The Nigeria Customs Service has commissioned a new analytics centre at the Apapa Port, aimed at strengthening intelligence-based operations and improving the welfare of customs officers.

The facility, located at the Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by senior customs officials, industry stakeholders and port operators.

Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller described the development as a major milestone for the command.

“It is with great joy and profound gratitude to the Almighty that I welcome you all to the flagship Command of the NCS today,” he said.

“We are honoured by your presence to witness a landmark event in the history of this Command. Today, we are not just commissioning a building; we are flagging off a new era of intelligence-driven customs operations and improved welfare for our officers.”

Inside the new facility

The two-storey complex has been named the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena, in honour of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Officials say the building was designed as a technology-driven operations hub to support modern customs intelligence and border security.

According to the Area Controller, the facility will host several strategic units.

“These include the state-of-the-art Analytics Centre of Excellence, the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), the Command’s Clinic to ensure the health and well-being of our personnel, and other key strategic offices,” he said.

Why it matters

Apapa Port handles a large share of Nigeria’s imports and exports, making it a critical hub for revenue generation and border control.

Customs authorities say the analytics centre will help officers analyse cargo data, detect suspicious trade patterns and strengthen anti-smuggling operations.

“This infrastructure reflects the vision of our Comptroller-General to leverage modern technology and analytics to fight smuggling, secure our nation and facilitate legitimate trade,” the controller added.

Industry observers say improved intelligence systems could also speed up cargo processing and reduce delays for legitimate businesses.

Partnership behind the project

Customs officials said the project was made possible through collaboration with industry partners under the Customs-PACT (Partnership for Cooperation in Trade) initiative.

The Area Controller thanked stakeholders for their support.

“This project is a tangible success story of the Customs-PACT as championed by our CGC,” he said.

“Your collaboration has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality. Your willingness to partner with us demonstrates a shared commitment to building a stronger, safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”

He added that the transformation achieved at the command would not have been possible without stakeholder support.

Recognition for customs leadership

The controller also praised the leadership of the Customs Comptroller-General for prioritising technology and officer welfare.

“I must also appreciate the CGC for your purpose-driven leadership, unwavering support and for prioritising the welfare as well as operational efficiency of officers at the Command level,” he said.

“Naming this building after you is a testament to your dedication to duty and the inspiration you provide to all of us.”

What’s next

Customs officials say the new centre will serve as a model for technology-driven operations across other commands.

They believe intelligence-led monitoring of trade flows will improve national security, boost government revenue and facilitate legitimate commerce.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, has praised the growing role of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, saying their contributions are helping drive innovation and sustainable industry growth.

His remarks came as the world marked International Women’s Day 2026, a global event that highlights gender equality and the need to empower women across industries.

In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the day, Mobereola described women as key drivers of progress within the maritime ecosystem.

“I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry,” he said.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s maritime sector is central to the country’s economy, handling the majority of international trade through its ports and shipping activities.

Experts say increasing women’s participation in the industry can strengthen leadership diversity, boost innovation and expand the workforce in critical maritime roles.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasises investment in women through education, mentorship and economic opportunities.

According to Mobereola, women’s commitment to excellence continues to shape the sector.

“The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact,” he said.

“Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Industry voices

Maritime analysts say the sector is gradually becoming more inclusive, although challenges remain.

Dr Mobereola also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening opportunities for women within the industry.

He said the agency is working towards “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.

Across Nigeria’s ports, shipping companies and maritime institutions, more women are now taking up roles previously dominated by men, from marine engineering to port management.

Advocates say sustained policy support and training opportunities will be critical to accelerating that progress.

Global context

International Women’s Day is observed annually to spotlight the achievements of women while drawing attention to barriers that still limit equality.

The 2026 theme highlights the importance of investing in women as a pathway to economic and social growth.

Advocates argue that empowering women not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities, industries and national economies.

What’s next

Industry stakeholders say maritime regulators and companies must expand leadership opportunities, training programmes and mentorship platforms for women.

Such efforts, they say, could help Nigeria tap a broader talent pool while positioning the country’s maritime sector for long-term competitiveness.

The Nigeria Customs Service has celebrated the retirement of Deputy Comptroller-General Dera Nnadi, marking the end of a career many officers say helped strengthen leadership and institutional development within the service.

The colourful ceremony took place on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at the Customs headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Senior officials, officers, family members and well-wishers gathered to honour the retiring officer.

The event also coincided with Nnadi’s 60th birthday, making it both a farewell ceremony and a milestone celebration.

Why it matters

The retirement of a senior Customs officer comes at a time when the service is expanding reforms around trade facilitation, border security and revenue generation.

Leadership transitions within the agency can influence how these reforms continue across Nigeria’s ports and borders.

The Nigeria Customs Service plays a key role in regulating imports, generating government revenue and protecting Nigeria’s borders from smuggling.

Customs chief praises Nnadi’s career

Leading tributes at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described Nnadi as an officer whose professionalism and discipline strengthened the institution.

According to him, the ceremony was not only a farewell but a recognition of dedication to national service.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs chief also noted that the relationship between both officers went beyond official duties.

He said their bond extended to family ties and expressed confidence that the retired officer still has the experience to contribute to national development through academic and professional engagements.

Colleagues highlight leadership and mentorship

Members of the Customs management team also praised the retired officer for his leadership style and mentorship.

Several officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who encouraged younger personnel and helped strengthen the service’s institutional capacity.

They said his approach to leadership combined discipline with guidance for junior officers.

Nnadi reflects on decades in Customs

Responding to the tributes, Dera Nnadi thanked the Comptroller-General, management team and officers for their support during his career.

He described his time in the service as a journey of learning and service to the country.

According to him, the experience allowed him to grow professionally while contributing to national development.

A ceremonial send-off

The event ended with the presentation of awards and gift items to the retired officer.

Guests also took commemorative photographs to mark the end of his career in the service.

For many officers present, the ceremony was both a farewell and a reminder of the dedication required in public service.

What’s next

Customs officials say the agency will continue strengthening reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and border security.

Leadership succession within the service is expected to maintain continuity in these policies.