Connect with us

Headlines

Federal government seeks empowerment of Nigerian exporters, enhanced commodity export market 

The Eyewitness Reporter 
In a passionate appeal for reform, the Federal government has called for a collaborative effort to create a regulatory framework that empowers exporters, streamlines processes, and unlocks the full potential of Nigeria’s commodity export sector.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi, while speaking at a one-day stakeholders workshop, organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment in conjunction with the Nigeria Shippers Council, held on Wednesday with the theme “Port Economic Regulation and Its Impact on Shipment of Export Commodities through Nigerian Ports, emphasized the pivotal role of Nigerian ports in enhancing the nation’s export efficiency and competitiveness.
Rimi, who was represented by the Director Commodities and Export Department Ministry of trade and Investment, Kaura Irimiya, highlighted the vast wealth of exportable commodities in Nigeria, ranging from oil and gas to agricultural produce, and underscored the importance of efficient port operations in driving economic growth.
He said  “Our ability to efficiently export these commodities is crucial for our economic growth and international competitiveness,” he stated.
However, he noted that the smooth flow of exports heavily relies on ports functioning at their optimal capacity.
He informed that the Export Commodities Coordinating Committee (ECCC), established in 1988, played a key role in organizing the workshop.
He said the ECCC was created in response to the challenges brought by the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which led to the privatization of state-owned industries and the abolition of commodity marketing boards.
He explained that this resulted in issues such as the adulteration and low-grade export commodities from Nigeria, and the country’s mounting financial obligations to International Commodity Organizations.
He added, “The ECCC was tasked with sanitizing the export trade, ensuring that only commodities meeting international standards were exported, and addressing Nigeria’s financial obligations to international bodies.”
Rimi reiterated the significance of this workshop, approved by the ECCC, in gathering stakeholders from various sectors to examine the impact of port economic regulation on non-oil export commodities.
Rimi called for a collaborative effort to create a regulatory framework that empowers exporters, streamlines processes, and unlocks the full potential of Nigeria’s commodity export sector.
 “Let us use this platform to brainstorm solutions, share best practices, and create a roadmap for a more efficient and competitive commodity export in Nigeria,” he urged.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah, highlighted the NSC’s efforts in cost moderation, setting operational standards, and mediating disputes to ensure harmony in the port sector.
He pointed out the high transport costs associated with Nigeria’s agricultural export commodities, attributing these to factors such as inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate infrastructure, and congestion at the ports.
“The high cost of cargo movement can be attributed to various factors including inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate transportation and storage infrastructure, long delays and congestion at the ports, high fuel costs, and inadequate competition in the transport sector,” Akutah explained.
He noted that these factors contribute significantly to the non-competitiveness of Nigerian exports in the global market.
Mr. Glory Onojedo, Director of Consumer Affairs at the NSC, also echoed these concerns in his address. He emphasized the need to address challenges related to port access, high cargo handling costs, and other inefficiencies to encourage export.
Onojedo highlighted the workshop’s goal of identifying practical solutions to make Nigerian ports more accessible, cost-efficient, and operationally effective.
He noted that the workshop underscored the importance of effective port economic regulation in fostering a competitive and transparent environment, reducing delays and demurrage charges, attracting investment in port infrastructure, and ultimately making Nigerian commodities more competitive globally.
During his goodwill message the President, Shippers Association of Lagos (SAL) Mr. Leo Ogamba expressed optimism that the workshop would pave the way for improved communication and collaboration among regulators, port operators, shippers, and exporters.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.
Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

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.
Continue Reading

Trending