Headlines

Gambia stands still for NANTA on training visit

Funso OLOJO

The President and members of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies ( NANTA) received resounding plaudits from The Gambia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, who likened the presence of members of NANTA as a deserving home coming .

“We are delighted to host this eminent gathering of notable travel agents, and we bestow high regards to your presence in the smiling coast of Africa. “

The highly elated Minister ,who spoke at the official flag off the training and tourism market exposure for the cream of Nigeria’ s travel trade professionals, disclosed that destination management ecosystem must consistently respond to fast changing dynamics geared towards addressing the needs of various stakeholders ,the industry and host communities, noting that travel agents must continue to play pivotal roles in finding solutions to those changes in the tourism ecosystem.

” It’s imperative for tourism stakeholders at various levels to take stock and strategize on the next steps to make tourism responsive to these trends and challenges to reposition our coveted industry on a competitive trajectory ” the minister admonished.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Amie Njie, the Minister, further explained that the presence of Nigeria Travel trade professionals in The Gambia was an intentional high-level engagement by the Ministry to market Gambia to Nigeria, and urged the Nigerian influential trade group to have a taste of The Gambia jollof rich known locally as Benechin.

In a brief welcome remarks, Nigeria High Commissioner to The Gambia, Mallam Mohammad Mainasara, commended members of NANTA for visiting a sister African country for their training programme, urging them to take full advantage of their presence to generate viable mutual trade opportunities between Nigeria and Gambia.

Abubakar Camara and Sheriff conteh, Director General and Deputy Director General of The Gambia Tourism Board, respectively, shared binding cultural tourism relationships with Nigeria, while the Managing Director of Djeliba leisure group, a frontline partner of NANTA on the training and trade exposure expedition, revealed that Nigerians are close relations to the people of The Gambia, steering off emotional chords amongst the visiting Nigerians.

NANTA president, Yinka Folami, touched by the kind words from the Gambia nation, promised that NANTA members would certainly change the trade narratives between both countries.

” We believe in inter- African trade and tourism exchange, and we as an association, started the campaign over five years ago .

” We love The Gambia, and that’s why we chose to be here for our training instead of going elsewhere.

“We brought our best to Gambia, and soon, the tourism trade traffic narratives would change, and we have the capacity to do so.” Nanta president assured.

Presenting a NANTA plaque to The Gambia First Lady and also to the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Folami disclosed that NANTA would also expect The Gambia people and their trade community to reciprocate the Nigerian love to them by visiting and trading more with Nigeria, since Nigeria foremost carrier, Air peace has established a route to and from both countries.

NANTA president singled out the training faculty of NANTA led by NANTA first Deputy President, Mrs Chinyere Umeasiegbu, immediate past President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye and Mrs Ibiwari Uloma Kemabonta for always pushing NANTA to zenith of success and global presence, adding it is a blessing to be supported and assisted by selfless women.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.