In a bid to enhance accountability and efficiency within the maritime sector, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for increased transparency and the adoption of technology-driven reporting systems.
This initiative aims to streamline operations, reduce corruption, and improve the overall integrity of customs processes in the country’s bustling maritime industry.
Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR who was represented by Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port, emphasized the importance of trade facilitation, transparency, and technological advancement in customs operations at the Maritime Journalists Training Workshop 2024 held at Apapa Customs Auditorium on November 1, 2024.
The workshop, initiated by Comptroller Nnadi, aims to equip maritime journalists with updated skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of customs and trade reporting.
In his address, CGC Adeniyi underscored the maritime sector’s transformative journey, fueled by technological advances, changing trade patterns, and regulatory reforms. He highlighted the workshop’s focus on fostering an understanding of essential industry vocabulary, enhancing operational transparency, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
He encouraged participants to actively engage, share insights, and raise questions, reaffirming the critical role of maritime journalists in educating the public and setting industry standards.
“The language of our industry must evolve in line with customs operations, trade compliance, and international logistics,” said CGC Adeniyi. “By aligning our skills, we strengthen both our efficiency and credibility, ensuring smoother trade facilitation that contributes to economic growth.”
Reflecting on the workshop’s inception, Mr. Innocent Orok, Chairman of the Planning Committee, acknowledged the logistical challenges in organizing the event due to prevailing economic conditions. However, he reiterated the importance of continuous training and empowerment for journalists, noting that the workshop sets a new standard for maritime media training.
Orok further commended Comptroller Nnadi’s commitment to the media’s advancement, recalling Nnadi’s role in addressing outdated narratives and encouraging the specialization of maritime media professionals. This workshop, he emphasized, will not only support journalists in their professional growth but also serve as a template for future industry-focused training sessions.
During his presentation, Mr. Jacob Iosso, a top official of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), said that Nigeria’s economy recorded more exports in 2024, when compared to the volume of export shipments made in 2023. In his words: “In the last 10 months, we shipped out over 40,000 TEUs. The exported items are mostly agricultural products such as soya beans and
Sesame seeds”.
He stated further that requirements for imports into Nigeria include form-M; certificate of origin, bill of lading; ocean bill of lading; Airways bill; final/commercial invoice; packing list and manufacturer’s certificate of production, among others.
Mr. Iosso further explained that for
importers to get refund on container deposits, they must return the containers in good shape. He explained the difference between CIF-Cost Insurance and freight, as well as FOB- Free on Board is a shipping term that defines the point at which the buyer; or seller is responsible for goods that are being transported. FOB determines who is responsible for the goods during transit.
In his Presentation, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Adeiza Ibrahim, Assistant Technical Supervisor at Tin-Can Island Port Command, underscored the importance of understanding modern commercial terms in 21st-century customs operations.
CSC Ibrahim highlighted how global trade dynamics, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory frameworks have transformed customs operations, increasing the need for accurate communication among stakeholders. “Precise language is essential in customs operations to mitigate legal disputes and streamline processes,” he stated, emphasizing that terms like Harmonized System Code (HS Code), Bill of Lading (BOL), and International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) are foundational to current customs practices.
Throughout the session, Ibrahim elaborated on how terms like “FOB” (Free on Board), “CIF” (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), and “VAT” (Value Added Tax) impact trade responsibilities, documentation requirements, and customs compliance. He also discussed the role of technological advancements in simplifying customs processes, noting the introduction of the Unified Customs Management System, known as “B’ Odogwu,” designed to enhance border management and transparency in Nigeria.
In closing, Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the workshop organizers, applauding their efforts to equip maritime journalists with the knowledge to report accurately on the complexities of customs and trade operations in a globalized economy.
The event included a recognition segment for veteran journalists who have contributed significantly to shaping maritime policies and programs in Nigeria. Sponsors such as MSC and Zenith Bank were also acknowledged for their support in making the event possible.
As the session concluded, Comptroller Nnadi expressed gratitude for the backing from the CGC, ACG Saidu Yusuf, and other stakeholders. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that advance maritime journalism and industry transparency.
In his welcome remarks, the Apapa Area Command Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu expressed satisfaction over the participants and the level of interaction by the media practitioners.
The workshop was hailed as the first of its kind, with plans underway to institutionalize it as a recurring event, ensuring that every practicing maritime journalist benefits in future editions.
