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.

Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor

In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.

As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.

The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.

The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.

According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.

He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.

“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.

“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.

“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.

“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.

The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.

He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.

“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.

“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.

“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.

“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.

The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.

It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th, 2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.

The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.

Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.

The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.

Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.

In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.

The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.

The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.

The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .

The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.

Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.

As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.

“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.

The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.

The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.