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Seme Customs Generates N3.4bn in February as Agro-Exports Rise

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Seme Customs Generates N3.4bn in February as Agro-Exports Rise

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated N3,480,970,924.67 in revenue for February 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with cross-border traders and farmers in Badagry on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The meeting was organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme and GIZ International.

The event, themed “Empowering Cross-Border Traders through Trade Information Desk for Agricultural Traders,” had Adenuga representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

According to Adenuga, the N3.48 billion generated so far in February 2026 represents a sharp rise from the N743,698,652.16 recorded in February 2025, attributing the surge largely to improved trade facilitation processes at the Command.

“For this February that has not yet ended, we have already generated N3,480,970,924.67 as against N743,698,652.16 revenue generated in February 2025. This clearly shows that the flow of trade is getting better and people are building greater confidence in the Seme–Krake corridor,” he said.

The CAC assured stakeholders that the significant reduction in checkpoints along the Seme–Gbaji axis was the result of enhanced collaboration with other security agencies operating within the corridor. He clarified that only Agbara and Gbaji remain the officially approved Customs checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

Adenuga further attributed the decline in crime rates within the axis to the outcomes of monthly joint border security meetings involving all agencies at the border post.

He noted that the engagements have strengthened cooperation, improved intelligence sharing and enhanced responses to security threats, creating a safer environment for cross-border trade.

Beyond revenue generation and trade facilitation, the Command also recorded major enforcement successes. The CAC revealed the interception of a Toyota Highlander vehicle conveying 22 packages of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding N1 billion, based on credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller-General.

Additionally, within February 2026 alone, the Command seized 1,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, reinforcing its commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting Nigeria’s economic borders.

Adenuga reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to working closely with traders, farmers, sister security agencies and regional partners to sustain the positive trade momentum and strengthen security along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

Oyo/Osun Customs Deepens Collaboration with Nigerian Army, EFCC

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Oyo/Osun Customs Deepens Collaboration with Nigerian Army, EFCC

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in a bid to enhance national security and operational efficiency.

As part of the renewed partnership drive, the Garrison Commander of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Brigadier General Abubakar Saddiq Bugaje, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Operational Headquarters of the Oyo/Osun Area Command.

During the visit, the Army chief expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation.

He noted that the Nigerian Army is tasked with protecting lives and property within Oyo State and emphasised the need for sustained cooperation among security agencies, stressing that no single agency can operate effectively in isolation.

Bugaje reaffirmed the commitment of the 2 Division to continued collaboration and support for the Customs Command in addressing security challenges within the state.

Responding, the Acting Customs Area Controller for the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Moses Adewole, acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s critical role in safeguarding the nation against external aggression and maintaining internal security.

He assured the Garrison Commander that the Command values the existing relationship and remains committed to strengthening collaboration for improved operational outcomes.

In a related development, the Customs Area Controller, accompanied by members of the Command’s Management Team, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, paid a familiarisation visit to the EFCC Zonal Office in Ibadan.

Adewole commended the Commission for its sustained efforts in combating corruption and financial crimes nationwide and sought to deepen cooperation in joint operations, intelligence sharing and capacity-building initiatives.

In her response, the EFCC Zonal Director, Mrs. Hauwa Garba Ringim, appreciated the visit and described the relationship between the Commission and the Oyo/Osun Area Command as cordial and mutually beneficial.

She assured the Controller of the Commission’s continued support, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint operations and enforcement activities.

CONMMEP, Customs Strengthen Media–Security Partnership at Murtala Mohammed Command

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CONMMEP, Customs Strengthen Media–Security Partnership at Murtala Mohammed Command

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP has deepened its engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service following a high-level courtesy visit to the Murtala Mohammed Area Command.

The delegation was received by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, whose leadership at the strategic command has continued to draw commendation within maritime and aviation trade circles.

The visit marked CONMMEP’s first formal engagement with the Comptroller since his assumption of office and was described as both symbolic and strategic. Beyond routine protocol, discussions focused on institutionalising transparency, improving information flow and reinforcing public trust in customs operations.

Speaking during the visit, CONMMEP President, Udo Onyeka, reaffirmed the media’s dual responsibility to scrutinise governance while supporting reforms that strengthen public institutions. He commended Comptroller Otunla’s professional record and openness to constructive engagement.

According to Onyeka, effective public service delivery thrives on transparency. He emphasised that the association remains committed to balanced reportage—highlighting operational successes while constructively examining industry challenges to drive improvement.

As part of the engagement, the association presented the Comptroller with a formal letter of support and an award recognising his service record and collaborative disposition.

In his remarks, Comptroller Otunla described the visit as historic and encouraging, noting that recognition from industry-focused journalists carries particular significance. He reiterated the Command’s readiness to maintain open communication channels and provide accurate information reflecting the realities of customs operations.

He stressed that transparency enhances credibility and operational efficiency, especially at a command that oversees critical cargo and passenger movements through Nigeria’s busiest international gateway. The Murtala Mohammed Area Command plays a key role in revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling enforcement.

Both parties agreed to establish a more structured framework for regular briefings, joint sensitisation programmes and improved access to information. The collaboration is expected to deepen public awareness of customs procedures, compliance requirements and the broader economic impact of maritime and aviation trade operations.

The engagement underscores growing recognition that strategic collaboration between enforcement agencies and specialised media bodies can strengthen institutional integrity and advance national development objectives.

Apapa Customs Seeks Deeper Operational Collaboration with Nigerian Navy

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Apapa Customs Seeks Deeper Operational Collaboration with Nigerian Navy

The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

The visit, which took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, was aimed at deepening operational synergy in line with the three policy thrusts of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Speaking during the engagement, Oshoba said he was committed to consolidating on existing gains and improving the working relationship between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within the axis.

“The CGC has three key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis,” he stated.

On collaboration, the Customs chief emphasised that modern border management requires coordinated efforts among security agencies.

“While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security,” he said.

Highlighting innovation as the third policy thrust, Oshoba described it as adopting new approaches to achieve better outcomes, noting that strengthening inter-agency cooperation forms part of that strategy.

He commended the Navy for securing Nigeria’s maritime environment, observing that safe waters are essential for international trade and port operations.

He also sought sustained support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.

In his response, Rear Admiral Mustapha underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in port security. “Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development,” he said.

The FOC further praised the Customs Service under Adeniyi’s leadership for blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets, encouraging the Service to sustain its performance.

He assured the Apapa Command of continued and enhanced cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.

Union Bank Reaffirms Stability Following Cardoso’s Remarks at MPC Briefing

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Union Bank Reaffirms Stability Following Cardoso’s Remarks at MPC Briefing

Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its operational stability and regulatory compliance following remarks by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, at the 304th Monetary Policy Committee, MPC press briefing.

The bank’s statement comes amid media queries raised during the briefing concerning institutions currently under regulatory intervention and their recapitalisation timelines.

Addressing journalists, Cardoso clarified that institutions under regulatory oversight operate within unique structural and supervisory frameworks, which require a differentiated approach compared to banks that have had an extended period to prepare for recapitalisation.

His remarks were made in response to questions regarding the operational status of affected banks.

In reaction, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, said the Governor’s clarification aligns with the bank’s consistent communication to stakeholders.

“The Governor’s remarks reinforce what has consistently been our position in all engagements with stakeholders. Union Bank remains under strong regulatory oversight and active supervisory engagement. The Bank is a going concern with a resilient franchise, stable operations and uninterrupted service delivery across all channels,” she said.

Aluko further assured customers that all deposits remain safe and secure, stressing that the bank continues to operate within the established regulatory framework while working transparently and constructively with the CBN towards full compliance under the applicable structure.

Union Bank noted that its engagement with the apex bank forms part of the broader system-wide recapitalisation programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s banking sector.

The lender added that it would continue to provide updates as regulatory discussions progress, maintaining its commitment to customer protection, financial stability and uninterrupted service delivery.

SAPETRO Donates ₦1bn to LSSTF to Strengthen Lagos Security Infrastructure

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SAPETRO Donates ₦1bn to LSSTF to Strengthen Lagos Security Infrastructure

South Atlantic Petroleum, SAPETRO has donated ₦1 billion to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, in a major boost to public safety efforts in Lagos State.

The contribution, announced on Wednesday, reinforces the Fund’s ongoing commitment to supporting security infrastructure and enhancing community well-being across the state.

The donation comes on the heels of a recent private security breakfast meeting hosted by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, where SAPETRO was among select organisations invited to deliberate on strengthening the state’s security framework.

The high-level engagement brought together private-sector leaders, security experts and government officials to chart pathways for improving safety for residents, businesses and critical infrastructure.

SAPETRO, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous exploration and production companies with operations spanning over 74,000 square kilometres in West Africa, described the intervention as part of its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.

The ₦1 billion donation is regarded as one of the most significant single private-sector contributions to the LSSTF in recent years, underscoring the link between security, economic growth and social stability.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Ayo Ogunsan, expressed profound appreciation to the company for what he described as a landmark intervention.

He noted that the funds would strengthen ongoing security operations, support the acquisition of critical equipment, enhance logistics and reinforce the operational capacity of security agencies across the state.

Ogunsan described the gesture as “a demonstration of visionary corporate leadership,” adding that it aligns with the Governor’s call for stronger private-sector participation in sustaining security initiatives.

He emphasised that safeguarding Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre requires robust public-private collaboration, stressing that contributions of such magnitude not only enhance the Fund’s effectiveness but also encourage other corporate organisations to contribute meaningfully.

The LSSTF said the funds would be strategically deployed to address priority security needs and improve safety outcomes for millions of residents and businesses across Lagos State.

LASACO MD Leads Management Team on Courtesy Visit to LASU Vice-Chancellor

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Union Bank Reaffirms Stability Following Cardoso’s Remarks at MPC Briefing

The newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr. Ademoye Shobo, on Wednesday, January 25, 2026, led a five-member management delegation on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

The meeting, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room on the 6th Floor of the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, was described as strategic and forward-looking, aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the insurance firm and the university while exploring new areas of collaboration.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Shobo, an alumnus of LASU, to formally introduce himself to the university leadership and reaffirm the company’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.

Discussions during the engagement focused on existing insurance arrangements, risk management support, and opportunities for deepening institutional partnership. Shobo reiterated LASACO’s dedication to delivering innovative, responsive and tailored insurance solutions to meet the evolving needs of tertiary institutions.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, congratulated Shobo on his appointment and expressed pride in his status as an alumnus of the institution.

She commended LASACO for its professionalism and sustained support, emphasising the importance of strong corporate partnerships in advancing the university’s strategic objectives and enhancing operational resilience.

Olatunji-Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo Afisi, reaffirmed the cordial relationship between LASU and LASACO, noting the significance of supporting state-owned enterprises.

She encouraged the company to expand its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, suggesting sponsorship of conferences in the Department of Insurance and the establishment of endowment programmes for students to further strengthen ties with the university.

She also welcomed Shobo’s proposal to extend services to staff unions and urged that similar support be made available to the university’s cooperatives.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Toyin Enikuomehin, also congratulated the LASACO MD, highlighting the critical role of insurance in institutional administration. He assured the delegation of the university’s readiness to collaborate towards achieving shared objectives.

The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Registrar in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Mr. Samuel Asesanya, on behalf of the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu.

LIRS Urges Taxpayers to File Annual Returns Before March 31 Deadline

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LIRS Urges Taxpayers to File Annual Returns Before March 31 Deadline

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS has advised all individual taxpayers in Lagos State to file their annual tax returns for the 2026 year of assessment on or before March 31, 2026.

The agency stated that the statutory filing requirement applies to all taxable persons, including self-employed individuals, business owners, professionals, persons operating within the informal sector, and employees under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) scheme.

According to LIRS, in line with Section 24(f) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 (NTAA), every individual with taxable income is mandated to submit a true and correct return of total income from all sources for the preceding year, January 1 to December 31, 2025, within 90 days of the commencement of a new assessment year.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, emphasised that timely filing remains both a constitutional and statutory obligation, as well as a civic responsibility.

“Filing of annual tax returns is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025. We encourage all Lagos residents earning taxable income to file early and accurately.

Early and accurate filing not only ensures full adherence with statutory requirements, but supports effective monitoring and forecasting, which are critical to Lagos State’s fiscal planning and long-term sustainability,” Subair stated.

He further warned that failure to file returns by the statutory deadline would attract administrative penalties, interest, and other enforcement measures as prescribed by law.

To enhance convenience and efficiency, LIRS announced that all individual tax returns must be submitted electronically via its eTax portal, which enables taxpayers to register, file returns, upload supporting documents, and securely manage their tax profiles from anywhere.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to global best practices, Subair noted that LIRS continues to prioritise digital tax administration and taxpayer support services, adding that the eTax platform is secure and accessible worldwide.

Taxpayers requiring assistance were advised to visit any LIRS office or utilise the agency’s designated support channels.

Ogun Police Release TikTok Rape Allegation Complainant to Ministry for Welfare Support

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Ogun Police Dismiss Curfew Rumours, Assure Residents of Safety

The Ogun State Police Command has provided an update on the rape allegation made on TikTok by Abigeal Nsikak, popularly known as Mirabel.

It confirmed that she has been released to the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for welfare support as investigations continue.

In a statement issued by the Command, the police disclosed that following her online allegation, Nsikak reported to the police station where she was formally received and subsequently taken to a medical facility for necessary examination to verify her claims.

According to the Command, she has continued to cooperate with investigators while due process progresses.

The police further stated that in consideration of her welfare and support needs, she was released to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which has assumed responsibility for her care.

The Ministry has also assured the Command that she will be made available whenever required as the investigation advances.

The Police Command emphasised that the matter is being handled with professionalism, sensitivity, and diligence, urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to run its full course.

It added that further updates would be provided as necessary.

Countdown Begins for Africa’s Biggest Afro-Brazilian Street Experience in Lagos

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Countdown Begins for Africa’s Biggest Afro-Brazilian Street Experience in Lagos

The countdown has officially begun for what organisers describe as Africa’s biggest Afro-Brazilian street experience, as the highly anticipated Fanti Carnival prepares to take over Tafawa Balewa Square in 40 days.

Scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, the cultural spectacle is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators for a vibrant showcase of Afro-Brazilian heritage, music, fashion, dance and street processions.

Tagged as a grand cultural procession and immersive street experience, Fanti Carnival promises a colourful parade, electrifying performances and a celebration of the historic Afro-Brazilian influence in Lagos.

Organisers are calling on residents and tourists alike to register early, noting that only a limited number of free tickets are available. Registration is currently open via Lagosfanti.com.

The event, which has steadily grown in popularity, is positioned as a major highlight on Lagos’ cultural calendar, celebrating the enduring historical ties between Brazil and the coastal communities of Lagos.

With anticipation building and preparations underway, all eyes are now set on Tafawa Balewa Square as the city prepares for a spectacular cultural showcase on April 6.

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