Herald News

Victoria Silvanus In a renewed effort to strengthen security coordination and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Ports Authority Police have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration. This followed a maiden courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Authority Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, to the NSC headquarters in Lagos — a move described as both symbolic and strategic in reinforcing inter-agency cooperation within the port system. Strengthening Maritime Security Collaboration During the visit, CP Agbaminoja described the Council as a pivotal institution in regulating, facilitating, and protecting Nigeria’s shipping and port economic interests. She emphasized that the NSC’s role as Port Economic Regulator closely aligns with the Police Command’s responsibility to maintain a secure and conducive environment for trade, cargo movement, and the protection of critical nati...

Victoria Silvanus Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) has officially informed customers and terminal users of an upcoming review of its terminal tariff rates, scheduled to take effect on Monday, 16 February 2026. In an advisory notice issued to stakeholders, TICT management explained that the revised tariff structure is being introduced in line with regulatory approvals and current operational requirements. According to the statement, the adjustment reflects prevailing operational realities and is intended to support continued investments in terminal efficiency, safety, and infrastructure development. The tariff review is expected to strengthen several key areas, including: Improved terminal operational efficiency Enhanced safety and security measures Infrastructure upgrades Better service delivery standards Management further noted that billing arrangements will be clearly communicated to ensure a smooth transition during the implementation period. The development is a...

     By Victoria Silvanus The Federal Government has issued letters of  commendation  to nine members of an Inter-Ministerial Committee in recognition of their outstanding roles in Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium. . Nigeria secured the seat during the IMO Council elections held on 28 November 2025 in London, a development widely regarded as a major boost to the country’s maritime profile and diplomatic influence within the global shipping community. The commendation was contained in a press release signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Abuja. Letters Signed by Minister Oyetola The commendation letters, dated 28 January 2026, were signed by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON. In the letters, the Minister praised the committee members fo...

 Victoria Silvanus The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle at the Apapa Seaport, Lagos. According to a press release issued by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the seizure was made less than 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit, highlighting the command’s heightened enforcement drive. Customs officials disclosed that the illicit drugs were concealed in 13 bags hidden inside one of four vehicles imported in a single consignment. A detailed examination revealed ten bags weighing 25kg each, one bag weighing 29kg, and two bags weighing 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total sei...

Victoria Silvanus The Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has continued to give Ports Managements everything to do excellent jobs, his blueprint is what is being implemented at the various Ports. The need to improve on efficiency in line with international best practices has usually been advocated by the Managing Director and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. One of the success stories of the NPA MD is the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port which commenced operations in April 2023 with a capacity to process about 1.2 million cargoes annually as it continues to gain commendation for its various operational milestones. The Port which has the deepest draught of all the ports in Nigeria with a level of minus 16.5 metres and sits on a 19 hectare land area is one of the ports under the Nigerian Ports Authority with Emmanuel Anda as the Port manager. The Lekki Port has successfully transhipped over 62,000 twe...

Victoria Silvanus Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are battling for their lives after suspected armed drug traffickers launched a violent attack on a patrol team in Ogun State during an anti-smuggling operation. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State. Officers of the Ogun I Area Command were acting on credible intelligence when they intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items. According to a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Zakari Chado, before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated attack on the officers. The attackers reportedly mounted heavy barricades at nine strategic points along access routes, effectively blocking reinforcements from reaching the scene. In the en...