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Akeredolu Seeks NIMASA’s Support For Ondo Port

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5 years ago

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Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has sought the support of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the establishment of a port in the state.
The governor expressed the readiness of the state to key into the blue economy initiative of NIMASA, urging the agency to help resuscitate Aiyetoro Technical School where he said many maritime experts were trained and produced.
He spoke at the weekend while playing host to NIMA-SA’s management team led by the Director-General, Bashir Jamoh.
He said that the state has what it takes to have a deep seaport, adding that the sunshine state’s position is peculiar with the longest coastline in the country.
“We are ready to be part of the blue economy. We can work together. You mentioned waste management, ferrying, fishery, shipbuilding, ship repair, and other areas.
“Aiyetoro Technical School was the first in West Africa to address these issues. It trained and produced so many maritime experts. It is comatose now”, he said.
The governor decried the politicization of the development of the waterways, particularly the extension of the dockyard to the state.
According to him, both China Harbor and Dubai Harbor have shown interest in the development of a deep seaport in the state, adding that they are only waiting for the port declaration.
“I am not particular about Ondo. We are particular about a port for West Africa. Here, we have the deepest draught. Over 60 meters. We do not need to dredge to build the port. Naturally, a port can be here. We have done the OBC. If what we are seeing in Lagos is not enough, where else can we do it if not Ondo State,”  Akeredolu said.
Earlier, Director General, NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh commended Governor Akere-dolu’s success in his first tenure, noting that he has recorded giant strides in terms of road infrastructure in the state.
“I congratulate you on your second term in office. We are very much aware of the success you recorded in your first tenure in office. It includes the infrastructure development in Ondo state, particularly in terms of education, healthcare as well as road infrastructure.

You are the number one record holder in terms of road infrastructure of all the governors in Ondo State,” he said.
He  stressed the readiness of the agency to liaise with Ondo State to develop blue economy in the state and take advantage of the state’s tourism potentials.

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Maritime

CUSTOMS BEGINS IMPLEMENTATION OF SAFE PASSAGE FOR PERSONAL VEHICLES UNDER TEMPORARY ADMISSION 

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2 weeks ago

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January 12, 2026

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of procedures for granting safe passage to personal vehicles temporarily imported or transiting through Nigeria by international travellers.
The initiative is anchored on the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions on temporary admission and transit of vehicles, according to a press statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada.
Part of the statement reads:
“The new framework covers all personal, non-commercial vehicles belonging to international travellers visiting Nigeria for tourism, diplomatic, business, or personal purposes. It seeks to ease cross-border movement, strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with international obligations, and reinforce the nation’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
“ It is pertinent to note that this implementation draws legal backing from Sections 142, 143, 144, and 245 of the NCS Act, 2023, as well as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), UN TIR Convention (1975), Istanbul Convention (1990), and the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment. It also aligns with WCO Guidelines on Temporary Admission and the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) regulations.
“ International travellers are required to present valid documents such as international passport, international driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, and CPD at the point of entry. Upon satisfactory inspection and verification, a Temporary Vehicle Admission Permit valid for up to 90 days will be issued and electronically recorded. Travellers may apply for an extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval by the relevant Customs Area Controller.
“ Vehicles admitted under this regime are free to move within Nigeria but cannot be sold, leased, transferred, modified, or used for commercial purposes. At the point of exit, travellers should present the vehicle and the approved customs Temporary Admission Declaration. In the event of an accident, theft, or breakdown, the nearest Customs office should be notified immediately for documentation and guidance.
“ The NCS, therefore, reaffirms its commitment to transparency and accountability while facilitating legitimate travel. This initiative strengthens h Nigeria’s role in cross-border cooperation and ensures compliance with existing regulations to enhance security and efficiency”.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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Maritime

APAPA CUSTOMS RECORDS N2.9TR REVENUE IN 2025

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2 weeks ago

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January 12, 2026

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The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated a total revenue of ?2.93trn in 2025, representing a 24.32 per cent growth from the ?2,357 trillion collected in 2024, reinforacing it’s position as the nation’s leading revenue hub.
In a statement issued by the commands spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, Controller of the command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, attributed the achievement to effective leadership, disciplined manpower and the strategic deployment of technology under the guidance of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
 He also commended compliant stakeholders whose lawful trade practices contributed significantly to the revenue growth. Oshoba noted that a major contributor to the success was the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which enhanced transparency, efficiency and accountability in cargo clearance processes.
He added that regular performance reviews and timely revenue recovery measures further strengthened collections.
 In the area of trade facilitation, Oshoba said the Command intensified stakeholder sensitisation following the rollout of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and expanded the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative to ensure faster processing and release of compliant cargoes.
He said efforts are also at an advanced stage to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanning system, a non-intrusive technology capable of scanning up to 200 containers per hour. In the area of enforcement, Oshoba said the command intercepted 53 containers laden with illicit drugs and prohibited items, including cocaine, Canadian Loud, tramadol, and expired pharmaceuticals with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N12.6 billion. Some of the interceptions, he said, were handed over to relevant agencies such as NDLEA and NAFDAC for further investigation and possible prosecution. Looking ahead, Comptroller Oshoba expressed optimism that the Command would achieve more greater revenue milestone in 2026, driven by deeper implementation of B’Odogwu, AEO, and OSS, stronger intelligence-led enforcement, and expanded collaboration with sister agencies.
 Comptroller Oshoba further assured stakeholders of enhanced engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and the media to promote transparency, compliance and seamless trade at the nation’s busiest port.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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Maritime

MARITIME JOURNALISTS TO HONOUR EX-NIWA MD,OYEBAMIJI OVER MEDIA SUPPORT 

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2 weeks ago

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January 12, 2026

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A Coalition of Maritime Journalists has announced plans to pay a courtesy visit to the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, by the third week of January 2026.
 According to the Coalition, the visit is aimed at formally appreciating Mr. Oyebamiji for his remarkable support to the maritime media during his tenure as NIWA Managing Director, as well as to congratulate and wish him well on his recent political nomination.
The journalists disclosed that the visit will also serve as an opportunity to present a formal letter nominating Mr. Oyebamiji for the award of Most Media-Friendly CEO, in recognition of his consistent openness, accessibility, and commitment to strengthening media engagement within the maritime sector.
 Discussions will also be held to agree on a mutually convenient date for the conferment of the award.
 Members of the Coalition noted that Mr. Oyebamiji’s three-year tenure at NIWA marked a significant departure from routine media relations, as he deliberately encouraged journalists to go beyond desk reporting.
 He consistently supported field coverage, enabling maritime reporters to visit project sites, waterways, jetties, and operational areas to gain first-hand understanding of industry issues. A senior maritime journalist, Frank Meke speaking on behalf of the Coalition, said Mr. Oyebamiji “believed that informed reporting comes from direct exposure,” adding that his administration ensured journalists were not confined to press statements but were actively exposed to real-time developments across Nigeria’s inland waterways.
 The Coalition further recalled that part of Mr. Oyebamiji’s vision was to expand the exposure of the maritime press by facilitating visits to coastal states across the country.
This, they said, was designed to equip journalists with practical insights that would enable them to offer informed analysis and constructive advisory input to government and industry stakeholders. Maritime Journalists, Tola Adenubi, innocent Orok, Yusuf Babalola and Joshua Yousouph acknowledged Mr. Oyebamiji’s assurances that his cordial relationship with the maritime press would be sustained if elected Governor of Osun State.
 They noted his recognition of Osun State as the custodial home of the globally celebrated Osun Festival and the Osun River, underscoring the continued relevance of environmental, cultural, and waterways-related reporting in the state.
 “He understands the strategic role of the media, especially the maritime press, in shaping public understanding and policy direction.
 He has assured us that the same openness, respect, and encouragement we enjoyed at NIWA will continue,” Frank Meke, a veteran journalist close to Niwa remarked.
 The Coalition described the planned visit as both a gesture of gratitude and a reaffirmation of the vital partnership between public office holders and the media in promoting transparency, development, and informed governance.
 Further details on the visit and the award ceremony will be communicated in due course, the coalition spokesman, Joshua Yousouph said.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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