Maritime
Customs Intercepts 250 Bags Of Foreign Rice, Others In Kebby
The Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna State, have intercepted 250 bags of foreign parboiled rice hidden in a fuel tanker in Kebbi State.
The raid was made in one of its major anti-smuggling operations in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Comptroller of the Unit, Aliyu Alkali, and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Saidu Nuruddeen.
Alkali, who commended the officers for their vigilance and professionalism, said the operation underscored the NCS’s renewed resolve to suppress smuggling, protect local industries, and enforce Nigerian Customs laws.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his continued support and congratulated him on the extension of his tenure by President Bola Tinubu.
He described the extension as “well-deserved” and hailed the Comptroller General’s “visionary leadership and contributions to repositioning the NCS in line with global best practices.”
The statement also noted that on July 17, 2025 the Unit handed over a large consignment of seized pharmaceuticals and chemicals to regulatory agencies in Kaduna.
He listed the items handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to include 58,740 sachets of 100mg and 50mg medicaments and 27 cartons of Analgin injection.
“Additionally, three sacks of Riodin chemical, containing 990 pieces, were transferred to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Alkali said the handovers were in line with the CGC’s directive to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and safeguard public health and the environment.
He urged continued support from the public and reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders and advancing national economic growth.
The statement further noted that the impounded rice was valued at N20.51 million.
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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has commended the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Executive Secretary, NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, made the commendation during a courtesy visit by MARAN’s executives, led by the President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, to the NSC’s Headquarters in Lagos.
Akutah praised MARAN’s role in news dissemination and described the Association as a critical stakeholder of the NSC.
He welcomed MARAN’s planned seminar on War Risk Insurance Premium, stating that it was a laudable step towards developing the maritime sector.
The Secretary noted the efforts of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in ensuring that the maritime sector contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
Earlier, President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, informed the Executive Secretary about the Association’s plan to hold a seminar on War Risk Insurance Premium and sought the NSC’s support.
Bivbere, who described NSC as Port Economic Regulator, said it will contribute significantly in making the event a reality.
The NSC boss and MARAN’s leadership emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two organizations to drive development in the maritime sector.
Dr. Akutah’s commendation and support for MARAN’s activities demonstrate the potential for a fruitful partnership between the NSC and MARAN.
The Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Provisionary Committee for the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG), Captain Noah Ichaba, has commended the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his tireless efforts in driving the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard through the ongoing legislative processes in the 10th National Assembly.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Information, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Captain Ichaba noted the urgent need for collaboration among relevant maritime agencies in the fight against incessant boat mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways.
He noted that when established, the Coast Guard would be in a better position to enforce marine safety standards to save lives and property on waterways.
The statement further said the facilitating team for the establishment of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard would continue to work in synergy with the Federal Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and other critical stakeholders to actualise the passage of the Nigerian Coast Guard Bill before the 10th National Assembly.
Ichaba described the recent nationwide distribution of life jackets to riverine and coastal communities as a step in the right direction.
He insisted that the formation of a National Boat Design Policy to standardise permitted vessel types, and the implementation of mandatory certification and training for boat operators would minimise incidents of boat mishaps in Nigeria.
The leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) says it would partner with the Ports Authority Police, Western Command, Apapa, to enhance safety and operational efficiency at the ports.
President General, MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, disclosed this when he led members of the Union’s National Executive Council on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola, in Lagos.
Comrade Abi also commended the Command’s efforts in maintaining security across port facilities and expressed the Union’s readiness to deepen its cooperation with the Police.
He pledged MWUN’s commitment to support law enforcement initiatives, promoting discipline among members, and fostering industrial harmony within the maritime space.
The meeting, the labour leader said, served as a platform to reinforce collaboration between the maritime workforce and law enforcement to enhance safety at the ports.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Ishola, acknowledged the Union’s crucial role in the port system and welcomed its commitment to peace and collaboration.
He noted that effective port security hinges on active stakeholder engagement and assured the delegation of the Command’s continued support and impartial enforcement of the law.
The meeting ended with parties agreeing on the need for constant communication and joint efforts to tackle emerging security challenges in the maritime corridor.
By: Chinedu Wosu
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