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Ember months: Cargothrouput slumps by 40 percent at Nigerian ports

—- Customs laments

—-Importers stop importation
The Eyewitness News investigation
The high frequency of importation and goods clearance activities which characterise port operations during the festive period of December has virtually disappeared from the Lagos ports.
Extensive investigations conducted by our reporter confirmed the general apathy among Nigerian importers to ship goods into the country during this year’s yuletide period.
Long rows of vessels on anchorage waiting to discharge their cargo which is a common sight at this period of time at the ports are absent.
The international liners which normally made two to three visits to the Lagos ports in months could hardly get cargo, thus reducing their voyage to the ports to avoid wastage.
Sources close to these shipping companies such as Maersline, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), China Cosco, CMA CGM Group, Hapag – Lloyd, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen Marine Corporation claimed that each of these liners has lost between 10 percent to 20 percent cargo due to non-patronage.
Sources close to the Customs, who confirmed this development, attributed the lull to a number of factors.
According to sources, the Ukraine/ Russian war, the ravaging COVID-19 in China, unfavorable Customs policies, Naira depreciation, High exchange rate and the recent naira redesigning have all combined to castrate the financial power of most Nigerian importers.
A highly placed source in the Customs explained how each of these factors imparted goods importation to Nigeria.
According to him, the Ukraine-Russian war has affected ship voyages as no shipping company would want its vessels caught in the ongoing crossfire between the two European countries.
Also, the Black sea shipping route, which is within the war zone, accounts for the sea route that about 90 percent of vessels take to reach their destinations in the world, including Nigeria.
This, the source said, has reduced the number of vessels calling at the Port during this period.
Also, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the maritime industry has seen an increase in global demand and the cost of shipping.
Most countries, including Nigeria, have come to rely on some of the goods from Ukraine and Russia such as grains, iron, and steel etc.
This has placed Maritime transport infrastructure and services under pressure due to the need for alternative trade routes for Ukrainian goods.

The tone of the global trading and shipping environment has been characterised by uncertainty as a result.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) acknowledged the disruption of regional logistics, halted port operations in Ukraine, the destruction of infrastructure, trade restrictions, increased insurance costs and higher fuel prices as causes of issues within the Black Sea region.

Jan Hoffmann , Head of Trade Logistics branch at UNCTAD, says: “The war in Ukraine impressively shows again how globalised the shipping business is: Shifts in demand in one corner of the world lead to changes in prices and fleet deployment in many other corners of the world.

“What I find most interesting of our findings is that almost half of the increase in global food prices is due to the higher shipping costs.

“And these are higher  because goods have to travel longer distances, i.e. we have more ton-miles, but also  each ton-mile is now more expansive, because of a shortage of global shipping capacity.”

In 2020, grain prices and shipping costs were already increasing and the Ukraine conflict has accelerated this trend.

According to UNCTAD, between February and May 2022, the price of dry bulk goods transportation had risen by around 60%.

Around 36 countries import over 50% of their wheat from the Russian Federation and Ukraine and global sea exports of grain are expected to decline by 3.8% this year while global shipments of fertiliser decline by 7%.

“Black Sea ports normally account for over 90% of Ukrainian overseas grain shipments, weekly port calls have dropped from 60 to almost zero in Ukraine due to the conflict”

In addition, the high dollar exchange rates to the Naira as well as the high Customs exchange rate for goods clearance have all impacted the purchasing powers of Nigerian importers.

It could be recalled that for yet another time in September, the Customs exchange rate was jerked up from $409 to $422.3, an increment of $13.3.

” Also the recent naira redesigning policy of the government and the coming elections in the country have all created an atmosphere of uncertainty among importers who prefer to stop importation until after the elections when there would be some sort of clarity, and stability in government economic policies,” a source said.

This lull has therefore put pressure on the men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service to meet their revenue targets amidst sluggish importation.

”We are under pressure to rake in more revenue for the government despite low imports.

“This is because the revenue from the Customer has become a financial mainstay for the government which now relies on Customs to fund some of its recurrent expenditure, especially payment of salaries for workers” a highly placed source declared.

“To cushion the effects which the lull in importation may have on our revenue generation, we have to tighten the noose by plugging all the revenue loopholes to generate maximum revenue”

” Some of the areas where we hitherto overlook by giving the importers and their agents a breathing space to operate have now been tightened up for maximum revenue collection” a customs source declared.

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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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