The Congress of Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has announced a strategic partnership with Chief Bestman Nze Jumbo, a prominent member of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s kitchen cabinet and President of Team Nigeria for Change.

The collaboration, which was cemented during a recent meeting in Lagos, is expected to foster joint efforts in tackling security challenges, preventing land grabbing, and promoting inclusivity in governance.

Chief Jumbo, who is also the Publisher of Eko Mii Eko E and MD/CEO of Image Expressions Limited, described the alliance as a platform for constructive engagement between media stakeholders and the Lagos State Government.

“Security has really improved in Lagos. I can’t remember the last time I heard there was a bank robbery or that ‘area boys’ collected a car. The government has put effective measures in place, and Lagosians are better for it,” Chief Jumbo told CONMMEP representatives.

Addressing Security Through Collaboration

Chief Jumbo identified unchecked migration from within and outside Nigeria as one of Lagos’s major security concerns, stressing that better coordination among states could help.

He advocated a knowledge-sharing model, where states could learn from Lagos’s successes in security and governance.

“Just like Lagos partnered with Kebbi on rice production, other states can learn from Lagos’s security strategies,” he said, adding that unemployment and illiteracy remain fertile grounds for crime.

Jumbo also praised Lagos’s alternative security approach, which integrates former street youth into community intelligence and crime prevention roles.

Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity

On governance, Chief Jumbo said Lagos remains Nigeria’s most inclusive state, citing examples of non-indigenes holding senior government roles.

“Presently, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor is from Delta. I work directly with the Governor and I’m not Yoruba. In Lagos, you see PDP, ADC, and Labour Party members cooperating with the APC government. That’s mature politics,” he said.

He emphasised that this inclusivity extends across ethnic and religious lines and has become a sustainable governance model followed by successive administrations.

Tackling Land Grabbing

Chief Jumbo, who is set to head enforcement for a new Lagos anti-land grabbing agency, urged property buyers to verify documents before making payments.

“You cannot eradicate crime 100%, but you can checkmate it. Lagos’s land grabbing agency has done a fantastic job, but citizens must also verify documents before buying,” he warned.

A Multifaceted Public Figure

Beyond politics, Chief Jumbo runs an advertising and events company, publishes a newspaper, and leads an NGO that supports education and youth empowerment. He has worked with leaders across party lines in Lagos, Abia, Ogun, and Kogi States.

He recalled his time in Kogi as a senior political operative under Governor Yahaya Bello, where he played a key role in youth mobilisation and security stabilisation.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a renewed partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Single Window (NSW) Secretariat to fast-track the launch of the Nigerian National Single Window Project — a transformative digital trade platform scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2026.

At a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), hosted FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and NSW Project Director, Mr. Tola Fakolade, to review progress and finalise operational plans.

‘A Modern Trade Ecosystem’ – Customs Boss

CGC Adeniyi described the National Single Window as a “transformational initiative that will reshape Nigeria’s trade landscape,” emphasising that the system’s success depends on synergy among all trade-related government agencies.

“This project is not just about technology; it is about building a modern trade ecosystem where government agencies work as one to serve the trading community with efficiency, transparency, and speed,” he said.

The National Single Window, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2024, will digitally connect all trade-related government agencies on one unified platform. It is designed to cut bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce cargo clearance times, lower operational costs, and make Nigeria more competitive in global markets.

FIRS Pledges Full Support

Dr. Adedeji reaffirmed the revenue agency’s commitment to the project, promising close cooperation to ensure that the platform delivers on its objectives.

“We will collaborate fully to ensure the system delivers on its promise of improved compliance, revenue growth, and ease of doing business,” Adedeji stated.

Keeping to Timelines

NSW Director, Mr. Fakolade, urged all participating agencies to meet their integration deadlines to secure the Q1 2026 launch date.

The meeting ended with a joint commitment from the NCS, FIRS, and the NSW Secretariat to intensify technical integration efforts, maintain open communication, and keep stakeholders updated on progress.

When operational, the National Single Window is expected to boost revenue generation, create jobs, strengthen trade compliance, and provide measurable benefits for businesses, government, and consumers.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved the State Executive Council, removing most commissioners and special advisers in what is seen as a major political shake-up.

The dissolution, which took immediate effect, was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on Sunday.

According to the statement, all affected commissioners and special advisers are to hand over to the permanent secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the outgoing cabinet members for their service.

“I thank all affected members of the State Executive Council for their contributions to the development of Ekiti State and wish them success in their future endeavours,” the governor said.

Exceptions to the Dissolution

Not all officials were affected by the sweeping changes. The statement clarified that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Works, and Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives will remain in office.

Two special advisers — Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion and Special Adviser on Lands, Survey and e-GIS — have also retained their positions.

In addition, all Directors-General who are part of the State Executive Council will continue in their roles. These include the Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Project Monitoring; and Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Political Context and Possible Implications

While no official reason was given for the cabinet shake-up, political observers in the state believe the move may be part of a broader strategy to reposition the government ahead of upcoming political and developmental priorities. Such reshuffles are common midway into an administration’s tenure, often used to inject fresh energy into governance or reward political loyalty.

The dissolution comes at a time when Ekiti State is pushing several key projects, including infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, and improved public service delivery.

Governor Oyebanji is expected to announce new appointments in the coming weeks.