Headlines

Philippines spits fire over prolonged presence of Chinese vessels in South China Sea

Philippines has fired a warning shot to China over its conduct in South China Sea where about 220 Chinese vessels are reportedly amassing for possible military exercise.

The vessels are believed to be manned by militias.

According to Reuter, aide of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday criticised China for what they called territorial incursions by hundreds of its vessels, which his legal counsel warned could damage ties and lead to “unwanted hostilities”.

In strongly worded condemnation of the activities of China at this area,

Salvador Panelo , the lawyer to President Duterte, called the prolonged presence of boats an unwelcome stain on relations that risked “unwanted hostilities that both countries would rather not pursue”.

“We can negotiate on matters of mutual concern and benefit, but make no mistake about it , our sovereignty is non-negotiable,” Panelo said in a statement.

Duterte’s spokesman , Harry Roque, echoed the view and told a news conference: “We will not give up even a single inch of our national territory or our exclusive economic zone (EEZ).”

China’s embassy in Manila has kept mute on the incident.

Though Philippine diplomats and top generals have spoken out against China lately, the comments from the presidential palace are unusually strong given Duterte’s reluctance to confront Beijing, which he has sought to befriend.

His refusal to press China to respect a landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that clarified the Philippines sovereign rights in its EEZ has frustrated nationalists, who accused Duterte of gambling with territory in return for elusive Chinese investmentd

Duterte has previously said challenging China was pointless and risked starting a war.

The Philippines last month filed a diplomatic protest over a “swarming and threatening” presence of 220 Chinese vessels it believed to be manned by militias at Whitsun Reef, a stance backed by ally the United States.

On Monday, its foreign ministry rejected China’s view that Whitsun Reef was a traditional fishing ground in its waters, and said it would send a diplomatic protest each day that China boats stayed there.

It said the boats “blatantly infringe” on Philippine jurisdiction.

Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, China and Vietnam also have competing claims for islands and features in the area.

Panelo also said the Philippines would not be blinded by China’s humanitarian gestures, referring to millions of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China.

ReplyForward

Customs

Apapa Customs intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on board Brazilian Ship

— hands over detained ship, seized drug to NDLEA

Funso OLOJO

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has uncovered Cocaine weighing 25.5kg onboard a Brazilian ship, MV San Anthonio

The illicit drugs, packaged in 24 parcels/slabs ,were hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during customs intelligence -led checks that has resulted in the detention of the ship

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba,Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command ,lauded the discovery while describing it as a fallout of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) .

According to the Area Controller, Customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.

Oshoba reiterated the NCS resolve in ensuring only legitimate trade thrives in the port of Apapa in Lagos, following a zero compromise directive by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel that came into Nigeria with the cocaine.

“What has happened today, is the outcome of profiling and intelligence -led operations by the NCS and NDLEA.

“Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.

” This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.

* Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.

” As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation.

“All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared” the CAC said.

At a brief handover ceremony,in the port,the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs

Customs

My appointment as WCO chair reflects confidence of global community in NCS reforms — Adeniyi

Funso OLOJO

The Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, said his recent election signals a broader recognition of the growing reform-driven credibility of African Customs administrations, with Nigeria’s recent modernization efforts serving as a strong example of the continent’s readiness to influence global customs policies.

Speaking exclusively on WCO Global interview session, Adeniyi said the confidence expressed in him by member nations reflects not only personal honour, but also the significant progress made by Nigeria in aligning its systems, procedures, and priorities with international best practices.

Answering questions on the WCO flagship interactive forum tagged “The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi who is also, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said: “It’s a kind of endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track.

” We have been undertaking reforms and modernization programmes in the last two years, and this validates the direction we are taking.” he said.

He noted that Africa’s customs landscape is rapidly changing, with several administrations leveraging WCO guidance to strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue outcomes, and enhance border security.

Nigeria’s experience, he said, demonstrates how structured reforms, supported by international frameworks, can reposition a national customs service.

Speaking further on the Nigeria experience, Adeniyi pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme as one of the most transformative initiatives Nigeria has implemented with support from the WCO.

According to him, the scheme has reduced clearance times at ports, improved revenue performance and fostered trusted partnerships with compliant traders—outcomes that reflect the effectiveness of global standards when domesticated with commitment.

He described the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and recent work on advance rulings as additional markers of how global customs programmes can change narratives, especially in developing economies.

Adeniyi also underscored the importance of the WCO as a stabilising force for customs administrations around the world, saying its ability to unify diverse countries around shared priorities—economic prosperity, national security, and environmental sustainability—makes it a unique institution.

He affirmed that his appointment as WCO is a honour for him and a recognition for the Nigeria Customs Service.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Customs administration has been undertaking some reforms and mordernisation programmes in the last two years.

“So it will also mean that this appointment is a kind of validation of the reforms that we are doing.

“It a kind of endorsement by the global Customs community that we are on track and we are aligning our priorities with that of World Customs Organisation”, he said.

On the appointment, he said, “I feel so excited. Of course, I know that it’s a very big responsibility on my part and on the part of Nigeria for us to shoulder this and provide quality leadership for the world Customs community

As the first Nigerian to hold the position in nearly two decades, Adeniyi said he is aware of the responsibility his chairmanship places on his country and the African region.

He pledged to use the platform to elevate the continent’s contributions while fostering an inclusive governance approach within the global customs system.

He encouraged member administrations to continue embracing diversity, describing it as the core strength that will enable the WCO to advance global trade and security objectives.

“Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must let this diversity continue to create opportunity and progress for us.” he noted.

Headlines

TransQuest magazine marks 20 years of excellence with awards, seminar in Lagos

Gloria Odion

The Quest Media Group, publishers of TransQuest monthly magazine and online platform Transquestng.com, is set to mark its 20th anniversary with One-Day Transport Seminar and Quest Awardees event on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

Billed as part of the organisation’s event to mark its 20 years of operations, the occasion will bring together major institutions and leading figures across Nigeria’s transport and maritime ecosystem for strategic dialogue, sector evaluation, and the recognition of outstanding contributors.

With the theme “Leveraging Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials to Drive Economic Growth,” the seminar will be chaired by a renowned Transport Scholar, Professor Bamidele Badejo, while Professor Iyiola Oni of the University of Lagos will serve as the main Guest Speaker, as well as Mr. Lucky Amiwero, a renowned Maritime Consultant.

According to the convener and Publisher of TransQuest magazine, Mr. Felix Kumuyi, the anniversary event reflects two decades of undiluted, consistent, watchdog-driven reportage of the maritime and transport sector.

He noted that the seminar is deliberately structured to deliver real value to national policy conversations while strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.

The event is expected to host a powerful lineup of special guests and award recipients, including the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima MON; the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa.

Also attending are top security and enforcement leaders such as ACG Mohammed Babandede, Coordinator of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service; Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command of NDLEA; Prince Olayiwola Shittu (JP), CEO of Skelas Group; Mrs. Ezenwa, CEO of Le’look Nigeria Ltd and former Director at the Federal Ministry of Transport; Dr. Eugene Nweke.

Others include Alhaji Adetona Mobashir, Chairman and CEO of Only God is Wise Nigeria Ltd; Otunba Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council; as well as Customs Area Controllers including Compt. Frank Onyeka of Tin can Command, Compt. Godwin Otunla of Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Compt. Emmanuel Oshoba of Apapa Command, Compt. Joe Anani of PTML Command, Compt. Wale Adenuga of Seme Command, among others.

The event will feature a thought-provoking symposium, interactive discussions, and presentations of awards to organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in the nation’s transport and maritime sectors.

Kumuyi added that beyond honouring industry trailblazers, the ceremony aims to deepen collaboration, promote best practices, and stimulate reforms needed to unlock Nigeria’s maritime economic potential.