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.

Customs

How NPA’ s ETO call- up system hampers seamless export processes at Lilypond Terminal — Customs

Funso OLOJO

The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has attributed the persistent delay in export cargo movement at the command to logistics issues associated with the Nigerian Port Authority’s Eto call-up system, rather than any bottlenecks from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Eto call- up system is a structured movement of container- laden trucks into the terminals meant to decongest Port access road and facilitate quick goods clearance at the port.

It was developed by the NPA and driven by a private company.

However, Comptroller Odusanya, speaking at a Roundtable with members of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN),emphasized that while the command has streamlined the export process, lack of available slots for trucks to enter the ports remains a major challenge.

He noted that despite the command’s efforts, numerous containers remain stranded at Lilypond due to the inability of trucks to secure clearance under the Eto system.

He explained that prior to the implementation of a centralized export processing system, multiple customs units across Apapa, Tin Can, PTML, and Lekki ports handled export documentation.

However, in July 2024, the government directed the full centralization of all export processes under the Lilypond Export Command.

This move, driven by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and backed by agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was aimed at streamlining operations and reducing multiple checkpoints.

Odusanya revealed that between January and December 2024, the command processed exports valued at approximately $1.9 billion, a figure that could have been higher if the consolidation had occurred earlier in the year.

He added that in February 2025 alone, the command facilitated exports worth $225.1 million.

He attributed these successes to inter-agency collaboration, with Customs working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and quarantine services, among others.

Despite the improved export facilitation, Odusanya acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly with the Eto call-up system, which has created logistical constraints.

He explained that export containers often get delayed at Lilypond not due to customs processes but because of congestion at the ports, caused by import containers awaiting clearance.

He pointed out that while Apapa remains the busiest port for exports, the congestion problem is less severe at Tin Can due to the presence of an export processing terminal.

On the issue of the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form, Odusanya stated that the command has ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements.

He, however, acknowledged exporters’ concerns about the process and assured that Customs is working to facilitate seamless trade while ensuring adherence to financial regulations.

He urged maritime stakeholders, including the media, to continue sensitizing exporters on the ease of processing export goods through Lilypond, emphasizing that the command operates transparently and does not condone extortion.

He reiterated that officers at the entry points are strictly there to verify processed cargo and not to serve as an additional checkpoint.

Odusanya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Lilypond Export Command to supporting Nigeria’s growing export sector, ensuring efficiency in cargo movement, and addressing any emerging challenges in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Economy

Dangote group remits N402.3 billion tax to government coffers in 2024

Gloria Odion

The Pan African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited and its subsidiaries, have disclosed that it paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, declared during a meeting with some senior media executives who visited him in his Lagos Office.

He said Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited among others, remitted a total of N402.319billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.

Recall that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had in late 2024 recognised Dangote group and its subsidiary, Bluestar Shipping as the most tax compliant organizations in the country during its Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Chiejina told his visitors that as a responsible business organisation, DIL and its subsidiaries have never shieded away from its obligations either to the government in the form of tax payment at all levels or to host communities in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

According to him, the Group’s corporate strategy has evolved just as its businesses have grown, matured and diversified into new sectors and regions over the last four decades.

He noted that Dangote Group has almost single-handedly taken Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement and refined petroleum products and is expanding rapidly across Africa.

Dangote Group and its subsidiaries were recognised as number one most compliant in tax payment in the country, just as its subsidiary Dangote Cement, the country’s leading cement manufacturer, at another occasion won three awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos as the most active business in the Foreign Exchange market.

Dangote Cement Plc was adjudged as the Largest Commercial Paper Quotation on FMDQ and Single Largest Corporate Debt Issue on FMDQ.

Also, Dangote Industries Ltd also emerged as the “Most active corporate in the foreign exchange market”.

Headlines

NIWA Chairman charges Oyebamiji to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways

Funso OLOJO

The newly appointed Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon.Musa Sarkin-Adar, has charged the management team of the Authority led by its Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways.

Musa Sarkin-Adar, who paid a

familiarization visit to the management team of NIWA in its Abuja liaison office, in a bid to minimize boat mishaps on the waterways.

He believed it would be a lasting legacy for the present leadership of NIWA if accidents could be minimized on the Waterways.

The Chairman’s advice is however in alignment with the NIWA’ s resolve to stamp out wooden and rickety boats on waterways.

However, Musa Sarkin-Adar further encouraged the NIWA team to do more in connecting other states in the water transportation.

He emphasized on the need for the involvement of the private sector in the development of water transportation, as government cannot do it alone.

In his response, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation for the visit and encouraging words of the chairman and pledged the commitment of of NIWA management to make the nation’s waterways safe and secure.

Oyebamiji also commended the efforts of his management team in the development of the Inland Waterways

Transportation sub-sector.

According to him, he is blessed with an experienced and dedicated team which he cannot take the glory alone.

The Chairman’s visit was attended by all the management staff of the Authority.