Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF Tasks Finance Ministry On Drop In Customs Revenue, Offers Solutions.
____—
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has asked the Federal Government to urgently address issues that have led to a 6 – 7% embarrassing drop in revenue being generated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
These issues, the freight forwarding body pointed out, include the exclusion of First Bank from import duty collection, importers’ apprehension regarding the policies of the in- coming government and the import duty exemption granted to multinationals.
National Coordinator of the interventionist outfit, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, revealed these in Lagos, Thursday.
On the First Bank issue, he suggested an alternative area code to zero duty payment and transactions reconciliation using other banks.
“We plead with customers to hold on as the matter is between the Federal Government and banks.”
There’s a need for government intervention and Customs should come up with a solution, he suggested.
On whether or not the ports will be grounded if this is not addressed, he said shutting down the ports is not a big deal. “Doing this is secondary; Nigerians are stressed up and everybody is looking for a reason.”
He called for an urgent need for government intervention.
On the training and retraining of freight forwarders, he said it is the responsibility of the Customs.
“Is NAGAFF supposed to shoulder the responsibility of training freight forwarders to be able to understand Customs language? Customs should take full responsibility for this task because the advantages are customs-related.”
“We appeal to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd) to assist in the training of young freight forwarders. This is to enable them to fully understand customs process and operations, turning them into bonafide professionals,” he added.
The Task Team Coordinator said for some time, the body has not been as active as it is used to. It needed time to sort out internal problems and reorganize for proper service delivery.
‘We needed to rearrange our house including weeding out task team members who became stumbling blocks in our efforts to move forward.”
He called on the Finance Minister to review the import duty payment exemption being enjoyed by multinational companies.
Alhaji Tanko said Nigeria does not need to depend on importation while neglecting local production of imported goods.
He advised the Finance Minister not to attribute the decline in revenue generation to the Customs Service.
Tanko expressed worry that an unfair pressure on NCS to generate more revenue may lead the officials to overburden freight forwarders with frivolous charges in a bid to meet target.
“For more than 2 weeks, Customs have blocked the processing of Form M from First Bank. This has become worrisome because there is an alternative option which is generating area code to enable affected agents make the Customs duty payment and reconcile transactions using other banks. However, Customs have refused to allow port users access to this alternative.”
“The consequence of this ban and Customs refusal to use alternative options will be that the affected importers and freight agents will have to pay demurrage and storage charges arising from the delays. Customs should allow freight agents use the alternative means of payment to avoid demurrage and consequent inflation,” Tanko advised.
Worried about the country’s trade imbalance, Tanko stressed that the nation doesn’t have to continue its overdependence on importation while neglecting local industries and opportunities for exports.
Barth Okeke, NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team’s Chief of Staff and Stanley Ejiogu, Head of Operations, joined Alhaji Tanko to feature in the press engagement.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Contrary to the impression being bandied in certain quarters regarding the safety of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds (CVFF), the acruals remain intact and secure in the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria and her Single Treasury Account (TSA) arrangement.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) gave the update, November 19 in a release by the agency.
According to the Director-General, the update has become necessary to refute misleading publications alleging that the funds have disappeared from the CVFF account.
“The report of missing money is both misleading and false”, the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Edward Osagie explained in a press statement.
“For the record, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, securely held in the NIMASA account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), remains intact. There has been no disappearance of funds, and no illegal transactions, as the article suggests.
“This misinformation is a figment of the author’s imagination aimed at undermining NIMASA’s integrity, and mislead the public about the Agency’s operations.
“The Management of NIMASA will ensure that the CVFF is utilised in line with its statutory purpose”, the
NIMASA Director General stated.
Mobereola was emphatic about the state of the funds and assured stakeholders of the safety under the CVFF.
“Let us be clear that the CVFF account at the Central Bank of Nigeria is safe, intact, and secure. We at NIMASA will continue to manage it with the utmost responsibility, and there are no irregularities or illegal activities surrounding the funds”
He urged the public to disregard any false narratives and to continue trusting the Agency’s ability to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The CVFF is a fund established under section 42 of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 to promote the development of indigenous ship acquisition capacity and to provide credit facilities to local maritime operators.
NIMASA, the release assured, is committed to transparency, accountability, and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a colourful and well-attended event, Tuesday, the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service celebrated the retiring Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo. His successor, DC MS Shuaibu also received encomiums for being found worthy to take over the mantle of leadership.
Following official redeployments and movements across Customs Commands earlier in the year, it is recalled, DC Shuaibu temporarily held sway at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko. Last April, however, he handed over the reigns to Comptroller James Ojo who was newly deployed to head the Command and left to assume duties as the Coordinator of the now-disbanded Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, Southwest.
But now the table has turned, retiring Comptroller Ojo handed over the leadership baton to DC Shuaibu at the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko.
Speaking at the brief but impressive handing-over ceremony, Comptroller Ojo expressed gratitude to officers and men of the Command for the massive support and cooperation he enjoyed during his stint at the Command.
“Under my watch,” Comptroller Ojo stated, “this Command has not only enforced our mandate of revenue generation, border security and trade facilitation but has also made strides in building stronger collaborations with sister agencies and stakeholders. Together, we have intercepted illicit goods, curbed smuggling and facilitated legitimate trade. Our collective efforts have positioned the Ogun 1 Command as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture. As I retire, I must express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs for the trust reposed in me and for providing the support that enabled the Command’s successes.”
In his remarks, DC MS Shuaibu, the newly deployed controller, applauded Comptroller James Ojo for leaving a legacy of resilience, collaboration and notable achievements.
He pledged to deepen the commitment to prioritizing teamwork, innovation, and discipline among officers and men of the Command.
“I call upon all officers and stakeholders in the Command to join me in this renewed effort as the task ahead is daunting. But with unity, dedication and the grace of God, we can surmount every challenge.’’
He promised to strengthen and maintain collaboration with sister- agencies so as to ensure border security and facilitate legitimate trade.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by a cross section of notable traditional rulers from Idiroko area and beyond. Senior officers from sister-agencies in Nigeria and neighbouring Benin also graced the occasion.
Maritime Agencies
FIGHT AGAINST BANDITS, INSURGENTS: ‘We’re Recording Huge Success’, Says Matawalle.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Since the advent of the President Tinubu administration, the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgents, bandits and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State.
But for security and strategic reasons, a lot of these successes cannot be made public in order not to expose to danger the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces in the forefront of this fight.
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during an engagement with Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU).
Hadiza Bala Usman was at the Ministry of Defence to present the 2024 1st-3rd Quarters Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves were always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping. But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make the society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by the Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity. She added that regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and an evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry would do more to surpass previous quarter reports. He commended the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of the country.
CVFF Acruals Safe and Intact, Says NIMASA DG, Mobereola.
OGUN 1 CUSTOMS: CAC Ojo Bows Out, Hands Over To DC Shuaibu
Matawalle Appeals For Restraint From Critics, Commends Tinubu For Economic Reforms
FIGHT AGAINST BANDITS, INSURGENTS: ‘We’re Recording Huge Success’, Says Matawalle.
Dantsoho, NPA Boss, Inaugurates MWUN Headquarters Annexe, Pledges Port Infrastructure Upgrade.
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu For Prompt Payment Of Pensions And Other Military Entitlements.
NIWA Implores States To Collaborate To Achieve Safer Inland Waterways
ALLEGED MALTREATMENT: Seme Border Customs Sets Up Investigation.
EXPORT: Shippers’ Council Directs Terminals To Stop Collecting Delivery Charges
REWARD FOR HARDWORK: Comptroller Nnadi Shines At Awards Night, Bags Honours.
NIWA Regrets Kogi Boat Mishap After Massive Sensitization On Waterway Safety, Sets Up Inquiry
Lillypond Export Customs Impound Unprocessed Export-Bound Timber, Insists On Compliance.
TINCAN CUSTOMS: CGC Adeniyi Commissions Renovated Office Building, Lauds Comptroller Nnadi’s Sterling Performance, Stakeholders’ Collaboration.
AfCFTA: Transportation, Logistics Remain Key To Success, Industry Expert Says
Defence Minister Attends Kano International Trade Fair, Canvasses Support For The Military To Overcome Insecurity.
Tantita’s Warredi Enisuoh Bags Global Recognition From Highstone Global University, Texas, USA
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
INLAND WATERWAYS OFFERS NIGERIA ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCE, Says Sambo
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
MUAZU SAMBO: Showcasing Nigeria’s Maritime Potentials At The Global Arena
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
BENIN SEAPORT UPDATE: Edo State Government, Host Communities, Conduct Bidders To Inspect Project Site.
MAN, Oron, Kick-starts Simulator-based Training, Commends FG, NIMASA.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
Photo News: Salah Celebration
MAY DAY: NPA Should Give Us Reasons To Celebrate, Says COMTUA.
MARAN Salutes DCG Adeniyi On His Elevation As Customs Comptroller-General.
PUBLIC RELATIONS: New Image Maker Mounts the Saddle at NPA.
ACFCTA: LASG Seeks Private Sector Partnership To Boost MSMEs
NPA MARITIME CONTRACT HIJACK: Allegation Baseless, Unfounded, Says Transportation Minister
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
