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 Five-Star Logistics deactivation: No demurrage reprieve for owners of trapped cargo —Investigation

—– as importers count losses over deactivation of the terminal
Eyewitness reporter
Owners of cargoes trapped at the Five-Star Logistics terminal following its deactivation from the Customs portal may not enjoy any reprieve on the payment of accumulated demurrage charges as the terminal operators have declared that they would collect the charges but may overlook storage charges.
This stance may however pit the terminal operators against its legion of customers who are daily losing millions of Naira in demurrage and values of their consignments, especially the members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, who have vowed to drag the beleaguered terminal operators to court for redress.
Investigation revealed that the terminal, which was deactivated on July 6th, 2022 over unpaid N97.3 million customs assessment charges, may not be deactivated soon as the terminal operators are said to be insisting that the accumulated customs charges are not owed directly by them but by the owners of the cargo who the customs have failed to track.
According to a source in the terminal, Mr. Wolfgang Schneider, the former General Manager of Five Star Logistics Terminal had complained last year that Customs wrote the company about the investigation but did not provide full vehicle details to allow the terminal to conduct its investigation.

The source said that the VIN might be used by Customs to locate the defaulting freight agents, and he questioned what function the Enforcement Unit of Customs would have if the vehicles had actually departed the terminal without paying taxes.

The source accused Customs of mischief, claiming the action of the Tin Can Customs has demonstrated that the Service is more focused on getting the N97.3 million from the terminal than it is on ensuring that the guilty are brought to justice and that the anomaly won’t happen again.

The hardline posture of the terminal operators, which sources said may further compound the issue and prolong the agony of its customers, may have been responsible for the non-resolution of the matter when the terminal operators met with the Customs’ top hierarchy in Abuja last week.
A freight agent working at the terminal claimed that some of the vehicles associated with the N97.3 million in unpaid assessment demanded by Customs are thought to have entered the country through land borders.
However, manufacturers, some of whose goods are trapped inside the terminal, have condemned the action of the customs which they described as irrational and uneconomical.

Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), criticized Customs’ actions as unreasonable and in breach of the WTO’s trade facilitation pact.

The economic expert noted that considering that the deactivated terminal enables Customs to generate over N150 million each day, the cost implications of closing the terminal’s access to the Customs portal are not prudent.

“This development raises concerns about Customs’ effectiveness.

” Technically, it is improper to close the terminal and halt business since port users were not given a heads-up to stop delivering cargo to the facility.
“Customs cannot impose taxes while preventing access to cargo” he declared.
Nwosu emphasized that the consignees in charge of the vehicle imports should be made to pay the customs, warning that consignees with Fast Track products and reefer cargoes would challenge Customs over the unplanned terminal deactivation.

Dr. Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), asked Customs to develop more creative ways to recover their losses without interfering with trade and the supply chain.

Yusuf,  a former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI, said that if a service provider violates the law or has compliance problems, the situation should be handled properly so as not to affect innocent business people.

“There ought to be a mechanism to penalize a service provider without permitting it to interfere with what its customers are doing.

“Importers of fast track and reefer containers are innocent in this situation and shouldn’t be required to pay for Five Star Logistics’ alleged malfeasance or noncompliance.
“Allowing importers to pay and endure the repercussions of crimes they did not commit will be unfair.
” We’re not saying that Customs shouldn’t penalize Five Star, but they can do it in a way that spares the innocent clients from the consequences” he noted.
Kayode Farinto, the Acting President of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) said that the association would take the terminal to court to seek redress over the losses being incurred by his members as a result of the deactivation.
It could be recalled that the association, last week, threatened that if the terminal failed to resolve the impasse with the Customs by Tuesday, July 19th, 2021, it would take the terminal to court.

”We shall approach the court soon to seek redress against breach of the agreement by the terminal operators” declared Farinto.

Meanwhile, owners of fast track containers and reefer containers trapped in the terminal over the deactivation, are currently groaning under heavy losses.

However, they expressed displeasure that other port customers were being inconvenienced, particularly those who had fast-track containers and reefer goods detained at the terminal.

meanwhile, a staff of the terminal claimed that only a small number of shipping businesses often arrive at the terminal with hundreds of new and used vehicles, noting that these shipping companies don’t send individual manifests, which is apparently what caused Customs to demand payment for the unpaid assessment.

Based on these findings, he suggested Customs conduct a forensic inquiry utilizing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and emphasized that CEMA mandates declarants, who are freight forwarders, should be held accountable rather than the terminal operator.

Uche Ejisieme, the Public Relations officer of the Tin Can command of the Nigeria Customs Service, insisted that the terminal stands deactivated until it pays the N97.3 million debt.
”We are waiting for the directive from the headquarters to unblock the terminal only if they have paid.

”We only hope they pay on time so that business could resume at the terminal” the command’s image maker declared.

DC Timi Bomodi, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service did not pick up several calls from our reporter.
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Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo
The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.
The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.
As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.
” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.
“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.
The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.
” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.
“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.
 The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.
“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.
“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.
” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.
“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.
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Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season 
Funso OLOJO 
For the second times in a week,  the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of  illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a  total weight of 1,187kg.
This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.
The latest seizure was suspected to be
Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.
 Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.
A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
 ” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.
 “No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.
“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.
 ” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.
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Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO 
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone
Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.
The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.
“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance,  suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.
” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.
“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”
Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.
He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.
” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.
“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”
Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.
He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.
Earlier, in his valedictory speech,  outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.
He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.
Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).
 98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.
Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.
” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.
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