Herald News

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced enforcement of penalties against Designated Banks found to be delaying the remittance of Customs revenue, following reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform. The Service said the delays amount to a breach of remittance obligations under existing agreements and pose a serious threat to the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, explained that the enforcement action is in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) executed between the Nigeria Customs Service and Designated Banks. The SLA, he noted, clearly stipulates timelines for the remittance of collected Customs revenue. According to the statement, any Designated Bank that fails to remit collected revenue within the prescribed period will be liable...

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded seizures of smuggled goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦2 billion within two weeks of intensified border operations. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Wednesday during his maiden press briefing held at Idiroko, Ogun State. Afeni, who assumed office on December 4, 2025, said the seizures were achieved through intelligence-driven operations, improved surveillance, and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies and community stakeholders. He said the Command intercepted an Iveco truck with registration number RMY-354-XA on December 12, 2025, conveying 4,998 cartons of Doga brand spaghetti and 419 cartons of Oba brand spaghetti, all in 10kg packs and illegally imported from Turkey. According to him, another interception followed on December 13, 2025, when Customs operatives seized a DAF truck with registration number JHN-590-XA c...

Staff of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Tuesday hosted the Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, alongside the Agency’s Executive Directors, to a surprise reception in celebration of Nigeria’s successful election into the Category C Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The reception, held at the Agency’s Boardroom, was attended by the Director General; the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile; the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Mr. Jibril Abba; Directors; and members of staff across departments. The gathering marked Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council after a 14-year absence, reaffirming the country’s strategic position in global maritime governance. Addressing staff at the event, Dr. Mobereola described the victory as a significant milestone for Nigeria and its maritime industry. He attributed the success to the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinub...

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu has officially taken over as the new head of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), pledging to strengthen intelligence-driven operations against smuggling and other illicit trade activities threatening Nigeria’s security and economic stability. The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, where Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for entrusting him with the strategic assignment. He also commended his predecessor, Muhammed Shuaibu recently elevated to Assistant Comptroller General—for his record of achievements. Aliyu assured that he would build on Shuaibu’s progress, noting the critical role FOU Zone A plays in enforcing compliance and safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity, especially within Lagos and its surrounding corridors. “With the cooperation and professionalism of our gallant officers and me...

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) marked a significant stride toward full digital transformation as it officially launched its Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) in Abuja. The initiative is being celebrated as a major step in the Federal Government’s wider plan to modernise public-service operations and strengthen the ease of doing business across the country. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, led the commendations, describing the ECMS as a transformative tool that promises to reduce administrative bottlenecks and enhance the quality and speed of public-service delivery. He urged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to learn from the Council’s proactive digital leap. Also speaking at the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, underscored the relevance of the initiative at a time when global maritime operations are increasingly driven by technology. ...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command Security has been deepened at Lagos’ Apapa Port after officers intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio. The illicit drug, found during a targeted intelligence-led operation, was packed in 24 parcels stuffed into five bags and hidden within the ship. In a statement released on Saturday, 6 December 2025, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, confirmed that the vessel has been immediately detained as investigations continue. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the seizure as a major success achieved through the strengthened cooperation between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).  He noted that the ship’s travel pattern,originating from Brazil and making stops in well-known narcotics trafficking corridors such as Honduras and Guatemala has triggered heightened scru...

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu In a ceremony filled with national pride and celebration of public excellence presented Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), with the prestigious Award of Excellence in Maritime Infrastructure Modernization & Global Competitiveness. The event took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the flagship Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), a high-profile annual recognition platform coordinated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. NEAPS is designed to spotlight public officers whose commitment, innovation, and leadership have significantly advanced Nigeria’s development priorities. Dr. Dantsoho’s recognition did not come as a surprise to industry observers. Over the past year, he has emerged as a transformational figure within Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem. His leadership at the NPA has been marked by bold reforms, strategic partnership...