Customs
FOU A mourns death of officer in anti-smuggling operations
– as unit intercepts 12 trailer loads of rice, PMS , vehicles , other contraband goods worth N3.3 billion.
Funso OLOJO
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A ,Lagos was in a pensive mood as it lost a gallant officer who succumbed to the brutality of the dare- devil smugglers Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026.
Breaking the tragic news while briefing the press on the anti- smuggling operations of the Unit, the Controller of FOU A , Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliu, who wore a mouthful look with other officers, disclosed that the deceased officer paid the supreme price while on active service.
Not deterred by this loss, Comptroller Aliu revealed that the unit made interception of 144 smuggling attempts with goods of different brands.
According to him, the seized items include 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg which is equivalent to eleven (12) trailer loads, 77 bags of foreign sugar, each weighing 50kg, 21 unit of assorted Tokunbo vehicles and 3,362 Jerry cans of foreign vegetable oil 25 litres each.
Others are 20,700 litres of PMS, 915 bales of used clothing and 1 X 20FT Container (SUDU 7640333) 20 Pallets of stone coated aluminium roofing sheets.
In addition, the unit intercepted 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica, ‘Ghanaian loud’, weighing 1,431kg which significantly disrupted supply chains networks.
“Other notable seizures within the period under review include, four live pangolins intercepted along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete.
The seized endangered species, which are the most endangered mammals in the world, have since been handed to Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping.
The unit also recorded a seizure of 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle.
This seizure, according to Comptroller Aliu, is a vital win for Nigeria’s environment and public safety, considering its effects on environment.
He noted that the move reaffirms the commitment of the Unit to the Basel Convention (1989).
“Both Section 55(1), (d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023) & the Basel Convention relates to the control of Trans boundary hazardous waste movements, to protect developing nations like Nigeria.
“Used Compressors often carry hazardous oils, refrigerants, and residues that leach toxins into soil and emit Green House Gases (GHGs) like Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide among others that deplete the ozone layer, if not properly disposed.
” Section 55(1), (d) of NCS Act (2023) authorizes the seizure of prohibited imports that threaten the environment.
” This aligns our laws with international best practice in environmental protection”, the Customs Comptroller said.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of N3,319.893,255.00 (Three Billion, Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira) only.
“In addition to these laudable achievements, the unit continues to enforce import and export compliance by addressing issues of misdeclaration of cargo and some Demand Notices (DN) were issued.
” Between 10th December 2025- date, a total of N 36,891,826 (Thirty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira) only was recovered.
“Our core mandate is to strengthen the integrity of the supply chain, through a rigorous gap analysis” Comptroller Aliu declared.
In line with the commitment of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, the seized 3029 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 1, 425kg has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
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Customs
Comptroller Anani vows not to compromise on compliance with Customs extant laws, warns defaulters of dire consequences
— seeks support of stakeholders
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Customs Area Controller of the Tin can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has hit the ground running after few days of assuming duties at the command.
To show his determination to sustaining the tempo of operational success at the command, Comptroller Anani has warned the trading public plying their trade at the command of dire consequences for flouting any of the operational guidelines as spelt out in the Customs Act of 2023.
He also pledged to enhance trade facilitation, build robust synergy and collaboration with sister agencies and sustain the cordial relationship with stakeholders through constant engagement and collaboration.
The ensure successful tenure at the command, the Comptroller Anani engaged in a series of engagement with his officers at various formations, the terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other sister agencies where he sought for their collaboration and support.
He flagged off the engagement with a tour of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment.
The tour was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Following this, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players.
During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tin can Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.” he said.
The Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.
In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho.
During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment.
They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.
Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command.
He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
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
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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