Headlines

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.

Headlines

May Day: Mobereola salutes maritime workers for passion, dedication to building virile industry

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Director – General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has saluted the courage , passion and dedication of maritime workers to building strong and virile industry.

In his message at the Workers’ day on May 1st, 2026, the NIMASA DG extolled the virtues of workers and acknowledged the distinguished service of various stakeholders whose efforts he noted continue to significantly contribute to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

Dr. Mobereola, while wishing stakeholders a Happy Workers’ Day said “to all the amazing officers and stakeholders in the maritime sector who bring their passion and expertise to work daily.

“Thank you for your dedication and invaluable contributions”.

He emphasized that as a regulator, the Agency remains committed to its oversight function of regulating maritime labour activities in the industry in line with extant instruments and the expectations of the theme of the 2026 Workers’ Day, which focuses on safety, dignity and productivity.

Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has reached out to traditional rulers and sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.

To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.

According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.

Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.

“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.

“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.

“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said

The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.

” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.

Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border communities

“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.

” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned

While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.

“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.

“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said

In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.

The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu,expressed the readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.

“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.

” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said

The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.

Headlines

Opeifa decries encroachment on NRC properties across the country

— praises collaboration with Abia, Enugu govts.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reiterated his displeasure over the widespread practice of encroachment on the properties of the Nigerian Railways Corporation across the country, warning that such action would not be tolerated by his administration.

Opeifa was speaking during the separate meetings he recently had with the governments of both Abia and Enugu states.

Represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, the NRC boss quickly condemned the occupation of the Corporation’s right- of – way by squatters in Umuahia, while correcting the wrongly- held belief that the Railway is defunct.

Opeifa however applauded the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Corporation and the governments of both Abia and Enugu.

According to him, such productive harmony can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people.

During the Umuahia meeting, Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.

He reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.

Appealing directly to the public, he urged for greater patience, stressing that the plans for the critical track extension from Aba, through Umuahia to Enugu and beyond, remain very much on course.

Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the State Government is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way.

He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.

The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal; the site for the new Umuahia Railway Station; and the route for the proposed link road passing through the existing railway station.

The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.

The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.

Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.”

He further assured the NRC that the Enugu State Government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.