts for Excellence and Innovation: Building the Next Generation of Leaders for Institutional Transformation and Sustainable Growth.
The event brought together middle-level officers considered pivotal to the council’s future growth and operational effectiveness.
According to Akutah, the initiative aligns with the Council’s Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and was designed to equip participants with the skills and competencies required to assume higher leadership responsibilities within the organisation.
“The retreat is more than a training programme. It is an investment in leadership development, succession planning, institutional capacity building, and the future of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council,” he said.
He emphasized that the middle managers serve as the crucial bridge between policy formulation and execution, noting that their ability to effectively implement strategies would determined l
the Council’s success in achieving measurable outcomes.
Akutah explained that the programme is specifically tailored to prepare Grade Level 12–14 officers for future roles as Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors, and Directors, thereby strengthening the Council’s leadership pipeline.
A major highlight of the retreat was the unveiling of a new Retreat Governance and Performance Management Policy, aimed at ensuring that resolutions reached during the retreat translate into concrete institutional results.
Under the framework, oversight responsibility would reside with the office of the Executive Secretary, while the Strategic Planning and Research Department (SPRD) would provide technical leadership.
Akutah said that the Coordination of implementation activities would be handled by the Human Resources Management Department (HRMD).
He noted that the policy also established a Retreat Steering Committee, implementation scorecards, periodic reporting mechanisms, and a structured process for integrating retreat resolutions into departmental work plans and performance management systems.
“Accordingly him, all approved retreat resolutions, communiqués, and action points should be incorporated into departmental work plans and performance assessment frameworks, with clearly assigned responsibilities, timelines, performance indicators, and reporting obligations,” Akutah said.
The Executive Secretary noted that the policy marks a shift from conventional retreat exercises to a results-oriented approach where outcomes were tracked, measured, and linked directly to organisational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of the Strategic Planning and Research Department, Mr Olurotimi Anifowose, welcomed participants and urged them to take full advantage of the programme.
Anifowose said that the importance of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and mentorship in building a resilient institution capable of meeting evolving industry demands.
The director also encouraged officers to embrace continuous learning and service-oriented leadership, describing the retreat as a platform for personal growth and organisational renewal.
“The retreat, which began on June 24, will conclude on June 27, 2026, with participants expected to develop actionable strategies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening institutional performance, and supporting the Council’s long-term transformation agenda,”he said.
A group picture of dignitaries and stakeholders during the Nigeria Seafarers Day celebration in Nigeria
Oyetola pledges fair treatment, safety standards for Nigerian seafarers
Lagos, June 26 , The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing maritime labour standards and regulations to safeguard seafarers’ welfare and ensure compliance with national and international obligations.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, made the pledge on Thursday at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos.
The theme of the event was “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk”.
Oyetola, represented by the Executive Director, Marine Safety and Security in the ministry, Mr Musa Makoji, said the welfare, dignity and rights of seafarers remained a priority for government.
“The ministry will continue to enforce applicable regulations and labour standards to ensure seafarers are treated fairly while employers uphold their obligations under national and international maritime instruments,” he said.
The minister commended shipowners and employers who maintain high standards of welfare, safety and professionalism, urging them to strengthen efforts to protect seafarers who keep global trade moving.
He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to promote compliance with international standards and best practices across the maritime industry.
According to him, seafarers play a critical role in sustaining global commerce in spite of operating under demanding and often hazardous conditions.
“While seafarers carry world trade, they should not carry the risk. Protecting them is a shared responsibility of governments, regulators and industry players,” Oyetola said.
He noted that seafarers spend long periods away from their families while navigating operational, security and environmental challenges that require courage, discipline and resilience.
Oyetola said the maritime industry was facing increasing pressures arising from geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, evolving security threats and climate-related challenges.
“Despite these realities, seafarers continue to demonstrate professionalism in ensuring the uninterrupted movement of world trade. We must reaffirm our commitment to protecting their dignity, welfare and rights,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Wasiu Eshilokun, said seafarers are indispensable to global trade and economic development.
Eshilokun also said the committee remained committed to supporting maritime safety, security and welfare initiatives for seafarers.
He added that the committee would continue to advocate policies aimed at improving port efficiency, strengthening indigenous shipping capacity and creating employment opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals.
According to him, the Senate will also support the modernisation of port infrastructure, sustainable blue economy development and full implementation of conventions protecting seafarers’ rights.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the annual observance recognised the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade and economic growth.
Mobereola said the theme highlighted both the indispensable role of seafarers and the significant risks they face while performing their duties.
“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers contend with unpredictable weather, demanding working conditions, evolving security threats and geopolitical realities.
“They also endure prolonged separation from their families while coping with the physical and psychological demands of life at sea,” he said.
Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Customs Command, Mr Joseph Anani, and other senior officers of the command on Wednesday during maiden engagement with maritime journalists in Lagos
Tincan Customs command generates N111.2bn May revenue
Lagos, June 24, 2026, The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N111.2 billion revenue in May 2026.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos during his maiden engagement with maritime journalists.
Anani said the meeting was designed to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the command and the media community.
“Since assuming office on May 22, 2026, engaging critical stakeholders in the maritime sector has remained a priority,” he said.
He described the media as a vital component of customs operations and a strategic partner in achieving institutional goals.
According to him, journalists are not merely communication channels but important stakeholders shaping public understanding.
“Reportage significantly influences public perception of command activities and the effectiveness of the Customs Service mandate,” Anani said.
He assured journalists that they would remain central to his administration’s policies, operations, reforms and achievements.
The controller promised transparent information flow, stressing that accurate communication would help journalists perform their duties responsibly.
He said the command would provide necessary information to enable effective reporting of customs developments to Nigerians.
Anani also revealed plans to support maritime journalists through training, sensitisation workshops and capacity-building initiatives.
He noted that a well-informed press corps would improve reportage quality and deepen understanding of customs operations.
“A properly equipped media will strengthen institutional knowledge and highlight challenges affecting port operations,” he said.
The Customs boss urged journalists to maintain professionalism while reporting activities of the command.
He warned that irresponsible reporting could fuel misinformation and weaken public confidence in government institutions.
“Responsible journalism remains critical to maintaining trust and ensuring collective objectives are achieved,” Anani stated.
He said the command would continue leveraging the modernisation programme of the Customs Service.
Anani explained that technology-driven solutions would improve efficiency, trade facilitation and service delivery at the port.
He added that his administration would ensure strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“Compliance will remain at the heart of our operations and enforcement will be firm, fair and professional,” he said.
Anani expressed satisfaction with the command’s revenue performance, describing the development as positive for national growth.
He attributed the achievement to officers’ commitment, improved compliance and enhanced operational efficiency.
The controller said teamwork and strategic enforcement measures contributed significantly to the command’s revenue trajectory.
Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Customs Command, Mr Joseph Anani, on Wednesday during maiden engagement with maritime journalists in Lagos
He pledged to consolidate existing gains and surpass previous achievements recorded by the command.
Anani commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for appointing him to lead the strategic command.
He praised Adeniyi’s leadership and commitment towards repositioning the service for greater efficiency.
The controller reiterated the command’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders, especially the media.
Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Customs Command, Mr Joseph Anani, and other senior officers of the command on Wednesday during maiden engagement with maritime journalists in Lagos
He said constructive engagement remained essential for improved operations and stronger partnerships across the maritime sector.
Anani said together, the command and media can ensure Tincan continues its critical role in national growth, trade facilitation, and revenue generation.
To strengthen media relations, he said the Public Relations Unit would be charged with ensuring press matters receive priority and adequate attention always.
