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The Fear of Malta

 Pius Mordi 
In the heat of the allegation by Aliko Dangote that international oil companies and NNPCL were denying his refinery access to Nigerian crude oil to buy, some commentators wondered why Dangote did not do his homework and secure a guaranteed regular supply of crude oil from NNPCL and the IOCs before investing almost $20 billion into building what is reputed as the biggest refinery in the world.
 It’s an unusual assumption to make for a project the Nigerian government had repeatedly touted as the final solution to the spectre of importation of refined products that orchestrated the bleeding of the economy through a nebulous oil subsidy regime.
Apart from banking on it, the federal government had also invested public funds into the project.
 Initially put at 20 percent of the stakeholding, Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had claimed on May 22, 2023, when then President Muhammadu Buhari initially commissioned the refinery before its completion that the Dangote Group had paid back 70 percent of the loans it took to construct an oil refinery.
But earlier this July, Dangote himself announced that NNPCL’s shareholding has been whittled down over failure to pay the balance of the value of its stake in June.
 “Now, they only own a 7.2% stake in the refinery,” he declared.
On July 29, 2024, Dangote Refinery’s nightmare was summarily resolved.
President Tinubu unilaterally ordered NNPCL to sell crude oil and in naira to the refinery.
 In addition to committing to supply four of the 15 cargoes of crude oil required yearly at a cost of $13.5 billion, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved that the 450,000 barrels allocated for domestic consumption be offered in Naira to Nigerian refineries, using the Dangote refinery as a pivot.
The reprieve for Dangote came after curious but intriguing layers of false claims were put up by oil industry chiefs from NNPCL to undermine and justify their refusal sell crude oil to the refinery.
After the claim that Dangote’s products were inferior to imported ones fell like a pack of cards with the revelation that the refinery’s laboratory had certified that its own products have superior quality to the ones NNPCL imports, a false narrative was invented.
According to the story promoted by the state oil company, due to operational and technical problems, the refinery was reselling crude oil from the United States and Nigeria.
Stating that it is not authorised for it to resell crude acquired in Nigeria, Anthony Chiejine, Dangote Industries Limited spokesman, urged the public to disregard what he termed as false narratives intended to discredit the refinery.
 Not one to shy away from this sort of war being waged against his conglomerate, Aliko Dangote himself fought back.
He pointedly accused those running Nigeria’s oil industry of mischief for personal interests.
 He alleged some personnel of NNPCL, oil traders and terminals have opened a blending plant in Malta, affirming that the areas of the blending plants are known.
 Pointedly, he said “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta,” he said.
“We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.”
More than the support Nigerians gave to Dangote in the face of the illogical attempts by NNPCL bigwigs to cripple the refinery, his allegation ruffled feathers.
 Although no names were mentioned, top state operatives queued to exonerate themselves.
 Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of NNPCL, went a step further to dare Dangote to name the culprits.
The billionaire didn’t have to go that far for the impact was instantaneous.
Even Oando plc which Dangote never mentioned got involved.
 In a tweet amplified by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s spokesman amplified, he said Oando, “Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil firm” debunked rumours that its directors are the owners of an oil blending plant in Malta.
The oil business is denominated in dollars with the chain so complex that Nigeria could have earned incomes across various frontiers.
 The National Shipping Policy enunciated by Ibrahim Babangida’s administration had stipulated that Nigerian-owned ships should be involved in the affreightment of crude oil export.
The policy stipulated that they should be allowed to lift at least 50 percent of crude oil exports.
 Indigenous shipping companies have noted that more than $600 million is spent annually for the transportation of crude oil across the oceans.
Enabling them to be part of it could potentially plough $300 million of that back into the economy.
And given that oil is lifted under Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) terms, more income could have been earned by Nigeria if local insurance companies were involved in the provision of marine insurance cover.
NNPCL rebuffed every move to involve Nigerian companies in the lucrative, but oily business.
 Tinubu’s intervention is timely and appropriate. The only issue is why it took this long for him to call NNPCL top guns to order.
But having started, he should go the whole hog.
Officials in the behemoth’s reputation for their infamous inclination to shield their operations from critical prying eyes of the public, including lawmakers is legendary.
 They definitely misfired in their latest venture to cripple an organisation Nigerians had pinned their hope on getting refined products at a cheaper rate.
 The cartel is powerful, very powerful. They are richer than Nigeria and the government and can go all the way to maintain the status quo.
President Tinubu should sustain the tempo of his intervention and complete the job.
He should get rid of the present crop of managers of the subsidiaries of NNPCL as well as the behemoth itself and open up the company to public scrutiny.
 Will he, can he?
Mr Pius Mordi is a maritime journalist and an Aide to the Delta State governor
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Customs

Customs shortlists 286,697 candidates from 573,523 applicants eyeing 3,927 vacancies.

– lists conditions for next stage of recruitment exercise
Funso OLOJO 
As the race for the 3,927 slots in the Nigeria customs service gets hotter, the Service has shortlisted 286,697 candidates from the total number of 573,523 candidates who applied for the plum job in December, 2024.
In a press statement by the management of the service on the recruitment exercise, 286,697 candidates have been invited to proceed to the next phase of the exercise after a rigorous documentary scrutiny.
According to the Service, the second stage of the exercise is scheduled to take place from September 14th to 21st, 2025 and will be conducted through an online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
The method of examination is a reflection of the Service’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process.
“Candidates shortlisted for the CBT are required to undertake the test at any location of their choice, provided there is reliable internet access.
“The exercise must, however, be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and a full-screen display, as the application is not mobile phone-enabled.
“A facial verification process will be carried out during login; therefore, candidates are advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid difficulties with recognition.
“The CBT application is sensitive to noise and body movement. Accordingly, candidates must remain fully focused throughout the test’s duration, as excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions may result in automatic logout by the system.
“In the same vein, candidates are advised to avoid switching between windows during the test, as such actions will be flagged as malpractice and may lead to disqualification.
“To further assist shortlisted applicants, the Service has made provisions for a mandatory pre-test exercise, which will be conducted two days before the actual CBT.
“This session will enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the application.
” In this regard, two separate links will be sent to all shortlisted applicants, one for the pre-test and another for the actual examination.
“Candidates who applied for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) should note that they will be invited for an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment exercise.
“This provision does not apply to the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
“The Nigeria Customs Service assures all stakeholders that the ongoing recruitment process remains strictly merit-driven and transparent.
“Successful candidates will be duly informed of subsequent phases of the exercise through the Service’s official communication channels, the details of which will be conveyed in due course.
 “Applicants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the issued guidelines and to rely solely on verified official platforms of the Service for authentic updates, as the NCS will neither request any form of payment nor conduct recruitment activities on social media platforms” the statement concluded.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to inform the general public on the progress of its ongoing recruitment exercise, which commenced with an official advertisement published in national newspapers on Friday, 27th December 2024.
In line with its statutory mandate to strengthen manpower capacity and enhance service delivery, a total of 3,927 vacancies were declared across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.
The Service received a total of 573,523 applications during the first phase of the exercise.
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Customs

Comptroller Oshoba hits the ground running with record of N20 billion revenue collection in single day

Gloria Odion 
The new Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has served a strong message about his intention to beat the record of his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller- General of Customs, Babatunde Olomu as he has a collection of N20 billion in a single day.
The new Controller made this feat barely 24 hours after he assumed office on Monday, September 8th, 2025.
The latest record-breaking collection now stands as the highest daily revenue of any command in the Nigeria Customs Service, using the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu
This record has not only broken the existing ₦18b achieved by the command but has also confirmed the new CAC’s resolve to meet and surpass the revenue target set for the command as stated in his maiden address on Monday
Shortly after taking over, Comptroller Oshoba met with senior officers of the command where he commended them for the great feats achieved in the past with a directive urging them to increase their tempo of productivity.
He reminded them that outstanding results are the real proof of hard work, dedication and uncompromising disposition to duty and that he believes they could do better than they did before his arrival.
On the recent ₦20.1b collection in a day, Comptroller Oshoba said it’s only the beginning of greater exploits and it’s not time for celebration because he foresees greater achievements for the flagship command of NCS under his leadership
He described B’Odogwu as a necessity in the build-up to a more modern and efficient customs administration in Nigeria with potential to strengthen the country’s position as Africa’s largest economy noted for trade facilitation.
“I commend my team and stakeholders for this great milestone of ₦20.1b collection in one day just 24 hours after I resumed here.
” It’s not the time to clap yet because clapping means removing your two hands from work to celebrate.
“Let’s leave the celebration and applause for days ahead when we shall have future achievements of surpassing targets, curbing any attempted smuggling or concealment and treating trade with productive speed without compromising our integrity.
“I believe in action, which speaks louder than words
“We are all part of history as our collective efforts are resonating positively on the Nigerian economy.
” I urge my officers to keep the great work going and for the stakeholders, they should stay on the path of compliance ” Comptroller Oshoba said.
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Headlines

Resurgence of boat mishaps unsettles NIWA as Oyebamiji unfolds new measures to tackle waterways accidents 

Gloria Odion 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has unfolded though measures aimed at curbing the resurgence of boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways.
The resurgence of waterways accidents, especially the fatality recently recorded in boat mishap in Niger State, has made NIWA to tighten safety measures on the waterways.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 in Abuja, the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, announced immediate ban  on all loading activities from unauthorised points across the country, insisting that only recognised and registered jetties may be used.
He also mandated all commercial operators to provide lifejackets for passengers, while every boat must clearly display its name and load line.
 Oyebamiji gave a directive that all unlicensed boats and watercraft  be removed from the waterways, while unlicensed drivers and operators are prohibited from carrying out any operations.
The Authority also called on riverine states to partner with NIWA in safety campaigns, training of operators, procurement and distribution of lifejackets, provision of landing platforms and deployment of modern ferries.
Oyebamiji reiterated his call for the establishment of Coast guards for inland waterways, describing it as an essential enforcement tool that would significantly strengthen NIWA’s safety drive.
The NIWA boss thereafter launched into past measures taken by the Authority to reduce boat mishaps on the waterways.
He noted that since the appointment of the current management in October 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NIWA has implemented a number of far-reaching reforms and initiatives aimed at reducing accidents on the waterways.
He recalled that within the first six months of the administration, the long-awaited Water Transportation Code was gazetted and launched to regulate operators, passengers, and users of the waterways.
 Within the same period, Oyebamiji further disclosed,the Authority also inaugurated 15 new operational assets, including patrol boats, water ambulances, survey boats and passenger ferries, while also commissioning new facilities such as the NIWA Clinic and administrative building at its headquarters in Lokoja to improve efficiency.
To enforce compliance, he recalled that the Authority deployed Water Marshals, which have now increased from 80 personnel at inception to 350 across the country.
“Passenger safety has been enhanced through the introduction of a manifest system at recognised jetties to improve record-keeping, while Water Marshals also ensure that the “No Lifejacket, No Boarding” regulation is strictly enforced.
“In addition, the reactivation of Search and Rescue Stations has reduced NIWA’s emergency response time to less than 30 minutes.
“The Authority has also taken its safety awareness campaigns directly to loading points and jetties, reaching more than 300 communities in 2025 alone.
“These grassroots engagements are complemented by periodic campaigns in local languages on radio, television, newspapers and digital platforms.
On the technical side, Mr. Oyebamiji explained that NIWA has intensified channel maintenance for safer navigation.
Marine navigational buoys have been installed on the Lower and Upper Niger, while hydrographic surveys and profiling have been completed from Warri to Baro Port, covering 624 kilometres.
He said the Authority has continued to remove aquatic waste, logs and wrecks from waterways to further enhance navigability, while collaboration with sub national governments has also been strengthened.
He also recalled that in October 2024, NIWA convened a stakeholders’ meeting with state transportation commissioners and other maritime stakeholders in Abuja to deliberate on measures to eliminate boat accidents.
“That meeting produced a communique outlining responsibilities for both federal and state governments.
 According to the Managing Director, some states have already started acting on these commitments by providing ferries and lifejackets to their citizens, with Niger State standing out as a prime example.
Mr. Oyebamiji commended the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his unwavering support.
“In the last four months alone, the Ministry has helped NIWA distribute over 45,000 standard lifejackets across twelve states, while also leading state-level safety campaigns in Niger and Bayelsa.
Looking ahead, NIWA intends to deepen collaboration with the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy, especially in enforcing the ban on overloading, night sailing between 6 pm and 6 am, and compulsory use of lifejackets.
Oyebamiji disclosed that NIWA’s initiatives have already reduced accidents and deaths on the waterways by more than 70 percent compared to previous years, but stressed that more can still be done.
He described the safety of Nigerians on the waterways as a national duty requiring the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
 “Based on the innovations and renewed commitment to our mandates, we have reduced waterway accidents and deaths by more than 70 percent.
“But we must do more. Establishing Coastal Guards and deepening collaboration with states and security agencies will help us achieve an accident-free waterway system,” he said.
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