The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners has presented its 2026 Leadership Excellence Award to Gambo Aliyu for what it described as strong enforcement and trade facilitation at the Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The award was announced at CONMMEP’s Annual General Meeting, Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Ikeja, Lagos, where maritime journalists, regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders discussed the role of enforcement, trade and the media in Nigeria’s economic development.

CONMMEP President Udo Onyeka said the honour recognised Aliyu’s leadership in combining anti-smuggling operations with efforts to facilitate legitimate trade and improve operational efficiency.

According to Onyeka, the award reflected Aliyu’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and intelligence-driven enforcement across the South-West corridor, one of Nigeria’s busiest trade routes.

Why it matters

In its citation, CONMMEP said the Federal Operations Unit Zone A had intensified surveillance and enforcement along strategic border corridors including Idiroko, Seme, Imeko, Ilara and Ilaro.

The association said these operations had disrupted the diversion of petroleum products and other smuggling activities, while collaboration with other government agencies had helped improve cargo clearance for compliant importers and exporters.

CONMMEP argued that effective enforcement could support government revenue and create a more predictable environment for legitimate businesses.

“Trade facilitation is not the opposite of enforcement; it is the reward for effective enforcement,” the association stated. “Comptroller Aliyu has demonstrated that curbing smuggling enhances government revenue, stabilises local markets and creates a more competitive environment for legitimate businesses.”

Industry and public perspective

Maritime and trade stakeholders at the event were told that improved border enforcement could help reduce revenue leakages and encourage compliance with customs regulations.

Trade analysts often note that efficient customs processes and secure borders are important for investor confidence and for Nigeria’s participation in regional trade initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The association also emphasised the role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency within the maritime and trade sectors.

Media and institutional perspective

CONMMEP said it remained committed to responsible journalism and described the media as a strategic partner in strengthening transparency within the maritime and trade sectors.

The association praised Aliyu for maintaining an open relationship with journalists, saying such engagement had enhanced factual reporting and strengthened public confidence in the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Aliyu’s response

Receiving the award in his office, Comptroller Aliyu dedicated the honour to officers and personnel of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, as well as partner security and regulatory agencies.

He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, enhanced border security and the continued facilitation of legitimate trade.

What’s next

CONMMEP said effective enforcement and seamless trade facilitation were complementary objectives essential to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The association added that leaders who successfully balance both responsibilities were contributing to the development of the country’s maritime and border trade corridors.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has paid tribute to veteran journalist and former union leader, Sadiq Martins, describing him as a dedicated professional whose commitment to journalism and unionism left a lasting mark on colleagues across Nigeria.

The tribute came on Friday during Martins’ 8th-Day Fidau Prayer, where journalists, union leaders and associates gathered to honour his life and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Why it matters

The passing of experienced journalists such as Martins highlights the role veteran media professionals play in preserving institutional memory, mentoring younger reporters and strengthening professional standards within Nigeria’s media industry.

His colleagues say his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, service and active participation in professional organisations at a time when journalism continues to face economic, technological and ethical challenges.

NUJ Chairman praises Martins’ dedication

Speaking during the prayer session, the Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Adeleye Ajayi, described Martins as a committed unionist whose presence at the Council’s State Congress meetings became a familiar sight.

According to Ajayi, the late journalist was “always seen occupying the front row” during congress meetings, reflecting his dedication to the affairs of the union.

Ajayi said Martins possessed exceptional knowledge of the NUJ Constitution, earning admiration and respect from journalists both within Lagos State and across Nigeria.

He added that Martins worked closely with successive chairmen of the Lagos State Council and was widely regarded as a goal-getter whose unwavering commitment inspired many within the profession.

The NUJ chairman urged journalists to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and selfless service, saying these principles defined Martins throughout his lifetime.

Ajayi also prayed for God to grant the late journalist eternal rest while asking for comfort and strength for his family during their period of mourning.

Colleagues pay their respects

The Fidau Prayer drew members of the NUJ Lagos State Council, including Secretary Tunde Olalere, Assistant Secretary Olayide Awosanya, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel Abraham Akpabio, Vice Chairman Juliet Fanayajo, Auditor Iyabo Aina, Jaji Habibat, as well as veteran journalists Gbenga Fatile, Ayo Ojedokun and Ben Ibe.

They joined other union members in offering prayers for Martins’ peaceful repose and for God to grant his family, friends and colleagues strength, comfort and fortitude.

Industry perspective

Media observers say experienced journalists like Martins often contribute beyond the newsroom by mentoring younger reporters, defending professional ethics and supporting stronger media institutions.

His active participation in union affairs also reflects the important role professional associations play in protecting journalists’ welfare and promoting accountability within the media sector.

What comes next

As colleagues continue to mourn Martins, many within the journalism community say preserving his values of professionalism, constitutional knowledge and selfless service will be the most enduring tribute to his memory.

The NUJ Lagos Council is expected to continue encouraging members to uphold the standards that Martins championed throughout his career.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, has named Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), as its Iconic Woman of the Month for June.

The honour recognises Alaka’s contributions to investigative journalism, press freedom and efforts to expand opportunities for women journalists in Nigeria and across Africa.

Why it matters

The recognition comes at a time when media organisations continue to face growing challenges around press freedom, newsroom sustainability and gender inequality.

Media development experts say increasing the number of women in leadership and investigative reporting can strengthen public-interest journalism and improve diversity in news coverage.

At the WSCIJ, Alaka has led programmes aimed at improving investigative reporting while promoting gender inclusion in journalism.

One of the organisation’s flagship initiatives, Report Women!, supports female journalists through training, mentorship and professional development designed to help more women take on leadership roles in newsrooms.

NAWOJ explains the honour

Announcing the award, NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson, Jumoke Falayi Johnson, said Alaka’s career reflects the values the association seeks to celebrate.

“Motunrayo Alaka is not just a leader; she is a builder of people and a beacon of integrity in the media landscape. Her dedication to fostering gender equity and mentoring the next generation of investigative journalists makes her a thoroughly deserving recipient of this honor for the month of June.”

Johnson added:

“The NAWOJ Lagos ‘Iconic Woman of the Month’ initiative is a monthly spotlight designed to celebrate outstanding Nigerian women who are taking significant strides, breaking barriers, and leaving indelible footprints in their respective fields.”

Impact on journalism

Industry observers say initiatives that recognise women leaders can encourage greater participation of women in journalism, particularly in investigative reporting, where female representation remains relatively limited in many newsrooms.

Recognition of media professionals, they add, can also inspire younger journalists while drawing attention to the importance of ethical, public-interest reporting.

Previous recipients

Alaka joins a list of distinguished women previously honoured by the initiative, including Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Dr. Abimbola Abosede Oyetunde, Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo, Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisika and the late Alhaja Kudirat Olayinka Abiola, who was recognised posthumously.

What’s next?

NAWOJ Lagos congratulated Alaka and expressed hope that she would continue to make significant contributions to investigative journalism, press freedom and women’s advancement in the media profession.

The monthly recognition programme is expected to continue highlighting Nigerian women making notable contributions across different sectors.