Headlines

ICTN, CISS fees will make Nigeria’s ports more expensive, uncompetitive — Segun Musa

Funso OLOJO

Dr Segun Musa, one of the vocal freight forwarders in the country and the Managing Director of Widescope Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Musa, has decried the reintroduction of International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) at the Nigerian ports, lamenting it will further add to the cost of doing business at the ports.

Similarly, he believed continued payment of Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will further make Nigerian ports uncompetitive within the subregion.

Dr Musa, who was giving an overview of Port operations in the country while interacting with the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN), described these levies and charges as fraudulent in nature, meant to further impoverished Nigerians.

He was particularly upset with the continued payment of the CISS which was a fee meant to fund the operations of the inspection agencies but is it still been collected years after the era of pre-shipment inspection regime has gone.

“Agents should have gone to court to challenge it. It is illegal. The CISS money was meant for inspection agencies to run their operations.

“EFCC should have investigated the government over the trillion of Naira of CISS.” Musa declared.

On the ICTN, the National Vice President of the Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), said the it was not different from the Customs Risk Assessment Report that profiles all cargo coming into Nigeria.

He believed that the reintroduction of ICTN would further add up to the cost of cargo clearance, narrating that with the intervention of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) acting on his petition, the ICTN was suspended at the airport.

He wondered why the ICTN, already jettisoned by the government, is being reintroduced by the government.

“ICTN is a fraud. This is a fastest way of killing the economy. We are waiting for them,” vowed Musa.

The foremost freight forwarder called the Nigeria Customs Service to implement automation of cargo clearance and delivery, stating that the Customs had promised that the B’Odogwu would address cargo clearance and facilitate trade.

“I want to believe it is achievable. What we need is the full automation; we are against use of companies but rather individuals with their identity number in cargo clearance.

“Everything from inspection to delivery should be automated. This is where the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service will come to play,” said Musa.

Whether Customs will allow the automation to work or Customs agents will declare correctly, Musa averred that the world is changing and Nigeria cannot be left behind.

“Nobody wants a change. The world is migrating away from analog. This is why investors do not want to come to Nigeria. To advance our economy, we must embrace change – automation.”

Still speaking on the Customs operations, Dr. Musa said there is nothing special in the revenue collection by the Customs but what we need from the Service is transparency.

“I was the lone voice calling for the privatisation of the Customs; anybody can generate revenue. The PIDA did it during the administration of General Sanni Abacha.

“Customs generating revenue is not special; a consortium can generate revenue while Customs is saddled with a border patrol.

“We did it before and we can do it again. If the Customs is not transparent enough, I will not hesitate to call on the government to privatise the customs,” Musa vowed.

He averred that incessant increase in customs duties and revenue target is an indicator that the national economy is not working and is also a lazy way by the politicians to run the economy.

Musa disagreed with the belief that foreigners have taken over freight forwarding in Nigeria, adding freight forwarding is an international job and everyone is free to practice it.

“Foreigners have not taken over freight forwarding in Nigeria. People need to understand that we live in a global neighborhood.

“You must have strength and capacity if you want to participate in freight forwarding, an international job.

” Government should create a level playing field for all actors. We collect a lot of revenue for the government but we get nothing.

“Chinese government provide funds and enabling environment for her citizens to thrive everywhere. But it is not the case here in Nigeria,” said Musa

The freight forwarder further noted the land border was closed because of rice, a decision which he described as irrational when the nation does not have the capacity to produce rice enough to feed her citizens.

He maintained that no nation closes her border against goods it lacks capacity to produce enough, expressing fears that the nation may become a dumping ground for other countries as Nigeria does not have capacity and infrastructure to compete competitively in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“We don’t have production capacity to tap AfCFTA. We may likely become the dumping ground. We don’t have manufacturers again who can produce for enough for local consumption and for export under AfCFTA,” said Musa

On the National Single Window (NSW), Dr. Musa hinted that his fears about the National Single Window (NSW) had been allayed that NSW would not be handled alone by an agency, calling on the government to set up a committee of trustworthy actors to supervise the Single Window.

Assessing the performance of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola as the Minister, Musa said there is nothing new in marine and blue economy.

“It has been with us for long. We cannot harness natural resources in our ocean if we don’t put the right person in the right places.

“The Minister loves talkshows and globetrotting. How do we harness the blue economy when you don’t have ships, equipment,” said Musa, who said year 2024 was filled with a lot of challenges and opportunities.

“In 2024, we had a lot of challenges – inconsistent in government policies, fluctuations in Forex that plummeted volumes of cargo traffic and the Customs putting pressure on importers with various ideas to meet its revenue target.

” We had a lot of opportunities to change the narratives but we never had associations strong enough to protect our interests.

“Hike in the cost of transportation dues to incessant increase in diesel did not help the situation. The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) was handicapped by its teething problem as every freight forwarder bore his cross,” Musa said while highlighting 2024 but hopeful for a better 2024.

Headlines

NPA shops for investors to drive deep seaports project of federal government

– says Lekki ports responsible for rising GRT for ocean- going vessels at Nigerian ports.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has come out to confess that the rising Gross Registered Tonnage(GRT) for the ocean – going vessels recently being witnessed at the Nigerian ports is being driven by the Lekki Deep seaport.

Making this disclosure was the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic communications, NPA, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemakara while playing host to the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) which was on a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.

While reviewing the infrastructural upgrade and the modernisation project at the nation’s sea port, Onyemakara disclosed that the upsurge in cargo throughputs and increased vessels gross registered tonnage at the Nigerian ports are being driven by the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

He disclosed that the modern trend in shipping has shifted to large vessels which go to ports of deep draught, an attribute which he said the Lekki Deep Sea Port has.

” If we check our operational statistics, Lekki port is pulling weight more than the others.

“The Port is the one giving us the numbers as far as I’m concerned because of its deep draught” the NPA chief spokesman declared.

It could be recalled that the NPA recently released the Qi 2026 report in which it declared an upsurge in cargo throughputs and higher GRT for vessels that called at the Nigerian Ports during the period under review.

‎According to the report , Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth during the period with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.

The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.

Onyemakara said that was the reason the government is investing heavily in deep seaports project because that is the focus of international shipping which relies on jumbo vessels for carriage of goods.

“We are the biggest economy. The population is here. The market is here” the NPA image maker enthused.

” So when you have all these things and you have an effective and efficient port system, which will come from the modernization of our ports, we can be sure that it will not be difficult for the whole of our ports in Nigeria to do a transshipment.”

He explained that the current infrastructural upgrade and modernisation project of the NPA is meant to position Nigerian ports as the hub of maritime activities in the sub- regional African.

“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time.

“What we have seen in our first quarter operational statistics will become insignificant compared to what the industry can achieve after modernisation,” he explained.

Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals needed to emerge as a major maritime hub in Africa, stressing that efficient and modern ports would naturally attract higher cargo volumes and transshipment business.

“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with developments in the aviation sector globally, he explained that countries seeking greater competitiveness were investing heavily in infrastructure expansion rather than merely cosmetic upgrades.

“We are concentrating on where it matters most, where the vessels come in. That is the essence of the port modernisation project,” he added.

Onyemakara further explained that the Federal government is very serious in development of its deep seaports in Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed deep seaports at Badagry in Lagos state, Bakassi deep seaport, Ibom deep seaports, Ibaka deep seaports and Olokola deep seaports have all been approved by the Federal government for development by private sector.

” In view of what is happening. We have created an environment where private investors will come and invest.

“At Lekki port, you know the people that brought money for it.

“Yes. So, every other deep sea ports, what we have done is to regulate all that is needed for those ports to be situated”

Onyemakara said with the government efforts at creating an enabling environment, what is required of the private sector is to move into these areas to develop them.

“Private sector, go and bring money.

” We are just waiting for investors. It’s there.

“At the end of the day, bring the money now ,that is the issue.

” And what government is looking for is private people coming to partner with government. So, anybody that is ready to

bring his funds privately” he noted.

The Nigerian government is heavily investing in deep sea port projects via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to decongest existing Lagos ports and boost maritime trade.

The major projects include the operational Lekki Deep Sea Port, the upcoming $4.2b Ibom Deep Seaport, the $3.5B Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the Badagry Deep Sea Port, designed to handle large vessels.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port is fully operational since 2023 and serves as a major hub with a 16.5m depth, handling containers and bulk cargo to relieve Apapa and Tincan Island ports.

Ibom Deep Seaport ($4.2 Billion) is located in Akwa Ibom, this project features a natural 17.5m depth.

It aims to be the largest container terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 9 million TEUs annually.

Bakassi Deep Seaport ($2.27B – $3.5B) is located in Cross River State.

This project received federal certification in late 2025 and is aimed at improving access to Nigeria’s North-Central/East regions.

Badagry Deep Sea Port with $53B Projected Revenue is a Federal Executive Council-approved project designed to be a multi-purpose facility, including container, liquid, and dry bulk terminals.

Ondo Multipurpose Deep Seaport is a $1.3 Billion project aimed at handling various cargo types, supported by a 30,000-hectare industrial city.

Dangote Deep Sea Port Ogun State is a major private-sector initiative aimed at complementing the Dangote Refinery.

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Headlines

NPA applauds MARAN for peaceful leadership transition, pledges support

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

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‎The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for conducting a peaceful and successful leadership transition, describing the process as a reflection of the association’s strong institutional framework.

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‎The General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy of the NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemachara, gave the commendation when the newly elected Executive Committee of MARAN paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

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‎Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Onyemachara noted that the seamless transition within the association demonstrated administrative maturity and a commitment to unity and stability.

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‎He observed that in some organisations, caretaker committees often seek tenure extensions,a situation that could trigger internal divisions and instability.

He, however, praised MARAN for avoiding such challenges by ensuring a transparent and rancour free electoral process.

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‎The NPA spokesperson also lauded the association for recognising and honouring its past leaders, describing the gesture as evidence of MARAN’s respect for continuity and institutional development.

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‎Mr. Onyemachara further urged the newly elected Executive Committee, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, to remain focused and sustain constructive engagement with stakeholders to support the growth of the maritime sector.

He however pledged the support and collaboration of the agency with the association

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‎Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Onigbinde stated that the visit was aimed at appreciating the Nigerian Ports Authority for its longstanding support to MARAN and to seek continued collaboration for the association’s programmes and initiatives.

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‎It would be recalled that MARAN conducted its election on May 7, 2026, producing a seven-member Executive Committee.

Headlines

The rise and transition to glory of NPA’s Paul (Texas) Erakhifu

Tribute by Ikechukwu Onyemekara

GM Corporate Affairs, NPA

From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas” by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire, rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.

Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered.

Texas by his uncommon commitment to his craft (photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him, definitely and intentionally set out to be remembered for good.

Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late Texas was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.

Not one to squander opportunities for career growth and personal development, Texas proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.

Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigency of his chosen craft, Texas trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.

The life and times of Texas validated the Biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.

Indeed, Texas was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and Internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.

Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that “no one truly dies who is remembered”.

We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge evidenced his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens.