Headlines

COMTUA, NPA on war path over directive to put Agro-Export trucks on ETO system

Bello-Koko, NPA MD

—-warns of damaging consequences if policy implemented

The Eyewitness reporter

The Council of Maritime Transport Unions And Associations(COMTUA), an amalgamation of all truck owners in the maritime industry, has declared its total rejection of the directive of the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) to put all agro-exports trucks on the ETO system.

In its circular to the Trucks Transit Parks(TTP), the firm handling the Eto Electronic Call-Up system at the ports, the NPA has directed that from May 2nd, 2023, all the agro-exports trucks should be routed through the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), using the to platform.

The NPA has said that the policy is meant to enhance the efficient movement of agro-export boxes to the ports by eliminating all bottlenecks earlier associated with such movement.

But COMTUA, in a letter dated Friday, April 28th, 2023 and addressed to the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-KoKo, the association said it rejects the policy in its entirety as it portends damaging consequences to the industry.

The truckers, in the letter, signed by the President of COMTUA, Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun, claimed that the policy, which they accused NPA of formulating to enrich few individuals in the industry, will lead to double handling, delays, loss of jobs and wages, and double charging for call-up, as opposed to the possible claim of creation of more opportunities.

”We refer to a circular trending on the ETO platform and wish to tender our council’s complete rejection of the directive, as wrong, utterly biased, and possibly to negate the progress of the industry.

”This directive said to have emanated from your office as suggested in the circular, claims it would produce efficiency and seamless movement in the agro-export movement.

”In all the explanations peddled on the platform, they failed to adequately address the negative impact the policy would have on the system.

”From our studies, experience, and investigations, the policy only compromised the realities on the ground in the system it pretends to assist.

”Among the many challenges would be the economic implications of double handling, delays, loss of jobs and wages, double charging for call up, as opposed to the possible claim of creation of more opportunities.

”It may baffle one why the short notice for such a significant transition. We wonder if proper and due consultations were carried out or is it another way to burden the trucking family the more?

”Regrettably, we are afraid, the formulators of most of these contentious policies, neither consulted nor sat with sincere and genuine stakeholders before coming up with these negative and unprogressive ideas.

”Enrichment of few to the detriment of many Nigerians and our economy is not the best for the industry in particular and the nation as a whole.

”We have advised your agency severally against the use of pseudo truckers to represent genuine truck owners at your meetings. We see it as a ploy to get endorsement through the backdoor for an inappropriate policy. This misrepresentation has affected negatively, the outcome of most of your policies concerning trucking activities.

”On these and others, COMTUA is rejecting the policy in its entirety.

”We are calling for more in-depth consultations with genuine stakeholders to determine the best approach for whatever challenges the system is envisaging or facing, else if this circular sees the light of the day, it may have some damaging consequences in the industry.

”On the part of COMTUA, our doors are always open for constructive debates on issues to move the industry forward”, the association declared in its letter to the NPA.

However, the TTP, the promoter of the ETO system, has declared that it will configure the system to accommodate the new reality.

In its memo to the maritime trucking community, it said“Considering this development, the Eto system will be configured to ensure that all agro-export bookings to EPTs can be achieved seamlessly.
“All stakeholders and the entire trucking community are hereby notified accordingly.”

Related Topics:featured War over ETO system

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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.