Flowerbud News

Author: Ejide Onibiyo

  • Oyetola tasks new Shippers’ Council Board with port reforms, accountability

    Oyetola tasks new Shippers’ Council Board with port reforms, accountability

    L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema; and the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, at the inauguration of the NSC Governing Board in Abuja, on Monday

     

    Lagos: The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
    The Special Adviser to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, made this disclosure in a statement to newsmen in Lagos on Monday.
    Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
    He said that the constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Tinubu in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance.
    He noted the that the board’s function would enhanced institutional effectiveness, and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic transformation.
    The Minister emphasised that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.
    He mentioned that effective regulation remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting the interests of shippers, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.
    Oyetola, consequently, charged members of the newly inaugurated board, to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies.
    He urged the shippers’ council board members, to work harmoniously with management of the board, to uphold professionalism.
    Photo caption: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, (seventh from left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood (fifth from left); Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema (fourth from right); Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akuta (third from right) and other Board Members of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council at the inauguration of the NSC Governing Board in Abuja, on Monday
    The Governing Board is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State.
    Other members include Dr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde.
    Also among the members were, Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
    Responding on behalf of the board, its Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity.
    He also thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the board and for his visionary leadership in repositioning the sector.
    Shema assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.
    He also pledged commitment to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency, and supporting initiatives that would enhance port performance.

  • Customs honours 2 officers at Western Marine command

    L-R, Assistant Comptroller of customs, Charles Oputa, the Customs Areas Controller (CAC) Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, CAC Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, CAC, Apapa Customs command, Emmanuel Oshoba and the CAC Port and Terminal Multi Service Ltd. (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, during a working visit to the Western Marine command in Lagos on Wednesday

     

    Customs honours 2 officers at Western Marine command
    Lagos, January 14, 2026, The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, has honoured two officers for outstanding performance during 2025.
    Superintendent of Customs Moris Okauru received the Excellent Award, while Deputy Assistant Comptroller Okechukwu Okere was honoured with the Discipline Award.
    Ntadi and other customs Comptroller in Lagos presented the awards on Wednesday at the command’s premises in Lagos.
    Ntadi urged officers to give their best to the service, saying dedication would attract recognition and appropriate rewards.
    He commended Customs management for recognising the Western Marine Command as Best Performing Command, alongside the Excellent Award in 2025.
    the Customs Areas Controller (CAC) Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi,
    Ntadi praised officers who stayed away from their families for months, pledging enhanced motivation to enable greater commitment to duty.
    Speaking, Apapa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked Ntadi for the opportunity to address officers of the command.
    Superintendent of Customs, Moris Okauru receiving Most Excellence officer Award, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi and Customs Area Controller Apapa Command , Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba presenting award to Okauru in Lagos on Wednesday
    Oshoba stressed discipline, saying officers should embrace self-discipline rather than wait to be corrected by others.
    “I urge you to see posting as a transition, not punishment,” Oshoba said, encouraging officers to adapt positively to redeployments.
    He advised officers to use the World Customs Organisation Click platform for continuous training and improved professional relevance.
    “The Click platform offers international-standard training anytime, ensuring officers remain relevant to the service and Nigeria,” he said.
    Oshoba noted that Customs operations follow international standards, warning that officers who neglect knowledge development would stagnate professionally.
    He urged officers to add value to themselves and the service, while cultivating healthy working relationships across all ranks.
    Oshoba further encouraged officers to consult experienced colleagues to deepen their understanding of Customs operations.
    Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Okechukwu Okere, receiving the Most Discipline Officer Award, the Custom Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi and the Customs Area Controller Port and Terminal Multiple Services Ltd., Comptroller Joe Anani presenting the award to Okere in Lagos on Wednesday
    Also speaking, PTML Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, urged officers to dress well and improve their operational knowledge.
    Anani stressed collaboration, saying it would enhance trade facilitation and strengthen efforts to suppress smuggling nationwide.
    Similarly, Tin Can Island Port Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, urged officers to give their best for the service’s continuous progress.
    Onyeka said long-standing professional relationships had helped their advancement, encouraging officers to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Customs WMC intercepts, hands over 601kg cannabis worth N157m to NDLEA

    From L-R
    The Public Relations Officer of the Western Marine Command, Ibrahim Dauda, the 3rd left, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, the Head of Enforcement of the command, Assistant Comptroller Charles Oputa and the Superintendent of Customs Moris Okauru during the media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday

     

    Customs WMC intercepts, hands over 601kg cannabis worth N157m to NDLEA
    Lagos,January 14, Wednesday, 2026, The Customs Area Controller, (CAC), Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, said its command intercepted 601kg of Cannabis Indica valued at N157.8 million in Lagos.
    Ntadi made the disclosure during the handing over of the intercepted cannabis at the Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday.
    He said the significant seizures were made by the team in the course of their ongoing efforts to safeguard our borders, protect our economy, and uphold the rule of law.
    “The Western Marine Command has recorded yet another major operational feat in its sustained efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain against illicit activities.
    “In a recent anti-smuggling operation, dedicated officers of the command successfully intercepted and seized 20 sacks of cannabis indica with a total Duty Paid Value of N157,830,000.
    “The 20 sacks contained a total of 1, 205 loaves of cannabis indica suspected to have unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways,” Ntadi said.
    He reiterated the command’s effort in trade facilitation and enhancing ports logistics.
    Ntadi mentioned that the command recorded 21,414 containers escorted through the waterways between April and December 2025 from the main ports to various bonded terminals.
    The Western Marine Customs boss, described the containers escorted operations as efforts to enhance compliance, transparency and efficient movement of cargos to decongest the ports.
    He noted that the the operational achievements reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Western Marine Command to its statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation.
    Ntadi emphasised the command’s efforts to remain resolute in the fight against snuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.
    He attributed the command’s success to the exceptional motivation from the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, adding that the CGC had purchased seven additional new boats to enhance their operations.
    The Western Marine boss promised to name one of the boats after an officer who won the 2025 NCS Best Parade officers to motivate others.
     In terms of motivation, Ntadi commended CGC for enhancing their intelligence gathering and improving collaboration with other security agencies like the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police and the Immigration Service.
    He expressed the command’s commitment to upholding the laws of the land, continued fight against smuggling, protecting the citizens, and ensuring that justice was served.
    The Receiving the intercepted cannabis Indica, the Assistant Commander of Narcotic, Gambo Ali, Marine Police Command and the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Charles Oputa, the head of Operation of the command, Superintendent of Customs, Moris Okauru and the command PRO Ibrahim Dauda, during handing over of 20 sacks of Cannabis indica weigh 601kg Valued at N157 million to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA in Lagos.
    While handing over the intercepted cannabis indica to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Charles Oputa, said the interception took place around waterslide in Lagos.
    Oputa said the interception was achieved by efforts of the officers during their routine patrol operations, adding that officers were working harder in ensuring Nigeria waters were free from illicit drugs and unwanted substances.

    A picture of 20 sacks cannabis Indica weigh 601kg intercepted by Western Marine command in Lagos on Wednesday
    Receiving the intercepted cannabis indica, the Assistant Commander of Narcotic, Gambo Ali, Marine Police Command, commended the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service for the robust synergy between them.
    Ali said there were no suspects in connection with the seizure adding that the agency would commence investigation on the seizure and would feed back the media appropriately.

  • NSC orders suspension of port charge increases nationwide

    NSC orders suspension of port charge increases nationwide

     Jan. 13, 2026, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed shipping companies, agents and terminal operators to suspend all reviews or increases in port charges to restore stability and ensure transparent stakeholders engagement.
    The directive was issued by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, through the Council’s Head of Public Relations, Mrs Rebecca Adamu, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
    Akutah said all terminal operators, shipping agents and shipping companies must refrain from implementing new tariff adjustments until meaningful consultations with stakeholders have been concluded.
    He noted that recent port charge reviews were conducted strictly within the council’s statutory mandate as the Port Economic Regulator.
    “All tariff reviews conducted were transparent, structured, and followed a well-defined regulatory process,” Akutah said.
    According to him, the review processes involved detailed technical assessments and consultative engagements with affected service providers.
    This, he emphasised, was to evaluate cost drivers, operational realities, investment obligations and regulatory compliance.
    Akutah explained that such engagements did not amount to automatic approval of new charges, noting that final decisions were made only after rigorous internal, technical and financial assessments.
    He added that the assessments were guided by empirical evidence, regulatory benchmarks and prevailing economic conditions.
    “Notwithstanding these processes, shipping companies, agents and terminal operators are hereby directed to suspend any intended review of charges until proper stakeholder engagement has been conducted,” he said.
    The NSC boss warned that the council would take strict action against any service provider found disrupting port operations, stressing its authority to enforce compliance under existing laws.
    “Transparency, fairness and stakeholder participation remain fundamental principles underpinning port economic regulation in Nigeria,” Akutah said.
    He reassured port users and operators of the council’s commitment to protecting stakeholders’ interests, promoting fair competition and ensuring a predictable and stable business environment in the maritime sector.
    Akutah also noted that the NSC is empowered to apply sanctions, including enforcement measures outlined in relevant regulatory frameworks, against defaulting operators.
    The directive followed protests on Monday by members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and other freight forwarders, who shut down the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) office in Apapa over increased charges.
    The MSC had raised the Import Documentation Fee for 20-foot containers from N45,000 to N58,500 and for 40-foot containers from N72,000 to N93,600, while additional port charges increased from N50,000 to N80,000 for 20-foot containers and from N100,000 to N160,000 for 40-foot containers.
    The NSC said its intervention was aimed at ensuring fair consultation, preventing further disruptions and maintaining harmony in port operations while balancing the interests of service providers and port users.

  • 30.1 kg cocaine bust: Customs, NDLEA intercept foreign vessel at Apapa port

    1. èÓ
      The Customs Area Controller, (CAC) Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, with official of NDLEA at Greenview Terminal, Apapa Lagos while intercepting 30kg Cocaine on foreign vessel at Apapa port

       

    2. 30.1 kg cocaine bust: Customs, NDLEA intercept foreign vessel at Apapa port

    Lagos, Jan. 2, 2026, Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, in synergy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 30.1 kg of cocaine aboard a foreign vessel at the Apapa port.

     

     

    The Customs Area Controller, (CAC) Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Friday, through the Public Relations Officer,

    Apapa Port Command, Isah Sulaiman.

     

     

    Oshoba explained that the vessel was intercepted on Friday, being the first working day in the new year, at the Greenview Terminal, Apapa Lagos.

     

     

    He said that the illicit drugs were concealed on MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by smugglers seeking to exploit Nigeria’s busiest seaport.

     

     

    The Customs Comptroller, lauded officers of both agencies for their vigilance, professionalism, and effective collaboration.

     

     

    He described the interception as a product of intelligence-driven operations and strong inter-agency cooperation.

     

     

    “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to intelligence-led enforcement and the synergy among Federal Government agencies.

     

     

    “As the criminal networks continue to devise new tactics to outsmart law enforcement, our officers remain proactive and resolute.

     

     

    “No smuggling attempt,whether through import, export, or transit cargo, will succeed under my watch.

     

     

    “The seizure sends a strong signal at the start of 2026, reaffirming the command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit trade.

     

     

    “In accordance with established procedures, the seized cocaine has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

     

     

    The latest interception represents the third major drug bust by the joint NCS–NDLEA team in recent weeks.

     

     

    “About two weeks ago, the agencies seized 25.5 kg of cocaine concealed in five bags aboard another vessel, following actionable intelligence,”he said

     

     

    He said that similarly, on Dec. 11, operatives intercepted 1,187 kg of “Canadian Loud,” a premium strain of cannabis, packaged in 2,374 parcels across 55 bags and concealed inside imported vehicles in a 40-foot container.

    A picture of a vessel that contained intercepted illicit drugs l MV Aruna, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel

     

    The Comptroller reiterated commitment of the command, to facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining a robust posture against threats to national security.

  • Customs: Tincan Island Command records N1.57trn revenue in 2025

    Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Customs Command
    automation, accountability and transparency.
    Customs: Tincan Island Command records N1.57trn revenue in 2025
    Lagos, December. 23, 2025, The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the command generated N1.57 trillion in 2025, surpassing its N1.52 trillion revenue target.
    Onyeka disclosed this during a media parley at the Tincan Island Customs Command headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday.
    He said the command recorded an extra N51.8 billion above its 2025 target, noting that revenue collection remained ongoing until Dec. 31.
    Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Customs Command, with officers of the command during a media parley held on Tuesday in Lagos
    Onyeka described the achievement as historic, attributing it to discipline, professionalism and deliberate policy decisions rather than chance.
    “The command was given a revenue target of N1.524 trillion for 2025 and exceeded it through enhanced validation, delayed examination and strict adherence to procedures,” he said.
    He added that the removal of multiple and unnecessary alerts eliminated delays and inconsistencies that had previously slowed cargo clearance and encouraged abuse.
    Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Customs Command and the Public Relations Officer of the command, Oscar Ivara during a media parley held on Tuesday in Lagos
    “By streamlining internal procedures and strengthening coordination, we improved efficiency without compromising control,” Onyeka said.
    The comptroller noted that revenue growth and trade facilitation were complementary, stressing that transparent and predictable processes naturally improved compliance.
    He attributed the success to sustained engagement with importers, licensed agents, terminal operators and shipping companies to resolve challenges and build trust.
    Beyond revenue, Onyeka said the command remained resolute on enforcement, recording seizures of improperly declared and prohibited items through intelligence-led operations.
    “Surpassing the target is not a signal for any relaxation in enforcement standards.
    “The command remains fully mobilised to sustain revenue generation and ensure every kobo due to the Federal Government is assessed, collected and accounted for,” Onyeka said.
    He credited much of the success to the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, saying initial challenges were resolved through stakeholder sensitisation and collaboration.
    Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Customs Command
    Responding to journalists, Onyeka said feedback after he assumed office in December 2024 revealed deep-rooted issues, including multiple alerts and enforcement inconsistencies.
    He said his administration first fixed internal procedures, a move he described as paying off in record revenue performance.
    Onyeka thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, for strategic direction anchored on professionalism, automation, accountability and transparency.
    He also commended his predecessor, Deputy Comptroller Dera Ntadi, officers of the command and stakeholders for their cooperation and dedication.
    Onyeka pledged to block leakages, strengthen enforcement, support legitimate trade and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic and fiscal objectives.
    He reaffirmed that his core mandate remained revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, trade facilitation and national security.
    Looking ahead, Onyeka promised to sustain reforms and maintain the “one-stop-shop” clearance model to further enhance trade facilitation.

     

  • Shippers Council reassures stakeholders of enhancing cargo security

      Send left, the Director of Regulatory Services, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mrs Margaret Ogbonna, other senior officials of the council and a representative of the AIG Maritime at a stakeholders meeting convened by the Council in Apapa on Friday
    Shippers Council reassures stakeholders of enhancing cargo security
    Lagos, December 19, The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr Pius Akutah, has assured stakeholders that the council was working with the police to ensure safety and  security of cargoes at the ports.
    Akutah made the assurance during a stakeholders meeting on the random blocking of containers by the maritime police command and alleged gratification held at the council Headquarters in Lagos on Friday.
    He noted that the council  attention had been drawn to a report that says that Nigeria Shippers’ Council were conniving with the Maritime Police.
    “Wee said No, we can not do that, we can only work together with the Police to enhance the security of  cargoes.
    “The police has been cooperating with us very well in this regard, they also have their own mandate and we cannot prevent them from carrying out their mandate.
    “but in that work environment, we must ensure that the safety of cargoes are  guaranteed at various ports.
    “We are not complicating issues for you, we are not putting additional cost to your business.
    “Our complaint unit is always up and doing, so many times we receive your complains which we send to them and they immediately work on them,” Akutah said.
    He urged stakeholders to approach the council if they were having constraints in their businesses and promised to resolve it with the port police.
    Also speaking, the Director, Regulatory Services Department, of the NSC, Mrs Margaret Ogbonna, urged importers, cleaning agents and freight forwarders to write their petitions through Shippers Council and also to the police in cases on extortion on blocked containers.
    Ogbonna said that the council cannot compelled the police to stop blocking containers based on intelligence, considering the level of insecurity in the country.
    “The council will go through any documented complaints, please attach evidence and we shall address it. Do not pay any fee, resist paying any fees that is not accepted.
    “We cannot take any decision on cleared cargo not to be  intercepted, it is a sensitive decision to make. The fact that drugs and arms are found in already cleared containers means that the importers, officers are all culpable,”Ogbonna said.
    She urged stakeholders to avoid paying any money to police and asked them to make their petition through the council for intervention.
    Public Relations Officer, Maritime Police Command at Kam Salem House, Obalende Lagos, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Rasheed Adebayo,
    has said that it intercepted container laden with arms and ammunition.
     Adebayo noted that they also intercepted other containers with tramadol on the road which has already scaled through all clearance processes by relevant agencies at the Lagos Ports.
    Adebayo stated that the police carried out its operations based on intelligence, assuring that the police would not compromise national security on the alter of trade facilitation adding that blocking of containers by the police cannot be stopped.
    He called on stakeholders to report cases of extortion by any officer to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Maritime Command.
    Adebayo also deflated reports that the Shippers’ council was conniving with some officers to extort clearing agents on blocked containers.
    He mentioned that the NSC had always been at the forefront of fighting for the right of port stakeholders.
    Stakeholders who attended the meeting, including the Chairman of Apapa Chapter of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Chief Emeka Chukwumalu, condemn the blocking of containers by the maritime police.
    He said that the police should be ready to bear the cost of demurrages accrued in the course of its investigation of containers.
    The event also witnessed  stakeholders who participated at the meeting include; the President of Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO),Chief Remi Ogungbemi,  his General Secretary, Sanni Bala Mohammed, Dominic Chukwuemeka, Secretary of Joint Association of freight forwarders, shippers among others.

     

  • FC/24C/5288 Miss Eniola Peter-Fashua provides medical outreach for community

    Mrs Ochi Rhoda NYSC Community Development Office, Ambassador Onyeakazi Charles, Zonal inspector NYSC Garki, Miss Eniola Angel Peter-Fashua 2025 Batch C National Youth Service Corps Member, Mrs Aisha Yakubu Telta NYSC Digital literacy Community Development Service schedule officer representing the Zonal Assistant Director Community Development Service and Miss Adedoyin Fehintola during an NYSC Member FC/24C/5288 Eniola Angel Peter-Fashua’s Medical outreach at the Chief Palace Paipe community in FCT Abuja which marks the maiden medical outreach in a community without health facility

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    Second picture

    L-R: Mrs Ochi Rhoda NYSC Community Development Official, Dr. Kolawole Oseh, Senior Principal, Government Senior Secondary School Kubwa, Miss Bisola Mary Owojori, NYSC medical practitional, Ambassador Onyeakazi Charles, Zonal Inspector NYSC Garki, Eniola Angel Peter-Fashua the NYSC project intiator, Mrs Bose Oremeyi Ojo Teleios Christian Center reprensentative, Mrs Hafsat Dahiru NYSC medical practional, Mrs Aisha Yakubu Telta NYSC Digital literacy Community Development Service schedule officer representing the Zonal Assistant Director Community Development Service, Mr Salawu Ismail NYSC volunteer and Miss Adedoyin Fehintola during the NYSC Member FC/24C/5288 Eniola Angel Peter-Fashua’s medical outreach at the Chief’s Palace Paipe community which mark the maiden medical outreach in a community without health facility

     

     

  • CSR: Sport centre will aid talents discovery, Wednesday miscreants

    From fifth left, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, with his management staff and basketball team around the community during test running of the Wale Adeniyi Sport Arena constructed under bridge in front of the command on Wednesday in Lagos

     

    CSR: Sport centre will aid talents discovery, remove miscreants

    Lagos, December. 17, 2025 Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has introduced a new sports facility in Coconut Community, Apapa, as a practical intervention to engage youths, discover talents and reduce social vices in the area.
    The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, with officers of the command, residents after a football match between Nigeria Customs Service and Maritime Workers Union during the test-run of the arena on Wednesday in Lagos
    The facility, named Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena, was will be donated to the community as part of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and is expected to serve as a safe space for recreation, skill development and community bonding.
    The Assistant Comptroller of Customs CC Oputa, playing table tennis game with on of the community person during test running of the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena in Lagos on Wednesday

     

    Speaking during the test-run of the arena in Lagos, the Comptroller of the Western Marine Command, Mr Patrick Ntadi, said the project was conceived to keep children and youths productively engaged and off the streets.
    The basketball Coach, Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, Superintendent of Customs ME Okauru, Assistant Comptroller of Customs CC Oputa and during the friendly basketball game while test running the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena in Lagos on Wednesday
    Ntadi explained that the facility was designed to provide residents with a structured environment where they could participate in sports, expend energy positively and return home fulfilled, thereby discouraging involvement in crime and drug abuse.
    The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi,
    Deputy Superintendent of customs, Okwusogu Ifeanyi, watching the football match between Nigeria Customs Service and Maritime Workers at Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena on Wednesday

     

    He said the test run included a novelty football match between the Nigeria Customs Service and Maritime Workers, which ended in a 5–5 draw, as well as basketball games featuring secondary school students who had won awards at inter-school competitions.
    The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, waiting for whistle to throw up the basketball while opening the game

     

    According to him, the performance of the young athletes, especially the female basketball players, showed focus, discipline and promise, giving confidence that the arena would help nurture future champions at national and international levels.
    The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, monitoring the ball movement after throwing it up while opening the game
    Ntadi said the Command plans to organise regular sporting activities involving registered community teams, adding that registration would be free while Customs would oversee the facility to protect the infrastructure and ensure orderliness.
    He said the site was formerly a ghetto and informal market plagued by miscreants and drug-related activities.
    Ntadì noted that transforming the area into a sports arena was a deliberate strategy to prevent a return to its former state.
    The Customs Public Relations of the command, Okopi strategising with officers of the command on how to equalize the football match
    He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for promoting CSR initiatives across commands, adding that the programme had enabled Customs to positively impact lives beyond its core mandate.
    The test-run attracted community members, traders, passers-by and stakeholders, who watched and participated in various games including table tennis, football and basketball.