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Dangote supports NPA -led One stop shop committee with brand new bus for enhanced operations 

Funso OLOJO 
The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the effective way it has handled the implementation of the Federal Government’s policy on domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira.
To this end, Alhaji Dangote has donated a brand new Coaster bus to the OSS Committee to further ease its operations.
In a letter signed personally, Alhaji Aliko Dangote assured that  his organisation will continue to explore ways of supporting the committee to sustain its successes in the implementation of the presidential directive.
The Letter reads in part: “In recognition of the enormous responsibility placed on shoulders of the One Stop Shop (OSS) by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and our commitment to ensuring the committee delivers on its mandate, I am pleased to donate to the committee one (1) brand new Coaster bus to facilitate the daily discharge of their operations.
“We believe this bus will be used productively by the committee as we continue to look for ways to support and appreciate the efforts of this noble committee
Recall that the Chairman, Technical Sub-Committee, on the implementation of the Federal Government’s policy on domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira, Zacch Adedeji, had during a recent visit to NPA, commended the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Team, led by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for ensuring smooth operations of the directive.
He thanked the team led by NPA for “playing a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the presidential directive on the domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira”
 Adedeji said: “We recognize that this pioneering effort is a significant achievement, and no doubt reflects your commitment and patriotism”.
“Thus, we encourage you to maintain the hard work and dedication that has made this initiative a success.
“We also extend our gratitude to all participating agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support,” Adedeji said.
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Headlines

We don’t know the accrued amount from POF, the Consultant is not transparent with us— CRFFN cries out

Funso OLOJO 
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has accused the unnamed consultant handling the collection of the controversial Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) of lack of transparency and being secretive about the amount so far collected.
The Registrar of the Council, Mr Kingsley Igwe, raised the alarm on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 while reacting to the Court judgement which nullified the collection of the fees.
According to the Registrar, the Council does not know the amount so far collected from the POF because ” the Consultant is not transparent to declare the amount to us”
“We are trying to know how much has accrued from POF because the collection of the fee is not directly under the control of the council” Igwe declared.
” We engaged a consultant and the consultant is in the best position to give us a clear account of how much they have collected on POF.
” As we speak, the council does not have the figure of the amount and we have been demanding for it from the consultants and they have not been transparent enough to declare how much they have collected.
” It is still on their table to let the public know how much they have collected from POF because it is not supposed to be secret.
” Today, am still establishing we need to know how much” the CRFFN Registrar insisted.
It could be recalled that the collection of POF started in phases from the seaports in 2020 before it was graduated introduced to the airport and the border posts.
The collection commenced during the tenure of the immediate substative Registrar, Barrister Samuel Nwakohu who’s tenure was enmeshed with allegations of financial impropriety.
The collection of POF was gazetted by the Federal government in March 2015 but it’s collection was delayed due to disagreement among the five registered freight forwarding association over sharing formula.

The POF are collectable on all cargoes entering into and exiting the country through land, air and sea.

In the scale of payable fees, one kilogramme of airfreight cargo will attract a fee of N2.00.

However, for sea freight cargo, a 20ft container will attract N1,000, 40ft will attract N2,000. Similarly, car and SUVs will pay N500, while 20ft trucks and 40ft truck will attract a fee of N1,000 and N2,000 respectively.

Similarly, general cargo will attract a fee of N3.50 per ton, while dry bulk cargo will attract a fee of N1.00 per ton, even as it was stated that fees in respect of wet cargoes are negotiable.

In the 2015 gazette, there was provision for sharing by all the parties, including the CRFFN, the five registered freight forwarders and registered freight forwarding companies.

The CRFFN is to collect 60 per cent of the revenue, the five registered associations will share 35 per cent, while the registered companies that handled the cargo will share the remaining 5 per cent, calculated by the volume or cargo they account for.

The gazette specifically states that “CRFFN collects 60% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the Associations will collect 35% as provided by the CRFFN Act (Accreditation of Associations of Freight Forwarders) Regulation,2010. The Registered Freight Forwarder/Licensed Customs Agent (RFF/LCA) is entitled to 5% of the Practitioners’ Operating Fee which will be collected by the CRFFN and remitted to the concerned RFF/LCA”

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Customs

Despite public awareness on declaration of currency above $10,000 threshold, air passenger smuggles N653m foreign currency  from Saudi Arabia

Gloria Odion 
Few hours after the Nigeria customs service, in collaboration with other security agencies, carried out sensitization exercise at Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport over the need for air travellers to declare foreign currency above $10,000 threshold, a Nigerian air traveller  defied the order by attempting to smuggle in an equivalent of N653m foreign currency from Saudi Arabia into the country through the Amini Kano international airport.
However, the attempt was foiled by the eagle- eyed Customs officers from
Kano/Jigawa Area Command
at the airport who promptly interrupted the illicit funds.
The seizure was announced on Monday, 7 July 2025, during a press briefing held at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, where the intercepted funds and three suspects were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the interception as a milestone in the ongoing crackdown on financial crimes linked to smuggling networks and money laundering.
According to him, the arrest followed credible intelligence and a vigilant clearance operation by officers at the airport, who flagged the suspect, Ahmed Salisu, a holder of Ghanaian Passport, upon arrival from Saudi Arabia onboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
“Upon arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000 but he declined.
“But acting on credible intelligence, our vigilant officers flagged him for additional checks, which led to the discovery of concealed foreign currencies hidden inside cartons of clothing.”, the  Comptroller said.
 “A physical search of his baggage revealed concealed cash amounting to $420,900 (USD), £5,825 (British Pounds Sterling), 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, collectively valued at over ₦653.9 million.”
He described the interception as a testament to the Service’s unwavering commitment to national security and the ongoing collaboration with other agencies, especially the EFCC and ICPC, in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial and territorial integrity.
“This arrest highlights the result of proactive enforcement, continuous stakeholder sensitisation, and our renewed focus on border surveillance. Our goal is not only to detect but also to deter. Let this be a clear message to criminal networks: we are watching, and we will act.” he declared.
He further revealed that the arrest was linked to ongoing efforts launched earlier this year under the directive of CGC Adeniyi, to educate stakeholders about the legal obligations of currency declaration at borders.
He noted that the Command had organised sensitisation campaigns across Kano and Jigawa targeting Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airline operators and pilgrim boards.
Representing the EFCC, the Zonal Director of its Kano Command praised the synergy between both agencies and reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to pursue prosecution of the case in accordance with the law.
“On behalf of the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, we express appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for their vigilance and cooperation.
” This case is not just about money; it is about national security. Cash smuggling has been a funding lifeline for terrorism, banditry, and transnational crimes.” He said.
He further stressed that the seizure and arrest were made in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which require mandatory declaration of foreign currency exceeding $10,000 at Nigeria’s borders.
While commending the efforts of Customs officers involved in the operation, the EFCC official urged stakeholders, especially in the aviation and financial sectors, to remain alert and continue sharing intelligence that could prevent future breaches.
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Headlines

FG takes safety on waterways campaign to Ogun, donates 3500 life-jackets to waterways operators.

Funso OLOJO 
As part of efforts to enhance the safety of waterways across the nation, the federal government has donated 3500 life-jackets to Ogun State Government for waterways operators in the state.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who handed over the life-jackets on Tuesday, assured Nigerian inland waterways users that the ministry will stop at nothing to curb the needless loss  of lives on waterways.
Represented by Director of Maritime Services in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mercy Ilori, the Minister said the campaign is part of a deliberate national strategy to embed a culture of safety on our inland waterways.
 “This is one of the most comprehensive Federal government responses in recent times to the persistent loss of lives on Nigeria’s waterways.
“Consequently, there have been successful handovers of Safety life jackets at Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Taraba, and Lagos States.
” We are now in Ogun State to sustain the momentum and  reveal the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Ogun.
“You will all agree with me that the frequency and tragic consequences of boat mishaps across the country are deeply concerning.
“It is in recognition of this menace that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize life-saving interventions to bring about tangible change.”
He stressed that the government’s commitment to end the needless loss of lives on waterways is anchored on three pillars: Strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023; Continuous public education and sensitization campaigns; and Provision of critical safety equipment, notably life jackets, to waterway users.
“It is worthy to note that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a key agency under the Ministry, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this strategy.
“NIWA continues to lead in regulation, monitoring compliance, and supporting education and enforcement efforts on our inland waters,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, assured the Minister that the life jackets will be distributed equitably to registered operators across the state.
The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, stated that safety on the nation’s waterways wasn’t a privilege but a right of everyone in Ogun State.
He also assured that the State is ready and willing to provide all the necessary support to sustain the momentum but to enhance inland waterways as viable and secured alternative to road infrastructure.
“Safety on the waterways is not a privilege, it is a right.
” Every life jacket handed over today represents a life potentially saved, a family preserved, and a future secured.
” This initiative aligns with the human capital development pillar of our administration’s ISEYA agenda ensuring that people remain at the heart of our progress
“Ogun State values the synergy we have fostered with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and applauds their dedication to the development of marine infrastrucnare, safety standards, and the blue economy as a whole.
” Ogun State stands ready and willing to provide all the necessary support to sustain this momentum, not only in marine safety but also in enhancing inland waterways as viable and secure alternatives to road transport.”
“To our waterway users, boat operators, fishermen, and residents of our riverine communities: these life jackets are for you.
” But more importantly, the knowledge and awareness you will gain from this sensitization effort will serve as your daily companion, protecting you and helping you protect others.
“Ogun State hereby assures the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and NIWA that these life jackets will be equitably distributed to verified and recognised operators across the state’s waterways, from Iwopin to Ebute-Ero, from Agbara to Tongeji, Imakun Omi to Ode-Omi, and other active riverine corridors.
” A strict monitoring and maintenance protocol will be enforced to ensure sustainability and accountability.”
The State Governor, however, warned that State actors would not allow preventable tragedies define the nation’s waterways
“As we continue to embrace innovation and development in transportation, we must also embrace accountability and responsibility.
“Let us not allow preventable tragedies to define way of life, let us instead champion the principles of safety, respect for life, and collective vigilance.”
However, the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, warned that the issue of safety on the inland waterways cannot be over emphasized as he recounted several tragic incidents that claimed lives in hundreds.
“The issue of safety can never be over-emphasized. In June 12, 2023, a wooden boat carrying wedding guests returning from a marriage ceremony from Niger State capsized in Jeva Channel Lake, in River Niger in Kwara State, owing to overloading and a submerged tree.
“The boat was reported to be carrying over 200 guests despite having the capacity of carrying just less than 100 passengers.
“More than 200 lives were lost, among which a father and four of his children were involved. So you can imagine the kind of tragedy that befell the family.
“Again, in October 1, 2024, a wooden boat carrying mostly women and children traveling for religious festive occasions capsized in Niger State.
“The boat was reported to be carrying over 300 passengers even though it has the capacity of carrying less than 100 passengers. More than 100 lives were lost.”
NIWA Managing Director, who was represented by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu, observed that in the respective cases the boats were heavily overloaded, sailed at night without the proper navigational aids and conveyed passengers without life-jackets.
“So if you think safety is expensive, try disaster. Over 90 percent of accidents that happen on our waterways are caused by human error.
“In most cases, it is caused by captain’s negligence. The newly gazetted Marine and Transport Regulations Codes, which spells out offences and punishments, ranging from fine to imprisonment, mandates the compulsory use of life jackets for all waterways users sailing on our waterways,” she added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON), Alhaji Tarzan Balogun called for intensified regulatory efforts to prioritize safety and infrastructural development on Nigerian waterways.
Alhaji Balogun commended the government for its efforts in promoting safety across the country’s inland waterways, even as he assured that the life jackets would be used judiciously.
“There must be a firm policy — no life jacket, no entry. I’ve witnessed several cases where passengers refuse to wear them. That should not be allowed. Safety must come first,” he said.
Balogun also praised the federal government, particularly President Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for their commitment to maritime safety and for recognizing the importance of life-saving gear in water transport.
“If you’re drunk or perceived to be a threat to others onboard, operators must have the authority to refuse you entry.
” There is also the problem of bringing animals onboard, especially dogs who can scare passengers onboard and make boats capsize,” he stated.
Balogun also called on the Ogun State Government to emulate Lagos by setting up a dedicated waterways authority and constructing jetties in collaboration with local boat operators.
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