Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi and Lt. Col. A. E. Amangele, Commanding Officer, 15 Field Engineer Regiment, Nigerian Army in Topo, Badagry when he visited Western Marine Customs Command on Wednesday in Lagos
Customs, Army strengthen ties against smuggling along waterways
April 22, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, and the Nigerian Army have strengthened collaboration to intensify crackdowns on smuggling along the nation’s southwestern waterways.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said this during a courtesy visit by Lt.- Col. A.E. Amangele, Commanding Officer, 15 Field Engineer Regiment, at the command’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos on Wednesday.
The visit featured high-level discussions focused on intelligence sharing, joint operations and improved inter-agency cooperation.
Ntadi stressed that tackling smuggling required collective effort, noting that illicit trade continues to undermine government revenue and economic stability.
According to him, the vast nature of the waterways and the sophistication of smugglers make collaboration among security agencies imperative.
“Smugglers make huge profits while the country suffers significant losses. This is a challenge no single agency can handle alone.
“The waterways are expansive and difficult to monitor, which is why we rely on synergy with sister agencies, including the Nigerian Navy and the Army, to achieve results,” he said.
Ntadi described the Army’s visit as a positive step toward strengthening operational support and enhancing enforcement capacity.
Earlier, Amangele said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger working relationships and boosting operational synergy between the Army and the Customs.
He said the engagement focused on intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies to curb criminal activities along the waterways.
“It is important to build strong relationships with other security agencies within our area of responsibility to enhance effectiveness.
“This visit is part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and ensure seamless operations in tackling smuggling and other security challenges,” he said.
The renewed partnership is expected to enhance surveillance, improve enforcement and reduce smuggling activities across the region.
The Controller of Customs in charge of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi during a briefing in Lagos on Thursday
Customs export rose to N6.03bn in first quarter – Lilypond Command
April 23, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has recorded N6.03 billion in Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue in the first quarter of the year.
The Controller of Customs in charge of the command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
Ariyibi said that the figure represented an increase from N5.01 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
He said the command handled 19,014 export containers (20ft and 40ft) in the period under review, compared to 9,722 containers processed in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a significant rise in export volume.
Ariyibi added that the exports comprised agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid minerals.
According to him, agricultural exports generated 523.26 million dollars, while manufactured goods accounted for 93.48 million dollars and solid minerals contributed 42.17 million dollars in the first quarter of the year.
He said the total export value stood at 925.8 million dollars, compared to 667.5 million dollars recorded in the same period of 2025, representing an increase of 38.68 per cent.
The comptroller also noted that export surcharge rose to N199.36 million in the first quarter of 2026 from N153.66 million in the corresponding period of 2025.
He attributed the growth in export performance to increased value addition, improved processing, and ongoing efforts to strengthen non-oil exports in line with national economic diversification objectives.
Ariyibi said the consolidation of export operations under the Lilypond Export Command had improved efficiency in cargo handling and facilitated smoother export processes.
He added that the command was advancing preparations for the implementation of the National Single Window platform to streamline export documentation and enhance trade facilitation.
Ariyibi reiterated that under the mentorship and leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adeniyi, the handling of export cargoes had been more efficient, especially with the consolidation of all exports through the Lilypond command.
The comptroller commended stakeholders and partner agencies for their collaboration, noting that sustained cooperation would further boost export growth.
He reiterated that non-oil exports remained critical to the economy, as they support foreign exchange earnings, job creation and long-term economic stability.
The Controller of Customs in charge of the Lilypond Export command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, with some management staff during a briefing in Lagos on Thursday
L-R: Deputy Chief Technical Officer, Lekki Port, Mattew Oloyede; Managing Director, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang; Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing; Director, Regulatory Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Margaret Ogbonnah, and Deputy General Counsel, Lekki Port, Opeyemi Emmanuel-Olubake during the Knowledge Sharing Session in collaboration between Lekki Port and Chinese Consulate in Nigeria, held at Lekki Port, on Friday in Lagos
Lekki Port, China collaborate on capacity building initiative
Lagos, April 11, 2026, The Lekki Deep Sea Port has partnered with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria to strengthen human capital development through an international training programme in China.
The management of Lekki Port disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos.
It said the initiative was designed to enhance technical capacity, improve operational efficiency and expose staff to global best practices in port management.
According to the management, selected members of staff participated in the training programme in China, where they were exposed to advanced port infrastructure and modern logistics systems.
It added that the training also focused on innovation-driven processes and the integration of technology in port operations.
The port management said a knowledge-sharing session was held on April 10 to enable participants to share their experiences and lessons from the programme.
It noted that the session provided an opportunity for knowledge transfer and institutional learning within the organisation.
Speaking at the session, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Mr Wang Qiang, commended the Chinese Consulate for supporting the initiative.
Qiang said the training had significantly enhanced the exposure and capacity of the port’s workforce.
“At Lekki Port, collaboration is at the core of our business model, and we will continue to promote initiatives that strengthen our operations and global outlook,” he said.
Also speaking, the Consul General of China in Nigeria, Ms Yan Yuqing, said the programme underscored China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria.
Yuqing said the initiative was aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, cultural understanding and institutional partnership.
She described the participants as ambassadors of China-Nigeria relations, adding that they were expected to apply the knowledge gained to support development in their organisations.
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yan Yuqing; Director, Regulatory Services, Nigerian Shippers Council, Margaret Ogbonnah, and Deputy General Counsel, Lekki Port, Opeyemi Emmanuel-Olubake during the Knowledge Sharing Session in collaboration between Lekki Port and Chinese Consulate in Nigeria, held at Lekki Port, on Friday in Lagos
A participant, Mr Matthew Oloyede, said the programme provided valuable exposure to global best practices in port operations.
Oloyede added that the knowledge acquired would be applied to improve efficiency, strengthen teamwork and enhance service delivery at the port.
Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’, Comptroller Bashir Balogun
A picture of some of the Intercepted drugs at Edo
Customs intercepts N1.05bn tramadol, pharmaceuticals in Edo
Lagos, April 11, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products valued at about N1.05 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.
The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, said the seizure was made through intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement operations.
A picture of some of the tramadol Intercepted in Edo
He explained that operatives intercepted a truck conveying the contraband items.
According to him, the driver attempted to evade arrest when flagged down but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
Balogun said a thorough search of the truck revealed that the illicit drugs were concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.
He said the seized items had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.05 billion.
The controller said the operation underscored the service’s commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances.
He noted that substances such as tramadol and codeine contribute to drug abuse and criminal activities across the country.
A picture of some of the tramadol Intercepted in Edo
Balogun warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health and national security.
A picture of some of the Intercepted drugs in Edo
He added that the seized consignment remained in custody, while investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the illegal shipment.
NPA targets export growth with ports automation, infrastructure renewal
Lagos, March 30, 2026, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has unveiled a strategy to boost non-oil exports, with focus on infrastructure renewal, streamlined export processes and full automation of port operations.
Managing Director of NPA, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this in a statement by the agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, on Monday in Lagos.
Dantsoho was quoted to have said at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair that the authority was repositioning the port system to link local producers, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), to global markets.
He described Enugu as a strategic gateway to the South-East, with strong potential to drive export growth, especially in agro-allied products.
“The positioning of Enugu as a gateway to the South-Eastern hinterland presents significant opportunities to expand exports,” he said.
He commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for sustaining the trade fair as a platform for enterprise development and trade promotion.
Dantsoho said the NPA is investing in the rehabilitation of key eastern ports, including Onne, Warri and Calabar, while supporting the development of new deep seaports in the region.
“We are also providing technical support to promoters of deep seaports to drive vessel and cargo traffic to the Eastern corridor on a sustainable basis,” he said.
He identified trade as a key driver of economic growth, noting that the authority was removing bottlenecks that hinder export competitiveness.
According to him, a central reform initiative is the establishment of Export Process Terminals (EPTs) to simplify export procedures.
“The EPTs serve as one-stop shops for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification and shipment, reducing delays and inefficiencies in the export chain,” he said.
Dantsoho added that the terminals would be linked to Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to strengthen port-hinterland connectivity.
On automation, he said the NPA was implementing the National Single Window (NSW) system to enhance efficiency and transparency.
“The NSW enables seamless interaction among stakeholders and reduces human interface, which helps curb inefficiencies,” he said.
He reiterated the authority’s commitment to partnerships with investors and exporters, urging stakeholders to leverage NPA platforms to expand export opportunities.
L-R Commander, Materials Clearing and Inspection Office (MCIO), Nigerian Navy Apapa,Captain U.S. Akoh and Customs Area Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Bolaji Adigun when the Navy visited Kirikiri customs command in Thursday in Lagos
By reporter
Lagos, March 27, 2026, The Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced inter-agency collaboration aimed at improving port operations and safeguarding national economic interests.
This was highlighted on Thursday as the Commander, Materials Clearing and Inspection Office (MCIO), Nigerian Navy Apapa, Captain U.S. Akoh, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NCS Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command in Lagos.
The Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command (KLT) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bolaji Adigun, disclosed this in a statement through the Public Relations Officer, Victor Ogagbor, on Friday in Lagos.
Adigun as is that the visit served as a platform for both agencies to deliberate on strategies to boost cooperation in critical areas such as port security, cargo monitoring, information sharing, and overall maritime operations.
He noted that the engagement underscored the importance of synergy among government institutions in facilitating seamless trade and strengthening national security.
Speaking during the visit, Captain Akoh stressed the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies, likening government institutions to parts of a single body that should function collectively to achieve optimal results.
He commended the NCS for its professionalism and dedication to trade facilitation and revenue generation, noting that joint efforts remain vital to achieving national development goals.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the KLT command welcomed the Navy delegation and expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between both agencies.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening cooperation with relevant stakeholders to enhance compliance, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen security within the port environment.
The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques, symbolising mutual respect and a renewed resolve by both organisations to foster closer ties in pursuit of safer and more efficient maritime operations.
The engagement marks another step in ongoing efforts by security and regulatory agencies to promote collaboration and ensure the smooth functioning of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
A cross session of Customs management at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal command and the Nigeria Navy led by Nigerian Navy Apapa,Captain U.S. Akoh on a courtesy visit to Customs Area Controller, Bolaji Adigun in charged of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal command on Thursday
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola; Head of the European Union Evaluation Mission on the Gulf of Guinea Inter-regional Network (GoGIN II) Project, Ms Stéphanie Vergniault; and a member of the mission, Capt. Alioune Diop, when the EU Evaluation Mission on the GoGIN II Project visited the Minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday
Oyetola seeks EU support to tackle maritime threats in Gulf of Guinea
Lagos, March 26, 2026, The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has sought European Union support to tackle maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
He identified illegal fishing, trafficking and environmental crimes as major concerns requiring urgent and coordinated international response.
Oyetola disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, on Thursday in Lagos.
Receiving an EU Evaluation Mission delegation, he said evolving regional security challenges demanded stronger international partnerships.
“We must deepen collaboration to effectively respond to emerging maritime threats across the Gulf of Guinea,” the minister said.
The delegation, led by Ms Stéphanie Vergniault, said the visit formed part of an independent assessment of the EU-funded GoGIN II project.
She noted the initiative supports maritime coordination and information sharing across countries in the Gulf of Guinea.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, calling it vital for cooperation and intelligence exchange.
He said EU-backed interventions, including GoGIN II, had strengthened maritime awareness and improved collaboration among regional agencies.
The minister highlighted the YARIS information-sharing system as key to improving coordination among maritime stakeholders.
He stressed the need to sustain and optimise its operational use for long-term effectiveness.
Oyetola also underscored the importance of improving interoperability between regional centres and national institutions.
He called for continued capacity building and technical support to strengthen maritime security systems.
The minister cited the Deep Blue Project as contributing to reduced piracy and armed robbery at sea in recent years.
“This progress shows the value of combining national ownership with regional and international support,” he said.
As GoGIN II nears completion, Oyetola urged stakeholders to consolidate its achievements and ensure sustainability.
He stressed that maintaining these gains is crucial for securing maritime activities and boosting regional economic growth.
Earlier, Vergniault said the evaluation aimed to assess performance, results and sustainability of the programme.
She said it would also identify lessons to guide future maritime security initiatives.
Vergniault added that the mission was engaging stakeholders in Nigeria to gather feedback on the YARIS platform.
She said the review focused on coordination under the Yaoundé Architecture and prevailing maritime sector challenges.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola (right) and the Head of the European Union Evaluation Mission on the Gulf of Guinea Inter-regional Network (GoGIN II) Project, Ms Stéphanie Vergniault (left), when the EU Evaluation Mission on the GoGIN II Project visited the Minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday
From fourth left, Customs Area Controller, Port and Cargo Multi- Services Ltd., (PTML) Comptroller Joe Anani; his wife, Chairperson, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Caroline Anani and other COWA’s members at PTML chapter during COWA Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
Association tasks women on green initiative, donates environmental disposable equipments
Lagos, March 25, 2026, The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Port and Cargo Multi-Services Ltd. (PTML) Command, has tasked women to embrace environmental sustainability, saying it aimed to plant 5,000 trees nationwide under its green initiative.
The Chairperson, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Port and Cargo Multi-Services Ltd., Mrs Caroline Anani with stakeholders’ at the command COWA Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
The Chairperson of the COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Anani, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme, with the theme: “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future”, held on Wednesday in Lagos.
The “Green Barracks, Green Borders” campaign was launched in early 2026 to promote environmental sustainability across Nigeria’s border communities.
Anani urged women to support the initiative by reducing plastic use, conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
COWA members and community women COWA Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
“Let us work together to protect our planet for future generations.
“As we have heard, our planet faces significant challenges such as plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. We are not just spectators of these challenges, but part of the solution.
“I commend the support of the COWA President, Mrs Kimelomo Adeniyi, and the Comptroller of PTML Command for ensuring we achieve our objectives of supporting women,” she said.
COWA PTML members donated waste bins and disposable equipments to sort bottles at the Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
She called on members to lead by example and sensitise others on proper waste management to prevent environmental hazards.
The chapter donated three waste bins, two compartmentalised metal waste separators and plastic bottles for recycling after the sensitisation programme.
Speaking earlier, the Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, commended members of the association for turning out in large numbers to promote environmental awareness.
The Customs Area Controller, Ports and Cargo Multi-Services Ltd., Comptroller Joe Anani and COWA members demonstrating the use of the disposable equipments held on Wednesday in Lagos
He said environmental sustainability was a collective responsibility, noting that the command had aligned its operations with government policies on eco-friendly practices.
“As a command, we are involved in the processing of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes that are environmentally sustainable and compliant with government policies.
“We have also facilitated the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles in line with government’s push for environmentally friendly transportation,” he said.
He added that the command had intensified tree planting, beautification of workspaces and recycling initiatives to support environmental sustainability.
Anani stressed that a polluted environment poses risks to all and called for immediate action to discourage improper waste disposal.
“Every plastic bottle carelessly discarded and every unit of energy wasted contributes to environmental degradation.
“But every conscious effort to reduce waste, conserve resources and support renewable energy contributes to a sustainable future,” he said.
He directed officers and personnel under the command to adopt improved environmental practices and pledged continued support for COWA’s initiatives.
Also, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Valuation, Mrs Roseline Owan, urged participants to promote green initiatives to mitigate climate change, poor agricultural yield and health challenges.
Similarly, Deputy Comptroller (Audit), Mrs Ogoru Akpevwe, encouraged Nigerians to plant more trees to provide shade and protect the environment, while also promoting recycling as a means of job creation.
She noted that improving environmental conditions in border communities would enhance trade, public health and overall development.
In a presentation on erosion, a corps member, Mr Ayomide Bamidele, described it as the gradual washing away of topsoil by water, wind and other forces, worsened by human activities such as deforestation and poor waste management.
He advocated tree planting, proper waste disposal and environmental education through eco clubs to address the challenge.
Students from Lafiaji Senior. High school, Lagos Island with founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Mrs Violet Williams inside the standard gauge railway to Agege on Thursday in Lagos
Ocean Ambassadors Foundation exposes 200 students to rail-sea logistics, supply chain opportunities
Lagos, March 26, 2026, The Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) has trained 200 students on rail-to-sea careers to enhance their understanding of logistics and supply chain operations in the marine and blue economy.
The Founder of OAF, Mrs Violet Williams, disclosed this during the foundation’s first quarter rail-to-sea career programme held at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) headquarters on Thursday in Lagos.
She said the foundation engaged the students in a technical rail-to-sea tour, exposing them to the practical aspects of multimodal transport, supply chain and logistics.
Founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Mrs Violet Williams, explaining the practical operations to students on how cranes load containers onto trucks for transshipment to other parts of the country and for export at Ebute-Metta, Lagos
“The students have seen the process of loading coaches with cargo coming directly from the port and transloaded into coaches for export and distribution to coastal communities,” Williams said.
Operators explained the operations processing of carry containers with crane to trucks for transshipment to outside Lagos
She stressed the need for rail linkages across ports in the country to achieve efficient multimodal transport and faster connections to dry ports.
Williams also emphasised the need for targeted interventions to expand rail-to-sea supply chain careers in the maritime industry.
She urged students and teachers to remain committed to developing careers in the maritime sector.
The OAF founder further highlighted the importance of educating young people on maritime activities as part of efforts to prepare them to address industry challenges from an early stage.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Training and Human Resources, NRC, Dr Harriet Nweke, enlightened the students on the benefits and opportunities in rail transportation.
Kings College students and their teacher during the rail-sea career training
She encouraged them to consider careers in the railway sector and to actively participate during the technical sessions.
In his remarks, Mr Femi Adedotun, a lecturer in the Department of Railway Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, described rail-to-sea as a key component of the marine and blue economy.
Yaba College of Technology secondary sch with their teachers during the rail-sea career training in Lagos on Thursday
Adedotun urged the students to take Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects seriously to remain relevant in the sector.
He explained that the rail network comprises freight and passenger services, noting that rail transport moves cargo, for example, from Apapa Port to other parts of the country, thereby reducing the number of trucks on the roads.
“A train consists of locomotives, coaches and wagons, while the blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, which relies on integrated intermodal transport linking ports to inland rail systems to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.
“Rail is three times more efficient than trucks. One train can replace hundreds of trucks, reducing port congestion and carbon footprint.
“Sea and rail systems can be sustained when aligned with global goals to protect the marine ecosystem by streamlining land-based logistics,” Adedotun said.
Speaking on multimodal systems, he said there was a need for more innovators to integrate rail, land and sea transport as a unified system, while promoting green transport solutions from the oceanfront to inland rail networks.
Our correspondent reports that 21 schools, with a total of 200 students, participated in the training.
The students engaged in a series of lectures and a technical tour to Agege on a standard gauge railway, as well as Ebute-Metta, where cranes loaded cargo onto trucks for delivery.
The students and their teachers also asked questions and received responses from facilitators.
