…Maritime Reforms Under Tinubu Gain Momentum as Experts Applaud Customs Modernisation and Blue Economy Drive
Retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs and Maritime Trade Consultant, Dera Nnadi, mni, has commended the authors of the book Customs Operational Revolution and Maritime Development Under President Tinubu, describing the publication as a valuable contribution to the documentation of Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
Nnadi spoke while reviewing the book during its public presentation held on June 18, 2026, at Shoregate Hotels Limited, Ikeja, Lagos, alongside a seminar themed, Three Years After Marine and Blue Economy Ministry: How Far, How Well?
He congratulated the authors, High Chief Timothy Okorocha and Chief Francis Ugwoke, both veteran maritime journalists, for producing a work that captures critical developments within the Nigerian maritime and customs sectors.
According to him, preserving institutional memory remains essential for the growth of any industry, noting that the book successfully chronicles major reforms undertaken in the Nigeria Customs Service under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the publication also highlights the leadership role of the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in driving modernisation, innovation and operational efficiency across the service.
Nnadi observed that one of the strongest themes in the book is the recognition that recent achievements in the maritime industry were made possible by the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He noted that the creation of the ministry provided a strategic platform for coordination, policy direction and stakeholder engagement across the sector.
The former cerebral Customs Chief further stressed that the growing synergy among agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Shippers Council, National Inland Waterways Authority and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria has strengthened sector performance.
He added that maritime institutions, including the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, have continued to contribute significantly to knowledge development and manpower capacity building.
Nnadi also acknowledged the evolving role of freight forwarders and licensed customs agents, noting that industry operators are increasingly embracing digitisation, automation and technology-driven processes.
He praised the media community for documenting developments within the sector, saying journalists have played a crucial role in publicising reforms that might otherwise go unnoticed.
According to him, the book serves as evidence that maritime journalists are actively tracking innovations and policy shifts shaping the industry.
He called for greater support for maritime writers and researchers, arguing that the sector offers vast opportunities for deeper investigation and documentation.
While commending the authors, Nnadi pointed out that the publication could have devoted more attention to Nigeria’s position within regional maritime trade and competition among ports in West and Central Africa.
He noted that frequent claims about cargo diversion to neighbouring countries require rigorous research, statistical validation and evidence-based analysis rather than assumptions and speculation.
Among the areas he found most compelling were the sections detailing the digital transformation of Customs operations, including the transition from ASYCUDA to NICIS and the deployment of the indigenous B’Odogwu platform, as well as the growing collaboration among government agencies.
Nnadi concluded that the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, alongside programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator initiative, Advance Ruling framework and the recently launched Time Release Study, represent some of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s maritime sector. He said the book not only documents existing gains but also provides a foundation for future research, policy development and sustainable growth in the nation’s maritime economy.