By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Tuesday, showered accolades on Comptroller Deraa Nnadi, Customs Area Controller, Tincan Port Command, for his sterling performance and exceptional leadership attributes for which the Service is set to bestow on him a special award.

The CGC who was at the Tincan Customs Command in Lagos to commission the renovated office complex completely remodelled and modernized under the leadership of Comptroller Nnadi, never hid his admiration for an idea and a job well executed. He recalled what structures at the Tincan Command were like years back when he was employed in the Command as a young customs officer and described the renovation as an award-winning effort never to be forgotten in a hurry. He hailed stakeholders for the huge assistance which made the project realizable.

“I acknowledge all of you, stakeholders, who have contributed to deliver this project. We are very happy with you and will continue to extend the frontiers of collaboration not only in these kind of spheres but also to deepen them in our operations to ensure that we deliver better services to our country.”

Between the Customs and other agencies of government, he noted, huge potentials for collaboration exist.
The government is working on a single window to bring all into an automated platform to provide regulatory oversight and operational generalization in a very fast and efficient manner.

Expressing sincere thanks to stakeholders including customs agents, terminal operators, shipping companies and others that made the renovation possible, he urged them not to relent, going forward, as “the more we work together, the easier and more efficient we are going to be”.

“All of us bring different attributes to the table, and in a modern organization, we tap into the strength of each and every one of us. We ensure that we reduce duplication and optimize the resources we can get for maximum objectives.

“We have seen this work out in several ways in the last one year. Our revenue generation is nothing but the product of deliberate collaboration with all our stakeholders. When we get intelligence about things that threaten our security, it is a product of collaboration. I am very, very happy that our officers in all the commands—it’s the same story I hear in Apapa, in PTML, in Airports, in Lekki—that we have created an environment that allows us to collaborate and work more effectively with other agencies of government.”

“I am indeed very delighted about this. What we are seeing today is also the product of collaboration.
Our stakeholders are now stepping forward to say they can help us improve the quality of our workplace. I am indeed very, very happy that what we have is a demonstration that collaboration pays.”
He urged other Area Controllers to emulate Comptroller Nnadi’s initiative by engaging stakeholders to drive projects that can create great impact.

Going down memory lane to highlight the historical significance of the renovation, Comptroller Nnadi recalled that since the Tincan Port Command began operation in 1977, no major infrastructural modernization had taken place.

“For decades, our officers worked within outdated infrastructure. Today, we witness a transformation that symbolizes a future committed to service excellence.”

As 2024 rushes to end, he announced, the Tincan Island Port Command achieved what he described as a milestone revenue generation of N1.225 trillion, the first in history, representing a significant increase from N639.7 billion collected in the corresponding period last year.

“This remarkable feat highlights the dedication of our officers and the collaboration efforts with stakeholders. It reaffirms our commitment to maximizing revenue collection for national growth.”

Nnadi also referred to the war against smuggling and the huge progress being made with remarkable seizures of illicit arms, unregulated pharmaceuticals and other prohibited goods. These efforts, he stated, underscore the Command’s commitment to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and security interests. He called on stakeholders to maintain the renovated complex while supporting the Command’s efforts.

“This facility, though newly renovated, is still a work-in-progress. By working together, we can sustain the high standards we have set for ourselves and ensure that Tincan Island Port Command remains a symbol of excellence in customs administration.”

Highlight of the commissioning event was the special recognition the CGC gave to 97 year-old Pa J.F Brigue, the pioneer Customs Area Controller of Tincan Port Command.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Dr Anthony Onoharigho, Deputy Registrar, Liberian Maritime Authority, has described transportation and logistics as key sectors that will help the country achieve the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) objectives.

Onoharigho was speaking in Lagos, Thursday, during the second edition of the Martime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) with the theme ‘AfCFTA – Dismantling Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade’.

“The transport sector is undermined. To move goods within the country is a problem and now thinking about Africa, so we need to make things seamless by removing barriers.

“We have a competitive advantage by being producers of oil in the country but the constraint also is that we do not have vessels to move the oil outside the country,” he regretted.

In his contribution, Dr Alban Igwe, member, United Nations Committee on Trade and Transport Location, noted that the country had all the opportunities to be a logistics hub if all barriers are removed.
Igwe added that there was need to dismantle everything that was pulling the country back so that it could get its share of the global cake.

“Todays’ conversation is very important; it is a wakeup call for Nigeria as the country is under a global threat. Other African blocs are doing well, while Nigeria is struggling,” he said.

Also contributing, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services, Tantita Security Services, Nigeria Ltd., noted that with AfCFTA, a future exists for manufacturers.
Enisuoh urged manufacturers to start thinking about Carbon Registry, adding that if Nigeria could organise themselves for this, they could have a National Carbon Credit to their benefit.

Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, maritime security expert and President, Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO) urged the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure that customs duty on vessel acquisition is removed instead of focusing on National Shipping Line.

“We cannot trade in Africa using our roads successfully. To make acquisition of vessels to be cost effective, all barriers hindering the acquisition of vessels should be eliminated,” he said.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Sola Adewunmi, President, Nigerian Shipowners Association, noted that the lecture was a good development but asked how prepared was Nigeria in trading on AfCFTA.
Adewunmi said that people are losing money due to bad policies, inadequate funding, urging that for Nigeria to be a shipping nation, incentives should be given.

Earlier, Godfrey Bivbere, President, MARAN, noted that by breaking down barriers hindering AfCFTA and fostering closer economic ties, the country would pave the way for unprecedented opportunities, growth and prosperity.

“Today’s discussion will explore how the country can collectively tackle challenges, leverage opportunities presented by AfCFTA, and position Nigeria and Africa at large to benefit from the estimated $3.4 trillion trade opportunities.

“To maximise the benefits of AfCFTA, Nigeria must address critical requirements such as improved trade infrastructure, efficient procedure, capacity building, investment in maritime assets and leveraging technology and innovation to facilitate trade.

“Intra-African trade currently stands at just 10 per cent. With AfCFTA, there are projections to raise this to 20 per cent and for this happen, we must ensure free and efficient movement of goods across borders through vehicles, railways, ships and trucks,” he declared.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has called for robust support for the Nigerian Military in the current efforts to combat insecurity since there cannot be national development in the absence of peace.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 45th International Trade Fair organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), the Minister highlighted that an improved security situation in the country will pave the way for enhanced economic prosperity. He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to restore peace and stability and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the government with prayers while maintaining confidence in the security forces, whose unwavering dedication is crucial to sustaining these achievements.

As a former National President and now Lifetime National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Minister Badaru’s participation underscores his strong ties to the business community and a commitment to promote economic development in Nigeria. His longstanding relationship with KACCIMA further emphasizes his dedication to advancing trade and industry within the region, a statement by Henshaw Ogubuike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence said.

The trade fair attracted numerous dignitaries, including representatives from the Office of the Vice President and the Governor of Kano State, as well as prominent business leaders from both Nigeria and abroad. This event serves as a vital platform for fostering economic cooperation and investment, with a particular focus on diversifying Nigeria’s economy through non-oil exports.

Minister Badaru commended KACCIMA for its dedication to organizing this annual trade fair and reiterated that such initiatives are essential for strengthening Nigeria’s economy. He emphasized the critical role of non-oil exports in achieving the nation’s diversification goals and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in harnessing Nigeria’s vast export potential.

Minister Badaru’s presence at the trade fair highlights its significance as a key driver for economic growth, innovation, and international business connections, positioning Kano as a central hub for commerce and industry in Nigeria.