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Customs

Ember months: Cargothrouput slumps by 40 percent at Nigerian ports

—- Customs laments

—-Importers stop importation
The Eyewitness News investigation
The high frequency of importation and goods clearance activities which characterise port operations during the festive period of December has virtually disappeared from the Lagos ports.
Extensive investigations conducted by our reporter confirmed the general apathy among Nigerian importers to ship goods into the country during this year’s yuletide period.
Long rows of vessels on anchorage waiting to discharge their cargo which is a common sight at this period of time at the ports are absent.
The international liners which normally made two to three visits to the Lagos ports in months could hardly get cargo, thus reducing their voyage to the ports to avoid wastage.
Sources close to these shipping companies such as Maersline, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), China Cosco, CMA CGM Group, Hapag – Lloyd, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen Marine Corporation claimed that each of these liners has lost between 10 percent to 20 percent cargo due to non-patronage.
Sources close to the Customs, who confirmed this development, attributed the lull to a number of factors.
According to sources, the Ukraine/ Russian war, the ravaging COVID-19 in China, unfavorable Customs policies, Naira depreciation, High exchange rate and the recent naira redesigning have all combined to castrate the financial power of most Nigerian importers.
A highly placed source in the Customs explained how each of these factors imparted goods importation to Nigeria.
According to him, the Ukraine-Russian war has affected ship voyages as no shipping company would want its vessels caught in the ongoing crossfire between the two European countries.
Also, the Black sea shipping route, which is within the war zone, accounts for the sea route that about 90 percent of vessels take to reach their destinations in the world, including Nigeria.
This, the source said, has reduced the number of vessels calling at the Port during this period.
Also, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the maritime industry has seen an increase in global demand and the cost of shipping.
Most countries, including Nigeria, have come to rely on some of the goods from Ukraine and Russia such as grains, iron, and steel etc.
This has placed Maritime transport infrastructure and services under pressure due to the need for alternative trade routes for Ukrainian goods.

The tone of the global trading and shipping environment has been characterised by uncertainty as a result.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) acknowledged the disruption of regional logistics, halted port operations in Ukraine, the destruction of infrastructure, trade restrictions, increased insurance costs and higher fuel prices as causes of issues within the Black Sea region.

Jan Hoffmann , Head of Trade Logistics branch at UNCTAD, says: “The war in Ukraine impressively shows again how globalised the shipping business is: Shifts in demand in one corner of the world lead to changes in prices and fleet deployment in many other corners of the world.

“What I find most interesting of our findings is that almost half of the increase in global food prices is due to the higher shipping costs.

“And these are higher  because goods have to travel longer distances, i.e. we have more ton-miles, but also  each ton-mile is now more expansive, because of a shortage of global shipping capacity.”

In 2020, grain prices and shipping costs were already increasing and the Ukraine conflict has accelerated this trend.

According to UNCTAD, between February and May 2022, the price of dry bulk goods transportation had risen by around 60%.

Around 36 countries import over 50% of their wheat from the Russian Federation and Ukraine and global sea exports of grain are expected to decline by 3.8% this year while global shipments of fertiliser decline by 7%.

“Black Sea ports normally account for over 90% of Ukrainian overseas grain shipments, weekly port calls have dropped from 60 to almost zero in Ukraine due to the conflict”

In addition, the high dollar exchange rates to the Naira as well as the high Customs exchange rate for goods clearance have all impacted the purchasing powers of Nigerian importers.

It could be recalled that for yet another time in September, the Customs exchange rate was jerked up from $409 to $422.3, an increment of $13.3.

” Also the recent naira redesigning policy of the government and the coming elections in the country have all created an atmosphere of uncertainty among importers who prefer to stop importation until after the elections when there would be some sort of clarity, and stability in government economic policies,” a source said.

This lull has therefore put pressure on the men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service to meet their revenue targets amidst sluggish importation.

”We are under pressure to rake in more revenue for the government despite low imports.

“This is because the revenue from the Customer has become a financial mainstay for the government which now relies on Customs to fund some of its recurrent expenditure, especially payment of salaries for workers” a highly placed source declared.

“To cushion the effects which the lull in importation may have on our revenue generation, we have to tighten the noose by plugging all the revenue loopholes to generate maximum revenue”

” Some of the areas where we hitherto overlook by giving the importers and their agents a breathing space to operate have now been tightened up for maximum revenue collection” a customs source declared.

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Customs

Comptroller Anani  vows not to compromise on compliance with Customs extant laws, warns defaulters of dire consequences 

— seeks support of stakeholders 
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The new Customs Area Controller of the  Tin can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has hit the ground running after few days of assuming duties at the command.
To show his determination to sustaining  the tempo of operational success at the command, Comptroller Anani has warned the trading public plying their trade at the command of dire consequences for flouting any of the operational guidelines as spelt out in the Customs Act of 2023.
He also pledged to enhance trade facilitation, build robust synergy and collaboration with sister agencies and sustain the cordial relationship with stakeholders through constant engagement and collaboration.
The ensure successful tenure at the command, the Comptroller Anani engaged in a series of engagement with his officers at various formations, the terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other sister agencies where he sought for their collaboration and support.
He flagged off the engagement with a tour of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment.
The tour was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Following this, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players.
During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tin can Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.” he said.
The Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.
In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho.
During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment.
 They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.
Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command.
 He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
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Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
‎
‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
‎
‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
‎
‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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