Headlines

Tin Can Port hosts Grimaldi’s largest RORO ship in West Africa

R-L: Managing Director, PTML Terminal, Mr. Ascanio Russo; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Captain of MV Great Lagos, Captain Facondini Graciano; and the Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Aderibigbe Lateef, who represented Oba Rilwan Akiolu, at the reception to celebrate the maiden call of MV Great Lagos to Nigeria at PTML Terminal, Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos, on Monday.

The Eyewitness Reporter

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko and the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh were among dignitaries that received MV Great Lagos – the largest container-RORO ship to visit Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

MV Great Lagos, which is on its maiden call to Nigeria’s largest multipurpose roll-on-roll-off (RORO) terminal, the Port Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) at the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, is owned by the Grimaldi Group.

In his address at a reception organised to celebrate the ship’s maiden call, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, said the visit of the MV Great Lagos to Tin-Can Island Port is an expression of confidence of the international community in Nigeria.

He also commended the Grimaldi Group for its investment in Lagos State.

Also speaking, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said the successful berthing of the vessel testifies to the dedication of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and PTML to enhance efficiency at the port.

The Minister commended the Grimaldi Group and PTML for deploying the vessel to Nigeria and adding value to the Nigerian economy.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director of PTML, Mr. Ascanio Russo, said the new ultramodern mega-ship is a marvel of modern engineering and environmental consciousness, stretching 290 meters in length with a beam of 38 meters and a deadweight of over 45,000 tonnes.

The ship, he said, has the capacity to transport 4.7 kilometers of rolling freight, 2,500 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), and 2,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).

He said MV GREAT LAGOS is the second of the G5-class of ships recently launched by the Grimaldi Group and named after Nigeria’s commercial capital, which it has served for many decades.

“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for PTML and Grimaldi but for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

” We are gathered here on board this magnificent ship to celebrate the maiden call of the “Great Lagos”, a majestic vessel in the new G5 class of Ro/Ro multipurpose ships.

” The naming of this vessel is not merely a coincidence; it is a deliberate and meaningful choice that reflects the deep and enduring connection between the Grimaldi Group and the port city of Lagos,” he said.

Russo said for more than six decades, the Grimaldi Group has been a cornerstone in the development of trade and maritime relations with Nigeria, a journey of mutual growth, understanding, and unwavering commitment.

“The arrival of the “Great Lagos” is not just an addition to our fleet but a reaffirmation of our devotion to the Nigerian economy and its vibrant economic capital.

“The “Great Lagos” is amongst the largest ships ever built in its class.

“This is not just an upgrade; it is a leap into the future of maritime transport and we are proud that we are witnessing this in Nigeria.

“But the greatness of the “Great Lagos” is not measured solely by her size or capacity. This vessel stands as a testament to our enthusiasm to achieve the minimum environmental impact.

” With technological advancements allowing for a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 43% per tonne transported, the “Great Lagos” is a beacon of sustainable maritime transport, setting new industry standards.

“At PTML, the port terminal which is hosting us now, we have always prided ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancement and operational efficiency.

” Our terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in Nigeria, stands as a clear demonstration of our ambitions.

” In the last one year alone, we have invested over USD20 million to upgrade our facilities to receive this beautiful ship.

“We have been extending our quay by over 40 meters while strengthening it to enable us to receive and operate a new Mobile Harbour Crane. All of this to accommodate the “Great Lagos.”

” This investment underscores our strive to achieve operational excellence, while delivering efficient and cost-effective logistics services to the broader Nigerian economy and its people.

” It reinforces our position as a key player in the maritime sector and confirms our readiness to take the port of Lagos on larger roles in the global trading community.

“Our efforts align seamlessly with the vision and support of the Nigerian authorities.

“I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Transport, now the Ministry of the Blue Economy, and the Nigerian Port Authority for enabling the infrastructural work critical to today’s event.

” Our appreciation extends to NIMASA for ensuring the security of our waterways, the Nigerian Shippers Council for fostering a competitive environment conducive to enhanced port services, and Nigerian Customs for their dedication to facilitating trade while maintaining essential security functions.

“To the Lagos State Government, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in our massive infrastructure investments beyond the port area, I say a heartfelt thank you,” the PTML Managing Director said.

Other speakers including the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh; Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima; the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stefano De Leo and President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, all showered encomiums on Grimaldi Group and PTML for deploying the vessel and for making a significant investment at the port.

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.