Herald News

Victoria Silvanus The Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) has threatened to mobilize its members for a protest against the planned 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges being organized by the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC). The coalition described the annual seminar as a misplaced priority, arguing that the Council should channel its resources toward addressing the numerous challenges confronting freight forwarders, importers, exporters and other port users across the country. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its National Coordinator, Chief Osita Chukwu, criticized the Nigerian Shippers' Council for continuing to organize judicial seminars while many stakeholders are yet to feel the full impact of the Council's role as the nation's port economic regulator. He noted that the group had repeatedly called on the NSC to suspend the judges' seminar and focus on resolving pressing industry concerns affecti...

Victoria Silvanus The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted Cannabis Indica valued at ₦26.57 billion concealed in a container carrying imported vehicles at the Lagos Port. The seizure, which weighed 4,143.5 kilograms, was made during a joint examination conducted by officers of the Apapa Command and personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). According to the press release issued by the command public relations officer,Chief Superintendent of Customs Isa Suleiman the illicit consignment was discovered in a 40-foot container, FANU1933352, following credible intelligence that prompted a thorough inspection of the cargo. Speaking on the seizure, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, disclosed that the container contained three used vehicles comprising a red Nissan Micra (2015 model), a black Toyota Corolla S (2019 model), and a grey Toyota Corolla (2015 model). He explained that a detailed ex...

Victoria Silvanus The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has intensified efforts to curb stowaway activities by taking its public enlightenment campaign directly to grassroots communities, with a recent outreach held at Snake Island in Lagos. The sensitisation programme brought together community leaders, youths, and residents to educate them on the dangers, risks, and legal consequences associated with stowing away on vessels. Speaking during the engagement, the Head of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Unit at NIMASA, Mr. Mudi Isa, said the campaign forms part of the Agency’s proactive measures to tackle the persistent challenge of stowaways within Nigeria’s maritime domain. According to him, stowaway incidents not only endanger the lives of individuals involved but also tarnish Nigeria’s image within the global maritime community. He noted that the country’s maritime sector continues to face reputational an...

by concern citizen The Senate's approval of an ₦11.074 trillion revenue target for the Nigeria Customs Service may look impressive on paper, but it raises a troubling question about the direction of Nigeria's economy. Where exactly will this money come from? Customs is not a manufacturing agency. It does not produce goods. It does not create factories. It does not cultivate farms. Its primary source of revenue is trade, especially imports.  Therefore, when government continuously raises Customs revenue targets, it inadvertently raises concerns about whether Nigeria is becoming more dependent on importation rather than production. For years, Nigerians have been told that the country is pursuing industrialization, local content development, economic diversification, and import substitution.  We have heard repeated promises about supporting local industries, protecting manufacturers, creating jobs, and reducing dependence on foreign goods. Yet every year, Customs is h...

by concern citizen The Senate's approval of an ₦11.074 trillion revenue target for the Nigeria Customs Service may look impressive on paper, but it raises a troubling question about the direction of Nigeria's economy. Where exactly will this money come from? Customs is not a manufacturing agency. It does not produce goods. It does not create factories. It does not cultivate farms. Its primary source of revenue is trade, especially imports.  Therefore, when government continuously raises Customs revenue targets, it inadvertently raises concerns about whether Nigeria is becoming more dependent on importation rather than production. For years, Nigerians have been told that the country is pursuing industrialization, local content development, economic diversification, and import substitution.  We have heard repeated promises about supporting local industries, protecting manufacturers, creating jobs, and reducing dependence on foreign goods. Yet every year, Customs is h...

Victoria Silvanus Business activities around the Apapa port corridor were severely disrupted on Wednesday after heavy flooding submerged parts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Western Zonal Office complex located beside the Customs Processing Centre in Apapa, Lagos. The floodwaters reportedly made it difficult for workers, port users, freight forwarders and other stakeholders to gain access to the facility, resulting in delays in official duties and commercial operations within the area. Eyewitnesses said the affected section of the complex became inaccessible as water covered major entry and exit points, forcing some staff and visitors to turn back while others struggled to navigate through the flooded environment. The situation also affected activities linked to cargo processing and other port-related services, raising concerns about the vulnerability of critical maritime infrastructure to seasonal flooding. Stakeholders expressed worries over the recurring challenge...