Nigerian authorities have intercepted 30.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed on a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel at Apapa Port, Lagos, in a major operation against international drug trafficking.

The haul, recovered aboard the MV Aruna, consisted of 30 slabs of the illicit substance and was discovered at the Greenview Terminal on Friday, January 2, 2026, the first working day of the year. Officials said the shipment was carefully hidden, highlighting the sophisticated methods used by smugglers.

Why it matters

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa, said the operation demonstrated “strong inter-agency synergy between federal government entities and our commitment to intelligence-led enforcement.”

He added: “While criminal elements seek to outsmart us, our officers remain one step ahead, ensuring no smuggling attempt, whether disguised as import, export, or transit cargo, succeeds under my watch.”

This seizure follows a string of successful operations in recent weeks. Just two weeks ago, authorities confiscated 25.5kg of cocaine hidden in five bags aboard another vessel. In December 2025, they recovered 1,187kg of “Canadian Loud” cannabis hidden in imported vehicles.

What’s next

Following standard protocols, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken possession of the seized cocaine for further investigation and prosecution. Authorities emphasized that the Apapa Port Command will continue to facilitate legal trade while safeguarding national security.

Comptroller Oshoba described the operation as “a bold statement for 2026,” underscoring a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit trade.

December is often a financially demanding period, marked by travel, celebrations and increased household spending. Banks across Nigeria typically roll out seasonal incentives to ease pressure on customers and encourage digital transactions.

Wema Bank says its latest offer is designed to reward loyalty while helping customers stretch their money during the holidays.

What the campaign offers

The lender has launched “12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards”, a festive promotion running from 14 to 25 December 2025.

Under the scheme, 33 customers will be rewarded daily, each receiving ₦5,000 when they fund their account with ₦5,000.

Customers can qualify by funding their accounts through:

The ALAT mobile app

*USSD code 945#

Debit card transactions

Once the ₦5,000 funding is completed through any of these channels, the customer receives an additional ₦5,000 as a reward.

Wema Bank’s position

Wema Bank says the campaign reflects its focus on customer-centred banking and turning routine transactions into meaningful experiences, especially during the festive season.

The bank adds that the initiative is meant to support customers as they prepare for family gatherings, run end-of-year errands and plan holiday activities.

What customers gain

For customers, the campaign offers immediate cash value rather than points or long-term bonuses, which can be particularly helpful during Christmas spending.

It also lowers the barrier to participation, as the required amount mirrors typical daily transactions rather than large deposits.

What’s next

As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank says it will continue exploring ways to rewar

The campaign ends on 25 December, marking the close of the Christmas season.

Nigeria has endorsed a national tourism strategy that groups regional attractions under a unified identity known as “Naija Season.”

The move is part of efforts to diversify the economy and build a stronger tourism sector capable of generating large-scale jobs, attracting foreign investment and strengthening local industries.

Officials say the approval could reshape how Nigeria presents itself globally—particularly at a time when tourism contributes far more to global GDP than oil.

Nigeria seeks share of $11tn global tourism market

The approval followed a presentation by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who described the framework as a major economic opportunity for the country.

“This initiative unlocks Nigeria’s cultural and tourism assets in ways that create jobs, attract investment and widen economic opportunities for communities across the nation,” she said.

The strategy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to grow non-oil sectors.

According to global data, tourism contributed about 9% to global GDP in 2024, producing an estimated $11 trillion in value and 360 million jobs worldwide—significantly outperforming the oil sector’s 4%.

Four new tourism brands unveiled

Under the approved framework, Nigeria will develop four distinct tourism brands:

Detty December

Capital Vibes

Homecoming East

Naija Season (the overarching national identity)

“Detty December,” the most established among them, has grown from Lagos street parties into a global cultural magnet featuring concerts, art shows, fashion events and major festivals.

During the 2024/25 festive period, Lagos welcomed around 1.2 million visitors, generating over $72 million in revenue.

The Federal Government says it will support Lagos State to expand the festival further while helping other regions develop tourism experiences that reflect local culture and heritage.

Industry reactions

Tourism experts say the move could finally give Nigeria a structured, recognisable identity in the global travel market.

A Lagos-based tourism analyst, interviewed independently, described the framework as “long overdue,” adding:

“A structured national brand helps international visitors understand what Nigeria offers beyond stereotypes. It allows each region to showcase something unique while benefiting from a unified national identity.”

Members of the creative industry also welcomed the approval, noting that cultural festivals, digital storytelling and diaspora-focused events are increasingly influential in global tourism flows.

Presidential Tourism Task Force to drive implementation

To coordinate the rollout, the FEC approved a Presidential Tourism Task Force made up of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as private-sector experts.

It includes representatives from:

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Aviation

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

National Bureau of Statistics

Office of the National Security Adviser

Governors from tourism-focused states

Private industry figures

The high-level team will work to improve security, streamline regulations and accelerate infrastructure upgrades.

“This model draws from global destinations where cultural storytelling and strategic planning have transformed local economies,” Musawa said.

She added that the Nigerian model emphasises community participation, sustainability and protection of cultural heritage.

Public impact

The government says the new tourism framework will help:

Create thousands of jobs across hospitality, creative industries, transport and local businesses

Encourage diaspora returnees to contribute to regional economies

Boost Nigeria’s international image

Spread tourism revenue beyond Lagos and Abuja

Support small communities and tourism-based livelihoods

If fully implemented, tourism could become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing non-oil sectors.

What’s next

Rollout will begin with stakeholder engagements, state-level partnerships and targeted campaigns for each brand.

The Ministry plans to work with private industry leaders, event organisers, airlines and digital platforms to scale up visibility.

Officials say the “Naija Season” brand will be marketed globally, including across the diaspora.