Vessels
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than five vessels laden with crude and diesel fuel will berth in Apapa and Tincan ports in Lagos, a daily publication the Nigerian Ports Authority, has indicated.
The publication — Shipping Position — obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday, also indicated that the vessels would come with containers of different products.
The publication stated that three other vessels were waiting to berth with bulk urea, crude oil and diesel at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos.
It further said that two other vessels were also waiting to discharge containers and diesel at same Lekki Deep Sea Ports and SPM terminals in Lagos.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AIC/DCO/AWA
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4 vessels to discharge products at Lekki Deep Sea Port
Vessel
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said no fewer than four vessels will discharge various products at Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NPA made the disclosure in its Shipping Position, a daily publication of the the organisation, in Lagos on Thursday.
NAN also reports that the four vessels will discharge crude oil, bulk urea and fuel oil.
NPA said that another six vessels were expected to berth at various ports in Lagos.
It also said that two of the expected vessels would berth with containers of different goods.
“The remaining expected vessels will berth with diesel, bulk gas, fuel oil, and cargo.
“Two vessels are waiting to berth with wet cargo and general cargo at two ports in Lagos,” the report said. (NAN)
A picture picture of one the building of built Customs Modernisation Project.
Project
By Aish Cole
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners says the Federal Government’s Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) will stimulate quicker cargo clearance at the nation’s ports.
Alao made the observation in Lagos on Thursday, noting that the establishment of the project would also boost Internally Generated Revenue and enhance the country’s global visibility.
He observed that the world had moved beyond conventional methods of doing business with the advancement of technology.
He said: “More than 30 years ago, when Singapore grew from a third-world country to a first-world country, the President, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, led the drive for technology awareness, and now look at where Singapore is today in terms of technology.
“So, Nigeria must make more efforts to keep abreast with technological advancements worldwide.
“The establishment of the Trade Modernisation Project would add value in terms of Internally Generated Revenue through improved customs clearance procedures.
“Consider the time when we had to carry files around; now everything is done through ICT. Nigeria must modernise, and I am glad this initiative is underway”.
The master mariner emphasised that without trade, growth is impossible and that creating an atmosphere conducive for trade “is essential to reap its benefits”.
Alao assured Nigerians of the tremendous benefits that would follow the establishment of the Trade Modernisation Project, adding that master mariners were upgrading themselves globally to remain relevant in the maritime industry.
He stated that the TMP would enable Nigeria to become a shipping hub for west and central Africa.
Alao commended terminal operators for upgrading the access corridors at the port and urged them to enhance other facilities to reduce business processing time.
The General Manager of the Trade Facilitation Project, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, explained the numerous benefits accrued to a nation when the Customs Modernisation Project (CMP) is fully automated.
NAN reports that the Federal Government and Trade Modernisation Project Ltd. signed a 20-year Concession Agreement on May 30, 2022, to provide best-in-class technology for the implementation of paperless customs at the Nigeria Customs operations.
Ogunshola explained that TMP was the automation of the business processes of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said that the project would simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain, making it easy to obtain import and export clearances, pay duties, and obtain the release of goods.
Ogunshola said that the major advantage of the project was the significant growth in the revenue profile of the federal government.
“The project will generate more than 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government over the life of the concession.
“The project will bring Nigeria to par with the rest of the world, in terms of deploying technology to facilitate international trade.
“The TMP project will give the economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government a huge boost by providing further ease of cross-border trading.
“By the time the project is fully implemented, it will cover all areas of customs activities, including duties collection, clearance operations and suppression of smuggling,” Ogunshola said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
Imam Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos State, killing ram after Eid prayer on Sunday
Eid-el Kabir
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Imam Nurudeen Abdul-Kadiri, Chief Imam of Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos State, has urged the Federal Government to provide more palliatives to mitigate the suffering of the masses.
Abdul-Kadiri made the appeal during Eid-el Kabir prayer at the mosque on Sunday.
He said that prices of goods and services had gone higher, urging urgent measures to reduce hardship on the citizens.
The cleric urged the three tiers of government to provide more foods and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
He, however, urged Nigerians to go closer to God and be patient with the Federal Government in its efforts to tackle the country’s many problems.
“We should be patient and pray to Allah to guide our leaders.
” In our various homes, we should try and obey the laws of Allah. Once we do that, Allah will not let us down, just as Allah did not let Prophet Ibrahim down,” he said.
Mr Rasheed Akindiya, a Lagos resident, who worshipped at the Mosque, urged governments to come up more initiatives to reduce economic hardship on the citizens.
“Governments should create more jobs and a more favourable business environment,” Akindiya said.
A Muslim scholar, Ustaz Habib Tinuolaji, said, “We should see any situation as from Allah – good or bad.”
He urged Muslims to promogate their faith with steadfastness.
Another Lagos resident, Hajia Nimat Agoro, also urged Nigerians to be patient with the current administration.
She urged Nigerians to continue to be patriotic.
A U.S.-based Nigerian, Hajia Rasheedah Sadiq, called on Muslims to use the opportunity of the celebration to show love and preach peace and unity.
Sadiq urged governments to improve the well-being of the citizens. (NAN).
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
Some female Muslims at the prayer ground at Alhaja Sideeqat Ahmad Megida Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos State.Some male worshippers at the mosque
Chief Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed during a visit
Synergy
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) In a bid to strengthen collaboration, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Shehu Mohammed, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
The Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
He said that the visit was to consolidate the relationship between FRSC and the nation’s defence arm and seek more areas of fruitful partnership.
According to Ogungbemide, the visit was a giant step toward achieving considerable mileage in inter-agency collaboration.
“During the visit, the corps marshal commended the chief of defence staff for good leadership qualities and successes achieved in the area of national security,” he said.
He added that Mohammed solicited collaboration in the area of human capital development to advance safety on highways.
“Mohammed intimated the CDS of the role of the FRSC in improving national security through intelligence gathering.
“He noted that FRSC was a custodian of critical national infrastructure,” he said, adding that the National Vehicle Identification Scheme had helped in the fight against insecurity.
The spokesperson said that the CDS congratulated the corps marshal on his appointment and emphasised the critical role of FRSC in advancing national security.
“He assured the corps marshal of the readiness of his office to assist in the area of personnel training as well as other areas of interest.
“Musa highlighted the critical role the corps plays in the fight against insecurity since the corps has a greater level of interface with the general public.
“He applauded the energy, resilience and steadfastness of FRSC personnel who, against all odds, are out in their best to make the highways safe,” he added. (NAN)
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi,
on Friday described as unfounded, a report that he falsified his age to remain in public service.
In a statement, Adeniyi said that the report lacked credibility and could be best described as a junk.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an online news medium had reported that Adeniyi falsified his age and had spent 43 years in service.
“Common sense dictates that a fitting picture should illustrate such a reported scandal; instead, what appeared to be a plain paper with indiscernible, blurry writings was used to attempt to convince readers.
“The first two paragraphs of the story claimed that official documents were sighted to prove Adeniyi’s culpability,” he said.
The comptroller-general said that the medium did not provide screenshots of the official documents it claimed to have obtained.
He added that the medium contradicted itself in two paragraphs of the exclusive story.
According to Adeniyi the report claimed in one paragraph that his age falsification has enabled him to remain in service beyond age 60.
“In another, it claimed the documents also revealed that Adeniyi altered his years of service to remain in customs service,” he said.
He added that no tangible evidence was presented in the report to substantiate the claims.
“Neither the document showing age alteration nor the one showing service period extension by the customs boss was attached to the story,” he said.
He said that the report might be aimed at distracting him but he would remain focused and committed to leading Nigeria Customs Service well. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
From the middle, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi; the Zonal Coordinator Zone A, ACG Saidu Yusuf; the Customs Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi; and the representative of NDLEA, during the briefing of the intercepted cannabis, codeine in Lagos on Friday.
Interception
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi said the service intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs including cannabis indica, prohibited codeine and other illicit drugs from Canada and India.
Adeniyi made this known to newsmen in Lagos on Friday, saying that the intercepted drugs were valued at N4 billion.
He said among the intercepted drugs by the Tin Can Island Port Command was 172kg of cannabis indica concealed in three drums and intercepted by the Intelligence Unit of the service.
According to the comptroller-general, a breakdown of the drugs include three plastic drums of cannabis indica; 46 bags of cannabis indica; 877 codeine syrup and 82 cartons of other drugs valued at 4 billion.
He said that the cannabis was intercepted in two 40ft containers while the intercepted codeine was also in two 40ft containers.
Adeniyi who described the seizures as a warning to those involved in the unlawful acts, said that the service would ensure the dismantling of the network of people involved.
“I promise to apply the heaviest sanction against customs officers found culpable.
“Beyond revenue loss, some port operators and officers of the service are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug importation.
“Intelligence indicated that a lot of terminals are involved in the customs’ findings and that there are abuses of procedures involving customs officers.
.”The importer of the drugs gave two fake addresses which raised customs curiosity leading to the discovery,” Adeniyi said.
He commended the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port, Comptroller Dera Nnadi and his team for the seizures which he described as a fall-out of dedication and hard work.
Adeniyi recalled that in recent months, the service had reported numbers of successfully-executed interceptions of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations which represented concerted efforts to prevent illegal entries into our country through diverse routes.
He drew attention to the misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly cannabis indica and codeine which posed severe dangers to the society and also the devastating effects on youths.
Adeniyi said that the proceeds from illicit drugs were often used to finance disruptions by non-state actors, which was inimical to national security and economy.
“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is determined to stabilise the economy and create an environment where all our citizens can thrive and prosper.
“As part of these efforts, Nigeria’s customer service plays a crucial role, not only in revenue collection from legitimate trade but protection of our society.
“Our mandates include ensuring that harmful and illegal substances do not find their way into our communities.
“It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other sister agencies have consistently yielded positive results,” Adeniyi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi
From L-R the Representative of NDLEA; the Customs Controller, Tin Can Island Port,Comptroller Dera Nnadi; the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi; and the Zonal Coordinator Zone A, ACG Saidu Yusuf during the briefing of the intercepted cannabis, codeine in Lagos on Friday.
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A retired Rear Admiral, Andrew Okoja, has warned that Nigeria stands to lose $27.29 billion in foreign investment for the Escravos Seaport Industrial Complex (ESIC) project in Delta State.
Okoja, who is also the chairman of the Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC), said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos
He stated that the country was on the verge of missing this significant funding due to prolonged delays by the federal and Delta State governments in granting final approval for the project’s commencement.
“The delay in providing the necessary approvals by both the federal and Delta State governments may result in Nigeria missing out on creating much-needed job opportunities and boosting the nation’s economy,” Okoja said.
Okoja emphasised that the investors are prepared to commit funds for the project’s start.
He noted that the ESIC project promises to significantly open up Delta State and seven other states, including the FCT, Abuja, to international investment in trade, commerce, and industry.
“ESIC will transform the economy of Delta State and other beneficiary states from a predominantly rural economy to one driven by metropolitan development of international standards.
“This project is modelled after the Lekki Deep Seaport/Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and aims to address the perennial port congestion problems in Nigeria,” he added.
Okoja further explained that the ESIC project is a non-solicited Public-Private Partnership (PPP) regulated by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
According to him, it involves a 50-year renewable concession lease to Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) the ESIC deep seaport and Free Trade Zone project.
He noted that EDIB International of Hong Kong had expressed its willingness to invest $27.29 billion in developing the ESIC project earlier in the year.
The project is complementary to the ongoing Lagos – Calabar coastal road initiative in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A group picture of Port State Control officers at a training organised on Ethics And Integrity Leadership for port state control officers across 22 countries in West and Central Africa
Abuja MoU, MACN, train 22 countries on combating corruption at ports
Training
By Aisha Cole/Rukayat Adeyemi
Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Capt. Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU), has urged port officers to strengthen their capacity and combat corruption in the maritime sector.
Umoren made this call during a training on Ethics and Integrity Leadership for port state control officers from 22 countries in West and Central Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by the Abuja MoU in collaboration with the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) on Monday in Lagos.
According to him, addressing corruption starts with understanding the Abuja MoU’s key mandate to eliminate substandard ships.
He noted that substandard ships pose threats to human life, the marine environment, and the livelihoods of maritime stakeholders.
Umoren pointed out that unethical and corrupt practices exacerbate risks to maritime facilities and cargo, undermining the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) initiative for “safer seas and cleaner oceans.”
He categorised corrupt practices into three types which include accepting bribes, offering bribes, and failing to report known corruption.
He highlighted the IMO’s Code of Ethics, which sets the standards for ethical conduct among its staff, suggesting that similar standards should be applied by Port State Control Officers (PSCOs).
“The phrase “no more favourable treatment” which has been severally debated in some of the meetings of the IMO, may also hold good in the context of ethics and integrity.
“This is because gratuitous offers are usually aimed at favourable and skewed treatment,”he added.
He noted the need for PSCOs to maintain an attitude of innocence and purity in line with the Code of Good Conduct for PSCOs.
Recognising the crucial role of PSCOs, the Abuja MoU collaborated with MACN for this training, marking the first such collaboration with a regional MoU or flag state.
Mr. Vivek Menon, Associate Director for Global Operations and Industry Engagement at MACN, underscored the importance of implementing training to improve transparency and efficiency in port operations. He noted that corruption not only affects societies but also impacts trade volumes entering West and Central Africa.
The Consul General of Denmark, Mrs Jette Bjerrum, highlighted Denmark’s collaboration with the Abuja MoU to modernise the maritime sector through improvements in ethics and leadership.
She stressed that transparency and good ethics are essential for sector improvement.
Chairman of Abuja MoU, Mr Ebrimo Sillah, Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, called for collaboration and transparency to enhance the technical standards of shipping operations.
He emphasised the importance of understanding port operation mechanisms and maintaining maximum integrity.
Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Vice Chairman of Abuja MoU and Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, urged port operators to adopt good ethical practices to improve trade facilitation.
He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering integrity in port operations.
Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), represented by Mr Fatai Adeyemi, Executive Director of Operations at NIMASA, stated that PSCOs are the first line of defence in ports.
He emphasised that ethical conduct is crucial for fair and just decision-making in port state control activities.
Capt. Tajudeen Alao, President of the Master Mariners Association of Nigeria, urged shipping operators to enhance ethics and personnel training.
He stressed the importance of leveraging technology to stay relevant in the sector.
Dr Odunayo Ani, President of the Women in Shipping Trading Association (WISTA) and Head of Audit at NIMASA, highlighted the need to prioritise ethics and integrity in leadership.
She called for the integration of an ethical workforce in the maritime sector.
Mrs Rollens Macfoy, President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Nigeria, commended the Abuja MoU for ensuring the implementation of ethical practices in ports.
She also appealed for more women to be included in training programmes to enhance professionalism and opportunities.
Mrs Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NSC), advocated for the adoption of best practices in leadership at all levels to facilitate smoother shipping operations and trade. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
