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Lagos Arewa ethnic group accuses Lagos APC of marginalisation, demands justice

Gov. Sanwo-Olu
The Eyewitness Reporter
The Arewa nationality in Lagos state has cried out to the governor of the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over what its leaders described as gross marginalisation, neglect and rejection by the  All People’s Congress(APC) in the state.
In a petition to Gov. Sanwo-Olu dated November 29th, 2023 and signed by the leader of the group in ward 2 in the Ajeromi Local government, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the group complained of being used and dumbed by the Lagos APC after helping Governor Sanwo-Olu and other political office holders in the state achieve electoral victory during the March Governorship and State House Assembly elections.
According to the group whose leader sounded distraught and disconsolate in its petition, the state APC not only reneged on its promise to cede three commissioner positions to the group, but the powers that be in the state are even threatening to demolish Otto White Sand market, which is the source of livelihood of most if its members.
According to Tanko, the leader of the ethics nationality in Ward 2 of the state, members, including himself, made personal sacrifices to ensure the group delivered 10 local government areas, including CDAs to the APC during the election.
“Your Excellency sir, my name is Ibrahim Tanko, the Apex leader of Arewa Ethnic Nationality West 2.
” I am compelled to write your good self this letter on behalf of my humble self and Arewa group, a critical and formidable member of All Progressive Congress, Lagos State Chapter.
“Sir, it is without equivocation to state that we the members of the above group are not happy at all, having worked tirelessly and relentlessly in the last concluded general election where I led the submissive and loyal members of the Arewa Community in and around Lagos West 2 that covers 10 local government and CDA Lagos State to a resounding victory for your good self and other political office holders of APC, both Lagos State chapter and the national Assembly elected on the APC platform.
“Your Excellency sir, the Arewa Ethnic group and my humble self as the apex leader fought and risked our lives participating in the last general elections, and sir, we have been totally and grossly relegated, forgotten and abandoned to our fate, hence the reason for this letter.
“Sir, as I write this letter, The AREWA ETHNIC GROUP did not get a thank you visit from the elected leaders of APC in Lagos State.
“It is very disheartening and painful for us to dissipate so much energy and effort and voted massively to achieve outstanding and resonating victory for our great party only to be relegated, forgotten, abandoned and even marginalized.
“Recently and to our greatest surprise sir, an official of the Mainland local government is planning and threatening to demolish the OTTO WHITE SAND market where thousands of our members who fought tirelessly and relentlessly to ensure victory in Lagos State earn their living.
“Please sir, we plead and ask for your swift intervention in this regard. Our members’ means of livelihood should not be taken away, sir.
“In retrospect your Excellency sir,   I will recall but few of our sacrificial conduct and activities among many, before and during the last general election namely;
–The AREWA ETHNIC GROUP donated over three hundred buses to the South West APC.
–I, as the Apex leader, was required and mandated to deliver the entire local governments (10 in all) and I did deliver the ten local governments.
“At my personal cost and expense, I mounted tens of billboards, thousands of campaign posters, T-shirts, face caps, handbills and many other campaign materials.
“Sir, it is pertinent to note that all the party candidates, inclusive of the members of the Senate, House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly members are comfortably seated in their offices and chambers ably made possible by our concerted efforts, sweat, grit and finance without remembering us.
“Sir, you may wish to verify and or ascertain the veracity of our assertion or otherwise from the Chairman of the Ethnic Group Committee, honorable FATAI AYOOLA, current Executive Chairman, Ajeromi Ifelodun local government area of the State.
“In conclusion your Excellency sir, we by this letter hereby strongly express our heartfelt disappointment, betrayal and exclusion.
“We, emphatically and sincerely speaking, were guaranteed three {3} commissioner positions in the Lagos State cabinet.
” Not even one was allocated to us as promised, none came our way.
” It is of paramount importance to note that our people listen to and follow their leaders.
“Your Excellency sir, we therefore humbly ask that you use your good offices and goodwill to look into our complaints and do something to pacify and assuage our people” Tanko pleaded.
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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations  

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.
The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support  Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.
He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.
Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.
“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.
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Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime Reporter 

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence,  brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

 As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.
It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.
He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.
 He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.
He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).
He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

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Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.
According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.
This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.
The Programme, according to the NCS,  also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.
According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.
“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.
“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.
” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per  through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.
However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.
The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.
The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.
“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.
Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.
The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.
“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.
“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.
“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.
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