Features

NIMASA’s crusade to end war risk insurance will save Nigeria over $400 billion premium paid annually

By Osagie Edward.

War risk insurance (WRI) is an additional surcharge imposed by international shipping companies on cargo bound for Nigeria.

It comprises two key components: war risk liability, which covers people and goods aboard the vessel and is calculated based on the indemnity amount, and war risk hull, which covers the vessel itself and is determined by its value.

This financial burden was initially introduced during the height of Niger Delta militancy and piracy.

Although the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics does not have precise data on the total WRI payments made to international insurers, available figures indicate that Nigeria has paid over $1.5 billion in the past three years alone to Lloyd’s of London, Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance, and other foreign insurance firms.

The impact on Nigeria’s economy is staggering: for a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) valued at $130 million, the WRI surcharge per voyage is approximately $445,000.

For new container vessels valued at $150 million, the cost rises to $525,000 per voyage.

Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, has also introduced a transit disruption surcharge of up to $450 per container, while other shipping lines impose a war risk surcharge of $40–$50 per 20-foot container.

Recognizing the severe economic implications of this financial burden, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under the leadership of Dr. Dayo Mobereola has launched an aggressive campaign to eliminate war risk insurance on Nigeria-bound cargo.

The NIMASA Act and the Merchant Shipping Act mandate the agency to promote shipping development, and removing the WRI premium has become a central focus of its maritime reforms.

The security concerns that originally justified these premiums no longer exist.

Nigeria has not recorded a single piracy incident in over three years, and in 2021, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) officially removed Nigeria from its list of piracy-prone countries.

Over the past five years, NIMASA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, has led an unprecedented crackdown on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, earning global recognition from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Despite these achievements, international shipping companies have continued to impose war risk insurance premiums on Nigeria-bound cargoes.

In 2023, the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) further validated Nigeria’s progress by delisting the country from the list of high-risk maritime nations.

With piracy no longer a concern, why has the international shipping community continued to impose these excessive premiums?

NIGERIA’S EFFORTS TO MITIGATE WRI PREMIUMS

To address this issue, Nigeria through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Defense made significant investments in maritime security through initiatives like the Deep Blue Project, which has successfully eliminated piracy in the country’s waters for over 30 consecutive months—a record unmatched anywhere in the world.

In addition, Nigeria collaborates closely with the IMO and other international bodies to combat maritime threats, further reducing its risk classification.

IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, has publicly commended Nigeria’s efforts in securing the Gulf of Guinea.

Despite these improvements, shipowners and insurers have refused to acknowledge Nigeria’s new security status, continuing to levy exorbitant premiums on vessels operating in the country.

MOBEREOLA’S INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY: BRINGING GLOBAL ATTENTION TO THE ISSUE

Determined to break this cycle of financial exploitation, Dr. Mobereola under the directives of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, took Nigeria’s case to international stakeholders, urging them to support the removal of war risk insurance premiums.

In a major diplomatic move, he engaged Chatham House, where he met with Dr. Alex Vines, Director of the Africa Programme, who agreed to escalate the matter to the United Nations.

NIMASA has also engaged major global shipping organizations, including: • BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council), the world’s largest shipping association. • The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). • INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners). • INTERTANKO (International Association of Independent Tanker Owners).

In discussions with these organizations, Dr. Mobereola emphasized that Nigeria has invested billions in maritime security, yet continues to be unfairly penalized.

He urged the global shipping community to recognize the country’s improved security status and remove the unjustified WRI premiums.

Stinne Taiger Ivø, Deputy Secretary General of BIMCO, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress and stated that shipowners should take the lead in pushing for lower premiums.

Similarly, Zhou Xianyong of INTERCARGO assured NIMASA of their support in Nigeria’s campaign to be delisted from war risk insurance premium zones.

Reducing these premiums is critical for Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

Lower shipping costs will encourage more international trade, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading blue economy player.

Recently, NIMASA met with a Danish delegation led by Kristin Skov-Spilling, Chief Technical Advisor from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging Denmark to advocate for a reduction in war risk insurance premiums.

Some critics argue that Denmark cannot intervene in private insurance matters, but this argument is flawed.

Denmark has a significant interest in Maersk Line, which contributes over 15% of the country’s GDP.

If Denmark exerts pressure on Maersk, other shipping companies will likely follow suit.

Dr. Dayo Mobereola and his Management team at NIMASA have successfully brought global attention to Nigeria’s unfair war risk insurance burden.

Now, it is time for all stakeholders—government, industry, and international bodies—to support the removal of this unjustified premium.

Nigeria has fulfilled its obligations, securing its waters and eliminating piracy.

Yet, foreign insurance firms continue to profit while Nigerian businesses and consumers bear the costs.

The message is clear: Nigeria cannot continue paying war risk insurance premiums indefinitely.

The time for change is now and lets sustain the momentum.

OSAGIE EDWARD, FNIPR is the Head of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA)

Customs

Much Ado about Adeniyi’s tenure extension

Funso OLOJO

A certain ethnic bigot who is hiding under a pseudo name, Jimoh Olusegun, is pushing an ethnic agenda to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his approval of tenure extension for the current CGC Adeniyi.

In his warped narrative, he claimed that the tenure extension of Adeniyi by President Tinubu has robbed DCG Nwafor of the chance to succeed Adeniyi this year as the next in rank.

But the tenure extension of Adeniyi, according to him, has scuttled the chances of Igbo to produce Customs CG.

But the purveyor of this puerile narrative, who is obviously hiding under a borrowed robe of identity theft to act a script written by a larger group of irredentists, was evidently ignorant of the succession procedure in the Customs.

I will reproduce what Mr Chudi Philipson, a respected Igbo Customs broker, said of the divisive agenda being bandied about by this faceless group

“I have seen this post over and over in the past day. The truth is I do not believe that DCG BU Nwafor was hoping to become CG Customs after Adeniyi.

The practice is that the DCGs leave with the CG. There is only two instances I know where a DCG became CG in the last 20 years.

In 2004, Aliyu Mustapha was succeeded by DCG Ogungbemile briefly before the appointment of Elder Jacob Buba, an Assistant Comptroller General.

When Ahmed Kojoli left in 2008, DCG Nwadialo took over for few months before the appointment of Abdulahi Dikko as CG.

The truth is that the appointment of Customs CG is usually from the rank of Assistant Comptroller General.

DCG BU Nwafor must count herself lucky because with the extension of the term of the CGG, most of the DCGs, BU Nwafor included ,will continue to work with him rather than instant retirement.

I think it will be in the best interest of DCG BU Nwafor to distance herself from this campaign of calumny against the Federal Government.

There are procedures for the appointment of Customs CG and BU Nwafor is aware of that.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service got same tenure extension and no hell was let loose.

In the past, President Obasanjo extended the term of IGP Ehindero.”, Philipson has lectured.

With this informed opinion of Mr Philipson, I hope the sponsors of this campaign of calumny will channel their energies into more productive ventures.

This is because the intelligent analysis of Mr Philipson has not only punched holes in their game plan but has exposed their ignorance of the succession procedure in the Customs.

Customs

Tinubu’s economic agenda, Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and need for management stability

By Okey IBEKE

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide, led his committee to the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on an oversight visit. While addressing the officers, he hinted that the House was planning an amendment of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 in order to ensure a four-year statutory tenure for the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC).

Hon. Abejide said the tenure of the CGC would have been stipulated in the law when it was promulgated, but for the legal adviser of the House who opposed it on the grounds that the civil service rule supersedes it.

Alluding to how such an amendment has been working in the Nigeria Police Force, he regretted that the House could not do the right thing when the occasion presented itself because of the legal adviser’s advice. He gave the assurance that the House is ready to implement the amendment now.

As a matter of fact, the House Committee deserves commendation for this introspection and recognition of the disadvantage of keeping the tenure of CGC tied to the Civil Service rules. The House deserves commendation for promptly recognizing the damage this omission will cause for the Service now and in the future as well as the economy of the nation, should the Act and the government continue to remain silent on CGC’s tenure.

It should be noted that President Tinubu inherited a totally dysfunctional Nigeria Customs Service that was for eight years headed by a retired army colonel, Hameed Ali. Ali was drafted out of retirement by former President Muhamadu Buhari, after more than 16 years in retirement, to head a highly technical organization like Customs.

The eight years the retired army colonel held sway in Customs took heavy toll on the technical skills, managerial and operational capabilities of the Customs. The Service became militarized as a serving army officer, one Colonel Buhari, brought to the Service as Principal Staff Officer by Ali, took over headship and control of key operations.

So, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, the Nigeria Customs Service was in dire need of a competent leader, a true professional to effectively drive and lead changes that would make immediate impact on the execution of the President’s economic policies.

President Tinubu found such a personality in Bashiru Wale Adeniyi MFR, then a Deputy Comptroller-General, a thoroughbred, highly cerebral Customs officer, whom he appointed the Comptroller General of the Service, on June 19, 2023.

Adeniyi, at the time of his appointment, had over 30 years-experience in Customs administration, especially in the areas of strategic and operational responsibilities. Apart from possessing a deep understanding of the complex and constantly evolving international trade landscape, Adeniyi among many other competencies, has a strong command of Customs regulations, laws, and procedures as well as the ability to navigate and adapt to changing policies and international trade complexities. These are the qualities needed for effective management of a modern Customs service.

Before his appointment, Wale Adeniyi had coordinated engagements with International Organizations including: World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Role of Nigeria Customs Service in the Nation’s Economy

It is noteworthy that the role of Nigeria Customs Service has expanded from its core statutory mandate in keeping with the evolving national economic demands, changing fiscal policies and developments in global trade.

Apart from discharging its core function of revenue collection, anti-smuggling and trade facilitation, Customs now plays a crucial role in the collection of statistics, which are essential for balance of payments and the formulation of fiscal and trade policies. It also ensures compliance with safety and security standards and contribute to the fight against terrorism and money laundering.

The agency’s task also includes correct application of tariffs to the benefit and protection of local industry, ensuring that incentives aimed at attracting investment and building local capacity and providing employment are not abused, thus contributing to economic development.

The Service is also the primary enforcer of the country’s trade policies, quota restrictions, anti-dumping measures, trade embargoes, intellectual property rights, environmental and wildlife conservation laws.

In the light of all these, it becomes manifestly clear that realization of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform policies, largely depends, apart from other organizations, on a knowledgeable, skilled, resourceful, innovative and effective Customs Service. The present customs administration led by Adewale Adeniyi, it must be observed, embodies these qualities.

Adeniyi’s Strategic Agenda, Policy Measures, Activities and Achievements

On assumption of office, Adeniyi, in line with the President’s reform agenda and with the understanding of the country’s precarious economic situation, saw the need to initiate a transformation that was both courageous and result oriented.

He, thus, hinged his policy direction and action plans on an agenda of “Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovative Solutions”. The agenda according to him, was born out of the need to:

*Adopt modern customs governance, strategic orientation, transparency and accountability.

*Groom qualified human resources and embracing an integrity, knowledge and merit based promotions, staff deployment and management framework.

*Foster a competitive domestic economy through fair revenue collection and risk-based border controls.

*Adopt user-friendly procedures and collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders based on the four pillars of trade facilitation: transparency, simplification, harmonization and standardization.

*Identify current challenges and risks posed by emerging complexities in international trade and optimize the use of data and integrated risk management to mitigate threats and facilitate trade.

*Explore opportunities that abound in Information and Communication Technologies, and applications of other modern advanced technologies for data analytics and artificial intelligence.

These needs were patterned along the three pillars of the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Frameworks of Standards, which are: Customs-to-Customs network arrangements, Customs-to-Business partnerships, and Customs-to-other government agencies cooperation.

In demonstration of his expertise in addressing the identified needs, Adeniyi immediately introduced series of short and long term measures, which were aimed at plugging revenue leakages, securing of the borders, streamlining the customs clearance process and addressing the eight years dysfunctional system that had existed in the Service. Some of the measures, include:

-The immediate setting up of a Revenue Review Performance Recovery Team.

-Dissolution of existing Strike Force Teams –a military legacy –that constituted the multiple layers of enforcement.

This was done to dismantle the multiple checkpoints that had been constituting barriers to legitimate trades.

-The introduction of the Advanced Ruling system which represents a notable stride targeted at aligning Customs operations with global best practices, in line with recommendations of the WTO TFA (World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement).

-The inauguration of a Steering Committee on the Implementation of the Authorized Economic Operators for Compliant Traders, with a clear focus on transitioning from the existing Fastrack 2.0 to the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)concept.

-Interactions with the international community – WCO, JICA, Japan Customs among others on the implementation of the Customs Laboratory, adoption of geospatial, conduct of a Time Release Study to mention a few.

-Engagements with the Customs Administration of the Republic of Benin to address the existing gaps that sustains the activities of smugglers and revenue leakage.

-The constitution of a new management team, appointed strictly based on merit, upholding the principle of equitable geopolitical representation.

-A strategic deployment of Customs Area Controllers and other strategic units, also rooted in merit and in adherence to the principle of equity.

-The initiation of the development of a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for the Nigeria Customs Service, harmonized with the goal of contributing to the government’s development agenda.

-Finalizing arrangements with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to integrate operational systems and eradicate registration of smuggled vehicles.

-Engagement with several stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental agencies and the private sector.

The effects of bold, diligent and effective implementation of these initiatives were felt immediately, not only in the ease of doing business, but mostly on revenue generation and quantity of seizures recorded by the Service in 2023.

That year, a remarkable amount of N3.2 trillion was collected into the Federation Account by the Service, representing 21.4 per cent increase compared to N2.64 trillion recorded in the preceding year, 2022.

This impressive revenue performance came in the midst of anxiety and CBN’s currency redesign policy associated with 2023 election.

The Service would have collected about N5.2 trillion, if N2 trillion was not lost to waivers and concessions granted investors by the government.

Notably, about sixty nine per cent of achievements for that year were made in the second half of the year –the period Adeniyi took charge of the Service.

The meteoric rise in performance of the Service continued as it generated a total sum of N6.105 trillion in 2024, surpassing the target of N5.079 trillion by N1.026 trillion, representing a 20.2% increase above the target given by the government. This is apart from about N1.2 trillion lost to local manufacturers in industrial incentives, through import duty waivers and concessions.

In pursuit of balancing revenue collection with trade facilitation, the Service did not lose focus on the need to protect Nigerians from the entry of harmful substances, import/export of restricted and prohibited goods.

It made 3,555 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35.29 billion in 2024. These seizures, with a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of ₦28.46 billion and total duty of ₦6.83 billion, highlights the scale of attempted economic sabotage prevented by the Service.

The seizures of arms and ammunition, including 900 arms and 113,472 rounds of ammunition and the interception of narcotics and other illicit drugs, resulting in 105 seizures across various forms, was aided by the declaration of a state of emergency at our major entry points.

The Service also intercepted unauthorized pharmaceutical products, with 40 seizures including 175,676 pieces and 6,271 cartons of various medicaments valued at ₦3.04 billion, protecting public health from potentially dangerous counterfeit drugs.

The Service’s enforcement activities also revealed evolving patterns in environmental and wildlife crimes, with 76 seizures of animal/wildlife products valued at ₦5.93 billion.

The Service has predictably maintained its performance trajectory as it has recorded a revenue collection of N1.751 trillion in the first quarter of this year, 2025. This revenue is about N106.5 billion above the quarterly target.

The Service also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations during the quarter, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7,698,557,347.67. This represents a significant 78.41% increase compared to the ₦4,315,162,568.35 recorded in Q4 2024, demonstrating heightened operational effectiveness.

These seizures include rice, used tires, pharmaceuticals, wildlife products, pirated intellectual properties, petroleum products and textiles, etc.

With these remarkable achievements, there is no gainsaying that the Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Bashiru Adewale Adeniyi has been playing a critical role in making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President a reality.

This much has been acknowledged by the President himself, Nigeria Customs Board, policy makers, organized private sector, local and international organizations.

Adeniyi has also garnered multiple commendations, honours and awards from diverse organizations.

Challenges

Apart from the persistent, age-long issue of smuggling; breach of fiscal policies by importers and their agents; abuse of government industrial incentives; some activities of other government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators, maritime workers unions, state and local governments operatives and touts operating along ports access roads and transport unions; other challenges that pose a threat to the continued good performance of the Service, are impending knowledge/leadership gaps facing it and the failure of the NCS Act, 2023 to specify the tenure of Comptroller-General.

The Impending Knowledge/Leadership Gaps

The very impressive achievements by the Nigeria Customs Service under the present Customs management may not be sustained, unless a strong decision is taken to avert the impending knowledge and skill gaps facing the Service.

At the moment, there are no less than 791 senior officers of the Service, including three Deputy Comptrollers General (DCGs), seven Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs), and 45 full Comptrollers of Customs that are to be statutorily discharged between January and September next year.

In accordance with the Public Service Rule (PSR) No. 100238 and Federal Government circular No. 100238, and Federal government circular 63216/S.1/x/T; CR1/2001/5 of 20/03/2001, all affected officers due for retirement in 2026 are to disengage from active service and proceed on three months pre-retirement leave, three months prior to the effective date of retirement.

This is apart from the same numbers of officers retiring this year, 2025.

This development will, no doubt, create a yawning gap in human capacity at the highly strategic agency.

The harm that will follow this retirement gale will be better imagined than experienced.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, though said that there is no need to panic as the current recruitment exercise and accelerated promotion examination in the month of May this year will fill the vacant positions.

He noted that the agency’s current policy on promotion is strategic, explaining that retirements and filling of vacancies will be seamless.

No doubt, the Comptroller-General may have designed strategies to redress and adhere strictly to this policy through the sustained yearly promotion exercise. But this cannot adequately address the situation.

It must be realized that there was no new recruitment into Customs for over 13 years.

The crop of officers who are in line for taking over the managerial, administrative and operational leadership, were enlisted in the service in 2009 and effectively started performing Customs duties in 2010, after six months of training.

This means that officers receiving accelerated promotions to fill top positions in the management cadre, have not stayed long enough in the service to garner the requisite experience to fill the vacant positions that will be created by the gales of retirements.

Accelerated promotion does not translate to accelerated knowledge and experience.

If the present crop of top officers leave, there will certainly be yawning skill, managerial, knowledge and leadership gaps that will impact negatively on the Service and its performance, especially with regards to implementation of most government’s fiscal policies.

The Imperative for Amendment of NCS ACT, 2023 and CGC’s Tenure Extension

Following the Civil Service Rules, Adeniyi would have left the Service at the end of this year, with its obvious consequences.

More importantly, the programmes he initiated and the efficiency that the Service has attained under his leadership must be sustained in view of what is currently going on in the global economy. With crude prices plummeting, and with obvious consequences on the country’s finances, revenue from Customs will be needed to cushion the effects of the oil revenue shortfall.

Considering the giant leap in Customs revenue under Wale Adeniyi, the nation expects greater performance, not a sudden dip; hence the issue of tenure for the CGC must be settled for the good of the economy.

Every Nigerian knows that for any chief executive officer in any government organization to make the expected impact, he needs at least four years in the position.

So, tying an organization like the Customs Service to the Civil Service with its bureaucracies and limitations is a hindrance to the efficient running of the Service.

Telling a newly-appointed and performing CGC to go because he has served for 35 years or has reached the retirement age of 60 is a setback to the Service and quite detrimental to the economic well-being of the nation.

This has been a source of immense concern to stakeholders and informed observers.

Thus the decision of the House of Representatives Committee to bring up the issue of CGC’s tenure at this time is quite auspicious.

Not effecting amendment in the Customs Act, and extending the working time of the present CGC means that all the giant strides he has made in driving the economic agenda of government, may not be sustained.

Hence, the need to avert the impending crisis, and to address the over 13 years of non- recruitment in the Service and eight years deficit of Colonel Hameed Ali’s management.

Since the House has given the clue, the President needs to consider initiating a process of amendment of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 to address the tenure issue.

The exigency of time and the peculiar situation in the agency demands that Adeniyi be allowed more time to complete the innovative tasks he has started, of which, most of are still in incubation periods.

Since the President had before now in anticipation of the impending leadership gap, graciously extended the services of about six management cadre of the agency, Adeniyi’s tenure should also be extended.

This is to give him enough time for the logical execution of several of his programmes, and to ensure adequate training and orientation of the young officers in preparation for their taking over the mantle of leadership.

Retaining the CGC for additional period of time, will enable for proper training and mentoring of those that will take over reigns of leadership.

This will also ensure that there will be little or no skill or knowledge gap by the time the CGC and those retained officers leave the Service as well as avert the challenges the situation poses to the President’s efforts at moving the country’s economy forward.

Okey IBEKE is the Principal Consultant, International Trade Advisory Services Ltd/Publisher, Business and Maritime West Africa

Customs

CTN as panacea for insecurity, importation of contraband goods through ports.

Since the collapse of scanners at the nation’s seaports and land borders, the Nigeria Customs Service has been using manual method(100 percent examination) to inspect cargoes but experts believe that re-introduction of CTN at the ports would minimise the high incidence of insecurity through curbing of importation of arms and ammunitions through our ports into the country.

Eyewitness reporter writes

In 2015, the Nigerian Shippers Council was desirous to re-introduce the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) into the nation’s maritime industry.

But this was met with stiff opposition especially from local Manufacturers who thought it will add to cost of doing business at the ports.

But, the Council at that time was interested in the overall national security and safety of Nigerians because it is believed that the CTN will help check importation of arms, ammunition and hazardous materials into the country.

Two years after the council bowed to pressure and suspended the laudable projects, arms and ammunitions were being imported freely into the country but few are being intercepted in and outside the nation’s seaports, a situation the council want to avert through the CTN but was thwarted by stakeholders.

For instance, in January 2017, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 49 boxes containing 661 pieces of pump action rifles.

The ammunitions were intercepted by officers of the federal operations unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, in a Mark truck with registration number BUG 265 XG, the 40 feet container with number; PONU/825914/3 along Mile 2 Apapa Road, in Lagos.

Thee boxes were concealed with steel and other merchandise goods.

Also in May, 2017, another 440 pump action rifles were intercepted at the Tin Can Island Command, Lagos.

According to the then Zonal Co-ordinator of the Zone, Monday Abue, the cargo was shipped into the country from Turkey and concealed in POP.

On the 7th of September, 2017 another 1,100 rifles were further intercepted in a 20ft container with No GESU2555208 during examination, while the Bill of Lading falsely indicated wash hand basins and water closets.

A week after, another container with about 475 pump action rifles with container number, CMAU189817/8 carrie about 475 pump action rifles.

However, 2018 was not spared as the Customs Service intercepted live ammunitions at the Tin-Can island port.

The Tin-Can Island Command of the service said the live ammunitions were concealed in a vehicle and container at the Lagos Port.

It was gathered that the interception were done in two different operations on the 9th and 10th of July respectively.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the command, Uche Ejiesieme , the first incident at the Terminal ‘C’, involved 1 x 40ft container No. TGHU 60143419, which on scheduled examination was found to contain 150 rounds of live ammunition and jack knives while 149 rounds of 38mm calibre live ammunition, 92 rounds of 9mm calibre live ammunition, 2 rounds Of 7.62MM calibre live ammunition, 11 cartridges of live ammunition,12 expenses empty shells of various calibre and one empty magazine were uncovered in another vehicle.”

This is part of the few interceptions that were made by the service while many more may have eluded the eagle eye of the customs service.

But, stakeholders have argued that the CTN, if it had been implemented in 2015 ,would have detected the contrabands before it was loaded on vessels to Nigeria.

Even, the Central Bank of Nigeria agreed that the CTN would not only checkmate under declaration and share trade information but will also assist the Nigeria Customs Service to risk mitigation on imports, enhance and block revenue leakages at the ports.

Speaking, a frontline Importer, Ikechukwu Shedrack ,said the CTN would serve as a security measure to ensure safety and security of goods shipped from one part of the world to another.

“It is meant to be implemented worldwide. The regulation requires shippers to have a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) accompanying all shipments.

“The CTN will help enhance security at a time Nigerian government is have difficulties in replacing obsolete scanners at the ports. It will give information of cargoes to be imported even before loading and it will help know what should be imported and what not to be imported into the country, especially if it were to be arms and ammunitions it will be intercepted at point of loading”

“Aside under declaration, the CTN will also bring trade information.

Research had also shown that the CTN, when reintroduced, is different from the old ways of monitoring cargoes as it has four distinct features from the previous tracking device.

It is noteworthy that, as can be seen from the agreement, four important features distinguish the current ICTN Scheme from the abolished version.

That is, the current scheme will be implemented at no cost to the shipper/consignee, at all and the current scheme is web based and therefore paperless,thus making the delay associated with obtaining Cargo Tracking Note and associated documentation by Shippers, under the abolished version of the scheme completely eliminated as the shipper needs not do anything apart from declaring in advance (i.e. at the loading port), information relating to the cargo.

Also, the one hundred and fifty dollars ($150) per container CTN fee charged under the abolished version, paid by the shippers, which led to the stakeholders vehement protest against the scheme and its eventual abolishment, was radically modified and reduced to a token administrative fee of twenty five dollars ($25) per container, thereby making it the lowest in our West and Central African Sub-region.

This became necessary not only in view of Nigeria’s volume of trade but also to substantially downplay the insinuated revenue generation motive of the old version of the scheme in favour of the actual and more important Trader Information Generation motive which has tremendous potential to impact positively on the nation’s effort in Trade Facilitation, National Planning and National Security;

The NSC-TPMS Sharing Ration of the collectible Administrative fee was negotiated and reviewed from 60-40, under the abolished scheme, to 65-35 thereby raising the share accruable to the government.

Also, all vessels loading and unloading or in transit (Export/Import and Transit) departing from Nigeria Ports or having Nigerian Ports as final destination or transiting through Nigerian ports shall, before any movement, obtain a Movement Reference Number (MRN).

The MRN will be allocated to the vessels by Nigerian Shippers’ Council irrespective of the origin of the vessel of cargoes.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Hassan Bello had then disclosed that the CTN would be reintroduced to help curb importation of arms and ammunition into the country.

He said, “The Cargo Tracking Note would soon be reintroduced at a very negligible cost. CTN is a security thing because when we have it, there won’t be smuggling of firearms and all other contrabands.

” Smuggling of contraband won’t happen because everything coming in will be tracked, we will know the weight of the cargo, values and materials used.”

Bello stated further that the CTN would also help the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to fight substandard products and fake drugs respectively.

“SON and NAFDAC will benefit by knowing whether products being imported are fake or not.

“I am calling on all the port stakeholders such as manufacturers, shippers and the rest to support this. That is why the Nigerian Shippers Council wants to develop the port community system because what the port needs is unity.

” There is need for everyone to come together on a platform to know what the other is doing. It is good for data collection for planning and for you to know your customers,” said Bello.

But the desire of the Shippers’Council to reintroduce the controvesial CTN was not to be at that period as it was again aborted as stakeholders effectively shut down the move despite the efforts of the council to convince them.

But the country may once again have a shot at the CTN few years after it was shot down by the sceptical stakeholders.

Following the resurgence of insecurity in the country which has assumed a verocious dimension, the Federal government has asked the Nigerian Shippers’Council to resuscitate the move to reintroduce the controvesial CTN to track all imports in order to identify and curtail importation of arms and ammunitions into the country through the ports.