Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and key American business organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations, improving trade facilitation, and creating a more transparent and predictable business environment for investors in Nigeria.

The commitment was reiterated during a quarterly stakeholder engagement held on 28 October 2026 at the NCS Headquarters’ ICT Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja.

The meeting brought together the Service, the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC), and the American Business Council (ABC) to discuss ways to improve trade processes, address business concerns, and deepen economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the engagement provided an important platform for strengthening collaboration and promoting mutually beneficial economic relations between both countries.

Niagwan reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to institutional reforms, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and improved stakeholder engagement, noting that these initiatives were central to building a modern Customs administration.

“Our objective is to build a modern, transparent, and responsive Customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” she said.

She explained that regular engagements with the business community would enable the Service to exchange ideas, address emerging concerns, and improve its operations to meet the needs of businesses operating in Nigeria and those seeking investment opportunities in the country.

According to her, predictable Customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms are essential to improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investor confidence.

The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted the Service’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including the automation of licence and permit applications to simplify procedures and improve operational efficiency.

She also disclosed plans to deploy 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports, and border stations to strengthen cargo examination, enhance operational effectiveness, and support trade facilitation.

Adebakin further emphasised the Service’s transition towards paperless administrative processes and encouraged members of the business community to provide feedback on their experiences with Customs procedures.

She noted that constructive engagement with stakeholders would help the Service identify operational challenges, address bottlenecks, and develop practical solutions to improve service delivery.

The President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its contributions to economic development, particularly through the facilitation of legitimate trade.

She observed that the importance of efficient Customs operations is often overlooked when trade processes run smoothly, despite their significant impact on businesses, consumers, and the wider economy.

“When Customs works well, when trade is facilitated, people are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Gaither said.

She stressed that efficient Customs administration was critical to attracting investment and expanding business opportunities across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, and the digital economy.

Gaither also expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between the Service and the American business community, noting the importance of sustained dialogue in addressing trade related challenges and creating an enabling environment for investment.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, praised the Service for its progress in trade facilitation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.

Olele also congratulated the Nigeria Customs Service on its recognition as a top performing agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Assessment.

She highlighted improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Rulings, and dispute resolution mechanisms, noting that the quarterly engagements had contributed to resolving longstanding challenges faced by businesses.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the American business community in promoting efficient trade procedures, addressing private sector concerns, and strengthening Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Through continued dialogue, digital innovation, and institutional reforms, both sides are expected to build on existing progress towards a more transparent, efficient, and business friendly trade environment.

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in partnership with the New Generation Directorate, has brought together 250 young people representing 125 riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State to discuss grassroots development,youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

The Lagos Riverine Community Youth Leaders Dialogue, held at the Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, provided a platform for youth representatives to present community challenges, identify development priorities, and propose practical solutions to issues affecting underserved riverine and coastal settlements.

The initiative aimed to strengthen engagement between government institutions and grassroots communities while ensuring that young people in hard-to-reach areas have a voice in decisions concerning their welfare, opportunities, and future.

Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Blue Economy, stressed the importance of involving young people in governance and development planning, particularly in communities facing geographical and socioeconomic challenges.

Emmanuel emphasised that sustainable development requires effective communication between government and the people, noting that understanding local needs and incorporating community perspectives into policy formulation and implementation are essential to achieving meaningful progress.

During the interactive session, youth leaders outlined pressing challenges confronting their communities, drawing attention to gaps in essential services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

The issues raised included inadequate access to education and healthcare, unemployment, environmental sustainability, transportation, poor infrastructure, youth empowerment, and limited access to essential social services.

Participants also called for improved access to government programmes and the implementation of targeted interventions that reflect the unique circumstances of riverine and coastal communities.

Emmanuel acknowledged the concerns presented by the youth representatives and assured them that their requests and recommendations would be communicated to the appropriate government authorities for consideration and necessary action.

He reiterated the importance of maintaining constructive engagement with grassroots communities to identify development priorities and explore practical approaches to addressing their needs.

In her goodwill message, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and Director of the New Generation Directorate, urged young people across the state’s riverine and coastal communities to take an active role in governance and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

She encouraged the youth leaders to move beyond expressing concerns about government policies by actively contributing ideas, engaging constructively with public officials, and participating in decision-making processes at both grassroots and state levels.

According to her, young people possess the energy, creativity, innovation, and community level understanding needed to promote responsive leadership and sustainable development.

James also urged the participants to remain united, organised, and committed to the progress of their respective communities, stressing the need for continuous engagement with government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.

She further called on young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as active partners in governance, community development, and the future of Lagos State.

The dialogue also featured engagement with Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, alongside other stakeholders from the New Generation Directorate.

The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss issues affecting young people in riverine and coastal settlements, particularly youth development, employment and livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, and community welfare.

Participants emphasised the need to strengthen communication between grassroots communities and public institutions, improve awareness of available government initiatives, and ensure that the needs of underserved settlements are adequately reflected in development plans.

With 250 young people representing 125 riverine and coastal communities in attendance, the dialogue underscored the importance of grassroots participation in shaping policies and programmes that respond to the realities of local communities.

The partnership between Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate also highlighted the role of collaboration in promoting youth inclusion, strengthening community engagement, and expanding development opportunities across Lagos State.

The initiative further reinforced the need for a coordinated approach involving government agencies, traditional and community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to address the challenges confronting riverine and coastal settlements.

For the Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, the dialogue represents a step towards strengthening grassroots participation, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring that the concerns of underserved communities receive attention in development planning.

Through the engagement, Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue with young people as partners in building stronger communities, improving access to opportunities, and advancing sustainable development across Lagos State’s riverine and coastal areas.

Funso OLOJO, Editor 

The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has concluded successfully after ten days of film screenings, industry engagements, cultural exchanges and award presentations across four German cities, marking a significant step towards strengthening cinematic collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.

Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from both countries to promote cross-cultural engagement, explore co-production opportunities and expand the international reach of Nigerian cinema.

The festival opened on October 1 at the Arsenal Film Institut in Berlin with the screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.

The opening ceremony featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, and the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini.

Their discussion examined the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders.

A major highlight of the Berlin programme was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff in recognition of his contributions to international cinema. His distinguished career spans several decades and includes documentary filmmaking in Africa, including Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by Dr. Husseini.

From Berlin, the festival moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.

During the Hannover programme, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, in recognition of his contributions to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.

The city also hosted screenings of Nigerian productions, including Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima.

Another featured production was Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia. Adia received an award in recognition of her creativity and artistic achievement in directing the film, while Fiberesima was also honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

The festival subsequently extended to Bremen and Hamburg, further showcasing Nigerian filmmaking to German audiences.

Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was screened in Bremen.

The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Nigeria’s Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF) and Michael Davies of Germany’s SONNENKINDFILM e.V.

The initiative was established to create a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, develop co-production partnerships and explore international distribution and other commercial opportunities.

Beyond showcasing films, the festival seeks to strengthen cultural relations between Nigeria and Germany while providing Nigerian filmmakers with greater access to European audiences and international industry networks.

The organisers said the inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen and Metropolis Kino Hamburg.

The Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board also supported the initiative, reinforcing its objective of building sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ film industries.

With its inaugural edition completed, the organisers have scheduled the second Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027. The next edition is expected to feature expanded programming, broader industry participation and stronger international partnerships.

The successful conclusion of the maiden festival underscores the potential of cinema as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy, creative-sector development and stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Germany.