Herald News

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has concluded a high-level management retreat designed to cascade Presidential and Ministerial priorities for the maritime and blue economy sector across all levels of the Agency. The retreat underscored the importance of aligning staff deliverables with the Federal Government’s vision and the strategic direction of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. A key highlight was the signing of Performance Bonds by Departmental and Unit Heads with the Executive Management, reinforcing accountability and measurable results as the cornerstone of service delivery. Speaking during the retreat, NIMASA’s Director General/CEO, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reiterated that the present administration is committed to building a performance-driven civil service. “The signing of this bond is not symbolic; it is binding,” Dr. Mobereola stated. “Every Head of Department and Unit must cascade the outcomes and expectations from this retreat...

The attempted piracy attack on the MT Endo Ponente in the Gulf of Guinea has been successfully foiled. On Friday, 28 August 2025, a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team from the Togo Navy boarded the vessel and confirmed that. All crew members are safe and accounted for, no material damage was sustained onboard. The vessel is now under the custody of the Togo Navy, which promptly reported the incident to the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone E under the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security. Zone E covers Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Niger Republic. This operation highlights the importance of regional cooperation. MMCC Zone F, headquartered in Accra, Ghana, provided continuous monitoring and information-sharing with all relevant stakeholders throughout the incident. It is noteworthy that the NIMASA Special Mission Vessel, DB Lagos, operated by the Nigerian Navy under the Deep Blue Project, was deployed after the NIMASA C4i Centre in Lagos conf...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has congratulated Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), on his election as Vice President (Africa) of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH). In a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, described Dr. Dantsoho’s emergence as a remarkable milestone that underscores his exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to the development of the maritime sector. “This outstanding achievement is a source of pride to Nigeria and a clear recognition of your visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing the maritime and port industry,” Dr. Akutah stated. The Council further commended Dr. Dantsoho for strengthening Nigeria’s strategic position within the global maritime community, expressing confidence that his tenure will unlock greater opportunities for Africa while accelerating Nigeria’s aspir...

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Dr Abubakar Dantsoho has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH), a move that underscores Nigeria’s rising profile in global maritime affairs. The election, which took place in Tokyo, is a historic milestone for Dantsoho, who had earlier become the first Nigerian to head the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its founding in 1972. Confirming the development in a statement, NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara said the appointment reflects growing international recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in maritime development. IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi also welcomed the news, remarking: “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.” Dantsoho’s stewardship at the NPA has delivered major operational gains, including a surge in non-oil exports and a strengthened trade balance. According to the Nig...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, has strengthened its partnership with enterprises operating within the zone as part of efforts to enhance trade facilitation and boost government revenue. Comptroller Immaculata Nyong, Customs Area Controller, disclosed this after a three-week operational tour of facilities and enterprises between 29 July and 19 August 2025. The tour covered major operators including Seplat Energy, ESSO Exploration and Production Nigeria (FZE), TotalEnergies, Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), West African Container Terminal (WACT), Technip FMC Nigeria Ltd, Baker Hughes, One Subsea Offshore Systems Ltd, Intels Nigeria Ltd, Oil Tools Africa Ltd, Titan Tubular Nigeria (FZE), Hamilton Technologies Nigeria Ltd, and Brawal Oil Service Ltd (FZE). Nyong, who was accompanied by senior command officers and officials of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, engaged stakeholders through operational briefings,...

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has stressed the importance of professionalism in engineering practice as a key driver for Nigeria’s maritime and Blue Economy development. This was contained in a press statement issued by Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations at NIMASA. Dr. Mobereola made the remarks while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), led by its President, Engineer Margaret Aina Oguntala, during a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos. He highlighted the role of engineering expertise in advancing maritime infrastructure and assured the NSE of NIMASA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Blue Economy mandate. In her remarks, Engr. Oguntala reiterated the NSE’s support for the Blue Economy initiative, noting that the Society’s vision aligns with governmen...

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border management. Adeniyi made the pledge when he received the newly elected NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim, and his team at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. He stressed that partnership with the private sector remains a central priority of his administration. “When I assumed office, one of the first things I was deliberate about was the issue of collaboration. Revenue and security are important, but to succeed in both, we must also strengthen trade facilitation,” Adeniyi said. He disclosed that special help desks would be set up for NACCIMA members to address challenges related to Customs operations. In his remarks, Ibrahim congratulated Adeniyi on his election a...

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 50-year-old widow, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, for attempting to traffic cocaine disguised as a fake pregnancy. Ezewuike was arrested on Friday, 22nd August 2025, at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos, while preparing to travel to Abuja with 1.3 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a pregnancy prosthetic. A subsequent raid on her residence at Ago Palace, Okota, Lagos, led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agents used for processing illicit drugs. The suspect, a fashion designer and mother of one, confessed during interrogation that she inherited the illegal trade from her late husband, who was also involved in drug trafficking. The NDLEA spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Ezewuike will be charged in court upon completion.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s long-standing partnership with agencies under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), stressing that shared facilities and operational cooperation remain vital to national security. Speaking last week during a courtesy visit by the CDCFIB leadership to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi highlighted several ongoing collaborations as evidence of the enduring bond between both institutions. “In Ibadan, we have a five-storey building where two floors are dedicated to Immigration and a Correctional Service detachment,” he said. “In Kano, our facilities support Immigration recruitment exercises, while in Bauchi, a wing is set aside for our colleagues. These prove that, despite structural changes, our bond remains strong. We work together and will continue to do so.” Adeniyi further assured the Board of Customs’ commitme...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has organised a sensitisation programme for its management staff, aimed at boosting the operational effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The event was held in Abuja on 21 August 2025. Declaring the programme open, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted that the fight against corruption within the Service was an ongoing commitment. He explained that the sensitisation session formed part of sustained efforts to strengthen internal controls and instil a culture of integrity across all levels of the organisation. “Having you here today demonstrates our resolve to fight corruption. Being with us further encourages us and strengthens that desire to enforce our Anti-Corruption initiatives that we have put in place,” he...

 The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic revenue collection of ₦16.41 billion in a single day, made possible through the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B' odogwu. According to a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the revenue milestone was achieved on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the achievement as a clear demonstration of how technology and collaboration are reshaping port operations in Nigeria.  “This landmark collection reflects the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the B' odogwu system in streamlining port operations,” Comptroller Onyeka said. “It has drastically improved access to payment platforms and enabled licensed Customs agents and stakeholders to complete clearance processes in real-time, free from unnece...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling operations with the seizure of contraband goods valued at more than ₦1.4 billion along the Idiroko border. The seizures, carried out over the past six weeks, include a luxury Rolls-Royce car, 4,424 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50 sacks and 1,936 parcels of cannabis sativa, 105 used tyres, 21 bales of second-hand clothing, and 6,400 litres of petrol. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, described the operation as a decisive strike against economic saboteurs. He revealed that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the items stood at ₦1,401,531,923.95, a “huge economic loss to criminal elements.” In addition to enforcement, the Command reported significant progress in revenue collection. It generated ₦45,054,191 in July 2025, representing a 27.47% increase compared to the ₦35,327,852 recorded in July 2024. As part of inter-agency collaboration, the Command ha...

Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ade Dosunmu, has called on Nigeria to urgently harness the vast opportunities in the Blue Economy as a strategic pathway for diversifying the nation’s economy. Delivering a lecture titled “Blue Economy and Economic Diversification: Opportunities and Challenges” to participants of the Senior Executive Course 47, 2025, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Dr. Dosunmu said the sector holds immense potential for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development. He emphasized that the Blue Economy could help reduce Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil and gas, noting that its full potential could only be realized through strategic reforms, robust policy frameworks, and enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies and stakeholders. “The Blue Economy offers a unique and timely solution to Nigeria’s perennial ...

The newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has pledged unwavering support to the Agency’s Executive Management in delivering on its mandate and advancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda. During the Board’s inaugural meeting in Lagos, Chairman Hon. Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar assured that the Board would work hand in hand with the Agency to achieve its objectives, with a focus on building a vibrant and sustainable maritime economy. In a statement released by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, expressed confidence in the current Executive Management. He noted that the Management had already signed a performance bond with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which will serve as a benchmark for assessing the Agency’s achievements. “As a Board, we are determined to work with the Management to ensure the full realization of activities that will help shape policy direction for the Agency,” he said. Wel...

A self-styled prophet, Adefolusho Aanu Olasele. a.k.a. Abbas Ajakaiye founder of The Turn of Mercy Church in Lekki, has been arrested by the NDLEA for allegedly running a cross-border cannabis pipeline from Ghana to Nigeria. Captured on August 3 after months on the run, Olasele is accused of masterminding two major drug hauls totaling 900kg of “Ghana Loud” cannabis, smuggled via waterways. Olasele, who had twice evaded arrest, was captured on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at his Lekki, Lagos church. The NDLEA linked him to two major seizures: 200kg of “Ghana Loud” cannabis at Okun Ajah beach on June 4, and 700kg from a delivery van on July 6. He allegedly confessed to smuggling the drugs via waterways. In related operations. between Aug. 6–9, NDLEA officers in Lagos arrested Benjamin Udo Ukoh in Ikoyi with 15.63kg of Canadian Loud cannabis. The agency is continuing investigations into cross-border drug syndicates. Meanwhile, NDLEA teams carried out War Against Drug Ab...

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has lauded the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for its consistent efforts in promoting growth and development within Nigeria’s maritime industry. Dr. Akutah gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by MARAN’s executive members, led by its President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, to the NSC Headquarters in Lagos. Gr.  rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. r In his remarks, Dr. Akutah praised MARAN’s pivotal role in information dissemination, describing the Association as a key stakeholder in the maritime sector and an important partner of the Council. He also expressed strong support for MARAN’s planned seminar on War Risk Insurance Premium, describing the initiative as a laudable step that aligns with the broader goal of advancing the maritime industry. Highlighting government efforts, Dr. Akutah acknowledged the contribu...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has addressed recent technical disruptions that affected the transmission of Product Certificates required for Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) processing on its new digital platform, B’Odogwu. Importers and licensed customs agents had raised concerns over delays in uploading Product Certificates for Form M and SONCAP documents, a requirement for processing import documentation. The NCS has now confirmed that the issues have been resolved in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The disruption followed system integration challenges that emerged during SON’s onboarding onto the B’Odogwu platform on July 23, 2025. The glitches impacted the accurate capturing of Form M, PAAR, and Single Goods Declaration (SGD) by users. According to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the problems included limited space for trader names, incorrect data fo...

A businessman and his wife have been sentenced to a combined 22.5 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos for trafficking over 414 kilograms of cannabis sativa, also known as skunk. Justice Deinde Dipeolu handed down the sentences on Ajah Johnson Uchenna and his wife, Rosemary Uchenna, following their arrest during anti-narcotics raids conducted in June and July. The operations led to the discovery of large quantities of the illegal substance at multiple locations linked to the couple. Rosemary Uchenna received the heavier sentence of 17 years, while her husband, Johnson Uchenna, was sentenced to 5.5 years. However, the court offered Mr. Uchenna the option of paying a ₦1 million fine in lieu of his prison term on one count of the charge. In addition to the jail terms, the court also ordered the forfeiture of ₦3.4 million, believed to be proceeds from the criminal activities, to the Federal Government. The conviction underscores the government’s contin...

The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s most modern maritime gateway, continues to set the benchmark for port operations in the country, following a string of impressive milestones since it began operations in April 2023. Situated on a 19-hectare site and boasting the deepest draught of all Nigerian ports at minus 16.5 metres, the Lekki Port has been praised for its smart port model and seamless operations. Under the management of Emmanuel Anda, the Port has earned a reputation for efficiency and innovation, quickly becoming a model for port management across West Africa. By mid-2025, the Port had processed over 220,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo, with projections to exceed 500,000 TEUs by year-end—up from 287,000 TEUs in 2024 and 58,000 TEUs in 2023. One of its most notable feats includes the successful transhipment of more than 40,000 TEUs to various West African countries, solidifying its regional influence. Participants at the recent Lagos Cham...