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NSC seeks police support for enforcement of regulatory standards at Nigerian ports 

Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has sought the support of the Nigeria Police to complement and strengthen its  regulatory capacity for enforcement of standards at Nigerian ports.
The Executive Secretary of the Council, Akutah Pius, made this appeal when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the police headquarters, Abuja.
The visit was part of the efforts of the council to establish synergy with the police to enhance enforcement and compliance of Port operators and users to standards across the logistics chains in the maritime industry.
The collaboration is also expected to enhance operational efficiency of the council at the Nigerian ports.
Akutah craved for the collaboration in view of the growing responsibilities of the council in the new dispensation
The NSC boss emphasized the critical role of security agencies in supporting port operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
He called for the posting of police officers to assist the Council’s monitoring and enforcement teams at key port locations including Lagos, Warri, Onne, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.
“The posting will complement the activities of our revived task teams and enhance our ability to enforce standards across the maritime logistics chain,”  Akutah stated.
The police boss,  Egbetokun, however assured the Council of the Force’s readiness to continue supporting the growth of the maritime sector.
He acknowledged that compliance enforcement is essential to the successful implementation of Nigeria’s Blue Economy objectives.
The NSC and NPF are expected to deepen collaboration in the months ahead, with a shared focus on building a secure, efficient, and competitive port environment.
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Headlines

NRC reaps bumper passenger harvest at Salah extra train trip.

Funso OLOJO
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the extra train trip introduced on Thursday, June 5th, 2025  was over-subscribed by passengers.
This phenomenal upsurge in passenger traffic, the management said, was a confirmation of the growing public confidence in railway transportation across the country.
The special service, which was added to accommodate the increased passengers demand along the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Abuja-Kaduna corridors, witnessed massive turn-out of commuters who embraced the additional opportunity to travel comfortably, safely and on schedule.
According to the Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the extra trip was initiated in response to feedback and requests from passengers who rely heavily on train services for their intercity travels.
“The large turnout underscores the importance of rail in national mobility and we are committed to expanding our services to meet the growing needs of Nigerians,” he stated.
The Corporation therefore expressed its gratitude to its passengers for their trust and patronage and assured the public of continued efforts to improve service delivery, safety and customer satisfaction across all corridors.
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Customs

Reward for hardwork: Ribadu celebrates Customs, NAFDAC, NDLEA over war against illicit drugs 

Funso OLOJO 
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu has commended the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, and NDLEA to stem the inflow of illicit drugs and other contraband goods into the country.
Ribadu made this commendation when he hosted the heads of these three agencies in his Abuja office.
The event followed a joint operation that led to the destruction of 206 containers and a trailer-load of unwholesome pharmaceuticals and narcotics.
The NSA also acknowledged the conclusion of a major review assignment involving 50 containers under investigation, describing the collaboration as a model for inter-agency synergy in national security.
He praised the efforts of all the agencies involved in this national assignment,commending their unwavering commitment to national safety and the protection of public health.
“This is an acknowledgment of the good work you’ve been doing. Nigeria is changing. It won’t be business as usual anymore. We’ll go after the criminals who bring these poisons into our country.” Ribadu said.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted that the Service had earlier declared a state of emergency on the trafficking of illicit pharmaceuticals.
 He added that the collaborative efforts among the agencies, supported by the NSA, enabled swift identification and destruction of dangerous substances.
“We are stronger together,” the CGC noted. “And we will remain vigilant to ensure these substances never make it into the wrong hands.”
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that the operation aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan against drug abuse and illegal pharmaceutical imports.
 She disclosed that more than 1,300 security personnel had been deployed under the NSA’s directive to support NAFDAC, NDLEA, and Customs operations across the country.
“These unregistered and unwholesome products are a danger to our women and children,” she warned. “Our continued collaboration with Customs and NDLEA is saving lives.” she added.
NDLEA representative, Shadrac Haruna, also acknowledged the role of an inter-agency committee initiated by the CGC, which they say, has greatly supported efforts to keep drugs off the streets and dismantle illegal warehouses.
As a mark of appreciation, plaques and letters of commendation were presented to the CGC, the DG of NAFDAC, and the representative of the NDLEA Chairman.
 Ribadu was also presented with a Certificate of Destruction for the seized substances, a symbolic gesture underscoring the country’s commitment to eradicating illicit drugs.
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Customs

Lilypond export command unveils new export documentation under B’Odogwu platform 

Gloria Odion 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command,has unveiled the B’Odogwu platform, a new digital system designed to streamline export documentation and enhance efficiency across the export value chain.
The launching of the new platform was done recently during its quarterly stakeholders’ meeting.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to review operational progress, resolve challenges, and strengthen collaboration for seamless export procedures.
Addressing the gathering , the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odunsanya, expressed appreciation for the sustained cooperation of stakeholders and underscored the importance of synergy in achieving Nigeria’s trade facilitation goals.
“We are committed to strengthening our partnership with all actors in the export chain,” he said.
“Issues surrounding Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) documentation that once hindered the smooth movement of export cargo have been addressed.
” Our renewed engagement with stakeholders has yielded improvements in process efficiency and built mutual trust.”
A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the B’Odogwu platform.
The Acting Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Rauf Kassim, gave a comprehensive presentation on the platform’s features and benefits.
He encouraged exporters, agents, and terminal operators to adopt the platform for faster, more transparent, and efficient documentation.
Parallex Bank, sponsors of the meeting, used the interactive session to introduce their tailored financial solutions for exporters, reaffirming their support for the non-oil export sector.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended the Lilypond Export Command for simplifying and accelerating export processes in Nigeria, noting that the improvements had not only enhanced the operations of existing exporters but also encouraged new entrants and foreign investors.
They however raised concerns about persistent challenges at the terminals and with shipping lines.
 These include procedural delays at Tincan and Apapa, prolonged container transfer times, and limited vessel calls all of which continue to hinder timely cargo evacuation and cause financial losses.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Odunsanya commended all attendees for their active participation and reiterated the Command’s commitment to fostering a trade-friendly environment.
“We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders, including government agencies, terminal operators, and financial institutions, to remove bottlenecks and drive export growth,” he declared.
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