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Customs, Importers, Shippers rally support  for Shippers’ Council over  effective implementation of ICTN

Funso OLOJO 

The commitment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to drive the implementation of the re- introduced International Cargo Tracking Note(ICTN) got a big boost when critical stakeholders in the maritime industry rallied support for the agency.
At the public discourse convened by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria(MARAN) on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria Customs Service, Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN),  the  Shippers Association of Lagos state (SALS) and Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) took turn to endorse the necessity of the ICTN and the suitability of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to drive its implementation.
At the roundtable, which attracted the creme la creme of the maritime industry, the Zonal Co- Ordinator of Zone A of the Nigeria customs service, Assistant Comptroller- General (ACG) OC Orbih declared that the implementation of the  ICTN represents a significant opportunity to transform Nigeria’s maritime operations and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
According to the Customs Chief, the controversial concept, which is being opposed by a pocket of stakeholders, will enhance the security of the country.
ACG Orbih declared that the country is under siege of arms and drug dealers, who daily thronge the country with these illicit items.
He said a week hardly passes without the customs handling over seized arms, ammunition and illicit drugs to relevant agencies.
He therefore said any concept such as ICTN that will enhance the intelligence gathering and tracking of cargo into the country should be encouraged.
“The system(ICTN) significantly enhances security and risk management by providing information in advance about cargo, enabling better threat assessment and targeted inspections.
” This enhanced security framework has proven effective in reducing cargo loss and theft in countries that have implemented the system.
“Additionally, the International Cargo Tracking Note will facilitate trade and improve ease of doing business in our ports.
“The system enables pre-arrival processing of cargo information, significantly reducing documentation processing time.
“Furthermore, International Cargo Tracking Note re-introduced by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, offers concrete solutions to long-standing challenges in our ports.
The Customs chief therefore said all stakeholders should rally behind the Nigerian Shippers Council to drive this important project for the benefit of the country.
He said that the concept has proved a huge success at some African, European and South American Countries such as Ghana ,Kenya , Turkey and Brazil , thus appealing for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the country to allow the system to work.
ACG Orbih also addressed the question of legality of the project, saying the Customs Act of 2023 has provided the legal framework for the electronic tracking concept.
He therefore said the service will collaborate with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure the implementation of the electronic tracking system succeeds.
The ACG allayed the fears of cost implications of the concept, saying the benefits derivable from it such as reduction in cargo dwell time and enhanced operational efficiency at the ports far outweigh the cost.
He also revealed that the ICTN is a component of the National Single window where all agencies of government are warehoused to drive seamless cargo delivery system at the ports.
“Let us work together to implement International Cargo Tracking Note in a way that serves our national interests while facilitating international trade” the Customs chief pleaded.
Dr Ibrahim Momuod Mubarak, the representative of the President of Importers Association of Nigeria(IMAN) expressed the support of the association for the ICTN.
He believed that the Nigeria Customs service has cleared all the grey areas about the legal backing while the Shippers’ Council has allayed their fears about the cost.
” The IMAN position is that we want this ICTN but at no cost to an average importer who is an ordinary businessman in Nigeria”Dr Mubarak concluded.
Rev. Jonathan Nicole of the Shippers Association of Lagos state(SALS) expressed indifference to the reintroduction of the ICTN.
According to him, if the concept is based on a solid foundation, it will succeed but if not, he said it would fizzle out like it did the previous years.
Nicole said what an average shipper wants is to get his goods delivered seamlessly to his factory or warehouse with minimal cost.
Dr Eugene Nweke, the former National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the incumbent Director of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Center, (SEREC), believed that the implementation of ICTN will add tremendous value to the Nigerian ports system.
He appealed to all stakeholders, especially those who are opposed to the project, to shealth their swords and work for the success of the concept.
Mr C.C Akujobi,the Director of Consumer Affairs Department of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council said the ICTN is a trade facilitation tool which will further enhance the efficiency of the Port.
He noted that other countries in Africa, Europe and South America such as Ghana, Kenya ,Turkey and Brazil have all made a huge success out of the implementation of ICTN.
Akujobi, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Council, Pius Akutah, revealed that about 20 countries in West and Central Africa have embraced the electronic tracking system.
He said that two previous experiences of the project were successful, adding that stakeholders have no cause to be afraid as the concept will enhance their business through seamless cargo delivery system.
” Shippers’ Council is ready to go ahead with the implementation of the system” he declared.
He noted that the pocket of opposition was not surprising as people often oppose new system.
Akujobi however appealed for the support of all the stakeholders to ensure the success of the electronic tracking system.
However, opposition to the concept at the public discourse was spearheaded by the duo of Lucky Ayis Amiwero, the President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) and Dr Segun Musa, the Deputy National President of NAGAFF who believed that the concept was a duplication of Customs functions and that it was not tied to a service.
They also claimed that the system lacks legal backing to which the Customs has debunked.
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Headlines

NIMASA deepens maritime security as 492 Deep Blue personnel graduate in tactical training.

Funso OLOJO, Port Harcourt.
The Nigeria’s maritime security received a massive boost as 492 personnel of the iconic Deep Blue project have graduated from tactical trainings received across some of the best security institutions in the world.
Unveiling the graduants in their tactical attires at the Elele military barrack, Port Harcourt, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Administration( NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the occasion gave the agency a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment on its task to ensure Nigeria’s maritime domain is secured.
According to him, the 492 graduating Deep Blue personnel undergone specialized trainings conducted across several strategic training locations across the world, including Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Syria and
Nigeria.
He disclosed that the training has therefore exposed the personnel, taken from across different units of the Deep Blue project, to global best practices and international operational standards in maritime security operations.
“Today’s event is a demonstration of
operational readiness, institutional resilience and Nigeria’s determination to maintain a safe, secure and economically viable maritime environment.
“With many people are not fully aware of the level of operations and integration and technological capacity that supports these achievements.
“The Deep Blue architecture integrates two special mission aircraft equipped with advanced maritime surveillance sensors, three special mission helicopters for over-the-sea operations and surveillance, two special mission vessels for deep sea operations, eight unmanned aerial vehicles for real-time intelligence gathering, 16 fast interception boats for rapid tactical response and 15 armed coastal patrol vessels.
” The Command, Control, Communication, Computer and Intelligence Center, the C4I, serves as
the central coordination hub for military domain awareness and operational response.
“As many of you may recall, the Gulf of Guinea was once regarded as one of the most challenging military
maritime regions in the world due to incidents of piracy and robbery.
“Today, through the Deep Blue project and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we are proud to say that Nigeria has
transformed the narrative which has resulted in zero piracy incidents since 2022.
“This has restored trust among global shipping operators, investors, and maritime stakeholders.
Mobereola expressed appreciation the Minister of Marine and Blue
Economy, Adeboyega Oyetola, for what he described as his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and steadfast commitment to promoting maritime security initiatives in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the role the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale for their continued support and commitment towards strengthening national security and enhancing interagency cooperation in the maritime domain.
Mobereola commended  the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Army, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, (DSS) and all security and intelligence agencies whose professionalism and
cooperation continue to strengthen the operational success of the Deep Blue project.
Hee made special mention of Deep Blue project technical partner HLSI, Security Systems Technologies Limited, for their invaluable support, technical expertise, commitment to capacity development, and strategic partnership in the implementation and sustainability of the Deep Blue project.
NIMASA DG also congratulated the graduating personnel  for successfully completing the important steps of their professional journey.
“This strength you have received comes with enormous responsibility as you are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and the discharge of your duties.
Tge event was by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,  the  Minister of Defense, General
Christopher Musa and the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Belo
Matawale, high military personnel from Navy, Army and Sir force.
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Headlines

WHO honors NFVCB over tobacco control in entertainment industry

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has been honoured with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Award, African Region, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation for its outstanding contributions to tobacco control advocacy and the promotion of responsible media content in Nigeria.
 The NFVCB is the only institution among the five-person African Region winners unveiled as part of the activities commemorating World No Tobacco Day.
This recognition by the DG of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledges the Board’s leadership in regulating the depiction and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products in Nigerian films, music videos, skits, and other audiovisual content, particularly those accessible to young audiences.
 The WHO Director-General’s Awards are presented annually ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31 to honour individuals and organizations across WHO’s six regions for exceptional work in advancing the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
NFVCB was recognized for its landmark 2024 regulations prohibiting the promotion, and glamourization of tobacco and nicotine products in entertainment content.
The regulations require that any necessary depiction of tobacco use in films and videos must carry health warnings, receive the highest classification rating, and be restricted to audiences aged 18 years and above.
The regulations also mandate producers to place a disclaimer and disclose any relationship with the tobacco and nicotine industry while prohibiting tobacco brand display and product placement in entertainment content.
The policy aligns with the implementation guidelines of Article 13 of the WHO FCTC on tobacco depiction in entertainment media.
With the introduction of the regulations, Nigeria became the first country in Africa and only the second globally to establish such comprehensive safeguards against the glamorization of tobacco use on screen.
Research and WHO guidance have consistently shown that the portrayal of tobacco use in entertainment media normalizes smoking behaviour and increases the likelihood of tobacco uptake among young people.
Through clear regulatory standards, the Board is helping to reduce exposure to pro-tobacco imagery while promoting socially responsible storytelling within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The recognition also aligns with the 8-Point Agenda of the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, aimed at strengthening policy frameworks, promoting responsible creative content, preserving cultural values, and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s creative capital by 2030.
Speaking on the recognition, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFVCB, Dr.Shaibu Husseini, described the award as a validation of the Board’s efforts toward promoting responsible storytelling and safeguarding public interest through effective content regulation.
“This award is a validation of the work we have done with the Nigerian creative industry to promote responsible storytelling.
“The goal has never been to censor art, but to ensure that our films do not inadvertently market products that are harmful to public health,” he stated.
 Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote healthy societal values, protect children and vulnerable audiences, and strengthen the positive influence of Nigeria’s entertainment industry globally.
The ED also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, filmmakers, producers, and advocacy partners, especially Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), for their collaboration in advancing the policy.
The Board stated that it would continue to strengthen enforcement of the regulations, expand public education and stakeholder engagement, and deepen collaboration with WHO, the WHO FCTC Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders in promoting responsible entertainment content and public health protection.
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Business

Taiwo Afolabi calls on African businesses to scale up their operations for global relevance

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, has called on African entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to prioritise the growth of large, sustainable corporations capable of competing globally, rather than operating fragmented and small-scale enterprises that limit the continent’s economic potential.
Speaking at the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda, Afolabi said Africa’s economic transformation would depend significantly on the emergence of strong indigenous corporations with the scale, structure, and capacity to drive industrialisation, create jobs, attract investment, and compete internationally.
According to him, discussions at this year’s forum reinforced the urgent need for African businesses to embrace collaboration, long-term thinking, regional integration, and strategic expansion.
He said: “Africa cannot achieve its full economic potential with thousands of weak and fragmented businesses operating in silos.
“What the continent needs are strong institutions and large corporations that can survive beyond their founders, scale across borders, attract global capital, and compete with the best companies around the world.”
Afolabi noted that while entrepreneurship remains critical to Africa’s growth story, the continent must deliberately move beyond subsistence and lifestyle businesses towards building enduring enterprises with robust governance systems, innovation capacity, and continental reach.
He stressed that African governments, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders must create enabling environments that support business scalability through improved infrastructure, access to finance, favourable regulations, and intra-African trade.
“The conversations at the Africa CEO Forum clearly showed that Africa’s future lies in integration and scale.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity for businesses to expand beyond national borders and build truly pan-African enterprises,” he added.
Afolabi noted that SIFAX Group’s long-term vision is anchored on strengthening intra-African trade and supporting the successful implementation of AfCFTA through investments in logistics, ports, transportation, and digital finance solutions across Africa.
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