Headlines

Ajayi,Babarinsa,Badejo, others receive media merit award

The Eyewitness Reporter

The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Lagos State Council Mr.Adeleye Ajayi has added another feather to his colourful cap.

Ajayi was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the pen profession at Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) B Zone Public Lecture and Special Recognition of Outstanding Media Professionals, which held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Other media professionals honoured at the event include Chief Dare Babarinsa, Demola Badejo, Chief Mrs.Funke Egbemode, Dr.Suliamon Olanrewaju, Chief Demola Babalola, Mr. Gbenga Ogunremi, Mrs. Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mr.Kehinde Onasanya, Honorable Kayode Akinmade and Femi Adefila.

Ajayi described the honour as the reward for hard work. He tasked journalists to be dedicated to the calling while urging media professionals to use their platforms to promote the growth and development of Nigeria.

” As Journalists, we should be seen to do what is right always, and must be ready to go a step further to always stand by the truth.

“Journalism is not an easy profession. One must have passion for the job if one must make a difference ” Ajayi added.

Former Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Information Demola Badejo, who was the Keynote Speaker, titled his address “Remembering our heroes past and celebrating our leaders”.

The Media Guru, applauded the founding fathers of journalism for their doggedness and commitment to the profession.

” No doubt we are grateful to the founding fathers of Journalism for impacting many lives positively in the media profession, which is why we can pass down down the acquired knowledge to the younger ones seamlessly.

” For journalism to continue to thrive, we must play our part as media professionals because the social media has turn everyone to a reporter, and to what extent will journalists continue to set the agenda?” he stressed.

Mr. Badejo affirmed that capacity building for journalists is key for media professionals to be able to dish out stories that can impact lives, and help develop our dear country. He added that the challenges conforting media were enormous including poor renumeration.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker of the event, Chief Dare Babarinsa, a renowned Journalist, lauded NUJ B Zone for staging such a thought provoking event.

He admitted that the economic situation of Nigeria had affected the media profession drastically.

“No newspapers in Nigeria has up to fifty thousand daily circulation as against the way it is in other climes such as Jerusalem, where the Jerusalem Times still circulates five hundred thousand copies till date.

Speaking further, he lamented that Nigerian readers are no longer glued to purchasing newspapers, which has become a major threat to the profession.

Babarinsa urged Media owners to invest more in training journalists from time to time because they stand a better chance to educate and inform the citizenry when they have deep knowledge of issues.

“Government involvement transformed the Nigerian media space positively in the past as schools and government agencies were being supplied newspapers and magazines on daily basis, but we no longer have that anymore” he stressed.

As part of efforts to rescue journalism from deteriorating further in Nigeria, Babarinsa tasked NUJ, NGE, NPAN, and BON to initiate moves that will restore distribution of newspapers to government establishments, while proposing life insurance for journalists.

Other Executive members of Lagos NUJ in attendance were Mr.Philip Nwosu Vice Chairman, Mr.Tunde Olalere Secretary, Mr. Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary, Mrs.Adeola Akindele, Treasurer, Mrs. Alaba Igbaroola and Mr. Gboyega Oni who are both ex-Officio.

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.