Picture: Stakeholders including representatives of Shipping companies at the meeting 

 

 

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reiterated its call on shipping companies operating at the nation’s seaports to engage relevant stakeholders before implementing any increase in tariffs.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Pius Akutah, during a stakeholders’ meeting on tariff review for charges by shipping companies, service providers, clearing agents, importers, and freight forwarders, held on Wednesday at the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.
Dr Akutah, who was represented by the Director of Consumer Affairs at the NSC, Mrs Ify Okolue, said stakeholder engagement is critical to maintaining order within the port system and ensuring that Nigeria’s ports align with global best practices, while safeguarding the interests of port users and the national economy.
He explained that the Council’s mandate is to promote fairness, efficiency, and balance within the port system.
“Our role is not only to ensure that service providers operate within an economically justifiable framework, but also to protect port users from arbitrary, unjustified, or anti-competitive charges. In carrying out this responsibility, the Council is guided by due process, transparency, stakeholder consultation, and the overriding national interest.”
“It is important to emphasise that the mandate of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is to promote fairness, efficiency, and balance within the port system.”
Speaking further, Dr Akutah said the Council remains open to dialogue and is committed to ensuring equity, regulatory integrity, and the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry.
“Regulation is most effective when it is inclusive, which is why this engagement is critical. It provides us with an opportunity to listen attentively to your perspectives, clarify the rationale behind regulatory decisions, address misconceptions where they exist, and collectively explore solutions that are fair, sustainable, and beneficial to all parties.”
He acknowledged prevailing economic challenges but stressed the need to strike a balance between cost recovery and the protection of port users.
“I wish to assure all stakeholders that the Shippers’ Council is not insensitive to the prevailing economic realities, including foreign exchange challenges, inflationary pressures, and the need to keep Nigerian ports competitive within the sub-region. At the same time, we must ensure that cost recovery by service providers does not translate into excessive burdens on port users or undermine national trade objectives.”
Dr Akutah described the engagement as a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s port system.
“Today, we are not here as adversaries, but as partners in progress, united by a common goal, a port system that supports trade facilitation, attracts investment, and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development. The Council remains open to dialogue and is committed to equity, regulatory integrity, and the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry,” Akutah stated.
Stakeholders present at the meeting included the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN); Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Maritime and Freight Forwarders Unit, and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Others are, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF); National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA); and the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics (APFFLON).

Picture: L-R: Shippers Council’s Director, Inland Transport Services, Ahmadu Garta; Director, Human Resources, Mustapha Zubairu; Director, Consumer Affairs and representative of the Executive Secretary, Ify Okolue; as well as the Director, Regulatory Services, Margaret Ogbonna  during a stakeholders’ meeting on the review of shipping companies’ tariffs on Wednesday at the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.

By Foster Obi

Nigeria’s maritime industry in 2025 stood at a turning point, a year defined less by headline-grabbing drama and more by strategic realignment. With the full take-off of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, renewed emphasis on port efficiency, digitalisation, safety, and global diplomacy, the sector regained coherence. Most symbolically, Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council, after many years of absence, marked a restoration of global relevance, a diplomatic and sectoral victory achieved under the stewardship of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
The BIG PICTURE: 2025 AS A STRATEGIC RESET
Three forces shaped Nigeria’s maritime industry in 2025: Institutional consolidation, Technology-driven reform, and International re-engagement.
Cargo throughput improved modestly, port access became more orderly, piracy remained largely suppressed, and agencies moved closer to data-driven governance. However, persistent infrastructure gaps, high logistics costs, and regulatory overlaps ensured that 2025 functioned largely as a foundation year, setting the tone for 2026 as a season of delivery.
MINISTRY OF MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY: Policy authority and global return
Under Adegboyega Oyetola, the Ministry in 2025 evolved from a newly created structure into a sector coordinator and diplomatic anchor.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Consolidated oversight of maritime agencies previously operating in silos
…Advanced the National Marine and Blue Economy Policy framework
…Improved inter-agency coordination on ports, safety, and inland waterways
…Secured Nigeria’s election into the IMO Category C Council, restoring the country’s voice in global maritime governance
The IMO victory reflected sustained engagement, improved maritime security credentials, and growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reforms.
2026 PROJECTION:
…Shift from policy articulation to sector-wide execution
…Stronger push for legislative reforms and regulatory clarity
…Leveraging IMO Council membership to influence standards, attract investment, and protect national shipping interests.
Bottom line: Global credibility has been regained; 2026 will test whether influence can be converted into economic impact. Fulfillment of the promise for a national carrier will also be tested.
NIGERIA PORTS AUTHORITY (NPA): Decongestion strategy takes shape
The Nigerian Ports Authority in 2025 pursued a deliberate two-pronged strategy to confront Nigeria’s most stubborn maritime challenge… Lagos port congestion.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Expanded and institutionalised the Eto Electronic Call-Up (ETO) system, restoring order to port access corridors and easing the gridlock that had paralysed Apapa and Tin Can Island for years.
…Intensified the development and commercial repositioning of Eastern Ports, including Onne, Rivers, Warri and Calabar to divert cargo traffic from Lagos and build a more balanced national port system.
…Improved export handling processes, particularly for non-oil exports, reinforcing Nigeria’s trade diversification drive.
…Enhanced international visibility through leadership roles in global port and maritime bodies.
Rather than relying on ad-hoc traffic enforcement, the NPA embraced technology and geographic redistribution as long-term solutions.
2026 PROJECTION:
…Full integration of the ETO call-up system with the Port Community System (PCS) for end-to-end cargo and truck visibility.
…Gradual but sustained migration of cargo to Eastern Ports as infrastructure, incentives and security improve.
…Accelerated port reconstruction, dredging, and deep seaport integration.
Bottom line: By combining ETO with Eastern Ports development, NPA has laid a structural foundation for sustainable decongestion with 2026 set to test its durability.

NIMASA: SAFETY CREDIBILITY EARNED, COMMERCIAL EXPECTATIONS RISING
NIMASA’s strongest narrative in 2025 was maritime security and compliance.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Sustained suppression of piracy and sea robbery
…Digitalisation of maritime labour and safety records
…Improved international confidence in Nigeria’s maritime domain
2026 PROJECTION:
…Heightened pressure to finally deploy the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF)
…Shift towards indigenous shipping capacity development
…Stronger enforcement of environmental and labour standards
Bottom line: Safety dependency has been achieved; shipping development is now the benchmark.

NIGERIA SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL (NSC): EFFICIENCY WITHOUT FULL POWERS
The NSC recorded quiet but important gains.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Cost savings through automation, mediation, and dispute resolution
…Stronger shipper protection and data systems
2026 PROJECTION:
…Renewed advocacy for full economic regulatory authority
…Deeper involvement in tariff discipline and service quality oversight
Bottom line: NSC’s influence remains constrained by legislation. 2026 looks brighter.

NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE: Revenue Powerhouse under reform pressure
Customs remained the fiscal backbone of the maritime corridor.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Strong revenue performance
…Incremental automation and risk management improvements
…Persistent complaints over clearance delays
2026 PROJECTION:
…Deeper integration with the National Single Window
…Reduced human interface and faster cargo release
…Intensified revenue drive amid fiscal pressure
Bottom line: Trade facilitation will define Customs’ credibility in 2026.
NIWA: INLAND WATERWAYS INCH TOWARD RELEVANCE:
NIWA focused on safety and regulation in 2025.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Expanded patrols and safety training
…Clearer inland navigation rule
…. Multiple sea accidents
2026 PROJECTION:
…Greater use of waterways for cargo and passengers
…Stronger linkage with coastal ports
…Close work with the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry to eliminate regular sea fatalities.
Bottom line: NIWA needs more willpower and a clearer vision. Inland waterways could ease logistics pressure if investments materialise.

TERMINAL OPERATORS: Performance under the microscope:
Private terminal operators remained central to port operations though with baggage.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Operational improvements amid lingering inefficiencies
…Stakeholder concerns over charges and turnaround times
2026 PROJECTION:
…Tighter regulatory scrutiny and performance benchmarks
… Competitive pressure from modernising ports
Bottom line: Service delivery, not concession politics, will dominate. Restiveness by Customs agents if charges are not properly regulated.

FREIGHT FORWARDERS & CUSTOMS AGENTS: Adaptation Year
Digital transition defined the operating environment. Dialogue ensured a better working relationship but protests to address exploitation were not completely overruled.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Early benefits from automation
…Frustration with multi-agency interfaces
…Job losses due to multiple taxation.
2026 PROJECTION:
…Higher compliance standards
.. Reduced manual intervention
… Industry consolidation
…Greater push for an enabling environment
Bottom line: Digital competence becomes survival currency as the industry approaches a single window operating system.
… Unwilling minds may lose jobs from importers

Maritime WORKERS & UNIONS: Towards Data-Driven Advocacy
Labour governance matured in 2025. New leadership is still consolidating.
2025 ASSESSMENT:
…Improved worker documentation and visibility
…Ongoing welfare concerns
2026 PROJECTION:
…Evidence-based negotiations
…Greater focus on skills development and safety
Bottom line: Organised labour becomes more strategic.

2026: FROM CREDIBILITY TO
RESULTS
Nigeria closed 2025 with renewed confidence symbolised by its return to the IMO Council, improved port access, and stronger institutional coordination. The tools are largely in place.
There are still gaps that 2026 must fill. Stakeholders are fully aware of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy’s promise to establish a national carrier during his tenure. The expectations are quite high.
WHAT 2026 DEMANDS IS DELIVERY: functional ports, competitive logistics costs, indigenous shipping growth, and enforceable regulation. The credibility earned in 2025 must now yield measurable economic returns.
History will remember 2026 not for promises made, but for results delivered.

By Foster Obi

Today, Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, marks his 60th birthday, a milestone not just in years but in a career that has steered one of Nigeria’s most critical government agencies through reform, global prominence, and institutional transformation. His tenure as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been among the most consequential in recent memory, earning domestic plaudits and international recognition.

A PRESIDENTIAL SALUTE ON A MILESTONE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a warm congratulatory message to Adeniyi on the occasion, commending his “dedicated service to the nation, transformative reforms, and commitment to excellence.” The presidency highlighted how Adeniyi has repositioned the NCS for efficient service delivery, enhanced revenue performance, stronger stakeholder relations, and elevated Nigeria’s profile in global trade governance.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also emphasized Adeniyi’s leadership role in projecting Nigeria and Africa inclusively and practically on the world stage.

FROM APPOINTMENT TO REFORMIST LEADER

Adeniyi was initially appointed Acting CGC in June 2023 by President Tinubu and confirmed as substantive Comptroller-General later that year. From the outset, he set out to transform the NCS, an agency historically criticized for inefficiency, opaque processes, and under-performance relative to its economic mandate. Under his stewardship, the service has embarked on a trajectory of modernization, revenue optimization, and institutional professionalism.

Early in his tenure, Customs watchers noted significant improvements in revenue collection, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Measures designed to plug leakages, optimize customs clearance, and improve enforcement translated into record revenue performance, surpassing long-standing collection targets.

TENURE EXTENSION: A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

In August 2025, President Tinubu extended Adeniyi’s tenure by one year, through August 2026, a move widely perceived as a vote of confidence in his reform agenda. The extension was specifically intended to allow Adeniyi to consolidate reforms, oversee the rollout of the National Single Window Project, and complete Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Critics initially questioned the timing and impact of the extension, but government sources underscored that continuity at the top of the NCS was vital given the ongoing modernization drive and complex trans-border trade integration.

HISTORIC GLOBAL LEADERSHIP: WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION

Perhaps the most striking mark of Adeniyi’s tenure has been his ascent to global leadership. In June 2025, he was elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, the first Nigerian ever to hold the position in the body’s 70-plus-year history. The WCO comprises heads of 186 customs administrations, making this role one of the most influential in global trade governance.

In assuming the WCO chair, Adeniyi pledged to advance strategic plans that emphasize modernization, digital transformation, and cooperative border management, reflecting not just Nigeria’s interests but shared priorities across the global customs community.

INSTITUTIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPERATIONAL GAINS

Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has pursued a multi-pronged agenda:

Revenue Growth: Customs revenue exceeded targets, contributing significantly to the Federation Account in 2024 and 2025.

Trade Facilitation and Digitization: Accelerated adoption of digital systems, including components of the Single Window to reduce clearance delays and improve transparency.

Border Security and Enforcement: Collaborations with international partners, including reviving the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to strengthen border surveillance and combat transnational smuggling.

Community and Stakeholder Relations: Efforts to improve interactions between customs officials and traders/passengers at airports and seaports earned positive reviews from industry stakeholders.

Thought Leadership: Adeniyi has articulated a vision for applying advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence to enhance transparency and performance in governance.

HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXT

The office of the Comptroller-General of Customs has historically been dominated by officers from certain Northern elite circles, particularly the Hausa-Fulani ethnic groups reflecting broader patterns in Nigeria’s security and regulatory apparatus. Adeniyi’s appointment by President Tinubu, a Yoruba leader, marked a notable departure from these norms and was widely interpreted as part of a broader effort to professionalize and reposition the Customs Service beyond sectional expectations, although Adeniyi is of the same tribe as the President. While Customs remains a technically demanding arm of government, certain analysts believe that Adeniyi’s appointment and performance have helped shift focus toward competence over regional precedent.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE TENURE ENDS

As Adeniyi advances through the final year of his extended tenure, several priorities are likely to command attention:

Full operationalization of the National Single Window System to drastically reduce clearance times and corruption pressure points.

Acceleration of AfCFTA implementation through harmonized Customs protocols to boost intra-African trade.

Strengthening digital and AI-enabled enforcement tools to combat sophisticated smuggling networks and illicit trade.

Institutionalization of reform gains ensuring that improvements in revenue, transparency, and stakeholder confidence are sustainable beyond his tenure.

A LEGACY IN THE MAKING

At 60, Dr. Adeniyi stands not only as an architect of institutional reform but as a symbol of Nigerian leadership in global customs affairs. His emphasis on professionalism, data-driven operations, and international cooperation signals a forward-thinking customs service, one attuned to both national imperatives and global trade dynamics. As he charts the final stage of his tenure, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how reform translates into enduring systems that outlast any single leader.

 

 

 

…Records 21,414 container escort operations

 

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, has recorded another major operational success with the interception of 20 sacks of Cannabis Indica, totaling 1,205 loaves, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦157,830,000.
The Area Controller of Customs, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi said the seizure was made during a recent anti-smuggling operation carried out by vigilant officers of the Command as part of sustained efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime borders, protect the economy, and uphold the rule of law.
According to the Area Controller, the illicit drugs were carefully concealed and suspected of having been unlawfully smuggled into the country through the waterways. The successful interception underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling activities and other transnational crimes within its area of responsibility.
While intensifying its enforcement operations, the Command has continued to play a critical role in facilitating legitimate trade. Within the period under review, the Western Marine Container Escort Team successfully escorted 21,414 containers from the main ports to various bonded terminals. This effort ensured compliance with customs regulations, enhanced transparency, and promoted the efficient movement of cargo across the port system.
“These achievements reaffirm the Command’s statutory responsibilities of revenue protection, border security, and trade facilitation,” the Area Controller stated. “We remain resolute in our fight against smuggling and other criminal activities that threaten national security and economic stability.”
The Controller attributed the Command’s success to the motivation and strategic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, psc+, as well as improved intelligence gathering and effective inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Marine Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, assures the general public of its continued determination to combat smuggling and all forms of illegal activities. The Command remains committed to enforcing the laws of the land, protecting citizens, and ensuring that justice is served.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has said that the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal will reopen for full passenger ferry operations on Monday, January 19, 2026, following the successful clearance of navigational obstructions that led to its temporary closure last year.
LASWA, in a statement, said the terminal was shut on October 20, 2025, due to severe water hyacinth infestation that posed safety risks to ferry operations, forcing operators to divert services to Ibeshe Terminal and Offin Jetty.
The agency confirmed that the waterway has now been cleared and declared safe for navigation after comprehensive safety assessments and consultations with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
“Following the successful clearance of the waterway, completion of safety assessments, and consultations with NIWA, the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal is now cleared for full operations,” LASWA noted.
The authority directed all ferry operators to resume normal passenger services in line with their approved schedules, stressing the need for strict adherence to existing safety and operational regulations.
LASWA reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable water transportation across Lagos State, while urging terminal users and operators to cooperate in maintaining safety standards as services resume.