Connect with us

Maritime

Navy Boosts NDLEA Operations With Two Speed Boats

Published

4 years ago

on

In a bid to check the ills of anti- narcotics in Nigeria, the Nigerian Navy Service (NNS), Western Naval Command, Apapa, has donated two Epenal boats and other operational equipment to National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the ongoing  synergy between the anti-narcotic agency and other stakeholders, especially the military, will further tighten the noose on drug cartels and spell doom for their activities in the country.
The NDLEA boss, who was represented by the Director of Seaports Operations, Omolade Faboyede at the event, described the gesture as symbolic and beginning of an era of stronger ties between both institutions.
“The agency is determined to cripple the activities of drug cartels on every front.
.”We do not doubt that the combination of naval and narcotics strategies will spell doom for drug barons in the coming days. NDLEA will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders as we tighten the noose on drug criminals.
“I am particularly pleased with the prompt response to my request for materiel that could help to strengthen the Marine Unit of NDLEA as part of a sweeping effort to protect Nigerian waters from the trafficking of illicit drug substances.
“The synergy between the Navy and NDLEA, as exemplified by this ceremony, is a testament that we are winning the drug war on the waterfront within the broad goal of preventing drug cartels from smuggling narcotics into our country through airports, land borders, and seaports”, he said.
He continued that “we have come to a point where security organisations can no longer afford to work in silos. Illicit drug trafficking, as a transnational organised crime, requires the deployment of intelligence and close-knit collaboration with key stakeholders like the Nigerian Navy and other security organisations.
“In our effort to stem the tide of narcotic drugs, we have gone the extra mile and that includes the pursuit of synergy with organisations in the security sector,” Marwa said.
Citing some gains of partnership with other stakeholders in 2021, he stated that “so far, our efforts in one year showed that the strategy is effective.
“In 2021, we recorded the arrest of more than 12,300 suspected drug offenders, including seven drug barons with 1,400 drug traffickers jailed.
“We were able to also counsel and rehabilitate 8,000 drug users and in the same period, we mopped up over 3.4 million kilograms of assorted drugs. Interestingly, drugs and illicit proceeds of drug crime worth N130 billion were successfully recovered.
“This year equally started on an excellent footing. We broke our first quarter operational record with the arrest of over 3,539 suspected drug traffickers (including rogue security personnel and a well-known billionaire baron), and the seizure of more than 65,916 kilograms of drugs”, Marwa said
While thanking the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, and other service chiefs for supporting the nation’s drug war, Marwa expressed confidence that the partnership with the navy would produce “more outstanding result’s in the fight against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Maritime

Calabar Free Trade Zone: Customs Collaborates Sisters Agency To Fight Smuggling 

Published

7 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intensified efforts to combat smuggling, strengthen border and maritime security, and facilitate legitimate trade through closer collaboration with security agencies and private-sector operators.q
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller, Dr Nkiru Nwala, led delegations to the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Eastern Naval Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to strengthen institutional relationships and improve operational coordination.
The engagements focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, protection of critical national assets, road safety, maritime security and compliance with Customs regulations.
Speaking during the visits, Nwala emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among security agencies to address smuggling and other criminal activities, protect government revenue and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
She noted that  geographical characteristics of the Command’s operational environment, which encompasses land borders, coastal communities and maritime routes, made collaboration particularly important in tackling illicit activities and emerging security threats.
At the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Customs delegation was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena.
The discussions highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation in securing border areas, combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Customs delegation stressed that intelligence sharing, timely communication and coordinated enforcement operations would strengthen the effectiveness of both agencies and improve security across the region.
Similarly, during a visit to the Eastern Naval Command, where the delegation was received on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding by the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim, Nwala underscored the complementary responsibilities of Customs and the Nigerian Navy in securing the country’s maritime environment.
She noted that closer collaboration was necessary to prevent the exploitation of waterways for smuggling and other illicit activities, while strengthening maritime enforcement and protecting legitimate trade.
The engagement also highlighted the need for effective communication and operational coordination between the two agencies to address emerging challenges in the coastal and maritime environment.
At the Cross River State Command of the NSCDC, the delegation was received by the State Commandant, CE Okarazu.
Nwala highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing security challenges, protecting critical national assets and ensuring the effective discharge of the agencies’ respective statutory responsibilities.
She called for stronger communication channels, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to tackle emerging threats and safeguard national economic interests.
The Customs chief also stressed the importance of cooperation with the FRSC in promoting road safety, facilitating legitimate trade and securing transportation routes within the Command’s area of responsibility.
Received by the Cross River Sector Commander, Corps Commander IT Etuk, the delegation discussed the importance of safer roads and efficient transportation networks to Customs enforcement activities and the movement of goods.
Nwala noted that road transportation remained critical to Customs operations, adding that improved coordination between the two agencies would enhance operational efficiency, promote road safety and support the smooth movement of legitimate commerce.
Beyond security partnerships, the Command also engaged the private sector, visiting Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited to strengthen stakeholder relations and improve trade facilitation.
The company’s Base Manager, Mr Larry Idehen, received the delegation.
During the meeting, Nwala emphasised the important role of logistics operators in facilitating cargo movement, supporting supply chains and promoting efficient commercial activities.
She urged operators to uphold transparency, maintain accurate documentation and comply with relevant Customs laws and regulations, noting that compliance would help prevent infractions, improve operational efficiency and protect government revenue.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Maritime

Oyetola Presents Gazetted NPERA Act, Logo  —–Reaffirms Commitment To Port Reforms 

Published

7 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr.Adegboyega Oyetola has Unveils the newly gazetted Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency ( NPERA ) Act, 2026, alongside the agency’s official logo, describing the development as a significant milestone in strengthening Port regulation, boost investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
Oyetola made the disclosure on Friday at the Third quarter 2026 Citizens ‘and stakeholders engagement of Marine and Blue Economy, held in Victoria Island, lagos.
The engagement, themed “Building Strategic Bilateral Partnerships for Sustainable Growth, Investment, and Technology of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy,” brought together government officials, industry leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities and reforms in the sector.
The minister said the enactment of the NPERA Act, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent in June 2026, established a substantive statutory framework for port economic regulation after nearly two decades of efforts to institutionalise the function.
He disclosed that he had directed the immediate constitution of a ministerial committee to oversee the transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which had served as interim port economic regulator since 2014, into the new agency.
According to him, NPERA will be responsible for regulating tariffs and charges, promoting competition, enforcing service standards, resolving commercial disputes and protecting port users’ interests.
“The credibility of an economic regulator rests, in no small measure, on its independence, impartiality and freedom from responsibilities that could give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest,” Oyetola said.
He directed the agency to operate as an impartial arbiter, free from competing regulatory and operational responsibilities.
On port infrastructure, the minister highlighted plans to modernise Apapa, Tin Can Island, Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports, stressing that the programme would ensure balanced development across the country.
“No part of our national port system will be left behind in this modernisation programme,” he declared, adding that ports outside Lagos are equally important to Nigeria’s economic future.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the development of the Ibom, Bakassi, Agge, Gateway, Ondo and Bonny Deep Seaports to expand maritime capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub.
On maritime security, Oyetola said Nigeria had maintained zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters through the Deep Blue Project.
He described the lifting of the 12-year United States Coast Guard Condition of Entry on vessels arriving from Nigeria in August 2026 as a major achievement.
The development, he said, reflected progress in maritime security and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
The minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to indigenous shipping, disclosing that he had directed the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to work with approved Primary Lending Institutions to accelerate the processing and disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund to qualified applicants.
Emphasising international cooperation, the minister cited Nigeria’s election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization Council in November 2025 and ongoing engagements with Denmark, India, Norway and the United Kingdom.
“Our approach to international cooperation is purposeful and results-oriented,” he said, noting that partnerships must strengthen local capabilities and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Maritime

NAGAFF President Charges PTML Executives On Accountability 

Published

7 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has charged executives and members of the association’s Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Chapter to embrace unity, transparency and accountable leadership to strengthen the association’s operations.
Ezisi gave the charge Thursday, during a working visit to the PTML Chapter, aimed at strengthening internal relationships, promoting collaboration among members and enhancing cooperation with key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
During the visit to the PTML Customs Command, the NAGAFF president urged the command to report any unprofessional conduct by members or executives of the association, stressing the importance of discipline and professionalism in freight forwarding practice.
He also congratulated Nura Miko on his promotion and appointment as Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, urging him to maintain a cordial relationship with the chapter’s leadership and provide the necessary support to facilitate its activities.
Responding, Miko commended NAGAFF for distinguishing itself among freight forwarding associations through its organisational structure and approach to industry engagement.
He assured Ezisi and his delegation of the command’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment, describing the command as a community where stakeholders must work together to achieve common objectives.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy National President of NAGAFF, Mr Simeon Nwonu, expressed appreciation to Miko for his reception and described him as a man of his word.
At the NAGAFF PTML Chapter’s temporary secretariat, Ezisi thanked the chapter’s leadership and members for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation.
He reiterated the need for transparency, unity and mutual support, urging members to rally behind the chapter chairman and his executive team to ensure the success of their administration.
Earlier, the PTML Chapter Chairman, Fwdr. Thomas Alor, assured the national leadership of his administration’s commitment to membership mobilisation, members’ welfare and accountability to the national headquarters.
Alor pledged to discharge his leadership responsibilities diligently, assuring the national leadership that his administration would work towards achieving the chapter’s objectives.
Also speaking, the PTML Chapter Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Odinanwata Nwarienne, commended NAGAFF’s leadership for its efforts to promote seamless cargo movement and improve operational efficiency within the maritime sector.
The visit also featured a celebration in honour of Ezisi, as members of the PTML Chapter joined in celebrating the national president in recognition of his leadership.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the national leadership to interact directly with chapter executives and members, reinforce the association’s expectations and strengthen relationships with customs officials and other industry stakeholders.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Continue Reading

Trending