By Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded its 2025 recruitment exercise, offering employment to 3,852 successful candidates after more than one year of screening and assessment.

The recruitment exercise, which began with a newspaper advertisement on December 27, 2024, was initially designed to fill 3,927 vacancies across various cadres of the Service.
The exercise attracted a staggering 573,500 applications, out of which 286,697 candidates were shortlisted after the initial screening.

Following several phases of rigorous screening, the number was eventually reduced to 3,853 candidates, with 3,852 candidates completing the final screening and being offered employment.

The final stage of the exercise was conducted at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Abuja, where candidates across the different cadres underwent documentation, physical fitness assessment and medical screening.

The two-week final screening exercise, which commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026, ended on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

It covered candidates shortlisted for the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII), Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The screening was conducted in batches to ensure an orderly process, reduce congestion and improve the overall experience of candidates.

Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said the Service had introduced measures to address challenges identified during the earlier stages of the exercise and improve the efficiency of the final screening.

“We have put measures in place to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother process this week. The gaps identified last week have been addressed, and we do not expect them to recur this week,” Onyeka said.

He also stressed the need for discipline, responsibility and strict compliance with established procedures throughout the recruitment process.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa, said the exercise recorded significant improvements, with nearly 3,000 candidates screened without any casualty.

According to him, one of the major innovations introduced into the process was the use of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ records from the various stages of the assessment.

“Any candidate that has been shortlisted has a form designed especially for him, unlike in the past where you come, they issue you a form, and then some people along the way go and even change some of the records.

“These forms come with the candidates’ records, including their names and details for sports, medical, documentation, and the checklist of required items. So, once the candidate comes, you just verify what you already have from the system,” Musa explained.

He said the introduction of the personalised forms had helped to strengthen the integrity of the process and reduce the possibility of manipulation of candidates’ records.

Musa further underscored the importance of continuous manpower development in strengthening the capacity of the Service to effectively discharge its responsibilities in national security, border protection, trade facilitation and other statutory functions.

He noted that the expanding responsibilities of the Customs Service made it imperative to continually improve the quality, competence and preparedness of its workforce.

According to him, candidates were assessed against established recruitment criteria, including age, physical fitness and drug screening.

He explained that candidates who tested positive for prohibited substances, exceeded the prescribed age limit or were found to have physical conditions capable of affecting their ability to perform assigned duties could be disqualified, subject to the final decision of the Service management.

Musa also advised candidates and members of the public to rely only on recruitment information published through the official Nigeria Customs Service website and verified social media platforms.

He warned against relying on unverified messages or individuals claiming to possess privileged information about the recruitment exercise, stressing that such channels could expose unsuspecting candidates to fraudulent activities.

The completion of the recruitment exercise marks a major step in the Customs Service’s efforts to expand and strengthen its human resource base, while ensuring that new personnel are selected through a structured, transparent and merit-based process.

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

Former lecturer at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Dr. Charles Okorefe, has been appointed keynote speaker for the 2026 Primetime Reporters’ Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled to hold in Lagos on October 15.

Okorefe’s appointment comes as a strong line-up of senior maritime, ports, logistics and blue economy stakeholders has been assembled for the annual industry gathering.

Among those expected to speak at the event are the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Barr. Pius Akutah.

Others are the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel; Managing Director of Trucks Transit Park (TTP), Mr. Jama Onwubuariri; and National Coordinator of the National Single Window Secretariat, Mr. Tola Fakolade.

The 2026 lecture, organised by Primetime Reporters, will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry operators and other stakeholders to examine emerging issues shaping Nigeria’s maritime, ports, logistics and blue economy sectors.

The event is themed: “Smarter Gateways, Greener Logistics: Leveraging the Port Community System and National Single Window for Zero-Emission Trade.”

The theme is expected to focus attention on the need to accelerate digital transformation across Nigeria’s ports and logistics ecosystem through greater integration, automation, data sharing and technology-driven trade processes.

Okorefe’s selection as keynote speaker is expected to bring an academic and industry perspective to the discourse, given his experience in maritime education and professional practice.

His presentation is expected to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with developing smarter, more connected and environmentally sustainable maritime gateways, while highlighting the role of digital integration in improving port efficiency and trade facilitation.

Okorefe, who is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kamany Marine Services Limited, is the author of ABC of Shipping and Ports’ Operation in Nigeria. He also serves as South-South Coordinator of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria.

The other speakers are expected to bring sector-specific perspectives to discussions around port administration, maritime regulation, inland waterways transportation, logistics, digital trade facilitation and the implementation of the National Single Window.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Primetime Reporters, Mr. Saint Augustine Nwadinamuo, said the annual lecture would provide a platform for stakeholders to assess ongoing reforms in the maritime sector and develop practical strategies for improving port efficiency and Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

He said discussions would also focus on reducing cargo dwell time, strengthening trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub.

Particular attention is expected to be devoted to the Port Community System (PCS) and National Single Window (NSW), which are being developed as key instruments for streamlining cargo clearance, reducing paperwork, enhancing transparency and connecting stakeholders across the maritime and trade ecosystem.

The event will also feature the presentation of the Primetime Reporters’ 2026 Maritime and Blue Economy Awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Nwadinamuo said the awards would be based on merit, professional track record and measurable contributions to the sector, stressing that they were not for sale.

The 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotels, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

A former Director-General of NIMASA, Barr. Temisan Omatseye, is expected to chair the event.

The gathering is expected to attract senior government officials, regulators, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies, logistics practitioners, academics, professional associations, journalists and other stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.

Nwadinamuo called on government agencies, professional associations, corporate organisations, maritime stakeholders and individuals to partner with Primetime Reporters to ensure the success of the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards.

He said partnership opportunities include advertisement placements in the event brochure and other event materials, sponsorship of the entire programme or specific segments, as well as other opportunities associated with the event.

 Funso OLOJO, Editor

Stakeholders at the 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit have called for the establishment of a dedicated Coastal Resilience Fund to finance coastal protection, infrastructure development and livelihood-support programmes in communities threatened by environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure.

The stakeholders said such a financing mechanism would provide a sustainable funding window for strengthening Nigeria’s coastal communities while enabling them to participate more actively in the emerging marine and blue economy.

The call was made at the 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit held Thursday at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where experts, policymakers and industry players examined the legal, regulatory, security and investment frameworks required to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy potential.

Delivering the keynote address, President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, said Nigeria needed to move beyond policy declarations and develop practical financing mechanisms capable of addressing the infrastructure and environmental challenges confronting its coastal communities.

Anishere urged the Federal Government to leverage international financing opportunities, including climate funds, development finance institutions and multilateral organisations, to scale up investments in coastal resilience and community development.

She said sustained investment in coastal infrastructure would protect livelihoods, strengthen economic assets and create an enabling environment for coastal communities to benefit directly from the blue economy.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also stressed the importance of effective governance, saying Nigeria’s blue economy could only thrive where there was a predictable legal and institutional framework for investment, innovation and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

She called for a regulatory regime that would provide certainty and security for investors while remaining flexible enough to encourage innovation, environmentally responsible enough to protect marine resources and inclusive enough to deliver benefits to coastal populations.

According to her, security, sustainability and governance would remain critical pillars of Nigeria’s blue economy development.

Anishere further advocated improved waste-management infrastructure, sustainable fishing practices, recycling education and environmental stewardship programmes targeted at coastal communities.

She also urged greater private-sector participation in blue tourism, resilient infrastructure and marine-based enterprises, stressing the need for appropriate incentives, streamlined regulations and public-private partnerships.

Representing Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the state was committed to an inclusive approach to blue economy development.

She noted that although the Ehingbeti initiative was historically associated with Lagos Island, the state’s blue economy agenda would extend to communities across Lagos.

Oyekan-Ismaila said Governor Sanwo-Olu had encouraged participants to collaborate in producing a communiqué that would provide practical recommendations for advancing the blue economy agenda of Lagos State.

The Convener of the Ehingbeti Maritime Hub and Founder of the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Hon. Olaitan Violet Williams, said the Hub was established in 2023 to reconnect Lagos with its rich maritime history.

According to her, Ehingbeti represents an important chapter in the evolution of Lagos from its early trading history to the modern-day Eko.

Williams identified inland waterways as one of the most immediate opportunities available to Nigeria under the blue economy agenda, but lamented that the country’s estimated 10,000 kilometres of waterways remained largely underutilised.

She called for increased investment and stronger legal protection for investors, arguing that Nigeria could not unlock the economic value of its waterways while large sections remained unnavigable.

The Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, represented by a member of the Board, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, commended Williams for her commitment to the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Shagari said coastal communities must remain at the centre of blue economy policies and called for an appropriate legal framework to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s littoral states.

Representing the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, Rear Admiral N.C. Okon called for stronger maritime regulation and effective enforcement of existing laws.

Okon identified “sea blindness” as one of the factors limiting Nigeria’s ability to fully exploit its maritime potential.

He said effective collaboration among government agencies, coastal communities and development partners was essential to building a sustainable maritime economy.

According to him, Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions could not be sustained in an environment characterised by insecurity, environmental degradation, illicit maritime activities and regulatory uncertainty.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to providing the secure maritime environment necessary for commerce, investment and the sustainable exploitation of the country’s marine resources.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Ekeoma Ezeibe, described insurance as a critical component of maritime and blue economy development.

She said adequate insurance protection was necessary to safeguard maritime assets, infrastructure and businesses against the wide range of risks associated with marine operations.

A major highlight of the summit was the launch of the 28 Inland Waterways Investment Jigsaw, an initiative designed to identify and showcase viable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s inland waterways and provide a structured pathway for increased private-sector participation.

The initiative is expected to support investment in water transportation and other marine-related businesses by drawing attention to specific opportunities across the country’s inland waterways.

The summit brought together government representatives, maritime professionals, security agencies, legal practitioners, insurers, traditional rulers, academics, private-sector operators and representatives of coastal communities.

Participants reaffirmed the need for stronger regulation, enhanced maritime security, sustainable financing, infrastructure investment and community inclusion if Nigeria is to translate its vast blue economy potential into sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods.