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Nigeria’s tariff system is fraudulent – Prof. Badejo

Funso OLOJO

Professor Bamidele Badejo, the Chairman of the Lagos State Professorial Endowment on Transport and Logistics Studies, School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has described Nigeria’s tariff system as fraudulent and fraught with corruption.

Badejo, who made this observation in his lecture at the 19th Transquest Anniversary/Transport Development Symposium and Awards ceremony in Lagos, claimed that the Nigerian government has no scientific application to justify the plethora of tariffs imposed on Nigerians, saying the tariff regime is done with a rule of thumb.

” If you don’t understand the concept of trade and don’t look at the intricacies of trade, how do you develop your tariff system?

“Most of the tariffs government generated, most of the tariffs we established are just done by mere by rule of thumb.

” There are no scientific applications to justify how these tariff rates were arrived at.

” Someone will just wake up and say, oh, doing shipping business is more expensive in Nigeria than any of the West African countries.

” There are no scientific analyses to back up such claim” the University don declared.

Badejo, who delivered a paper on the theme of the Symposium titled ” Harnessing Nigeria’s Trade Tariff System for Economic Growth: Curbing Influx of fraudulent imports through the Nigerian Ports” accused officials of revenue-collecting government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) as arrogant and corrupt who like to play God.

The University don decried the chaotic state of Nigeria’s ports which he said are still enmeshed in corruption and lack of transparency in its operations.

He further said the government uses tariffs to achieve economic growth and political goals.

“Tariffs have historically been a tool for government to collect revenue.

” Also, they are a way for the government to try to protect domestic producers. Thereby using the tariff as a protectionist tool.

“Generally, applying tariffs increases the prices of imports. Tariffs are imposed by the government, no individual or organization can determine tariff rates or duties.

” In today’s global economy, many products bought by consumers have parts from other countries as a result, it can also affect products made in the home country.

“There is a huge conflict between economists and other disciplines, they argue that tariffs when imposed create market distortions that can actually harm domestic consumers over time.

“Tariffs could also be used for retaliation between countries because of their political differences.

” Nevertheless, the process of determining tariff rates involves a combination of economic, political, international and strategic considerations.

” Overall, governments impose tariffs based on what is needed to protect domestic industries, address trade imbalances, or respond to unfair trade practices.

“Tariffs, in addition, could be used as political tools to manage relationships.

“Tariff setting therefore involves complex negotiation and considerations of possible retaliation with trading partners.

“In other words, tariffs are used to restrict imports by increasing the price of goods and services purchased from another country by making them less attractive to domestic consumption.

The convener of the annual lecture, Felix Femi Kumuyi, the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of Transquest magazine, said the anniversary Transport Development Symposium and Lecture was the modest contribution of his organization to the economic growth of the country.

He lamented the hypocrisy of government agencies in supporting laudable workshops like the one his organization has packaged, accusing them of seeking to support the ones that will massage the ego of their paymasters

“It’s unfortunate that the level of participation and the seriousness these kinds of workshops should attract, especially from our government agencies/institutions, has not been forthcoming, other than politically motivated, organizational talk shops.

“Going forward, the theme of this year’s TransQuest Lecture/Award programme is Harnessing Nigeria’s Trade Tariff System for Economic Growth, which has been carefully chosen in the face of accusations and counter-accusations relating to tax and over-taxing of imports.

“Can we achieve a harmonious Trade Tariff System or Tax regime that is proportionate and in tandem with the prevailing realities?

”In the last one year, opinions on this matter have been as divided as it has been and seemingly straight jacketed; with government camp notorious for shying away from realistic appraisals and objective stakeholders engagements.

“Knowing that Tariffs are trade barriers that raise prices, reduce available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers, and can create an economic burden on foreign exporters, there should be a harmonious mechanism that the government and various industry players should adapt to, irrespective of the excuses of dollar to naira exchange rates which keeps the tariff system in perpetual fluctuation in past years,”

The event was attended by industry players such as the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, freight forwarders, maritime lawyers and government agencies.

The occasion, which was also used to unveil the new edition of Transquest magazine, served as a platform where notable industry players such as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akutah, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who was represented as the chairman of the occasion, Mrs Jean Anishere and others, were celebrated with awards of excellence.

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NIMASA opens investigation into vessels collision accident at Bonny anchorage as five crew members sustain injuries

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration(NIMASA) has opened a full scale investigation into the accident which occurred as a result of a collision between a container vessel, MV MAERSK VALPARAISO, and an oil tanker, MT LADY MARTINA, at the Bonny Inner Anchorage.

The accident which occurred on May 20th, 2026, has triggered a flurry of activities, has resulted in an oil spill in the affected area.

The Deep Blue Operating Base (FOB) in Bonny received a distress call at approximately 1130 hours regarding the collision involving MV Valparaiso, a Singapore-flagged container vessel with IMO No. 9433054, and MT Lady Martina, a Nigerian-flagged oil products tanker with IMO No. 5104033.

In response, the Base immediately deployed 10 armed personnel onboard DB 214, one of the interceptor boats under the Deep Blue Project, to the scene of the incident.

Five crew members onboard MT Lady Martina sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly evacuated to the FOB Bonny sickbay for medical attention.

Following the collision, MT Lady Martina drifted ashore and is currently aground along the Bonny Channel, while MV Valparaiso remains grounded at the Bonny Inner Anchorage pending damage assessment and further investigation.

The management of MAERSK has officially reported the incident to the Agency.

Consequently, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collision.

In addition, NIMASA has established a Situation Monitoring Room to coordinate response efforts and monitor developments arising from the incident.

Dr. Mobereola, who was personally on ground in Rivers State to inaugurate the situation room, also directed the Agency’s Marine Environment Management Department to immediately commence an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the affected area, while taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the Tier 1 oil sheen and protect the marine environment.

NIMASA promised to update the public with the outcome of the investigation into the incident.

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NIMASA deepens maritime security as 492 Deep Blue personnel graduate in tactical training.

Funso OLOJO, Port Harcourt.

The Nigeria’s maritime security received a massive boost as 492 personnel of the iconic Deep Blue project have graduated from tactical trainings received across some of the best security institutions in the world.

Unveiling the graduants in their tactical attires at the Elele military barrack, Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the occasion gave the agency a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on its task to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is secured.

According to him, the 492 graduating Deep Blue personnel undergone specialized trainings conducted across several strategic training locations across the world, including Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Syria and

Nigeria.

He disclosed that the training has therefore exposed the personnel, taken from across different units of the Deep Blue project, to global best practices and international operational standards in maritime security operations.

“Today’s event is a demonstration of

operational readiness, institutional resilience and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure and economically viable maritime environment.

“With many people are not fully aware of the level of operations and integration and technological capacity that supports these achievements.

“The Deep Blue architecture integrates two special mission aircraft equipped with advanced maritime surveillance sensors, three special mission helicopters for over-the-sea operations and surveillance, two special mission vessels for deep sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interception boats for rapid tactical response and 15 armed coastal patrol vessels.

” The Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Center, the C4I, serves as

the central coordination hub for military domain awareness and operational response.

“As many of you may recall, the Gulf of Guinea was once regarded as one of the most challenging military

maritime regions in the world due to incidents of piracy and robbery.

“Today, through the Deep Blue project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we are proud to say that Nigeria has

transformed the narrative which has resulted in zero piracy incidents since 2022.

“This has restored trust among global shipping operators, investors, and maritime stakeholders.

Mobereola expressed appreciation the Minister of Marine and Blue

Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security initiatives in Nigeria.

He also acknowledged the role the Minister of Defense, General

Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo

Matawale for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening national security and enhancing interagency cooperation in the maritime domain.

Mobereola commended the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, (DSS) and all security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and

cooperation continue to strengthen the operational success of the Deep Blue project.

Hee made special mention of Deep Blue project technical partner HLSI, Security Systems Technologies Limited, for their invaluable support, technical expertise, commitment to capacity development, and strategic partnership in the implementation and sustainability of the Deep Blue project.

NIMASA DG also congratulated the graduating personnel for successfully completing the important steps of their professional journey.

“This strength you have received comes with enormous responsibility as you are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and the discharge of your duties.

Tge event was by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Defense, General

Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo

Matawale, high military personnel from Navy, Army and Sir force.

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WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.

The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.

This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.

The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.

The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.

The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.

The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.

With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.

Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.

Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.

The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.

Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.

“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.

“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.

Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.

The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.

The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.