The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, has commended the Western Marine Command for its outstanding performance in anti-smuggling operations and maritime border security.

During his official working visit to the Command, ACG Orbih hailed the officers and men for their dedication, highlighting their recent confiscation of contraband goods valued at over ₦352 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV). The seizures, he said, underline the crucial role the Command plays in protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens.

“The seizures you made go beyond mere numbers,” Orbih stated. “They tell the story of officers who understand that every intercepted contraband item protects Nigeria’s economy and its people.”

The Zonal Coordinator’s visit comes at a time when the NCS has reported historic achievements in revenue collection. According to Orbih, the Service generated a record-breaking ₦1.75 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with Zone A—where the Western Marine Command operates—contributing nearly 80% of that total.

He attributed this performance to strategic operational reforms introduced by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. These include the Advance Ruling System, the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, and the rollout of the indigenous Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as the B’Odogwu Platform.

“From PTML to other commands, the B’Odogwu system is transforming how we clear goods and monitor compliance,” Orbih noted. “This is the kind of innovation driving our mandate forward.”

While touring the Western Marine facility, Orbih also acknowledged the Command’s efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of a new quarter guard and the clearance of illegal shanties around the area.

“These actions show discipline and a commitment to operational excellence,” he added.

However, the ACG did not shy away from discussing Nigeria’s rising security concerns, particularly along its waterways. He emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, NDLEA, and Immigration to effectively tackle transnational crimes.

“Our nation is facing complex threats, and your work here is not just important—it is critical to our national survival,” Orbih stressed. “We must remain several steps ahead of those who want to undermine Nigeria’s economic integrity.”

Calling on community involvement, he encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade.

The visit, part of a larger tour of frontline Customs Commands in Zone A, aligns with the Service’s ongoing agenda focused on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation—the three strategic pillars of the current Customs leadership.

Responding on behalf of the Command, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, thanked ACG Orbih for the visit and his words of encouragement. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.

“We are motivated by your visit and words,” said Comptroller Ntadi. “Officers and men of the Command will continue to make the Service proud.”

As Nigeria continues to face evolving maritime security challenges, the Western Marine Command stands as a key force in the nation’s fight against smuggling and illegal trade across its waterways.

In a renewed push to deepen Nigeria’s maritime self-reliance and security, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, paid an inspection visit to Nigerdock’s Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos, where the Deep Blue vessel DB Lagos is undergoing critical maintenance.

The DB Lagos, a special mission vessel under the Deep Blue Project, plays a pivotal role in surveillance and enforcement operations on Nigeria’s territorial waters. It is central to the country’s fight against oil theft, smuggling, piracy, and other transnational maritime crimes.

Dr. Mobereola, visibly impressed by the scope and quality of work at Nigerdock, praised the shipyard’s capacity and reaffirmed NIMASA’s resolve to strengthen indigenous technical capabilities.

“What I am seeing here today is a testimony to the fact that we have the ability not only to repair but also to build here in Nigeria,” said Mobereola during the inspection.

He emphasized that the vessel maintenance initiative reflects the broader policy direction of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under the leadership of Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, who has consistently advocated for the development of local shipbuilding and repair infrastructure.

“We at NIMASA are demonstrating our belief in this vision by maintaining our own vessels here,” Dr. Mobereola stated.

The inspection marks a strategic commitment by NIMASA to reduce dependence on foreign shipyards and to promote sustainable, homegrown maritime solutions. It also aligns with the Agency’s wider objectives under the Deep Blue Project to secure Nigeria’s coastline using a mix of maritime assets, including vessels, helicopters, and surveillance systems.

Nigerdock, located within the Snake Island Free Zone, remains one of West Africa’s most advanced shipyards. Its partnership with government agencies such as NIMASA is seen as vital to building a resilient and self-sustaining maritime industry in Nigeria.

The visit is expected to bolster confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to maintain strategic maritime assets locally, create jobs, and support the growth of the nation’s Blue Economy.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has called for a comprehensive renewal of Nigeria’s port infrastructure, citing its crucial role in unlocking the full potential of the nation’s blue economy. He made the call during the 7th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference, which was held over the weekend at the University of Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address, Afolabi described Nigeria’s maritime sector as a “sleeping giant” waiting to be awakened through strategic investment and modernization of its seaports.

“Nigeria’s blue economy is a sleeping giant. We have untapped potential along our vast coastline that, if harnessed responsibly, can create new jobs, strengthen our ports, attract investments, and safeguard our environment for future generations,” Afolabi said.

“Infrastructure is at the heart of this transformation. Modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure will drive efficiency and competitiveness in our ports and maritime corridors.”

He emphasized that investment in modern and sustainable port systems would not only boost logistics performance but also ensure Nigeria competes favorably on the global maritime stage.

Oyetola Highlights Government Reforms

Also speaking at the conference, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, spotlighted key policy actions and infrastructure initiatives aimed at repositioning the maritime industry as a driver of national development.

“The National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy provides a coordinated framework for opportunities in ports, fisheries, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, and coastal tourism,” the Minister said.

Oyetola detailed ongoing government projects such as the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme, the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Ports, and the revival of Nigeria’s National Carrier under a public-private partnership model.

He stressed that all infrastructure modernisation must align with sustainability objectives.

“Sustainability must guide all infrastructure modernisation efforts, with emphasis on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and waste minimisation,” he added.

Security and Global Recognition

The Minister also praised Nigeria’s efforts in improving maritime security, noting the country’s record of zero piracy incidents in its territorial waters over the past three years—a feat that has brought stability to the Gulf of Guinea and international acclaim.

Additionally, Oyetola announced Nigeria’s ambition to secure a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, aiming to influence global maritime governance.

He called for stronger ties between government and academia, particularly in research areas such as marine robotics and emerging maritime technologies.

“We must deepen our collaboration with the academic community in frontier technologies to build a competitive and future-ready maritime sector,” he said.

About the Conference

The TAAM Conference, a joint initiative by SIFAX Group and The Maritime Forum at the University of Lagos, has evolved into one of the country’s premier platforms for maritime policy engagement, academic exchange, and industry networking.

This year’s edition drew stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, and international observers, reinforcing the urgent need for partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global maritime ecosystem.