Herald News

Victoria Silvanus Nigeria’s port sector has entered a new regulatory era following the formal transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) into the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), a development expected to reshape the governance and economic oversight of the nation’s ports.  The transition follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, which establishes NPERA as the statutory authority responsible for the economic regulation of ports and related services across the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Chairman of the NPERA Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shema, described the development as a landmark institutional reform designed to create a more transparent, predictable and competitive port environment. According to him, the agency will oversee the economic regulation of port services and related activities, including tariff administration, licensing, service standards,...

Victoria Silvanus The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has lifted the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels arriving in the United States from Nigeria, ending a 12-year maritime security restriction and marking a major boost for Nigeria’s shipping and port industry. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the development, describing it as a significant achievement that reflects Nigeria’s improved maritime security framework and compliance with international standards. The Condition of Entry, which took effect on June 25, 2014, required vessels bound for the United States that had previously called at designated Nigerian ports to comply with additional security measures and undergo enhanced scrutiny before entering U.S. waters. According to Oyetola, the removal of the restriction follows years of sustained efforts by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and o...

Victoria Silvanus The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has led the handover of 399 pump-action rifles and component parts to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as cannabis-infused products valued at ₦373.8 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to national security and the fight against illicit trafficking. The handover ceremony brought together senior customs officers, representatives of security agencies and members of the media, highlighting the growing collaboration among law enforcement institutions in tackling transnational crimes and safeguarding the nation. Speaking at the event, Adeniyi described the exercise as a demonstration of the Service's determination to protect Nigeria's borders and support the Federal Government's efforts to combat the illegal trafficking of arms, ammunition and narcotics. He explained ...

Victoria Silvanus Barely 24 hours after destroying illicit drugs valued at over ₦380 million in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded another major success with the dismantling of an international drug trafficking syndicate and the arrest of suspected cartel members in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The latest breakthrough underscores the Agency's sustained offensive against drug trafficking and organised criminal networks operating within and outside Nigeria. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed the development while commending the Agency's officers and international partners for their role in the successful operation. Marwa described the achievement as a significant milestone in international law enforcement cooperation, noting that the near-simultaneous arrests carried out in Nigeria and the United Kingdom demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and...

    Victoria Silvanus The Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted a large cache of smuggled goods, including 1,306 sacks of expired noodles, 3,300 explosive cartridges, illicit drugs, foreign rice and smuggled vehicles, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦365.16 million. Speaking during a press briefing at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State, on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, said the seizures were a testament to the Command's commitment to protecting Nigeria's economy, public health and national security. Kaila explained that the interception of the expired noodles followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance operations by Customs officers. According to him, the truck conveying the products was falsely declared as carrying food items, but a thorough examination revealed 1,306 sacks of expired and decomposing noodles weighing 50 kilograms each. He ...

Victoria Silvanus The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.24 billion and recovered N728.98 million in revenue through intensified enforcement operations and compliance checks. Addressing journalists on the seizures, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, said the Unit remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s economy and preventing the influx of prohibited items into the country. “These seizures are a clear demonstration of our resolve to protect the nation’s economy, safeguard public health, support local industries, and ensure that smugglers do not profit from illegal activities at the expense of law-abiding Nigerians,” Aliyu said. According to him, the seizures were recorded through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced risk profiling, and targeted interventions aimed at curbing smuggli...