Maritime

‘Police Illegally Invade ANLCA Secretariat’

Published

4 years ago

February 21, 2022

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) says the Police have illegally invaded its secretariat,
ANLCA alleged that expelled members of the Association, led by Taiwo Mustapha, deceived the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with a court injuction obtained in 2019 to invade the association’s secretariat.
Briefing journalists in Lagos recently, ANLCA Vice President, Dr Kayode Farinto and Secretary General, Mukaila Babatunde, said the court had in 2019 vacated the injunction the Taiwo Mustapha group allegedly used in deceiving the Nigeria Police to seal up the association’s secretariat.
They also disclosed that the plaintiff had expressed readiness for out of court settlement before the invasion of their secretariat on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022.
The group, however, expressed readiness to petition the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, over alleged illegal invasion by some police officers and hoodlums allegedly led by expelled board Chairman, Taiwo Mustapha.
Speaking during the briefing, Farinto stated that the NPF goofed for not carrying out thorough investigation before being used by expelled members to carry out the illegal act on the national secretariat.
On his part, the National Secretary of the Association, Babatunde Mukaila, informed that the attack on the secretariat was carried out without bailiff from the court, hence that the sealing of the secretariat was illegal.
He informed that the attack on the secretariat was carried out while some members of the NECOM where at the National Assembly on the invitation of Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Customs & Excise duty, Rep Leke Abejide, to speak on the CBN’s new policy on e-invoicing.
Mukaila informed that the Police were deceived with a court order obtained in 2019 purportedly trying to unseat the Tony Iju led NECOM.
He, however, said the order was challenged in court after 14 days stating that the case is in court and as such cannot be used as a ground to seal up the secretariat.
He also disclosed that the hoodlums beat up members of staff including corp members at the ANLCA secretariat.
“We were told they came with three policemen from Festac and multitude of hoodlums who came with daggers and all sort.
“They broke the padlocks, destroyed the main gate, went to the main entrance, destroy whatever they can destroy and they deflated all the car tyres, beat up all the people they met, including corp members.
“The result is what everyone now knows: that Taiwo Muatapha led the gang that purportedly took over the secretariat without any warrant.
“I want to state that there was no court bailiff present at that premises because if court is coming to enforce judgement with the police, the bailiff of the court ought to be there.
“After that, they left and position those three policemen and truck load of soldiers there.
“On arrival from Abuja, we move straight to the Area Command in Festac but, unfortunately the Area Commander had closed but we met some officers who were able to give us hint about what happened.
“According to the officer, the court order that was gotten in August 2019 purportedly trying to unseat the Tony Iju NECOM that was challenged after 14 days with the case still in court was the same order Mustapha purportedly presented to the Inspector General as being valid and still in force.
“So the IG ordered the AIG Zone 2, the AIG then ordered the Area Command, the Area Command then ordered the DPO to enforce that order, but today we’ve been with the Area Command and the DPO to prove our case that the order is a spent order, so it is not supposed to be in the interest of Police without inviting the other party .
“The interesting truth about the order is that the plaintiff, Obokun freight forwarder, told their counsel that they aren’t interested in the case anymore rather they want out of court settlement.
“We have the certified true copy of that proceeding of the court where their lawyers pronounced that they want out of court settlement and that the judge is giving us four weeks to seat together”, he explained.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Maritime

NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports.

The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tincan Island Port; and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place.

The petition was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator, 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF.

NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria.

According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, reported and independently observed what it described as a pattern of misconduct involving Maritime Police personnel around the nation’s seaports.

The petition alleged that officers issue container blockage letters to shipping lines and terminals through the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, allegedly demanding payments before release orders are subsequently issued.

It further listed alleged practices including extortion, described as demanding and receiving money or other documents from freight forwarders, drivers and agents as a condition for the release or unhindered passage of cargo.

The association also alleged intimidation and harassment, including verbal abuse, threats, unlawful arrest and detention, seizure of documents and, in some instances, physical assault.

NAGAFF said such activities could obstruct trade facilitation by causing avoidable delays, port congestion and disruption of supply chains, contrary to the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.

It also argued that the alleged unofficial payments and additional charges ultimately increase the cost of doing business, with the burden transferred to importers, exporters and consumers.

In its petition, NAGAFF cited several laws and regulatory instruments which it said underscore the need for clearly defined roles and lawful conduct within the port environment.

The association referenced Sections 4 and 5 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act and the Customs Service Act 2023.

It also cited the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business Executive Orders and National Action Plan on Business Environment Reforms, as well as constitutional provisions relating to dignity, personal liberty and freedom from discrimination and unlawful obstruction in the conduct of lawful business.

NAGAFF warned that the alleged activities could undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, discourage investment in the maritime and logistics sectors and weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The association further argued that the alleged conduct was inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The freight forwarders’ body requested the Inspector-General of Police to order an immediate investigation into the allegations and direct the cessation of what it described as unlawful container blockage, extortion, intimidation and harassment by Maritime Police officers at the affected ports.

It also called for the constitution of a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NAGAFF to monitor and enforce compliance with lawful conduct at the ports.

The association further requested that any officers found culpable after investigation be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, criminal proceedings in accordance with applicable Police Force regulations and the laws of the Federation.

NAGAFF also asked the police authorities to issue clear guidelines on the lawful scope of Maritime Police engagement at seaports and grant the petitioners an opportunity to be heard with further evidence in support of the petition.

Additionally, it called for a clear distinction between the functions and jurisdictional boundaries of the Maritime Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ports.

The association stressed that it was not opposed to legitimate police operations at the nation’s ports, but insisted that such operations must remain within the law and should not turn legitimate cargo clearance processes into avenues for unlawful financial gains.

“We are not opposed to legitimate police operations at the ports. We only demand that such operations be conducted strictly within the purview of our extant laws, without turning legitimate cargo clearance into an avenue for unlawful financial gains,” the association stated in the petition.

NAGAFF said it remained willing to provide further particulars, documentary evidence and witness accounts to assist any investigation arising from the petition.

Maritime

Marine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, describing the development as a major milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Oyetola said the presidential assent to the legislation would pave the way for the establishment of a dedicated, robust and independent economic regulator for the nation’s ports, capable of promoting transparency, efficiency and competitiveness.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the Minister expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming the maritime industry and unlocking the immense potential of the Blue Economy.

According to Oyetola, the presidential assent is a significant step towards building a globally competitive maritime economy and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

“I thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for assenting to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, 2026, paving the way for a dedicated, robust and independent economic regulator for our ports,” Oyetola stated.

He explained that the legislation would provide a stronger legal basis for the regulation of tariffs, charges, competition, licensing and the resolution of commercial disputes within the port industry.

The Minister noted that the establishment of an independent economic regulator would bring greater certainty, transparency and efficiency to port operations, thereby enhancing investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“This landmark legislation will strengthen the regulation of tariffs, charges, competition, licensing and commercial disputes, bringing greater certainty, transparency and efficiency to Nigeria’s port sector,” he said.

Industry stakeholders have long advocated for an independent port economic regulator to address concerns over arbitrary charges, promote fair competition among operators and ensure a more transparent and predictable business environment.

Maritime

Apapa Ports Manager Advocates Woman Involvement In MWP Bootcamp

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Ports Complex Manager, Mr. Debo Lawal, has urged participants at the 6th annual Maritime Writes Project (MWP) Creative Writing Bootcamp to use their voices to promote Nigeria’s maritime and port sector as an industry that embraces inclusion.

Lawal, who was Special Guest of Honour at the Opening of the 2026 bootcamp at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Apapa Port, Lagos, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity to highlight the growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated maritime roles.

He noted that there are more than 10 female crane operators in Lagos port, alongside female tugboat pilots and numerous other women working across in the port.

According to him, the growing presence of women in operational and technical positions demonstrates that the maritime sector offers opportunities for women and should be portrayed as an inclusive industry.

Lawal formally opened the bootcamp, which brings together young writers, maritime stakeholders, academics and mentors under the theme, “Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Life at Sea.”

The Head of Faculty for the 2026 edition and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adeleke University, Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, urged participants to use the bootcamp to develop their individual voices and understand the discipline required to produce original works.

“We welcome you not merely to a training programme, but to a mission: to grow literary talent through maritime storytelling, and to deepen Nigeria’s maritime consciousness through the power of the written word,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Director, International Ocean Institute-Nigeria Centre (IOI-Nigeria), Mr. Akanbi Williams, commended MWP for combining creative writing with practical exposure to the maritime sector.

The Institute, which has partnered with MWP for five years, urged participants to “observe, listen, question, learn and write,” stressing the importance of looking beyond ships, ports and waterways to the people, communities and livelihoods connected to the maritime environment.

It said storytelling could help communicate maritime knowledge to wider audiences, particularly young Nigerians, while encouraging greater understanding of the sector and the blue economy.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Maritime Writes Project, Ezinne Azunna, said the initiative was designed to bridge creative writing and maritime awareness by exposing young writers to the realities of the sector.

She said participants would engage with maritime professionals, facilities and communities, enabling them to develop stories grounded in authentic industry experiences.

The 2026 theme draws attention to the significance of maritime chokepoints to global trade, diplomacy, economics and human activities. Mentorship sessions and facility tours are designed to help participants develop stories based on real maritime experiences.

For returning participants, the impact of MWP extends beyond creative writing.

One of the project’s alumni, Uche Ohiaeri, who returned for the 2026 edition, said her participation in the programme in 2022 transformed her confidence and broadened her interests from creative writing to environmental conservation and community development.

Ohiaeri recalled that she initially joined because she simply enjoyed writing, but the experience challenged her to ask deeper questions about the ocean, the environment and communities connected to them.

She subsequently became involved in conservation activities at her school, where she taught younger students, and eventually wrote her first book.

According to her, the programme gave her the confidence to explore opportunities she had not previously considered and showed her that creative writing could serve as an entry point into wider environmental and civic engagement.

The Maritime Writes Project has previously held sessions in Lagos, Osun an

d Rivers states and has produced three published anthologies featuring 17 stories by past participants.

The organisers noted that African writers remain significantly under-represented in maritime fiction and that MWP is encouraging a new generation of Nigerian writers to explore stories around the ocean, shipping, coastal communities and the blue economy.

by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos