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NPA spurns allegations of misappropriation, says its operations are guided by extant laws. 

Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) has dismissed the allegations of financial recklessness and misappropriation being bandied by  faceless persons as the product of mischief concocted in the fertile imagination of the sponsors.
In a rebutal sent to our reporter, NPA was emphatic that its operations, budgetary application and expenditures are strictly guided by extant laws as encapsulated in the relevant civic service guidelines and supervised by multi-layers authorities.
In a press release signed by Ikechukwu Onyemekara , the General Manager, Corporate and strategic communications of the Authority, NPA gave detailed insight into its activities and operations to dispel what it called the spurious allegations against the agency.
“The budget and expenditure of the NPA are subject to the strict supervision of the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Budget Office of the Federation as well as the comprehensive oversight of the National Assembly and this makes the allegation of misapplication of budgetary provisions impossible
” The contract for dredging works at the Warri Escravos Channel, (hub of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Operations), which became necessary because of the need to tackle the increasing siltation of the channel and forestall the international embarrassment and huge investment losses  from shipping vessels running aground, followed laid down processes and procedure for emergency procurement as laid down in the Procurement Act, 2007, contrary to allegations in the report.
“The procurement of Marine crafts such as tugboats and pilot cutters was carried out in line with the provisions of the Procurement Act, 2007.
“The process for this equipment was initiated and undertaken in response to the exigency of ensuring national energy security through the implementation of sale of Crude oil in Naira to domestic refiners which involved intensive offshore operations.
“The allegation of documents being withheld “for over a year” is untenable, as the extant civil service guidelines governing the timeline for processing of official documents makes it impossible.
“Allegations made in connection with expenditures at the Authority’s London office are outrightly false as there as dealings or transactions speculated in the report never took place.
 “The marked increase in revenue figures for 2024 were due to exchange rate gains, since the Authority’s are denominated in FOREX in line with global maritime best practice.
“The promotion of employees, as well as the appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers were undertaken to address the age stagnation of personnel in the Authority. Management however followed due process as prescribed in the Authority’s duly approved conditions of service.
“Revocation or otherwise of third-party contractual agreements of the Authority were in accordance with extant law as well as contractual agreements with all the concerned parties.
“The allegation of “staff morale being at rock bottom” falls flat in the face of reality.
”  The current Management has to its credit, the clearing of all outstanding issues of employee stagnation and the conduct of promotion examinations in 2024.
“The management has received commendation from the two in-house labour unions for these reasons So, staff morale is at its peak currently.
“To sustainably assure the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports and grow vessel and cargo throughput, the Authority recently secured Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the commencement of the Port Modernization Programme
“The management of the authority wishes to advise all media organisations to seek clarification of their reports from the Authority, whose doors are open to constructive engagements and clarifications where necessary.
“The Abubakar Dantsoho-led Management of the Authority assures all stakeholders and the generality of Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to deepening the competitiveness of Nigerian Ports through infrastructure and equipment renewal (which has commenced) as well  process automation through the Port Community System (PCS) which the NPA has propelled to conclusive stages in readiness for the plug-in of relevant stakeholders as the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project of the Federal Government gains momentum” the agency explained.
It therefore enjoined the public, especially stakeholders, to disregard what it called gross misrepresentation of facts by the sponsors of the spurious allegations but rather support the current management of the NPA in its determined efforts to deliver on its mandate of efficient and modern Port system.
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Customs

FOU A bursts 473 smuggling operations in 8 weeks, records major seizures with N5.5billion DPV

– plans relocation to new ultra- modern Iperu headquarters 
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, Lagos, has foiled about 473 major smuggling operations across its areas of coverage within the last eight week.
Making this disclosure on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 was the Comptroller of the Unit, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu while giving account of the performance of the Unit.
According to him, the operations led to the seizure of a wide range of prohibited and contraband items, including 8,794 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 15 trailer loads), 22 used vehicles, 1,863 used refrigerator compressors and  328 bales of used clothing.
Others were 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 485 used tyres, 69 cartons of foreign spaghetti, sugar and other food items, as well as 531 cartons of frozen poultry products.
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the Unit launched a special operation codenamed Operation Hawk, targeting illicit drug networks.
This resulted in the seizure of 3,340 parcels of cannabis indica, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing 1,540kg.
He emphasized that the operation reflects the Unit’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and curb the spread of illicit substances.
In a related development, officers at the Gbaji outpost, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor conveying hard drugs.
The suspect arrested with the prohibited items, a 71-year-old Nigerian, was found in possession of 6.4kg of cocaine and methamphetamine with an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Several arrests were made across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo States in connection with these seizures.
Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that the seized narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration frameworks.
The Unit also recorded the seizure of four cylinders of high-grade mercury, a controlled substance under the Minamata Convention, concealed in a vehicle.
The suspect and items has been transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for further action.
Beyond seizures, the Unit achieved significant revenue recovery, recording a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦5,504,039,720 within the review period.
Additionally, ₦97,703,596.55 was recovered through the issuance of Demand Notices on improperly declared consignments.
Comptroller Aliyu highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize operations through the deployment of advanced technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, drone surveillance, and predictive analytics.
These tools, he noted, are enhancing intelligence-led enforcement, improving response times, and disrupting smuggling networks across the Zone.
He further disclosed that the Unit will soon commence a phased relocation to its newly commissioned ultra-modern headquarters in Iperu, Ogun State.
The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre designed to support real-time monitoring, data analytics, and improved inter-agency coordination.
Reaffirming the Unit’s dual mandate, Comptroller Aliyu stressed that while enforcement remains a priority, the FOU Zone ‘A’ is equally committed to facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that compliant traders are not unduly hindered.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and strategic direction, as well as to stakeholders and the media for their continued support.
The Comptroller reiterated the Unit’s determination to sustain its crackdown on economic sabotage, protect national revenue, and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment.
The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy across the South-West region.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Comptroller Aliyu stated that the Unit has strengthened enforcement measures in line with the Federal Government’s fiscal policies and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. He noted that through enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration, the Unit successfully intercepted 473 smuggling attempts within an eight-week period.
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Headlines

Greg Ogbeifun confirms chairmanship of 10th AMSAY Conference Anniversary on May 27th.

Gloria Odion,  Maritime reporter 
The organisers of the Annual Maritime Students and Youth (AMSAY) Conference have announced that  renowned ship owner and Chairman of Starzs Investment Company Ltd, Engr Greg Ogbeifun will chair the 10th anniversary of the event scheduled to hold in Lagos on May 27, 2026.
The announcement comes as preparations intensify for what is widely regarded as a landmark edition of the youth-focused maritime conference.
The 10th AMSAY Conference marks a decade of sustained youth engagement, innovation, and impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
It is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, stakeholders, and young professionals from across the maritime ecosystem.
Engr. Ogbeifun’s confirmation as Chairman adds significant weight to the anniversary event.
He previously served as the Pioneer Chairman during the maiden edition of the conference in 2016, and his return ten years later is described by the organisers as both symbolic and strategic.
According to the Convener and CEO of Platforms Communications, Mr Sylvanus Obasi, the decision reflects a deliberate effort to connect the conference’s origins with its current status, noting that the AMSAY Conference has evolved significantly over the past decade.
He highlighted that several key initiatives now associated with the conference were not part of its original design.
 Among these are the Best Graduating Maritime Students Awards (BEGMASA); the  Fola Ojutalayo Annual Maritime Speech-Making Competition (FOAMSC), including the Maritime Career Mentoring Program (M-CAMP).
These programmes, according to him, have become integral components and offshoot of the AMSAY Conference brand.
Speaking further, Obasi stated that the initiatives have delivered measurable impact in youth development and professional capacity building, even as he further described the growth of these programmes as evidence of the conference’s commitment to continuous improvement.
“Bringing Engr. Ogbeifun back after ten years is a strategic move. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on our journey and showcase our achievements.”, the Convener said, adding that the anniversary edition will also provide a platform to draw from Engr Greg’s  wealth of experience and industry insight.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of AMSAY Conference, Mr Nnamdi Eronini hinted that the 10th AMSAY Conference is expected to feature robust discussions, mentorship engagements, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
He reaffirmed the organisers commitment to advancing the maritime sector through sustained youth engagement and innovation, noting that the event is positioned as a leading platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
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Customs

Oyo/Osun Customs Command collects 27.2billon revenue in Q1 2026

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted an impressive 95% increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Led by Acting Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, the command generated ₦27.2 billion between January and March 2026, up from ₦13.97 billion in Q1 2025.
A breakdown of the generated revenue revealed that the command raked in a total sum of N5,977,766,941.65 in January 2026 which was about N2 billion lower (23% down) than the total sum of N7,804,408,776.88 collected in the same period of 2025.
However, despite a dip in January, revenue rebounded strongly in February and March.
 In February , the command’s revenue collection jumped up astronomically to a total sum of N8,767,974,864.40 against the very low total revenue of N2,289,193,870 realized in the corresponding period of 2025.
This year’s February revenue is over 383% higher than the revenue collected the same period last year.
February’s performance was the standout, with collections nearly quadrupling year-on-year.
In March 2026, Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative ingenuity and thoroughness further shored up the revenue generation of the command in the month under review to a total sum of N12,454,516,158.62.
 In the corresponding period  of last year, the command’s generated revenue was a patry sum of N3,877,668,667.
This year’s March revenue achievement represents 321% rise over last year’s.
 Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative reforms and enforcement measures are credited with driving the surge.
Overall, the command’s Q1 results underscore a significant improvement in efficiency and compliance, positioning Oyo/Osun as one of the strongest performing Customs Commands in the country.
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