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Oyetola indulges in self- praise at MARAN event 

– calls for delistment of Nigeria from war risk zone
Funso OLOJO
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,Adegboyega Oyetola, has insisted that the maritime industry has witnessed bold and unprecedented reforms which have repositioned the sector for rapid growth.
Oyetola, who declared open the annual Maritime industry lecture organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria(MARAN),stated that with the giant steps recorded within the two years of his stewardship as the minister, Nigeria deserves to be removed from the war risk classification by the international cartel of shipping companies.
Represented by his media aide, Dr Bolaji Akinola, Oyetola launched into a labyrinth of his achievements in the last two years that should earn Nigeria a clear bill of health by the foreign shipping companies which have continued to charge War risk insurance premium on Nigerian Shippers.
“In just two years and with the guidance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have embarked on bold and unprecedented initiatives to harness our nation’s vast maritime and Blue economy resources as engine of growth, just and sustainable development.
” In two years, the ministry has become a case study in what visionary leadership, strategic focus and political will can achieve in record time.
“From restoring sanity to Nigeria’s busiest seaports to unlocking long- frozen funds for indigenous ship owners, from investing in human capital to spearheading Continental maritime financing architecture , the ministry has delivered and will continue to deliver transformation on a scale that is monumental and measurable” the minister declared.
Oyetola further noted that the government had ended the decades-long Apapa gridlock that had crippled port productivity and discouraged foreign investment.
He also pointed to the launch of Africa’s first National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, a groundbreaking framework that provides a roadmap for shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, aquaculture, tourism, and maritime services.
The Minister also announced that the Federal Executive Council had approved the modernisation of Lagos and Tin Can Island Ports, with plans for the Eastern Ports nearing completion.
According to the Minister, agency-generated revenues more than doubled within two years, from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to ₦1.39 trillion in 2024, the highest in Nigeria’s maritime history.
He added that the long-stalled Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund had finally been unlocked to empower indigenous shipowners, while a National Flag Carrier Technical Committee had been inaugurated to deliver a private-sector-led national shipping line that would restore Nigeria’s pride in global shipping.
Oyetola further pointed to progress in boosting local fish production to strengthen food security, supporting aquaculture in riverine communities, and reforming inland waterway safety through new regulations, improved patrols, search and rescue coordination, and stricter passenger vessel standards.
Despite these achievements, Oyetola lamented that Nigeria continues to bear the burden of war risk insurance premiums imposed by international underwriters.
He observed that these charges, based on outdated perceptions of insecurity, have cost the nation an estimated $1.5 billion in the last few years.
The Minister stressed that Nigeria’s narrative of piracy and armed robbery on its waters no longer reflects present realities.
Over the past four years, he said, the country has recorded zero piracy incidents due to sustained investments in maritime security, particularly through the Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project, implemented by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, integrates air, land, and sea assets to deliver real-time surveillance and interdiction.
 The success of this initiative has been acknowledged globally, earning Nigeria commendations from the International Maritime Organization, the International Maritime Bureau, and removal from the International Bargaining Forum’s list of high-risk nations.
Yet, Oyetola explained, key global insurers, especially Lloyd’s of London, remain reluctant to update their risk classifications, leaving Nigeria and its consumers to shoulder unfair costs.
He assured industry stakeholders that his Ministry, working closely with NIMASA, is engaging directly with BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, and Lloyd’s, presenting empirical data to demonstrate Nigeria’s security progress.
Alongside this diplomatic push, he said the government would continue to strengthen maritime security architecture, publish regular security reports, deepen regional cooperation under the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, and promote the development of local maritime insurance to retain value within Nigeria’s economy.
The Minister concluded his address on a note of optimism, declaring that the future of Nigeria’s blue economy remains bright.
He emphasised that in just two years, the country has shown what is possible with vision, determination, and partnership, but added that much more lies ahead.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s waters, modernising its ports, empowering local operators, expanding fisheries, and ensuring that the blue economy becomes a pillar of growth, jobs, and sustainability for generations to come.
Formally declaring the lecture open, Oyetola urged participants to contribute their recommendations, which he said would enrich government policy and strengthen strategies for the collective advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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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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