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Shippers’ Council scolds ICNL over negligence, slams the ICD operator with 70 percent refund of cost of damaged export put at $104,111, N1.653m

—absolves NDLEA, Maersk line of blame as ICNL pleads for mercy 
Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Shippers’Council has slammed Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL), an operator of Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP), the ICD facility in Kaduna, with a penalty for refund of the cost of export damaged through its negligence.
The exporter of the damaged export, who had used the facility of the ICNL to export agricultural produce, Cowpea black eye beans to the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dubai, has petitioned the NSC over the damage he suffered in the transaction due to the alleged negligence and delay caused by  ICNL and the MAERSKLINE shipping.
The exporter, the Managing Director of USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD, Mr. Usman Baba Ahmad,  has put the cost of the damage at  $104,111.75, while the total terminal and documentation cost was N1,653,205.88( One million six Hundred and Fifty – Three Naira, Two Hundred and Five Naira, Eighty-Eighty kobo).
In a letter of complaint received via the council’s port Office, Kaduna, the Managing Director of USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD, Mr. Usman Baba Ahmad stated that two export containers of Cowpea Black Eye Beans were damaged.
They put the value of the beans at $104,111.75 USD, while the total terminal and documentation cost was N1,653,205.88( One million six Hundred and Fifty – Three Naira, Two Hundred and Five Naira, Eighty-Eighty kobo).
The exporter identified delay by ICNL ( Terminal Operator/ Forwarding Agent) and MAERSK (Carrier), as being responsible for the damage and requested the council’s intervention for a refund of the loss.
USBAB added that “if the cargo was shipped on schedule, having paid all necessary charges to ICNL from the beginning of the transaction, the damage would have been avoided”.
They further gave a breakdown of what transpired from when the cargo was forwarded to ICNL to when it was eventually shipped out of Nigeria.
The complaint also denied receiving any notification from either FPIS or ICNL on the recommendation that fumigation should be repeated after the expiration of 21 days as contained on the certificate of Quality, Fumigation, Good Packaging Materials and weight.
They further presented additional claims received from the Importer in Dubai and other documents.  The complainant requested the assistance of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in recovering all funds spent on the beans and the export processes.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council held tripartite meetings at the Kaduna Port Office where all relevant parties; USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD
( Complainant) , Kaduna Inland Dry Port/ ICNL ( Forwarder) , Federal Produce Inspection Service ( FPIS), Anglia International Services Ltd (Pre-shipment Agent) and Shippers’ Council’s Complaints Team from the head office were in attendance to amicably resolve the lingering complaint.
The Chairman of the meeting and Deputy Director, Kaduna Port Office, Mr. Paul Garnva welcomed all parties to the meeting and informed that Kaduna Port Office regulates the Dry Port and protects shippers in terms of cost, effective and efficient service delivery.
He noted that since the commencement of operations, over sixteen  (16,000 TEU’s) import containers have been cleared, while over fifty ( 50 TEU’s) export containers were handled.
 He added that the essence of the meeting was to dialogue with a view to arriving at a fair and amicable resolution.
The head of the complaints Unit, Mr. Daniel Orume, a Deputy Director, accompanied by an Assistant Director, (complaints), Mr. Danjuma Buba and Mr. Hassan Aminu ( a principal Operations Officer), however stated that this intervention is crucial, being the first to be held at Kaduna Port Office.
 He said in line with NSC’s Port Economic Regulation Order,2015, the complaints Unit is saddled with the responsibility to find solutions to issues relating to disputes between providers and consumers of shipping services in the industry.
 He stressed that, for the council to carry out its investigation and reach necessary resolutions, it relied on documents presented by all parties.
He pointed out that from the point of view of the the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA), the containers were put on hold for almost one month.
 On ICNL’s counter submission that they were informed late by MAERSK Nigeria, the council sought empirical evidence to authenticate when both MAERSK and NDLEA informed the Terminal as well as when they engaged NDLEA for the release of the containers.
The council further sought clarification from FPIS, statutorily responsible for issuance of certificate of Quality, Fumigation, Good Packaging Materials and Weight, and an explanation on which of the agencies in the export clearance chain is in charge of moisture owing to the fact that the space for moisture content of commodity on the certificate was blank.
The Council also raised issues such as; delay in trying to correct the Bill of Lading of the damaged cargo; sought to know from the pre-shipment Agent, the type of container most suitable for export of agricultural produce; and who is to advise on Packaging of all export cargoes?
Responding, the representatives of Anglia International Services Ltd, the pre-shipment Agent, Messrs. Bodam Sammy and Hyacinth Louis C. informed the meeting ‘ ‘they received the beans and inspected in line with their mandate.
They listed some of their responsibilities to include; ensuring that documentation and goods declared by the exporter have no disparity, ensuring that the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme ( NESS) fee is in conformity with the goods declared, proper documentation and submission of report of inspection to their head office for issuance of Clean Certificate of Inspection ( CCI) .
“Packaging or the choice of the type of bag is based on the specification of the buyer, the exporter must ensure strict adherence to that.
 “Where there is a discrepancy, CCI would not be issued and where there is an observation by any of the agencies in the export clearance chain, we are supposed to be informed.
”That, in this case, no agency informed us of any observation. “
 The pre-shipment agent further explained that in this instance, everything was properly done as a thorough check was carried out on the bags and the type of beans.
 In line with the physical examination,  ‘ there was nothing wrong with the beans as at the time of inspection “.
The Agency stated that they carried out their inspection and issued CCI  when all the agencies have completed their processes and their role terminates at that point.
Responding,  FPIS represented at the meeting by Mr. Usman Suleiman, stated ” he inspected the beans and found it to be well dried without stone,and certified it to be of exportable quality.”
He said that he fumigated the two (2) containers and further pointed out that the only thing he observed was that during stuffing, ‘ the containers were not properly dressed. ‘
He raised an observation, but the response of ICNL was ” the containers would not stay long “
 He added that if the dressing was to be done, it would not have been possible to move the containers that day to Lagos as desired by the Exporters.
While on the type of container most suitable for the export of Agricultural produce, the representative said any type of container could be used provided it is “clean and free of insects.”
ICNL ( Terminal operator/ forwarder) Kaduna represented by Messrs. Rotimi O. and Salami O. Rasaq informed the meeting ” the damage to the beans was unfortunate “.
They added that they received the cargo at Kaduna Inland Dry Port and transported it to Apapa Port, Lagos within 15 days.
 They also stated that the exporter commended the processing of documents such as For. NXP, NESS, etc. After the beans had arrived at KIDP
ICNL also explained that during stuffing, the FPIS officials drew their attention to the ” need to dress the containers with dry papers and bags,but the representative of the Exporter (Ahmed) insisted the stuffing should continue.”
They added that the trucks conveying the goods left Kaduna for Lagos, but on arrival, they could not access the port immediately due to MAERSK policy which only allows truck access into the port on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which hindered timely gate- into the terminal “.
They further mentioned how NDLEA ” put on hold” to a great extent, contributed to the delay because neither MAERSK nor NDLEA informed them on time.
 This according to them accounts for the reason why they missed two vessels that the cargo previously scheduled.
After careful assessment of all the documents submitted during the previous tripartite meetings, the legal advice received from the Council’s Directorate of Legal Services as well as review of the role both parties played in the transaction, the Council resolved that the Liability sharing formula should be 70% for Kaduna Inland Dry Port ( ICNL ) being the appointed terminal operator and forwarder with the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is transported and delivered in safe and good condition, while 30% is for the Exporter( USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD)  for failure to heed experts advice on how to properly preserve the beans and prevent it from damage.
The parties were however grateful for the council intervention, but ICNL requested the Council to review the liability sharing formula.
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Headlines

Port modernisation, NSW:  the dual trade facilitation tools deployed by NPA to enhance efficiency for economic growth 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Nigeria’s maritime sector, the gateway through which over 80 per cent of the nation’s international trade flows, is undergoing a sweeping transformation, which is being midwifed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.
Anchored on port modernisation, digital trade facilitation and institutional reform, the new maritime policy direction is designed to reposition Nigeria’s seaports as competitive hubs within the global shipping ecosystem.
Last week, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) released its 2025 report showing that the nation’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint — a development that underscores the federal government’s commitment to economic diversification.
The 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the NPA revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 per cent rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, noting that the milestone strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
The outstanding performance did not just happen overnight, it is a result of the transformative reforms of the federal government.
 For decades, the nation’s ports struggled with a lot of constraints.
However, President Bola Tinubu is reversing the trend through an ambitious reform programme driven by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola and implemented largely by the Nigerian Ports Authority under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
At the centre of the reform strategy are two interconnected initiatives: the comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s port infrastructure and the deployment of the National Single Window (NSW), a digital platform designed to streamline trade documentation and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
Ahead of the flag off of NSW, the NPA put the structures in place and is fully ready. The NPA being a critical stakeholder in the NSW initiative has fully aligned its operational processes with the NSW platform.
In furtherance of this, NPA has been part of the NSW Committee, which has been working with the NSW Project Team, KPMG, and Crimson-Logic.
 These engagements have focused on ensuring seamless integration of the Authority’s Revenue Invoice Management System (RIMS 2.0) with the NSW architecture.
Several strategic, operational and technical decisions have been taken to align current processes with the national framework.
In line with Phase 1 of the NSW go-live, NPA has participated in a series of technical and strategic engagements with the NSW Project Team and implementation partners, complete initial User Acceptance Testing (UAT), inauguration of Transition Committee of the NSW and the development and delivery of all requested system endpoints (integration codes) to enable process alignment between NPA and NSW platforms.
Together, these initiatives represent one of the most far-reaching attempts to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector and position it as a critical engine of national growth.
Nigeria’s ports have long been central to the country’s economic architecture. Yet for many years, they have been constrained by infrastructural decay and operational inefficiencies.
Experts estimate that Nigeria loses more than N1 trillion annually due to the lack of port automation and modern infrastructure, as congestion, delays and administrative duplication increase logistics costs for businesses and discourage shipping lines.
In addition to these financial losses, inefficient port operations have undermined Nigeria’s regional competitiveness.
West African ports in countries such as Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic, equipped with modern facilities and digital trade systems, have captured significant volumes of cargo originally destined for Nigeria.
The result has been a paradox: Africa’s largest economy operating with ports that have struggled to match the capacity and efficiency of smaller neighbouring economies.
Addressing this gap has therefore become central to the maritime reform agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Ports Reconstruction and Modernisation
A cornerstone of the reform programme is the large-scale reconstruction and modernisation of Nigeria’s major seaports.
The federal government has initiated an ambitious infrastructure renewal plan targeting key facilities including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar ports.
The objective is to upgrade quay walls, deepen channels, modernise cargo-handling equipment and expand terminal capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased trade volumes.
The strategy reflects a recognition that efficient ports are indispensable to economic growth.
 Modern ports reduce vessel turnaround time, lower freight costs and enhance supply chain efficiency, factors that directly influence a country’s competitiveness in international trade.
Early indicators suggest that these reforms are already beginning to produce measurable results.
 Nigeria’s cargo throughput recorded a significant surge in recent years, rising by 45.1 per cent to 103.3 million tonnes, while ship calls increased to more than 4,000 vessels across Nigerian ports. Container traffic also climbed to 1.74 million TEUs, reflecting growing trade activity and increased export shipments.
 These improvements highlight the economic potential that could be unlocked when infrastructure upgrades are combined with operational reforms.
One of the most immediate advantages of port modernisation is the improvement in operational efficiency.
 Many of Nigeria’s major ports were constructed several decades ago and have struggled to cope with the demands of modern shipping and cargo handling.
Ageing quay walls, shallow drafts, obsolete equipment and limited cargo-handling capacity have often resulted in congestion and long vessel waiting times.
Modernisation programmes that involve infrastructure upgrades, channel deepening and the deployment of modern cargo-handling equipment will significantly reduce vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time.
Faster port operations mean ships spend less time waiting to berth, while cargo is cleared more quickly, improving the overall efficiency of the logistics chain.
Inefficient ports often translate to higher logistics costs for importers, exporters and shipping companies.
Delays in cargo clearance lead to additional charges such as demurrage, storage and handling fees, which are ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
By improving infrastructure and operational processes, port modernisation will lower these costs and make Nigerian ports more attractive to shipping lines and international investors.
This could also reverse the long-standing trend of Nigerian cargo being diverted to neighbouring ports in countries such as Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.
Digital Transformation Via NSW
Infrastructure alone, however, cannot deliver a competitive port system without complementary digital reforms.
 This is where the National Single Window (NSW) initiative becomes critical.
Last week, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that Nigeria will launch the National Single Trade Window platform on March 27.
He described the initiative as a monumental reform aimed at transforming the country’s trade ecosystem by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
According to him, the initiative, which was first introduced by President Bola Tinubu nearly two years ago, represents a far-reaching fiscal reform designed to modernise Nigeria’s trade processes.
“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational,” he said.
The NSW is designed as an integrated digital platform that enables traders to submit all import, export and transit documentation through a single electronic interface rather than interacting with multiple government agencies.
The NSW seeks to eliminate these inefficiencies by creating a unified digital ecosystem that integrates all trade-related processes.
The implementation of the National Single Window adds a critical digital dimension to these reforms.
The NSW is an integrated electronic platform that allows traders to submit all import and export documentation through a single portal rather than dealing separately with multiple government agencies.
In the traditional system, importers and exporters are required to process documentation with several regulatory bodies, including customs, port authorities and inspection agencies.
This fragmented process often leads to duplication, delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
 The National Single Window eliminates these inefficiencies by integrating all trade-related processes into one digital ecosystem.
The result is faster cargo clearance, improved transparency and greater accountability in port operations.
Digital platforms reduce human intervention in administrative processes, thereby minimising opportunities for corruption and revenue leakages.
 In addition, real-time information sharing among stakeholders enhances coordination and improves decision-making across the maritime value chain.
From a macro economic perspective, these reforms have the potential to significantly boost government revenue and stimulate economic growth.
Efficient ports facilitate increased trade volumes, which in turn lead to higher customs duties, port charges and related maritime revenues.
Improved logistics infrastructure also supports export-oriented industries by ensuring that Nigerian products can reach international markets more efficiently.
Furthermore, modern ports and digital trade systems can attract foreign direct investment into sectors such as shipping, logistics, manufacturing and maritime services.
Investors are typically drawn to economies with reliable infrastructure and efficient trade systems, and the ongoing reforms are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trading environment.
Ultimately, the combined impact of port modernisation and the National Single Window will extend beyond the maritime sector.
By improving trade facilitation, lowering logistics costs and enhancing revenue generation, these reforms will contribute to broader economic diversification and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Analysts project that a fully operational National Single Window could boost customs revenue by 10 to 20 per cent annually, translating into an additional N600 billion to N1.2 trillion in government earnings.
Beyond revenue generation, the system could reduce cargo dwell time by 35 to 45 per cent and cut overall trade transaction costs by up to 25 per cent.
Such improvements would significantly enhance Nigeria’s logistics performance and ease of doing business.
NPA’s Operational Leadership
The successful implementation of these reforms depends heavily on the institutional leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Under the leadership of Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA has intensified efforts to modernise infrastructure, strengthen digital systems and improve operational efficiency across the nation’s port network.
The authority’s reform agenda includes the deployment of advanced automation tools such as the Port Community System, the Vessel Traffic Management System and digital cargo tracking platforms.
These initiatives are designed to enhance real-time coordination among port stakeholders and create the technological backbone required for the National Single Window to function effectively.
 The impact of these reforms is also reflected in the financial performance of the NPA.
The authority generated N894.86 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projecting N1.28 trillion in revenue for 2025, driven largely by increased cargo traffic, digital automation and infrastructure upgrades.
 Additionally, the NPA remitted a record N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double the amount remitted the previous year.
These figures underscore the growing economic significance of Nigeria’s maritime sector when supported by effective institutional leadership.
Oyetola’s Policy Coordination
While the NPA handles operational execution, the broader policy direction guiding the reforms comes from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy led by Adegboyega Oyetola.
The establishment of the ministry itself marked a strategic shift in Nigeria’s economic planning by recognising the maritime domain as a critical driver of national development.
The blue economy encompasses a wide range of activities including shipping, fisheries, marine transport, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
For Nigeria — with over 850 kilometres of coastline and vast maritime resources — these sectors represent enormous untapped economic potential.
Oyetola’s policy framework focuses on strengthening maritime governance, enhancing regulatory coordination and attracting investment into port infrastructure and maritime services.
By aligning policy reforms with infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation, the ministry aims to build a maritime ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification.
Expanding Maritime Trade
Another key objective of the reform programme is to position Nigeria as a major maritime logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Nigeria’s geographic location already places it along some of the busiest shipping routes connecting Europe, Asia and the Americas with Africa.
However, inefficiencies in port operations historically prevented the country from fully capitalising on this advantage.
With modern infrastructure, improved digital systems and streamlined regulatory processes, Nigeria’s ports could become the preferred destination for cargo serving the West African sub-region.
Evidence of this emerging potential can already be seen in the growing role of ports such as Lekki Deep Sea Port, which has significantly increased container traffic and trans-shipment volumes.
The development of modern ports alongside improved inland logistics networks could transform Nigeria into a regional redistribution centre for maritime trade.

Economic Multipliers

The broader economic implications of these reforms extend far beyond the port terminals themselves.

Efficient ports stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and international trade.
Faster cargo clearance reduces production delays for industries that rely on imported raw materials, while improved export logistics enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.
Digital trade systems also improve transparency and reduce revenue leakages, strengthening government finances.
In addition, maritime infrastructure investments create employment opportunities across engineering, logistics, information technology and port operations.
Analysts estimate that a fully operational digital maritime ecosystem could generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the logistics and ICT sectors.
Such economic multipliers highlight why the maritime sector is increasingly viewed as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
Charting Nigeria’s Maritime Future
The reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s maritime sector represent one of the most significant structural transformations of the country’s trade infrastructure in decades.
By combining port modernisation with digital trade facilitation, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a more efficient and globally competitive port system.
With strong policy coordination from Adegboyega Oyetola and operational leadership from Abubakar Dantsoho at the Nigerian Ports Authority, the maritime sector is gradually being repositioned as a major driver of national economic growth.
If sustained and fully implemented, these reforms could transform Nigeria’s ports into modern logistics gateways capable of supporting industrial expansion, regional trade integration and long-term economic prosperity.
In many ways, the success of this maritime transformation will not only redefine the efficiency of Nigeria’s port system but also shape the country’s role in the future architecture of global trade.
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Realtors seek partnership with Lagos Govt on Omi Eko waterways  transportation project.

Funso OLOJO, Editor.
The €410m foreign creditors  – backed Omi Eko water transportation project of Lagos state government has received a big boost with the interest shown by the  International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI).
The professional Realtors have approached the Lagos state government through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) to explore areas of collaboration around Lagos State’s expanding water transportation system and its broader Blue Economy potential.
The delegation was led by Akin Opatola,  President of FIABCI Nigeria and  Mr. Adeniji Adele, President of FIABCI Africa and the Near East, as well as senior officials and members of the international real estate federation.
The delegation was received by Mr Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, the General Manager of LASWA who also doubles as Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Governor of Lagos State.
The two parties discussed the Lagos State’s ambitious efforts to modernize its inland waterways transport system through the OMI EKO Water Transport Project.
The LASWA General Manager outlined the strategic direction of the project and its role in transforming urban mobility across Lagos.
According to  him, the initiative is designed to decongest Lagos roads, improve productivity, reduce transportation costs, and lower carbon emissions, while positioning water transportation as a central pillar of Lagos State’s urban mobility strategy.
He further disclosed that the project will introduce modern ferry operations supported by electrified vessels, upgraded terminals, and integrated transport infrastructure, creating a cleaner and more efficient water transport ecosystem.
Mr Oluwadamilola further told FIABCI delegation that OMI EKO project is supported by a strong international financing structure including, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – €130 million loan, European Investment Bank (EIB) – €170 million loan, European Union – €60 million grant
Lagos State Government – €40 million counterpart funding
Private sector participation in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
Also, the project will deliver 15 ferry routes across Lagos waterways,
Dredging and marking of approximately 140 kilometers of navigable channels,
Development of 25 modern ferry terminals and jetties, Deployment of electric ferries, Integrated ticketing and improved waterway safety infrastructure.
Following the presentation, members of the visiting FIABCI delegation engaged the LASWA leadership in a round of questions and observations, seeking further clarification on the implementation framework of the OMI EKO project.
Members of the delegation sought insights into issues including terminal development opportunities, private sector participation, integration with urban planning, and the long-term investment potential of Lagos’ water transport corridors.
Mr. Oluwadamilola further elaborated  on the project’s structure and the strategic vision of Lagos State to position water transportation as a key pillar of the state’s evolving Blue Economy.
Speaking during the meeting, FIABCI Nigeria President, Akin Opatola, noted that the modernization of Lagos waterways presents a strategic opportunity to rethink how cities integrate transport infrastructure with real estate and urban development.
Opatola emphasized that major water transport infrastructure projects such as the OMI EKO initiative create new corridors of economic activity, particularly around ferry terminals and waterfront locations.
He stated that the real estate sector has a critical role to play in supporting such infrastructure through transport-oriented development, waterfront regeneration, and the creation of mixed-use economic hubs that can stimulate sustainable urban growth.
He further noted that FIABCI members, as professionals in the real estate and development ecosystem, are keen to explore ways in which urban planning, investment, and property development can align with Lagos State’s water transportation expansion.
Also speaking, Mr. Adeniji Adele, President of FIABCI Africa and the Near East, observed that Lagos is uniquely positioned to become a leading example in Africa of how coastal cities can leverage their waterways to drive mobility, economic development, and sustainable waterfront investment.
He noted that global cities that successfully integrate their waterways into urban life often unlock significant real estate and tourism value, and expressed optimism that Lagos could replicate similar outcomes as the OMI EKO project unfolds.
 Ubong Essien, Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, industry professionals, and investors in delivering large-scale maritime infrastructure initiatives.
Essien noted that Nigeria’s experience in strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea demonstrated that successful sector transformation often begins when all stakeholders are brought to the table at the earliest stages of major projects.
He also pointed out that the 25 ferry terminals planned under the OMI EKO project represent significant opportunities for transport-oriented waterfront development across Lagos, creating new intersections between mobility infrastructure, urban development, and the Blue Economy.
The visit underscores the growing recognition of Lagos waterways as a strategic mobility and economic infrastructure for Africa’s largest city.
It could be recalled that the Omi Eko project was launched in October, 2025.
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Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.
Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.
Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.
He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.
According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.
Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.
In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.
Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.
The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.
In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.
Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.
Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.
He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.
The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.
He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.
According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.
“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.
He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.
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