Headlines

Oyetola pledges government’s commitment to smooth trade practices under AFCFTA

Funso OLOJO

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to the African Continental Free Trade and ensure economic development in Nigeria to create new export opportunities for the Marine sector under the Guided Trade initiative.

The Minister, who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ismail omipidan, gave this assurance in his keynote address at the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria’s Annual Lecture, with theme: AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade held on Thursday in Lagos

According to the Minister, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has licenced several Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), which fast-track export procedures and enhance the efficiency of trade processes under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“In July this year, we recorded a significant milestone in our march to economic recovery, following the inaugural shipment ceremony under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“For us, it was a crucial step towards an enhanced trade and economic cooperation on our continent.

“In today’s interdependent and globalized world, efficient and cost-effective maritime transportation systems that link global supply chains are the engine that would ultimately fuel economic development and prosperity.

“Maritime transport is a strategic economic trade enabler because 80% of global merchandise trade by volume is carried out by sea and handled by ports worldwide as estimated by UNCTAD” he said

The Minister pointed out that by promoting intra-Africa trade through the removal of national barriers, doors of opportunities will open to businesses to reach continental markets, thereby fostering industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.

This, according to him, underscores the need for investment in port infrastructure and improvement in our institutional capacities for management and administration.

The Minister expressed optimism that the current thrust of the Ministry and its Agencies’ drive on port modernisation has demonstrated the commitment to repositioning the Port Ecosystem for greater efficiency via various government initiatives and interventions.

These interventions, he reaffirmed, are yielding positive results, as affirmed by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

“The top performance rating of both the Ministry and its agencies, NPA and NIMASA, at the recently- concluded 120 Days Regulatory Reform Accelerator (RRA) is indeed a heartwarming indication of this commitment.

The minister told the gathering that the country is on the threshold of unlocking the potentials in the Maritime sector. He there called for collaboration of all stakeholders to make it happen .

“To support the successful implementation of the AfCFTA, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has taken bold and decisive steps to significantly enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.

“The licensing of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) will greatly increase the export of Nigerian commodities and will simplify the shipment of goods under the GTI/AfCFTA. Our pursuit of the establishment of more inland dry ports is another initiative to bring shipping closer to the people and facilitate trade.

“We shall continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, driven by our unwavering commitment to progress and our unrelenting passion for shaping a brighter future for the Marine and Blue Economy sector through various initiatives such as:

Regional integration and collaboration to drive maritime security and safety; continuous partnerships with the private sector and players to drive efficiency; and innovation; and investment in port IT systems to improve procedure, controls, and turn-around time.

” The combination of blue economy potential and the opportunities offered by AfCFTA hold immense expectation for Africa’s development and economic transformation.

“There is a compelling need for Nigeria to latch on this momentous opportunity to forge a prosperous and resilient future for Africa, where the blue economy and the AfCFTA converge to drive inclusive, sustainable, and equitable development across the continent, creating a brighter future for generations to come.” the minister concluded.

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.