Headlines

Our operations are critical to preserve national peace, security– Navy

Gloria Odion

The Nigerian Navy has said its operations which span across the stretch of the nation’s space is critical and strategic to preserve national security.

According to the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base Badagry, Capt Leyeh Omotayo, its officers and men are also on standby to respond to any situation affecting movements of goods and citizens within designated ECOWAS space.

Omotayo, who was speaking when he received a delegation of the leadership of the ECOWAS Subregion Media Group who paid him a courtesy visit, explained that the job of the NN does not entertain any form of laxity nor compromise to crush acts of economic criminalities on Nigerian territorial waters.

The FOB CO ,who was represented during the visit on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 by the Base Staff Officer, S. Yakubu ,said the criticality of the NN to the maintenance of peace and security within the nation and the ECOWAS sub region is further emphasized by what is known as the ‘Strategic Directive’.

This philosophy , he further maintained, temanates from the Office of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and designed as a quick response to quell developments that are detrimental to the peace and security of the nation.

One of the major credits to the FOB Badagry was a recent curtailment of attempted trespass by the Republic of Benin Navy into Nigerian territory; believed to have been speedily responded to under the CNS SD as part of the NN Internal Security assignment.

Speaking about various forms of economic criminalities within its territory stretching across the borders, Yakubu explained that most smuggling activities are planned on land before they are executed at the creeks, while some of the smuggled items are also routed through the creeks and rivers; and vice versa.

“We conduct operations in the waters and on land in the area of internal security; be it that of sovereign aggression, economic criminality or social uprising.

“We start from the brown waters and our men often go there to conduct operation before they go to sea.”

He said that the Base has regularly helped in making seizures both of customs and narcotic goods such as rice and cannabis sativa at the creeks which they later hand over to the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, respectively.

Yakubu further explained that of recent, the Base rescued three young

Nigerian ladies that were trafficked out of Lagos and the victims were handed over to the Western Naval Command for onward handover to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

“On collaboration, we work with all other government security agencies on this axis and respond to request for enhanced counter action to arrest any security situation”, Yakubu said.

This is even as the Base leadership pledged to partner with ECOWAS Sub-Region Media Group, while urging members of the group and the media generally to give greater attention to editorials designed to sensitize and provide a new positive orientation to the Nigerian youths bracket that criminality is a misnomer.

“The CO who was to receive you personally have to rush out for an important assignment and he asked me to tell you that the Base will partner with you for the ease and success of your task as media practitioners.

“We regard the role of both the media and NN as an important national duty and we are are willing to collaborate with you.

“The job of the NN is also a very sensitive one and the media should recognize it for what it is and desist from sensational and negative reports that are capable of creating distrust and or peddling inaccuracies.

” We thank you for your visit and look forward to working with you.”

Yakubu lamented that the media has unfortunately helped criminally minded youths and individual groups with the propagation of their negative actions, by promoting gains of notorious criminal activities.

“For instance, insurgents in the north and elsewhere use the media to propagate their heinous crimes, others watching will be tempted to believe that criminality pays.

” The media should be circumspect on what to promote in its news, especially regarding any form of criminalities, political, religious, social or economic.

” This is the only way to dissuade the younger ones from believing that crimes are gainful or normal, it is a misnomer”, he said.

President of the ESMG, Mr. Ovi Manuel Kuponu who shortly before the visit became indisposed and was represented by Mr. Eguono Odjegba, emphasized the importance of availing journalists firsthand information about developments to forestall misrepresentations and imbalances in their news reportage.

He noted that the group acknowledge Navy’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards ensuring that the public stays well informed about the vital work the Nigerian Navy is doing in maintaining national security and combating illegal activities along the country’s sub regional routes, roads and waterways inclusive; in addition to responding to other internal security issues.

The representative of the CO presented a plague to the group as a commemoration of the courtesy visit.

Headlines

Rolling Gazing Terminal excites NAGAFF, says it meets standard for bonded facilities

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for its operational standards, saying the facility can improve cargo efficiency and reduce port congestion.

NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee gave the commendation Thursday during a nationwide inspection of licensed bonded terminals. NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam led the delegation.

Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling infrastructure and security systems. He said the facility reflects the standard required to strengthen trade facilitation and address logistical challenges.

“The infrastructure is available, the equipment is functional, and the operators are fully prepared for business,” he stated.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the terminal is adequately equipped and shows strong commitment to service delivery. He added that the facility can evolve into a major logistics hub due to location and expansion space.

Operational Manager Stanley Enoma said the terminal runs TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding capacity to 5,000 TEUs.

NAGAFF said the assessment will continue at other bonded terminals to identify gaps and promote efficiency.

NAGAFF has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for meeting operational standards expected of Customs bonded facilities. The commendation followed an inspection by NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee on Thursday as part of a nationwide assessment of bonded terminals.

NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling equipment, security systems and operational preparedness, saying it can improve cargo movement and reduce seaport congestion.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the facility is adequately equipped and has potential to become a major logistics hub due to location and expansion capacity. Operational Manager Stanley Enoma disclosed the terminal operates TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding to 5,000 TEUs capacity. NAGAFF said it will compile a report and continue inspections nationwide to identify operational gaps and promote trade facilitation in the maritime sector.

Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor

In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.

As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.

The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.

The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.

According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.

He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.

“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.

“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.

“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.

“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.

The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.

He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.

“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.

“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.

“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.

“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.

The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.

It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th, 2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.

The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.

Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.

The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.