Headlines

Crisis brews in maritime industry as truck owners vow to resist imposition of levy by Lagos government.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Eyewitness Reporter

The relative industrial harmony currently pervading the entire landscape of Nigerian Ports may soon be ruptured by the ludicrous plan by the Lagos state government to impose what has been described as illegal fees on truck owners.

The truck owners, through the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) and Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA), have raised the alarm over the impending crisis being perpetrated by the subterranean attempt of Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation capable of breaching the peace in the maritime transport unions.

Adisa Moshood Olaitan, the President of NAMTOP and Adeyinka Aroyewun, the National President of COMTUA, in separate letters to the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, complained about the creation and imposition of a committee called Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee, contrived by Sola Giwa and the Ministry of Transportation to extort maritime truck owners and their drivers.

In their separate letters addressed to Governor Sanwo-Olu and copied to the IGP, Director of SSS and the Lagos state Attorney General, the two leaders appealed to Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the brewing crisis by calling his lieutenants to order.

The unionists complained of divide and rule tactics of the state ministry of Transportation and Mr Giwa to destabilise the maritime transport unions through the imposition of what they called an illegal committee charged with the collection of the equally illegal harmonised fee.

They reminded the sponsors of the illegal committee that the only legal fee known and accepted by the transport unions was the Wharf Landing fee which came into law in 2007.

They warned that any attempt by the state government and its agents to impose another Levy would set the maritime industry on fire as truck owners and truck drivers would resist the imposed levy with the last pint of their blood.

“I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the creation of a committee that is aimed at acting against the activities of our unions and associations in the maritime transport industry.

“As a member of this industry, it becomes a matter of concern that despite our protest letter to your office and advice to the Ministry of Transportation against its resolve on the creation of this committee, we received through a letter of appointment from members of the committee a plot against the activities of our association.

“The letter emanating from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, signed by the special adviser to the governor of transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, whose interest and partisanship have been greatly mentioned in our leadership crisis that resulted in the ongoing litigation, can best be described as a recipe for the crisis and the breakdown of the law and order within our industry and in Lagos State.

“The members of the said committee are also members of the same association where the leadership contest is a subject of litigation.

“The imposition of these individuals under the guise of a committee of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to supervise the activities of our association is in contempt of a court process, and it’s unacceptable.

“In the letter, part of the committee’s mandate is a collection of harmonised fee. This harmonised fee is not a Lagos State government levy.

” It was agreed upon by unions and associations in our collaboration known as the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators ( NAMTOP) ; as such, the ministry lacks jurisdiction on such collection.

“The only government levy in Lagos State is the wharf landing fee. This fee became law and came into operation as a harmonised fee in 2007 for maritime transport operators and it has since been respected.

” Setting up a committee to “adopt and ensure the payment of a harmonised fee as approved by the Lagos State government” as contained in the “terms of reference” of the said committee is provocative.

“We shall use every legal means to protest against the activities of this said committee which will amount to double taxation, imposition of leadership on our association, contempt of court and conduct that may lead to a breach of public peace.

“We plead with your Excellency, to call Hon Sola Giwa and officers of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to order” Adisa Moshood Olaitan, pleaded with Governor Sanwo-Olu.

On his part, Aroyewun, the COMTUA National President described the proposed few as double taxation which will bring untold hardship to his members.

“The proposed collection of dues will not only cause financial hardship to the truckers but will also lead to a breakdown of law and order. We truckers are an important part of the economy, and we should not be subjected to such illegal and unjust actions.

“The terms of reference listed for the committee contain the entire content of our agreement as a collaboration.

“This is contained in a letter.

MOT/AG./2937/1/10 of February 13, 2023, signed by the permanent secretary, Engr. Toriola, as attached.

This may be contentious and may lead to a breach of peace.

“The individuals listed as members of the committee lost their bid to head or lead our collaboration in an election.

“Selecting the same person to head a committee with the same terms of reference as our collaboration is seen as a ploy to impose or sponsor these individuals to act in place of our union.

“As a committee established by the government, it is expected that the rewards for its members are the responsibility of the government, not the creation of an extortion avenue under the guise of being harmonised to be paid by truckers.

“This deliberate attempt to cause a crisis is the handwork of the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.

“There is no need for the divide-and-rule approach of the ministry, as the consequences can best be imagined.

“That the loss of Mr. Lookman Shittu to Mr. Moshood Adisa Olaitan as to the seat of the chairman does not put the association or the industry in crisis but the deliberate attempt by the officials of the ministry to create one.

“That a civil medium for resolving the Chairman issue between Mr. Adisa Moshood and Alh Lookman Shittu is in court in suit ID/7478GCM/2023 and is currently at the stage where counsel for the parties is to address the court on January 31, 2024.

The claim of vacuum as a ground advanced by the ministry to establish the committee is unfounded.

The composition of a committee to act in place of our association is not only illegal as it is in contempt but also does not fall under the purview of the Ministry of Transportation.

“It is shameful that the ministry officials and the Special Adviser could not hide their desperation to impose a looser of an election on a union through an illegitimate committee but in absolute disobedience to the rule of law, proceeding on such action that can set the state on fire.

“We are not disturbed by the “name-dropping” antics of the gang; we are concerned when the governor and his deputy, whose names are mentioned as sponsors of this agenda, keep their silence against our complaints and protests.

“We advise the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, to immediately call Hon. Sola Giwa and the officials of the Ministry of Transportation to order, as their actions may set the state on fire.

“It is important that the government take urgent steps to address this issue and ensure that the rights of truckers are protected.

“This will not only prevent a crisis and breakdown of law and order but also ensure that the state’s economy is not negatively impacted.

“I urge you to take immediate action to stop the proposed illegal collection of dues from truckers by the committee set up by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

“Failure to do so may lead to a crisis and a breakdown of law and order in the state” the COMTUA president warned.

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.

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.

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.