Headlines

NCJIFLCA seeks MARAN collaboration to battle illegal checkpoints, multiple infractions at ports, border posts

Funso OLOJO

The National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJIFLCA), has sought the support and collaboration of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, (MARAN) to eliminate illegal checkpoints set up by Customs and other agencies on the nation’s trade routes, primarily designed to extort Nigerians and indirectly increase the cost of living in the country.

The group, made up of clearing agents, security personnel, and other well-meaning Nigerians, also vowed to stop illegal seizures of duly cleared consignments at the ports by operatives of the Customs Federal Operations Unit(FOU), affirming that these illegalities have put Nigeria in a bad light among the comity of nations.

Speaking on Thursday, November 20th, 2025 during a courtesy visit to the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) International Conference Center, Apapa, Lagos, the President of the Association, Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, noted that part of the visit was to seek a partnership with MARAN to help expose these illegalities and nip them in the bud.

According to him, the Nigerian Port Industry is currently facing numerous man-made challenges, primarily stemming from human weaknesses, adding “the most pressing issues include non-compliance with established rules and regulations, such as the ALERT system; deliberate withholding of container deposit refunds by shipping companies; frequent arrests and seizures by FOU of containers duly examined and released by authorized Customs officers and other federal government agencies; delays experienced by Customs Clearance Agents at the hands of terminal operators; and extortion of Nigerian trucks on highways.

He noted that, “These challenges have become an embarrassment to our country before the international trade community.”

Explaining that the group was formed to help Nigeria and Nigerians overcome corruption in the maritime industry and on our highways, he noted however, that “We cannot achieve this goal alone and hereby invite the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria to collaborate with us to ensure the success of this noble project.”

He promised that with this collaboration and in “the next 12 months,” every Nigerian, including MARAN, will be proud of what the taskforce would have achieved in this direction.

Arguing that the multiplicity of checkpoints by Customs is not in the interest of Nigerians but for some people to enrich their pockets, he said, “If somebody brought goods, and they’re examined in the port, and they’re released in the port, what business do Customs have to stop it?

But he noted that when some officers see that the volume of the money that is coming out is high, they will set up various checkpoints, and if Nigerians do not stand against it, it will continue to escalate.

“We are just trying to educate Nigerians and tell them that the road blocks and the checkpoints are bringing shame to us and it is also increasing the cost of goods in the market.”

He gave a scenario where genuine Nigerians who transport perishable commodities across cities have been frustrated and put out of business by these illegal checkpoints created by even NDLEA and the likes.

The Chairman of the three- member Caretaker Committee which was recently inaugurated to oversee the affairs of MARAN pending the conduct of elections, Tunde Ayodele, gave the task force the assurance that MARAN will collaborate with the body to fight the illegalities on Nigeria’s trade routes.

” As a responsible media organization which believes in the sanctity of the project called Nigeria, MARAN is committed to collaborating with any nationalistic group, including your organization, to help enthrone safe,sane and friendly business environment devoid of extortions, trade barriers but one which encourages free and unencumbered business environment” declared Ayodele.

The MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman however assured the members of the task force to count on the support of the media association in their task to rid the country’s borders and other trade routes of any form of illegalities.

Meanwhile, the taskforce,which had all its officers in attendance during the courtesy visit, used the opportunity to invite MARAN to its third anniversary celebration, scheduled to take place at Rockview Hotel, Festac Town, on Wednesday, 10th December, 2025.

The event will also include the birthday celebration of their National President, High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, a fundraising program, and the inauguration of their various chapters.

The group was officially welcomed by a team of the newly inaugurated MARAN Caretaker Committee led by Tunde Ayodele.

Customs

Oshoba, Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The Area Controller emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.

“Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.

He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.

The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

Highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding Officers and Units for exemplary service.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while Officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among Officers and Units of the Command.

Headlines

NPA shops for investors to drive deep seaports project of federal government

– says Lekki ports responsible for rising GRT for ocean- going vessels at Nigerian ports.

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has come out to confess that the rising Gross Registered Tonnage(GRT) for the ocean – going vessels recently being witnessed at the Nigerian ports is being driven by the Lekki Deep seaport.

Making this disclosure was the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic communications, NPA, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemakara while playing host to the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) which was on a courtesy visit to his office on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.

While reviewing the infrastructural upgrade and the modernisation project at the nation’s sea port, Onyemakara disclosed that the upsurge in cargo throughputs and increased vessels gross registered tonnage at the Nigerian ports are being driven by the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

He disclosed that the modern trend in shipping has shifted to large vessels which go to ports of deep draught, an attribute which he said the Lekki Deep Sea Port has.

” If we check our operational statistics, Lekki port is pulling weight more than the others.

“The Port is the one giving us the numbers as far as I’m concerned because of its deep draught” the NPA chief spokesman declared.

It could be recalled that the NPA recently released the Qi 2026 report in which it declared an upsurge in cargo throughputs and higher GRT for vessels that called at the Nigerian Ports during the period under review.

‎According to the report , Nigeria’s maritime sector recorded strong operational growth during the period with Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) for ocean-going vessels rising by 19.5 per cent to 46.75 million.

The report noted that the development reflects a strategic shift toward larger and more efficient vessels, driven partly by the operational impact of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and expanding trade demand.

Onyemakara said that was the reason the government is investing heavily in deep seaports project because that is the focus of international shipping which relies on jumbo vessels for carriage of goods.

“We are the biggest economy. The population is here. The market is here” the NPA image maker enthused.

” So when you have all these things and you have an effective and efficient port system, which will come from the modernization of our ports, we can be sure that it will not be difficult for the whole of our ports in Nigeria to do a transshipment.”

He explained that the current infrastructural upgrade and modernisation project of the NPA is meant to position Nigerian ports as the hub of maritime activities in the sub- regional African.

“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time.

“What we have seen in our first quarter operational statistics will become insignificant compared to what the industry can achieve after modernisation,” he explained.

Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals needed to emerge as a major maritime hub in Africa, stressing that efficient and modern ports would naturally attract higher cargo volumes and transshipment business.

“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he said.

Drawing comparisons with developments in the aviation sector globally, he explained that countries seeking greater competitiveness were investing heavily in infrastructure expansion rather than merely cosmetic upgrades.

“We are concentrating on where it matters most, where the vessels come in. That is the essence of the port modernisation project,” he added.

Onyemakara further explained that the Federal government is very serious in development of its deep seaports in Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed deep seaports at Badagry in Lagos state, Bakassi deep seaport, Ibom deep seaports, Ibaka deep seaports and Olokola deep seaports have all been approved by the Federal government for development by private sector.

” In view of what is happening. We have created an environment where private investors will come and invest.

“At Lekki port, you know the people that brought money for it.

“Yes. So, every other deep sea ports, what we have done is to regulate all that is needed for those ports to be situated”

Onyemakara said with the government efforts at creating an enabling environment, what is required of the private sector is to move into these areas to develop them.

“Private sector, go and bring money.

” We are just waiting for investors. It’s there.

“At the end of the day, bring the money now ,that is the issue.

” And what government is looking for is private people coming to partner with government. So, anybody that is ready to

bring his funds privately” he noted.

The Nigerian government is heavily investing in deep sea port projects via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to decongest existing Lagos ports and boost maritime trade.

The major projects include the operational Lekki Deep Sea Port, the upcoming $4.2b Ibom Deep Seaport, the $3.5B Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the Badagry Deep Sea Port, designed to handle large vessels.

The Lekki Deep Sea Port is fully operational since 2023 and serves as a major hub with a 16.5m depth, handling containers and bulk cargo to relieve Apapa and Tincan Island ports.

Ibom Deep Seaport ($4.2 Billion) is located in Akwa Ibom, this project features a natural 17.5m depth.

It aims to be the largest container terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 9 million TEUs annually.

Bakassi Deep Seaport ($2.27B – $3.5B) is located in Cross River State.

This project received federal certification in late 2025 and is aimed at improving access to Nigeria’s North-Central/East regions.

Badagry Deep Sea Port with $53B Projected Revenue is a Federal Executive Council-approved project designed to be a multi-purpose facility, including container, liquid, and dry bulk terminals.

Ondo Multipurpose Deep Seaport is a $1.3 Billion project aimed at handling various cargo types, supported by a 30,000-hectare industrial city.

Dangote Deep Sea Port Ogun State is a major private-sector initiative aimed at complementing the Dangote Refinery.

‎

Headlines

NPA applauds MARAN for peaceful leadership transition, pledges support

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter

‎

‎The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commended the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for conducting a peaceful and successful leadership transition, describing the process as a reflection of the association’s strong institutional framework.

‎

‎The General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy of the NPA, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemachara, gave the commendation when the newly elected Executive Committee of MARAN paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

‎

‎Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Onyemachara noted that the seamless transition within the association demonstrated administrative maturity and a commitment to unity and stability.

‎

‎He observed that in some organisations, caretaker committees often seek tenure extensions,a situation that could trigger internal divisions and instability.

He, however, praised MARAN for avoiding such challenges by ensuring a transparent and rancour free electoral process.

‎

‎The NPA spokesperson also lauded the association for recognising and honouring its past leaders, describing the gesture as evidence of MARAN’s respect for continuity and institutional development.

‎

‎Mr. Onyemachara further urged the newly elected Executive Committee, led by MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, to remain focused and sustain constructive engagement with stakeholders to support the growth of the maritime sector.

He however pledged the support and collaboration of the agency with the association

‎

‎Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Onigbinde stated that the visit was aimed at appreciating the Nigerian Ports Authority for its longstanding support to MARAN and to seek continued collaboration for the association’s programmes and initiatives.

‎

‎It would be recalled that MARAN conducted its election on May 7, 2026, producing a seven-member Executive Committee.