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Customs, Importers, Shippers rally support  for Shippers’ Council over  effective implementation of ICTN

Funso OLOJO 

The commitment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to drive the implementation of the re- introduced International Cargo Tracking Note(ICTN) got a big boost when critical stakeholders in the maritime industry rallied support for the agency.
At the public discourse convened by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria(MARAN) on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria Customs Service, Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN),  the  Shippers Association of Lagos state (SALS) and Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) took turn to endorse the necessity of the ICTN and the suitability of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to drive its implementation.
At the roundtable, which attracted the creme la creme of the maritime industry, the Zonal Co- Ordinator of Zone A of the Nigeria customs service, Assistant Comptroller- General (ACG) OC Orbih declared that the implementation of the  ICTN represents a significant opportunity to transform Nigeria’s maritime operations and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global trade.
According to the Customs Chief, the controversial concept, which is being opposed by a pocket of stakeholders, will enhance the security of the country.
ACG Orbih declared that the country is under siege of arms and drug dealers, who daily thronge the country with these illicit items.
He said a week hardly passes without the customs handling over seized arms, ammunition and illicit drugs to relevant agencies.
He therefore said any concept such as ICTN that will enhance the intelligence gathering and tracking of cargo into the country should be encouraged.
“The system(ICTN) significantly enhances security and risk management by providing information in advance about cargo, enabling better threat assessment and targeted inspections.
” This enhanced security framework has proven effective in reducing cargo loss and theft in countries that have implemented the system.
“Additionally, the International Cargo Tracking Note will facilitate trade and improve ease of doing business in our ports.
“The system enables pre-arrival processing of cargo information, significantly reducing documentation processing time.
“Furthermore, International Cargo Tracking Note re-introduced by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, offers concrete solutions to long-standing challenges in our ports.
The Customs chief therefore said all stakeholders should rally behind the Nigerian Shippers Council to drive this important project for the benefit of the country.
He said that the concept has proved a huge success at some African, European and South American Countries such as Ghana ,Kenya , Turkey and Brazil , thus appealing for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the country to allow the system to work.
ACG Orbih also addressed the question of legality of the project, saying the Customs Act of 2023 has provided the legal framework for the electronic tracking concept.
He therefore said the service will collaborate with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure the implementation of the electronic tracking system succeeds.
The ACG allayed the fears of cost implications of the concept, saying the benefits derivable from it such as reduction in cargo dwell time and enhanced operational efficiency at the ports far outweigh the cost.
He also revealed that the ICTN is a component of the National Single window where all agencies of government are warehoused to drive seamless cargo delivery system at the ports.
“Let us work together to implement International Cargo Tracking Note in a way that serves our national interests while facilitating international trade” the Customs chief pleaded.
Dr Ibrahim Momuod Mubarak, the representative of the President of Importers Association of Nigeria(IMAN) expressed the support of the association for the ICTN.
He believed that the Nigeria Customs service has cleared all the grey areas about the legal backing while the Shippers’ Council has allayed their fears about the cost.
” The IMAN position is that we want this ICTN but at no cost to an average importer who is an ordinary businessman in Nigeria”Dr Mubarak concluded.
Rev. Jonathan Nicole of the Shippers Association of Lagos state(SALS) expressed indifference to the reintroduction of the ICTN.
According to him, if the concept is based on a solid foundation, it will succeed but if not, he said it would fizzle out like it did the previous years.
Nicole said what an average shipper wants is to get his goods delivered seamlessly to his factory or warehouse with minimal cost.
Dr Eugene Nweke, the former National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the incumbent Director of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Center, (SEREC), believed that the implementation of ICTN will add tremendous value to the Nigerian ports system.
He appealed to all stakeholders, especially those who are opposed to the project, to shealth their swords and work for the success of the concept.
Mr C.C Akujobi,the Director of Consumer Affairs Department of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council said the ICTN is a trade facilitation tool which will further enhance the efficiency of the Port.
He noted that other countries in Africa, Europe and South America such as Ghana, Kenya ,Turkey and Brazil have all made a huge success out of the implementation of ICTN.
Akujobi, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Council, Pius Akutah, revealed that about 20 countries in West and Central Africa have embraced the electronic tracking system.
He said that two previous experiences of the project were successful, adding that stakeholders have no cause to be afraid as the concept will enhance their business through seamless cargo delivery system.
” Shippers’ Council is ready to go ahead with the implementation of the system” he declared.
He noted that the pocket of opposition was not surprising as people often oppose new system.
Akujobi however appealed for the support of all the stakeholders to ensure the success of the electronic tracking system.
However, opposition to the concept at the public discourse was spearheaded by the duo of Lucky Ayis Amiwero, the President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) and Dr Segun Musa, the Deputy National President of NAGAFF who believed that the concept was a duplication of Customs functions and that it was not tied to a service.
They also claimed that the system lacks legal backing to which the Customs has debunked.
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Indigenous maritime investors seek partnership with NIWA for mutual development of inland waterways 

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter 
A coalition of indigenous maritime tourism and transportation investors has pledged to unlock strategic investment opportunities aimed at developing Nigeria’s vast but largely untapped maritime tourism economy for the benefit of littoral communities in Lagos and across the country.
The group, Allied Concessionaires and Blue Economy Alliance, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engineer Sarat Braimah, on Tuesday at the NIWA Lagos Area Office.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the coalition, Bolaji Olasade, explained that the alliance is made up of reputable and experienced maritime tourism and transportation operators committed to redefining waterfront recreation and hospitality by integrating safe and efficient water transportation systems.
 He noted that the initiative is designed to create jobs, boost coastal tourism, and expand economic opportunities within Lagos and beyond.
“We came to formally introduce our coalition, which is not a conventional association but a consortium of visible and tested operators, mostly concessionaires, who are willing and ready to collaborate with NIWA to grow and develop inland waterways tourism infrastructure.
“We are also focused on opening up littoral communities through destination marketing and the promotion of resorts,” Olasade stated.
He added that the group seeks to reposition Nigeria’s brown water and blue economy sectors by transforming the country’s waterfront hospitality and tourism landscape into a globally competitive industry.
In her remarks, the Secretary of the coalition, Barrister Dorcas Aderemi, emphasized that the Nigerian marine and blue economy sector can only thrive when the inland waterways ecosystem is strategically aligned for sustainable investment and funding.
She called for a structured public-private partnership model between the private sector and NIWA to fast-track development and enhance inland waterways utilization.
According to her, such collaboration would not only stimulate economic growth and job creation but also significantly boost government revenue and national development.
The group commended Engineer Braimah for her leadership and commitment to industry growth, particularly her zero-tolerance stance on boat transportation accidents and security infractions on inland waterways in Lagos.
They also congratulated her on her recent Nelson Mandela Pan-African Leadership Award, describing it as a testament to her dedication to national service.
Responding, Engineer Braimah welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for their interest in partnering with NIWA.
She assured them of the Authority’s willingness to collaborate in unlocking opportunities within the inland waterways corridor in Lagos and across Nigeria.
“We are pleased to receive you and have listened carefully to your intentions to collaborate with us.
“We recognize that NIWA cannot achieve its mandate alone without the private sector, especially serious investors with genuine financial commitments to the industry.
“We will communicate your proposals to our headquarters in Abuja to explore how your group can leverage existing opportunities,” she said.
The Area Manager further highlighted the need to modernize inland water transportation by introducing new boats and ferries to gradually phase out outdated watercraft, thereby enhancing safety, efficiency, and value across the waterways transportation and hospitality sectors.
She concluded by urging the coalition to remain united, avoid internal conflicts, and focus on delivering meaningful impact, particularly for littoral communities that must be actively engaged and empowered to benefit from maritime tourism and transportation opportunities within their environment.
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Lekki Port boosts Nigeria’s trade surge as NPA releases 2025 operational performance 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Lekki Deep Sea Port played a significant role in the trade surplus recorded by the Nigerian ports Authority (NPA) in 2025 with a staggering 129.3m  metric tons of cargo throughout over the 2024 figures of 103.6m metric tons, representing 24.8 percent increase.
According to the operational performance report released by the NPA,  Lekki Port was identified as the leading port in Nigeria, handling 40.6 percent of the nation’s total cargo throughput.
Onne Port followed with 19.1 percent, and Apapa Port handled 16.7 percent.
In addition to volume, Lekki Port attracted the largest vessels, with an average Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 55,712, slightly higher than Onne Port at 53,022 GRT.
Apapa and Tin Can Island Port received ships averaging 33,251 GRT and 36,909 GRT, respectively, while Delta Ports handled vessels averaging 17,414 GRT.
The report underscores a structural shift in vessel traffic: although Tin Can Island Port recorded the highest frequency of ship arrivals accounting for 22.7 percent of total ship calls, Lekki and Onne are increasingly receiving the industry’s “heavyweight” vessels, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to handle larger, more valuable cargoes.
Overall, total ship calls rose by nearly 12 percent to 4,477 vessels, reflecting broad-based growth across all operational metrics.
The report revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 percent rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The report emphasized that the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, noting that the milestone strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
While imports continue to dominate overall cargo traffic, the report highlights a steady rise in outward trade, with exports accounting for 39.0 percent of total cargo throughput.
 Inward traffic represented 59.2 percent, and transshipment contributed 1.8 percent.
Analysts view the growth in export volumes as a direct validation of the Federal Government’s economic diversification initiatives, aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting non-oil sector exports.
Containerized cargo, a key indicator of export trade activity, grew significantly.
Total container traffic increased by 25.7 percent, surpassing 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).
Of this, export containers grew by 3.1 percent, while import-laden containers surged by 32.8 percent.
The report also noted a remarkable 205.8 percent increase in transshipment containers, signaling Nigeria’s emergence as a pivotal regional logistics and trade hub.
Liquid bulk cargo, including fuel and chemicals, remained the dominant commodity at 54.7 percent, while containerized cargo accounted for 24 percent.
 Analysts note that the increasing size and sophistication of vessel traffic, coupled with container growth, points to a maritime sector gradually aligning with global shipping standards.
The report also highlights the rising importance of transshipment cargo, particularly for containerized goods destined for other West and Central African ports.
The 205.8 percent surge in transshipment containers positions Nigeria as a strategic regional hub, attracting international shipping lines and increasing revenue for the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The 2025 NPA Operational Performance Report signals a transformative phase in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Export-led growth, rising container traffic, and the strategic role of Lekki Port illustrate that the nation is not only handling more cargo but is also diversifying the type of goods moving through its ports.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem,” maritime analysts said.
 “The growth in exports and transshipment reflects the success of policy reforms aimed at reducing reliance on oil revenues, while enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports in regional trade.”
With the nation’s ports showing resilience and dynamism, the report reinforces the Federal Government’s efforts to expand non-oil exports, attract investment into port infrastructure, and integrate Nigeria more fully into global supply chains.
As Nigeria continues to welcome larger vessels and diversify its cargo base, the 2025 NPA report positions Lekki Port and the broader port network as central to the country’s economic diversification strategy, regional trade prominence, and global maritime ambitions.
Looking ahead, Dantsoho expressed confidence that the next phase of growth will be driven by the Federal Government–approved bold port modernization programme and the implementation of the National Single Window system.
The comprehensive port modernization project is designed to overhaul ageing infrastructure, deepen berths, rehabilitate quays, expand cargo-handling capacity, and deploy advanced digital solutions across Nigeria’s port network.
The initiative is expected to improve vessel turnaround time, reduce cargo dwell time, enhance safety standards, and significantly boost operational efficiency across all terminals.
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Tinubu swears in new IGP, Tunde Disu on Wednesday as Police council endorses his appointment

Funso OLOJO,  Editor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 swear- in the new Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu following the endorsement of his appointment by the Nigeria Police Council.
According to the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the  ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council meeting, scheduled for the same day.
The Council’s meeting, which took place at the State House, was presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, in accordance with the constitution.
Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and the head of service, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.
The President appointed Disu as the new police chief, following the resignation of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke glowingly about the Acting Inspector-General of Police, commended Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, commended the President’s appointment of Disu, noting that it was based on his excellent career record.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, also lauded Disu for his professionalism.
Disu served in Wike’s home state of Rivers as Assistant Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, and Officer-in-charge, anti-kidnapping unit, between 2014 and 2015.
He later served as Commissioner of Police in the FCT Command when Wike became the minister.
Wike commended him for his efficiency as a crime fighter and for ensuring the command’s strategic impact in addressing security concerns within the territory.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State seconded the motion endorsing Disu’s appointment.
Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.
He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.
The Acting Inspector-General has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide.
His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.
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