Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Customs Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State,says its operatives have intercepted seven 40 feet containers ladened with smuggled codeine syrup worth over N11 billion.

Area Controller of Area 2 Command, Mohammed Babandede, made the disclosure while displaying the intercepted items to pressmen in Port on Thursday.

He said the seizure was achieved with the synergy of Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other sister security agencies.

He also said the confiscation of the hard drugs was in tandem with the directive of the Comptroller of Customs,Adewale Adeniyi, to bring smuggling at the ports to a standstill.

Babandede said:“In line with the Comptroller General of Customs’ policy thrust of collaboration and consolidation, the Command on receipt of credible intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action and in collaboration with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Onne Port, these containers were identified, positioned and jointly examined.

“A total of seven seized containers containing 1,054, 400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 3,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg) and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg) were seized.

“The above seizures is estimated at eleven billion,two Hundred million naira (N11,200,000, 000) which represents a huge loss on the part of thode involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation,” he added.

He expressed regrets that some Nigerians were adamant on undermining the security of the country by testing the resolve of security agencies.

He warned that the Command under his watch would not tolerate any compromise in the quest of safeguarding the economy and security of the nation.

Babandede further disclosed that the items siezed would be handed over to the relevant agencies for further investigation.

Announcing the revenue generated by the service, the Comptroller said the Command raised over N360 billion in six months translating to 50.5 percent of the annual target of 2024.

“In the area of revenue, the Command in the first half of the year generated a total of Three Hundred Billion , Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four Naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (N312, 094, 367,124.58) which translates to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command.

“As at this morning, the Command has generated Forty-Eight Billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety Two Naira (48,056,806,692.00) in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month,” he said.

Babandede noted that the Command would not rest on its oars, stressing that it would continue to increase the revenue profile while prioritising public health and safety.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA,says there is no provision in its Act of 2007 for a 10% freight levy payable to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The agency disclosed this to the investigative hearing organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Commerce, Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, and Legislative Compliance on Monday, chaired by Hon. Ahmed Munir.

The NEPC claims that its Act of 1992 provides for a 10% freight levy from the ‘Nigeria Maritime Agency,’ which according to NIMASA is non-existent, but rather the defunct National Maritime Authority, especially as the current NEPC Act predates the NIMASA Act of 2007. The NEPC also argued that NIMASA had previously disobeyed presidential directives on the matter.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola who waas represented by the Executive Director Finance and Administration, Hon. Chudi Offodile, told the joint committee that, “whereas the objective of establishing NEPC is quite laudable and in the interest of the country and its economy, we find it difficult to understand why the NEPC has persisted in trying to get successive governments to disobey the law. NIMASA will always obey lawful directives of the government, but in this case, the provisions of NEPC Act is inconsistent with the provisions of the NIMASA Act .

“NIMASA is a successor agency of the defunct National Maritime Authority, but did not inherit any liabilities of the defunct NMA in realtion to NEPC. After the merger of Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council and the NMA to form NIMASA in 2007, we have transitional and transitory provisions contained in the NIMASA Act which proves that NIMASA did not inherit any liabilities or debt.

He added that, “NIMASA was created with a different set of objectives, with clear provisions of how and where to apply its revenue. The officials of NIMASA today were not the officials of the NMA and will not be the officials of NIMASA tomorrow. The consistent thread that binds everybody including members of the National Assembly is the full application of the law. Engaging NEPC on what or how much to pay to them suggests that NIMASA is in possession of surplus funds, and which doesn’t exist. It will only be possible for us to consider it if it exists in our law. But it doesn’t. We cannot alter the provisions of the NIMASA Act as staff of NIMASA”.

Offodile further argued that the NIMASA Act came into existence many years after the NEPC, and that if it was the intention of the legislature to insert that provision for 10% levy payment to NEPC, it would have been provided for.

On NEPC’s claim that NIMASA disobeyed directive from the presidency in previous administrations,the agency noted that it is just an agency under its parent Ministry and such directives can only come through its directorate in the ministry.

The agency believes that it never received such charge from the Ministry,probably because the ministry may have clarified with the government at the time that the directive was inconsistent with its law.

Speaking,the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerin Export Promotion Council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni insisted that NIMASA was liable to make the supposed 10% freight levy to NEPC because it was stated in the NEPC Act.

The Deputy Chairman,House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh who is also a member of the inquiring committee, stated that he had read the NIMASA Act and that there was no where in the Act that made mention of the NEPC.

He noted that if there are inconsistency in the laws, it is the Judiciary that would interpret and not the legislature.

He also appealed that both NIMASA and the NEPC should furnish the committee with their Acts, so they can be critically and fairly looked at.

The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Ahmed Munir urged both parties not to personalise the matter, because according to him, if the NEPC was in NIMASA’s position they would have the same argument as NIMASA and vice versa.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA),has disclosed that a fire Incident was reportedly recorded Friday on a drilling vessel platform, Britania U, at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State.

It added that all 19 crew members onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform were successfully rescued from the Vessel.

Osagie Edward,Head,Public Relations NIMASA,who disclosed this in a statement, said the Agency collaborated with other responding Agencies and first responders to ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons during the incident.

“The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA on Thursday, 18th July, 2024 received signals from the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (RMRCC) Lagos, that Britania U, a drilling platform was under distress at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta State, Nigeria

“All nineteen crew members onboard the ill-fated Britania U drilling platform were successfully rescued from the Vessel.

“The agency collaborated with other responding Agencies and first responders to ensure the safe rescue and evacuation of the crew and other exposed persons during the incident.

“The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola has set up an incident command center in the office of the Agency’s Executive Director Operations, to prepare an effective situation-based response plan against oil spillage or other incidents affecting the marine environment and safety of navigation.

“Furthermore, in line with its mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Agency’s Marine Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the direct and remote causes of this unfortunate mishap. The outcome of the investigation will be published and recommendations arising therefrom implemented” reads the statement in parts.

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu,has pproved the appointment of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

He also approved the appointment of Senator Adedayo Adeyeye as Chairman of the Board of NPA, a statement said.

Dantsoho holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom.

Prior to his appointment, he had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority as Assistant General Manager; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director; Port Manager, Onne Port; and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing.

Senator Adeyeye, the Board Chairman, is a seasoned lawyer, journalist, and politician.

He is a former Minister of State for Works and former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted nine containers ladened with 844 assorted guns, 112,500 live bullets or ammunition, illicit drugs and used clothes worth over N13.9 billion smuggled into the country through Onne ports in Rivers State.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,said the consignments originated from Turkey.

He disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday at the Customs Port Harcourt Area two Command in Onne, on the recent achievements of the service.

He emphasised that the rifles and ammunition were concealed in containers with various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags.

He noted that three suspects were arrested in the operation in connection with the intercepted containers, noted that the feat was possible as a result of synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing with sister security agencies.

He said:”It was the case with this 1 by 40 foot container MAEU165396, which originated from Turkey, and based on a number of risk factors, became a subject of interest. We had followed its sail across the continents, as we benefited immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national and international levels.

“Working within our local structures, we followed diligently as the importer attempted to circumvent our procedure through the outlet of a Private Bonded Terminal.

“Consequently, on Friday, 21 June 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming contents: Eight Hundred and Forty-Four (844) units of rifles,one Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Five Hundred (112,500) pieces of live ammunition.”

Giving details of the weapons, he said the container had, “764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles, 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles, 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles, 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles, Exclusive Series, Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g – 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM).

“The duty-paid value of the container is Four Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦4,171,710,000.00).

“In connection with this, we have three suspects in our custody after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice. Furthermore, a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law.”

Speaking further, he said, “Last Saturday, our officers intercepted another eight 40 foot containers with numbers as; TCKU6879285, CMAU5985012, CMAU7515384, CMAU4297020, SEKU5488437, BMOU4363156, MRKU4616024, and MRSU3068928, on transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port.”

He said six of the containers were ladened with; one million bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml), 3,500,000 tablets of Tramadol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg) with duty-paid value of ₦9,600,000,000, while the other two containers had 720 bales of used clothes with duty-paid value of ₦144,000,000.

“The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is Thirteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦13,915,710,000.00).”

He clarified that the seized items would be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser for diligent investigation and prosecution.

The Customs Comptroller General warned that any Customs Officers found complicit in the perpetration of nefarious acts would be heavily sanctioned, adding that his leadership will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of the country.

Adeniyi, assured that officers who kept faith with their Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and refused to be bribed into releasing seized containers will be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

The CGC,however, commended the professional commitment of the Customs Area Comptroller of Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede and his Officers and Men, for the meticulous approach deployed in the operation.

On his part, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Major General A. G. Lala, commended the Nigeria Customs for the achievements, describing it as a great feat, stressing that it underscores the Federal Government’s efforts in ridding the country of illicit weapons exacerbating insecurity in many parts of the nation.

Ribadu said: “Research and experience has shown that there is a nexus between drug trafficking, smuggling of small arms, money laundering and human trafficking. These has necessitated the need for synergy between security agencies to combat these menaces.

“The successful interception of this weapons and drugs is a further proof of the agency’s determination to frustrate the activities of arms smugglers and drugs traffickers.

“It is pertinent to state that the reoccurring proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country continues to fuel various activities of criminal elements as currently being witnessed in many parts of the country with the resultant negative implications on national security and national developments. We’ll not be able to reap dividends of democracy if there is no security.

He added, “In view of the forgoing, I wish to use this opportunity to urge other security agencies to improve on efforts at checkmating the activities of criminals undermining the federal government of Nigeria’s effort at improving security across the country.

“Therefore, I assure all Nigerians that we will not relent in our commitment to improve the security situation in the country without which no meaningful development can take place.”

Mohammed Shosanya

NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) ,and Temile Development Company Limited,have signed a Vessel Management Agreement (VMA) to provide comprehensive vessel technical management services for the new 23,000 cubic metre LPG vessel, LPG Alfred Temile 10, owned by Temile Development Company Limited.

NSML’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdulkadir Ahmed, and Temile’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alfred Temile, signed the VMA at a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday,a statement quoted.

Present at the signing ceremony were Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, represented by Mrs Ekanem Ogegere Celia, Deputy Director, Cabotage and Shipping; Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board; Mr. Andy Odeh, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development; Dr. Salihu Jamari, Chief Investment Officer, NNPC Gas & Power Investment Services, among others.

Speaking, NSML’s MD, Mr. Ahmed, emphasised that NSML will leverage its expertise and resources to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Alfred Temile 10. He stated that the relationship with Temile Development Company started with the delivery of the first LPG vessel – LPG Alfred Temile – to NLNG in 2020.

“The relationship grew and continued with the construction, supervision and delivery of the 2nd LPG Vessel – Alfred Temile 10 – to Nigeria in March 2024. This momentous occasion represents our shared commitment to excellence, safety, and innovation in the maritime industry. It also represents the tenacious can-do-spirit of Mr Alfred Temile who has grown his LPG vessel fleet within a span of four (4) years. The Alfed Temile 10 is a testament to our dedication to operating a modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible fleet. With its cutting-edge design and technology, this vessel will set a new standard for LPG transportation in Nigeria and the West Africa,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Temile, stressed that the new vessel will play a critical role in gas transportation in Nigeria, enhancing the company’s capacity to deliver high-quality services while adhering to the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

“We are confident that this partnership will set a new benchmark in the industry, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. As we embark on this new chapter, we also anticipate further strategic investment decisions including a third gas carrier later this year, demonstrating our commitment to deliver sustainable growth and value to our shareholders and Nigeria,” he added.

The keynote speaker, Engr. Felix Ogbe, commended NSML and Temile Development Company for partnering together. He stressed that there was ample human capacity, resources and tenacity in-country to achieve great feats, calling for increased colloboration and cooperation in the maritime industry.

Mohammed Shosanya

Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, has called for seeking alternate sources of funding for the Federal Government Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project, also known as the Deep Blue Project, which is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and currently funded by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, noted that the Agency is committed to the sustainability of the project.

According to a statement by Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations, shortly after witnessing the Maritime Security Unit (MSU) Operational Maritime Capability Demonstration in Lagos alongside the NIMASA Director General and the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Honorable Uduak Odudoh acknowledged that the Deep Blue Project has played a significant role in maintaining peace in Nigerian waters in recent years.

He added that the achievements of the NIMASA-Nigerian Navy partnership have elevated the country to a high international standing in maritime security. He noted that to sustain the project, it is time to seek additional sources of funding.

He said:“At the IMO Conference last year, Nigeria was greatly commended for the fact that there has not been any pirate attack on our waters in two years. That feat was achieved through the efforts of the Deep Blue Project. When I looked at the budget, I saw provisions for Deep Blue Project management and sustainability. I want to commend NIMASA for this. However, it is pitiful that only NIMASA is funding this project. If a project like this is taken seriously, the issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta would be reduced to zero.”

“We have no option than to look at the budget, if they require more funds, we would approve it for the benefit of suppression of security challenges in Nigeria. If maritime security is guaranteed, the revenue of NIMASA would increase, and by extension, that of NPA and others, this means more money for Nigeria”.

Speaking,the NIMASA DG Dr Dayo Mobereola restated the Agency’s commitment to the sustainability of the Project while addressing the men and officers of the Maritime Security Unit.

“This project has earned Nigeria International recognition by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and we have been taken off from the Piracy list. The aim is to continue to sustain it and we will continue to encourage the personnel of the Deep Blue Project. Keep it up, and we on our own side would continue to support you as much as humanly possible.

“Please don’t reduce your efforts as we count on you to make the maritime space more secure, the President of Nigeria is counting on you, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is also in support of this project” he said.

The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Uduak Odudoh unveiled the aircrew accommodation renovated by the Deep Blue Project, while the NIMASA DG, Dr Dayo Mobereola, commissioned the interceptors’ marine workshop.

The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, and Executive Directors of NIMASA, among others, witnessed the demonstrations, which included various tactics such as boat formations, vessel boarding and overtaking with interceptor boats, rappelling and fast rope descents from helicopters, as well as hoist rescues.

Mohammed Shosanya

Importers/exporters,shippers and F
freight forwarders operating in the Eastern ports of the country have unanimously rejected an alleged 200 percent increase in haulage fare by the Nigerian Shippers council (NSC) in connivance with the transport unions, Maritime flat and cargo and the Freight Forwarding transport, lamenting its impending inflationary effect should the alleged hike is allowed to stand.

The body threatened operational shot down as they declared a 7 day ultimatum during which the NSC is expected to return to status quo ante by reversing the hiked rate.

They conveyed their position on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital while analyzing impending inflationary effects on the masses if the hike is not moderated and allowed to stand.

Mr Joshua Ahuama, Zonal Coordinator, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) noted that the meeting became necessary to enable the body collectively reject the new rate as it contravened the provisions of the NSC, Act.

According to him,stakeholders consultation was an integral provision of the agency’s Act, wondering why the agency did not utilize such, as he noted that several protest letters have been written to the Nigerian Shippers council rejecting the hiked fare.

“Recently, the NSC had approved a 200 percent increment on haulage rate for transport owners and drivers operating under the maritime union of Nigeria.”

“To this end,Importers and Freight forwarders association in the Eastern zone have unanimously disputed the new rate because it is outrageous, arbitrary and unacceptable to all stakeholders in the zone.”

“We have however, resolved to adopt all peaceful efforts, we started this move on March 14, 2024, by calling on the NSC to ensure proper stakeholders engagement and renegotiation”

“These measures are also expected to help all parties reach a benchmark that would be in the interest of all stakeholders in the maritime value chain.

“We also urge the NSC to return to status quo ante by suspending implementation of the disputed rate pending proper renegotiation covering the interest of all stakeholders.

“We are not on a selfish course, our demands are in the interest of Nigerians because any slight increase in haulage rate will reflect on prices of goods in the open market, a businessman incorporates total logistics cost into prices of goods.,” he said.

But,the Nigerian Shippers council has said that the newly approved rate took into consideration the cost, moderation and other cargo transport issues.

The group,however, noted that they may be constrained to take drastic measures that may include suspension on all declaration of goods and payment of Customs duties which could negatively affect national revenue and economic output.

Some members of the Import and Export association who were present at the meeting included; Nigeria Shippers Association, Aba International Traders Association, Ultimate Importers Association, POP Importers Association, Nnewi Importers Association and Onitsha Importers Association.

Others were African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), RF Transportation Incorporated, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, amongst others