L-R, the Operation Director, National Single Window (NSW), Mr Peter Ekunkoya; the Director of the NSW, Mr Tola Fakolade; and the Director of Training of the Association of Nigeria License Customs Agent (ANLCA) Dr Anthony Ikharo, during a briefing on Friday in Lagos
NSW records 39,039 trade applications in 8 weeks
Lagos, May 22, 2026, No fewer than 39,039 licences, permits, certificates and related applications were submitted through the National Single Window (NSW) portal within eight weeks.
The Director of the NSW, Mr Tola Fakolade, disclosed this during a briefing on Friday in Lagos.
Fakolade reviewed progress since phase one of the platform was deployed on March 27.
He said the figure reflected increasing reliance on the platform for processing trade-related documents nationwide.
“Over the last eight weeks since go-live, approximately 39,039 LPCO applications have been submitted through the platform.
“This indicates growing reliance on the NSW for submission and processing of licences, permits, certificates and other trade-related documents,” he said.
Fakolade said the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) submitted 30,937 applications through the platform during the review period.
He added that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control submitted 7,942 applications.
According to him, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency processed 138 applications.
He said the National Agricultural Quarantine Service recorded 22 applications on the platform.
Fakolade stated that 7,567 registered users had been integrated into the NSW platform within eight weeks.
The Director of the NSW, Mr Tola Fakolade
The Director of the NSW, Mr Tola Fakolade
He said the users included traders, importers, licensed customs agents, clearing agents and other private-sector stakeholders.
According to him, 6,935 importers registered on the platform during the review period.
He added that 359 clearing and forwarding agents, 104 freight forwarders and 169 licensed customs agents also registered.
Fakolade said the Air Cargo Manifest Module became operational on March 27, with DHL serving as the pilot airline.
He disclosed that about 136 manifests had been submitted through the module since deployment.
According to him, eight airlines and courier operators have submitted Air Cargo Manifests through the NSW platform.
Fakolade said stakeholder training began in February across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.
He explained that the training prepared ministries, departments, agencies and private stakeholders for effective use of the platform.
He said end-user training for private stakeholders remained ongoing to support new users and improve operational understanding.
According to him, about 2,990 private-sector stakeholders had already been trained nationwide.
He said the sessions targeted importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs agents and other private-sector users.
“We also engaged in public stakeholder training and trained a total of 579 MDA representatives.
“The training ensures MDA officers understand NSW process flows and their agency-specific responsibilities,” Fakolade said.
He said the programme also covered application reviews, approvals, escalations and stakeholder support responsibilities.
Fakolade said agencies trained included NAQS, SON, NESREA and NAFDAC, among others.
He disclosed that phase two of the rollout would begin in June.
According to him, the second phase will complete manifest integration for airlines and shipping lines on the platform.
Fakolade commended stakeholders for their level of compliance with the NSW initiative.
He said that the management of NSW had delivered Phase 1 of the project in March 2026 which includes:Licenses, certificates, and permits, Application submission for imports, Centralised risk management for regulatory agencies such as SON, NAFDAC, and NAQS
Fakolade added that Phase 2 would be delivered between Q2 and Q3 2026, noting that would covered licenses, LCPO applications, export submissions, and export process applications from Form M will be initiated on the Single Window platform, alongside data analysis reports and dashboards.
For Phase 3, he said it would commence in Q1 2027 adding that the phase would be handled declaration submissions, duty assessments and payments, Advanced Risk Analysis (ARA), the Trade Visualization System (TVS), and operational reports and dashboards.
He urged more users to participate in ongoing training to support successful implementation of the platform nationwide.
The briefing was attended by Mr Peter Ekunkoya, Operations Director of NSW; Dr Anthony Ikharo, the Director of Training at the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); Head of Communications at NSW, Mr Oluwafemi Ogundoro; and other technical staff. For four hours, they briefed maritime media on recent progress in the project to deepen their understanding of it.
A group picture of the management of the National Single Window and some of the maritime media during a briefing held on Friday in Lagos
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 Lagos
PMAWCA: Oyetola seeks stronger maritime capacity across region
Lagos, May Tuesday, 18, 2026 , Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, says Nigeria is expanding its port capacity and implementing major maritime reforms to position the country as a leading trade and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Oyetola made the disclosure while declaring open the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) on Monday in Lagos.
The meeting which has the theme, “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development”, was well attended by regional maritime stakeholders.
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,” Oyetola said.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to modernising the nation’s ports through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation and improved operational efficiency.
According to him, 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, 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 said 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, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and President of PMAWCA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, commended the ministry for hosting the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa.
Dantsoho said West and Central Africa was witnessing a major resurgence in maritime infrastructure investment, with more than 27 billion dollars worth of port projects underway or recently announced across the sub-region.
He pointed to major projects including the 20 billion dollar Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the two billion dollar Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire, the 1.5 dollar 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 dollars investment by APM Terminals.
Dantsoho said ports in West and Central Africa must move beyond their traditional role as cargo gateways and become drivers of broader blue economy growth.
He further said that the future of the sector lay in areas such as renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology.
“The future of the sector lies in areas such as renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology,” he said.
The event, scheduled for May 18 to May 20, was also attended by the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Kefas Agbu; the Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation and Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
Also in attendance were Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Special Adviser on Policy Coordination to the President, former Managing Director of NPA, and former Vice President of PMAWCA , Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, among others.
PMAWCA: Oyetola seeks stronger maritime capacity across region
Lagos, May Tuesday, 18, 2026 , Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, says Nigeria is expanding its port capacity and implementing major maritime reforms to position the country as a leading trade and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Oyetola made the disclosure while declaring open the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) on Monday in Lagos.
The meeting which has the theme, “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development”, was well attended by regional maritime stakeholders.
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,” Oyetola said.
He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to modernising the nation’s ports through infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation and improved operational efficiency.
According to him, 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, 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 said 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, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and President of PMAWCA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, commended the ministry for hosting the Mid-Year Session of the Board of Directors of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa.
Dantsoho said West and Central Africa was witnessing a major resurgence in maritime infrastructure investment, with more than 27 billion dollars worth of port projects underway or recently announced across the sub-region.
He pointed to major projects including the 20 billion dollar Simandou-Morebaya Deep Sea Port project in Guinea, the two billion dollar Port San Pedro project in Côte d’Ivoire, the 1.5 dollar 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 dollars investment by APM Terminals.
Dantsoho said ports in West and Central Africa must move beyond their traditional role as cargo gateways and become drivers of broader blue economy growth.
He further said that the future of the sector lay in areas such as renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology.
“The future of the sector lies in areas such as renewable marine energy, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, coastal tourism and marine biotechnology,” he said.
The event, scheduled for May 18 to May 20, was also attended by the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Kefas Agbu; the Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation and Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
Also in attendance were Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and Special Adviser on Policy Coordination to the President, Hadiza Bala Usman, among others.
Pic 3- The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the outstanding performance in risk department, Lt. LE Haruna, the Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola and the instructor from HSI Deep Blue Special Maritime Training, during the Deep Blue Maritime Operational/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation held on Tuesday in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos
NIMASA graduates 177 personnel, showcases C4i capability in Lagos
Lagos, May 19, 2026, The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, says the Deep Blue Project has sustained zero piracy incidents in the country’s waters for four consecutive years.
Mobereola said this on Tuesday at the Deep Blue Maritime Operational/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation Ceremony held at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos.
The C4i system, meaning Command, Control, Computer, Communication and Information, serves as the intelligence hub of the Deep Blue Project, coordinating real-time maritime security surveillance across land, air and sea operations.
Mobereola said the ceremony underscored the nation’s commitment to building a safer, smarter and more secure maritime domain.
The Instructor, Director of HSI company, the Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abbas, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the Director General, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, and first person from right Executive Director Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi, during the Deep Blue Maritime Operational/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation held on Tuesday in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos
According to him, 177 personnel graduated from specialised maritime security training programmes under the Deep Blue Project.
The graduates include 33 Special Mission Vessel Officers, 14 Special Mission Vessel Engineers, 107 Fast Intervention Boat Operators, Technicians and Boarding Team members, as well as 23 Helicopter Team personnel.
He said the officers underwent intensive training in operational efficiency, intelligence coordination and rapid-response operations across the maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea.
The NIMASA boss said the training covered critical areas such as helicopter operations, medical evacuation and emergency maritime interventions.
Mobereola said the Deep Blue Project had significantly reduced maritime crimes, restored investor confidence and lowered war-risk insurance premiums in Nigerian waters.
He added that the achievement contributed to Nigeria’s election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reflecting the country’s growing global maritime profile.
“I specially appreciate the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, whose dedication to the maritime sector continues to guide the agency’s operations and strategy,” he said.
Mobereola urged the graduating officers to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and commitment in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.
-A cross-section of the management of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), led by Dr Dayo Mobereola; the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha; and instructors from HSI Company during the Deep Blue Maritime Operational/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation Ceremony held on Tuesday at Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos Project
In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, commended NIMASA for sustained investment in maritime security and capacity development.
He described the Deep Blue Project as a strong example of inter-agency collaboration involving the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other security agencies.
“The maritime environment continues to face evolving threats which demand professionalism, cooperation, vigilance and continuous capacity development,” he said.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, One of the outstanding performance , Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola and the instructor from HSI Deep Blue Special Maritime Training, during the Deep Blue Maritime Operational/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation held on Tuesday in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos
Also speaking, the Head of the Deep Blue Maritime Project in NIMASA, Mrs Gladys Owolabi, said the graduating officers comprised personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Army and Air Force.
She said the trainees received instruction in vessel handling, command integration, maritime communication systems and underwater acoustic operations among others.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, One of the outstanding performance , Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola and the instructor from HSI Deep Blue Special Maritime Training, during the Deep Blue Maritime Operational/C4i Capability Demonstration and Graduation held on Tuesday in Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos
According to her, Nigerian waters are now significantly safer against piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes, allowing maritime business activities to thrive within the Gulf of Guinea.
Owolabi stated that sustainability was the hallmark of the Deep Blue Project, and for consistency, there was need for continuous training and effective coordination across the project’s various components and platforms.
A cross session of some delegates seating on granite as a result of insufficient chairs during Lagos Central Senatorial primary election held at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Monday
Senate Primaries: Surulere APC members endorse Sanni for second term
Lagos, May 18, 202, Members of All Progressives Congress(APC)in Surulere on Monday endorsed Sen. Eshilokun Sanni to represent Lagos Central Senatorial District for another term in the 2027.
The endorsement took place on Monday during the primary election held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
The largely peaceful election saw many party faithful trooped out in large numbers to show support for the lawmaker,who is serving his first term.
Party members, from 12 wards,waited for hours before the process began.
Officials said the delay was due to verification procedures, but accreditation and voting proceeded smoothly once started.
Seating was insufficient for the delegates. While some chose to stand, others sat on granite stones to show solidarity.
The presiding officer, Mr Sesan Olarenwaju, said that 3,962 party members were accredited for the exercise and that all of them voted to affirm Sanni as candidate.
“A total of 3,962 accreditations were recorded, and 3,962 votes were also cast. The results for the six wards under Surulere Constituency I are as follows:
Akinhanmi/Cole: 389
Yaba/Ojuelegba: 410
Igbaja/Stadium: 477
Shitta/Ogunlana: 345
Adeniran Ogunsanya: 497
Iponri/Eric Moore: 356
“For Surulere Constituency II, which also comprises six wards, the votes were:
Coker: 268
Aguda: 268
Orile: 232
Itire: 225
Ijesha: 245
Ikate: 250,”he said.
He said the results of all the local governments under Lagos Senatorial district would be compiled and announced later.
A group picture of delegates at Teslim Balogun Stadium waiting to cast their votes for Senator Eshilokun Sanni
He commended the large turnout,saying it reflected commitment to the party and support for Sanni.
Speaking after the election, the Senatorial District Officer for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Gbenga Oyebode, commended party members for endorsing Sanni.
Describing Eshinlokun as a performer,Oyebode said the senator had executed and initiated several constituency projects across Lagos Central,including solar street lights across five local government areas.
He said that Sanni had also rehabilitated roads and was presently constructing primary health centres in Itire-Ikate area of Surulere Local Government Area.
He further noted that Sanni was rehabilitating Evans Square, installing transformers in Apapa Local Government, and constructing a 750-seater hall at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, ,among other projects,to impact lives.
Oyebode said that beyond legislative duties, the senator had been actively involved in numerous other projects, both completed and ongoing, aimed at improving the living standards of constituents and fostering sustainable development across Lagos Central.
The State Woman Leader of Ndi-Igbo in APC Lagos, Princess Obiageli Onu, described the election in Surulere as successful.
She noted that party faithful came out in large numbers and commended party members for supporting the senator for a second term.
According to her, the outcome reflects the confidence people have in his leadership.
She further described the senator as “a man of the people” who understands his responsibilities.
Onu said Sanni’s track record and approach to representation had earned him widespread acceptance among his constituents.
Another party member , Hon. Babatunde Parker-Davies, expressed strong support for the senator .
He described him as a true man of the people and the preferred choice of residents.
He stated that the widespread support was the reason for the massive turnout during the election.
“Despite the heavy rainfall and the fact that the election took place at the start of a new working week, supporters still turned out in large numbers,” he said.
From second left, the Director, Seaport Operation, NDLEA, Ibinabo Archieabia, receiving the intercepted cannabis worth N16.6 billion from Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, at the port on Wednesday in Lagos
Customs, NDLEA frustrate attempt to smuggle N16.6bn worth of Cannabis into Nigeria
By Ejide Onibiyo
Lagos, May 13, 2026, A joint operation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,347 packages of Cannabis Indica, weighing 4,173.5 kg, with an estimated street value of N16.6 billion.
The seizure is coming barely two weeks after operatives of both agencies intercepted another 9,450 packages of cannabis weighing 4,729kg valued at N18.96 billion on April 30.
The Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island Customs Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka during handing over of intercepted cannabis worth N16.6 billion in Lagos on Wednesday
Speaking while handing over the seized cannabis to the NDLEA on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka said the successful interception followed credible intelligence.
He said that the seizure of the drugs was possible by the Customs and NDLEA through intelligence sharing.
According to him, officers of the command’s enforcement unit intercepted a 40-foot container marked HAMU 247034/8 and conducted thorough physical examination, which led to the discovery of the illicit drugs.
Onyeka said that the container, which originated from Canada like the previous seizure, had the packages of cannabis concealed inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes Benz C300 vehicle stashed in it.
The customs comptroller, who handed over the seized drugs to NDLEA Director of Seaport Operation, ACG Ibinabo Archieabia, said that the latest seizure highlights the desperation of criminal networks seeking to use Nigerian ports as channels for trafficking dangerous substances.
“Exactly two weeks ago, on April 30, 2026, we gathered here to brief the public on a major interception made through intelligence and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.
“Today, we are back again for another significant seizure.
Picture of some of the intercepted cannabis indica weighing 4,173.5 kg at Tin-Can Island Customs Command
“This tells us two things. First, criminal networks are still desperate to use our ports to push dangerous substances into the country.
” Second, it shows that our officers and sister security agencies are alert, focused and fully committed to stopping them.” Onyeka said.
The Tin-can customs boss described the act as a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to undermine national security and endanger the lives of Nigerians, especially the youth.
“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise national security, endanger lives and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women.
” Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, who ensured that the consignment did not get to the streets,” Onyeka said.
He assured Nigerians that the command would continue to intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering and sustain collaboration with NDLEA and other security agencies to ensure, not just seizures, but arrest and prosecution of those behind the shipments.
Onyeka warned Nigerians collaborating with foreign criminal syndicates that the command would not spare anyone found compromising national security for personal gain.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi and the Chairman of NDLEA, General Buba Marwa, for fostering the partnership and intelligence-sharing framework between both agencies in the fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking.
In her response, Archieabia said that the handing over was an epoch-making event as she formally took possession of the prohibited weed from the Customs.
She said that the operation followed months of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking of the container shipment from Canada.
The NDLEA director said that the exhibits shall undergo the necessary legal processes for final forfeiture in accordance with the law, describing the seizure as humongous with over N10.4 billion in street value.
According to her, the interception of this large cache of illicit substances by the Nigerian security architecture at the seaports is highly commendable.
The director also said that the gallant officers had served as effective and patriotic gatekeepers in ensuring the safety and security of the country’s maritime corridors.
She said the seizure was not merely about yesterday’s examination and discovery rather, it was the positive outcome of painstaking intelligence, sustained surveillance, information gathering, and strategic trailing of the container from March up until yesterday.
Archieabia said that the criminals intended to distort and frustrate the law from monitoring their deadly container by having multiple layers of movement.
She said: “They did this by subjecting the container through several routes, the container originated from Toronto by truck on March 28, was further conveyed through the rails to Montreal.
” This is before it was loaded on board vessel Jakarta Express Voyage, from Montreal. It arrived Tanger Med Port on 15/4/2026, where it was discharged and reloaded on vessel Osaka Voyage and arrived Tincan seaports on the May 9.”
A group picture of customs senior management at Tin-Can Island Customs Command headed by Comptroller Frank Onyeka and the official of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by the Director, Seaport Operation, NDLEA, Ibinabo Archieabia
The director said the agency under the leadership of retired Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa was uncompromising in its mandate to rid the society of narcotic substances and protect the future of our nation.
She further buttress the importance of the renewed MOU signed between the NCS and NDLEA recently, saying that the results were obvious.
Caption: Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba with outstanding performance officers for the month of April
Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation
Lagos, May 13, 2026, The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers of the command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism.
Oshoba gave the directive during the command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos.
Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba address officers in the command
He stressed the need for improved operational efficiency across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and prompt cargo clearance.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. Any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.
“Even at the gates, if a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay,” he said.
The area controller urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.
“We must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team.
“We should not be seen as clogs in the wheels of progress,” he said.
Oshoba also called for heightened vigilance against smuggling, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.
The parade featured awards for outstanding officers and operational units for exemplary performance.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Ismail Mohammed, emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer for April.
Chief Superintendent of Customs, Augustine Ondoma, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Bukola Olaleye and Inspector of Customs, Olalekan Salawu, were also recognised for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.
Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Bukola Olaleye awarded for outstanding performance in the month of April
Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.
Oshoba said the initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, professionalism and healthy competition among officers and units of the command.
The Nigeria Ports Authority late Photographer, Paul Erakhifu
Transition to glory: NPA eulogises late Photographer A.K.A Texas
Lagos, May 12, 2026, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemakara, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), has described the death of the Authority’s former Photographer, Paul Erakhifu, as a huge loss.
Onyemekara said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said that Erakhifu, fondly called Texas, was employed into NPA on October 17th, 1994, as a quiet young man with a file under his arm and a fire in his chest.
Onyemekara said that Erakhifu was employed in the same month that he was born, started from Grade Level 3, a junior staff and one of many names on the roster.
“Though Paul was a junior staff, he was not interested in just filling a space, he came to leave a mark.
“Colleagues began calling him “Texas.” No one is entirely sure how the nickname stuck. Some say it was his big, open laugh that could fill a room like the wide Texas sky.
“Other colleagues say it was his fearless way of tackling any task, no matter how small. Whatever the reason, “Texas” stuck, and over the next 32 years, the name became synonymous with reliability, craft, and joy at the NPA.
“Erakhifu’s rise wasn’t loud. It was built on four things he lived by every day: diligence, determination, discipline, and desire,” Onyemakara said.
He noted that the late Erakhifu showed up early at work, stayed late when the job demanded.
Onyemekara added that the late colleague learned the system from the scratch, asked questions others were too proud to ask, and treated every assignment like it mattered.
He said the late photographer learned step by step, year by year, till he climbed the ladder to Grade Level 13 as a senior staff.
The NPA spokesman said: “His promotions wasn’t a surprise to anyone who knew him. It was expected. The man had earned every rung.”
He said if one asked anyone who worked with Erakhifu, they would not start with his grade level but tell you about his camera.
“Photography was his craft and he pursued it with an uncommon commitment. In an organisation driven by logistics, cargo, and deadlines, Erakhifu found beauty in the details – the sunrise over the docks, the quiet focus of a dockworker, the organised chaos of the port in motion.
“His photos did not just document the NPA. They told its human story. He had an eye for moments others missed, and a patience to wait for them. That’s how he worked in everything – both behind the lens and at his desk,” Onyemakara noted.
He said that Erakhifu eased tension with a short line, a grin, or his opener, adding that his skill was reminding people to take the work seriously while not taking themselves too seriously.
Onyemekara said the late photographer shared humour with everyone, from senior managers to cleaners, because he believed every person deserved a reason to laugh each day.
The general manager said the late Erakhifu wanted to be remembered for the good he did for people and not for titles or promotions.
He added that ” Texas” believed people could not choose their birth or death, but they could choose how they lived between those dates.
The spokesman explained that his late colleague lived deliberately, paid attention to his craft, and spoke with kindness.
He said that his actions showed that consistent thoughtfulness left a lasting effect on the people around him.
“On Friday, May 1st, 2026, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu died. The news spread through the NPA and the office went quiet as colleagues absorbed it.
“Looking back, his meaning in “You have…” is clear: You have one life, so use it well, make it matter, and leave others smiling,” Onyemekara said.
L-R: Managing Director, Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Mr. Ascanio Russo; Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani; and General Manager, PTML, Mr. Babatunde Keshinro, at the commissioning of the new, fully furnished modern offices provided by PTML for the Nigeria Customs Service at Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos
PTML delivers modern digital office to Customs command in Lagos
Towards strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing trade facilitation, the Managing Director of Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Mr Ascanio Russo, has handed over a new furnished office complex to the Nigeria Customs Service PTML command.
The newly furnished complex contained modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) facilities
The handover ceremony marked the fulfilment of a commitment by PTML to provide additional modern and conducive offices for Customs officers operating at the terminal.
The management of PTML reinforcing the collaboration between private terminal operators and government regulatory agencies in driving seamless cargo operations.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Russo described the project as a clear demonstration of PTML’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service and ensuring that officers operate in an environment that promotes efficiency, professionalism and productivity.
According to him, the new office complex reflects PTML’s broader vision of fostering stronger institutional partnerships that will ultimately benefit port users and the Nigerian economy.
“This project symbolises our enduring partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service and our collective determination to improve operational standards at the port.
“We promised to provide additional offices to Customs, to complement the existing offices, and today we are proud to fulfil that commitment with a facility designed to provide a modern, comfortable and highly functional workspace for officers.
“We firmly believe that when regulatory agencies are provided with the right work environment and support, they are better positioned to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.
“This new modern facility will undoubtedly enhance productivity, strengthen operational effectiveness and contribute significantly to the seamless movement of cargo and trade facilitation at the terminal,” Russo stated.
He commended officers and men of the PTML Command for their dedication, professionalism and consistent efforts in sustaining cargo throughput and boosting government revenue generation despite operational challenges.
Receiving the new office complex on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, expressed deep appreciation to the management of PTML for delivering the project, which he described as timely and impactful.
Anani noted that a conducive working environment remains critical to the effectiveness, morale and overall performance of officers.
He noted that the newly renovated complex would greatly enhance administrative efficiency and operational coordination within the Command.
“This is truly a dream come true for us. I was informed that this project had been in the pipeline for quite some time, so witnessing its successful completion during my tenure gives me immense satisfaction and joy.
“PTML has demonstrated genuine commitment, responsibility and partnership through this laudable gesture.
“A modern workplace like this has a direct impact on the efficiency and motivation of officers. This facility will undoubtedly improve our operational capacity, create a better working atmosphere and support our mandate of facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
“We sincerely appreciate PTML for honouring this promise and for continuously supporting the activities of the Command,” Anani said.
Industry stakeholders at the event noted that the development will contribute positively to faster cargo clearance procedures, improved administrative processes and stronger synergy between terminal operators and regulatory authorities, all of which are essential to achieving greater efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
PTML, which is Nigeria’s leading roll-on roll-off terminal, is widely recognised for handling vehicle and container imports as well as providing integrated logistics and terminal services.
The terminal has continued to play a strategic role in supporting Nigeria’s maritime trade through its significant investments in infrastructure, operational efficiency and technology-driven cargo handling processes aimed at improving port productivity and reducing cargo dwell time.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka handing over the stolen luxury cars to the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Nasser Salihou
Anti-Smuggling Breakthrough:
Customs recovers stolen cars, hands-over to Canada
Lagos, May 10, 2026 ,The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced international confidence in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling and cargo intelligence framework with the formal handover of intercepted stolen luxury vehicles traced to Canada.
The National Public Relations Officer of customs, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Sunday.
According to him, the handover ceremony was held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Tin Can Island Port.
He said that the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Nasser Salihou, officially received the recovered vehicles from the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka.
“The recovery came after months of intelligence exchange and operational cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
“Canadian authorities had tracked several stolen luxury vehicles allegedly smuggled into Nigeria through international shipping networks.
“From the internal Customs document dated May 5, 2026, the recovered vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracán, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible, 2018 Lamborghini Aventador, and a 2026 Toyota Tundra,”Maiwada said.
He said that investigations confirmed that all the vehicles mentioned had been stolen and illegally exported before being traced to Nigeria.
Addressing journalists after the handover at the Tin Can Island Customs Area Command, Comptroller Onyeka revealed that one of the vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma, was hidden inside a container transporting other vehicles.
The Tincan Island Customs boss said that the discovery vehicle had not yet left customs custody before intelligence from Canadian authorities prompted swift action.
He explained that immediately customs received the alert, along with the relevant shipping documentation through official channels, officers quickly identified and isolated the suspicious consignment.
Onyeka said that vehicle was extracted and placed under enforcement custody pending diplomatic confirmation.
“What initially appeared to be a normal cargo shipment quickly turned into an international criminal investigation.
“Once the intelligence got to us, we immediately placed the consignment under enforcement watch and secured the vehicle pending confirmation from Canadian authorities,” Comptroller Onyeka said.
He further noted that the service intentionally withheld final release of the vehicle until representatives of the Canadian government arrived personally to complete identification and recovery procedures.
“We had individuals attempting to intervene on behalf of others, but the matter was too sensitive. We insisted that the handover must be done directly to the Canadian government to maintain the credibility and integrity of the process,” he said.
Comptroller Onyeka stressed that the operation demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s determination to combat transnational vehicle theft syndicates that exploit global shipping routes to traffic stolen automobiles across borders.
He also highlighted that the successful recovery further strengthens ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and Canada intelligence sharing.
Onyeka mention other collaboration with NCS and Canada such as cargo profiling, and maritime enforcement, especially in addressing organised cross-border crimes involving stolen property, illicit trade, and related fraudulent activities.
