Headlines

Fadahunsi calls for restructuring of NPA as he tasks FG to set N6trn revenue target for customs

Senator Fadahunsi

The eyewitness reporter

Francis Ade Fadahunsi, the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has called for a total restructuring of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in a bid to enhance the revenue-generating capacity of the agency.

Fadahunsi, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, who was speaking in Abuja with newsmen, claimed that the NPA is not remitting adequate revenue to the Federation account, hence the need for surgical operations.

“At the moment, the Nigerian Ports Authority does not remit adequate revenue to the Federation Account. President Tinubu should restructure the NPA by putting the right people there.

However, stakeholders believed that his claim runs counter to the high level of performance of the present management of the NPA led by Mohammed Bello-Koko, whom they lauded for running an efficient and service-driven agency.

They also pointed out the homogenous sum of money the agency remits to the government coffers on an annual basis.

However, Fadahunsi, who was speaking on how the new administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu could enhance the revenue profile of government agencies without putting further hardship on Nigerians, maintained that the NPA has the capacity to generate much more than what it currently does if the right calibre of people is saddled with the running the agency.

The retired Customs chief, who was a terror to smugglers during his active service years at the Customs’ Federal Operations Unit(FOU), Zone A, Lagos, also declared that the Nigeria Customs has the capacity to generate six trillion naira revenue annually.

He said this is consequent on if the government could direct the military personnel and other armed forces high commands to halt the massive smuggling of crude oil currently going on in the country.

Fadahunsi, who was also the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise in the 9th Senate, further alleged that some international oil companies and highly influential Nigerians were actively involved in massive crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

He said unless President Tinubu gives necessary instructions to relevant security and military agencies, the country would continue to bleed in terms of revenue leakages.

“Some International oil companies and highly influential Nigerians are behind the crude oil theft in Nigeria. It did not start today, the practice has been on for a long time.

“Unfortunately, the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is doing nothing spectacular to stop the theft.

“Each of the affected IOCs has separate channels with which they are siphoning crude to waiting vessels on the high seas with the active connivance of the military and security operatives saddled with the responsibilities of protecting the nation’s oil assets.

“If the practice continues unchecked, Nigeria will continue to experience a shortage in its daily oil production quota.

“Some highly influential Nigerians in and outside government are also smuggling crude with smaller vessels through the Benin Republic en route Lagos.

“Many powerful Nigerians in and outside the government also operate big departmental stores selling foreign products and they failed to pay duties on their goods.

“If President Bola Tinubu could focus special attention on Customs, the country would generate enough revenue for the nation.

“The President needs the support of competent, experienced professionals in both the executive and the legislature to stop the massive revenue leakages the country is currently experiencing.”

He decried the proposed planned merger of the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the NCS and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)

“The Federal Inland Revenue Service cannot collect the customs duties. FIIRS should instead, concentrate on the informal sector particularly markets and the artisans.

“The President should give customs, a target of N6trn per annum. The service has highly trained personnel that could meet the target

“Customs alone can generate the revenues the country needs to service its debts.

“The FIRS should also be given the mandate to generate N15trn which would be used to provide basic infrastructure, equip medical institutions, and provide other social amenities.

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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.