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Tin Can Customs Surpasses Revenue Target, Records N1.56 Trillion Collection in 2025

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Tin Can Customs Rakes in ₦120.4bn in February, Records ₦16.8bn Growth

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has surpassed its 2025 revenue target, recording a total collection of N1.56 trillion as at December 23, 2025.

The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, stated this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Lagos on the Command’s activities for the year. He said the figure represents an excess of N51.8 billion above the revenue target assigned to the Command for 2025.

Comptroller Onyeka noted that the Command is still expecting additional revenue inflow, with eight days remaining before the end of the year. He described the achievement as encouraging and a reflection of sustained operational efficiency and stakeholder cooperation.

According to him, the impressive revenue performance was driven largely by improved compliance from stakeholders, effective trade facilitation measures, and the impact of the B’Odogwu trade modernisation system.

He noted that imports such as general merchandise, bulk cargo and used vehicles contributed significantly to the high revenue yield.

The Controller explained that the Command’s policy of addressing multiple alerts helped build confidence among importers, attracted more cargo traffic to Tin Can Island Port, and ultimately boosted revenue generation.

He also attributed the success to the support and leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, noting that the guidance and reforms introduced by the Service’s leadership played a key role in achieving the milestone.

Comptroller Onyeka commended officers and men of the Tin Can Command for their dedication and hard work, which he said translated into the impressive revenue performance recorded during the year.

On enforcement, he said the Command recorded several seizures of prohibited and improperly declared goods as part of its anti-smuggling operations, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the nation’s economy and ensuring strict compliance with customs laws.

SIFAX Group Pledges Support for Port Police Command to Strengthen Security

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SIFAX Group Pledges Support for Port Police Command to Strengthen Security

SIFAX Group has pledged its support and cooperation to the Port Authority Police, Western Command as part of efforts to strengthen security across the Lagos ports and ensure a safe environment for maritime and commercial activities.

The commitment was made by the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, while receiving the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western) Command, Mrs Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, who paid a courtesy visit to the company in Lagos.

Dr Afolabi emphasised the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders within the port ecosystem to enhance security of lives and property, protect critical port infrastructure and promote seamless legitimate trade.

He noted that effective port security requires collective responsibility and sustained partnership between the private sector and security agencies.

He congratulated CP Agbaminoja on her appointment and praised her performance in previous roles within the maritime security space, describing her promotion as a testament to the confidence reposed in her by the Nigeria Police hierarchy.

According to him, SIFAX Group has enjoyed a long-standing professional relationship with the Commissioner and will continue to support initiatives of the Port Authority Police Command. He reaffirmed the company’s tradition of partnering with security agencies nationwide to ensure a secure and stable operating environment.

Responding, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja commended SIFAX Group for its contributions to the maritime industry and described the visit as part of efforts to further strengthen collaboration between the Command and the private sector.

She noted that both institutions share a common commitment to safeguarding maritime operations and enhancing port security.

Members of SIFAX Group’s management team present at the meeting included the Group Coordinating Director, Wunmi Eniola-Jegede; Managing Director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, John Jenkins; Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, Oliver Omajuwa; and Group Head, Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande.

The Commissioner was accompanied by senior officers of the Command, including the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, Inusa Karyah; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Administration, Olufikayo Fawole; Area Commander, Western Ports, Sunday Adeyeri; and the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Isaac Hundeyin.

LAWMA Rewards Outstanding Staff

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LAWMA Rewards Outstanding Staff
Photo by: Ian Rahilly/ianrahilly.com

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has rewarded outstanding members of its workforce at a productivity award ceremony held at its headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, Lagos.

This is also as LAWMA granted a serving corps member automatic employment and some temporary staff were converted to full employment.

The ceremony, which brought together members of management and staff from various departments and operational districts, was organised to recognise diligence, hard work, professionalism and exceptional commitment to service delivery within the Authority.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the award recipients for their resilience, discipline and dedication to keeping Lagos clean.

He described the recognition as a necessary acknowledgment of hard work, stressing that management remained committed to staff welfare.

According to him, the awards were a token of appreciation to assure staff that their efforts were valued and would always be recognised.

He encouraged the awardees to sustain their performance, assuring them that excellence would not go unnoticed, while advising them to avoid negative influences and uphold integrity, discipline and positive conduct in the workplace.

Gbadegesin further reaffirmed management’s commitment to staff welfare, describing the Best Staff Award initiative as a deliberate effort to consistently reward excellence and dedication across all cadres.

Earlier, the Head of Administration and Human Resource, Ms Zakinat Ranti Dosunmu, said the ceremony was designed to inspire greater effectiveness and responsibility among staff. She noted that commitment, professionalism and dedication to duty would always yield long-term rewards within the organisation.

Award recipients, drawn from senior, junior and project staff categories, received plaques and gifts in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the growth and success of LAWMA.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Director of the Authority, Mr Kunle Adebiyi, congratulated the awardees for distinguishing themselves through dedication and hard work. He urged them to see the recognition as a call to greater responsibility, assuring that the initiative would be sustained.

He emphasised that the awards were not a one-off gesture, adding that excellence would continue to be celebrated and encouraged across the Authority.

OGUN POLICE INTENSIFY YULETIDE SECURITY WITH JOINT OPERATIONS, MASSIVE DEPLOYMENT

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OGUN POLICE INTENSIFY YULETIDE SECURITY WITH JOINT OPERATIONS, MASSIVE DEPLOYMENT

The Ogun State Police Command has intensified security measures across the state to ensure a peaceful Christmas and festive season, with the deployment of joint forces, operational assets, and a large number of personnel to safeguard lives and property.

As part of the strategy, the Command recently conducted a joint show of force in collaboration with the Lagos and Oyo State Police Commands, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other sister security agencies, particularly along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The operation featured the deployment of patrol vehicles, tactical teams, and intelligence assets aimed at strengthening security presence, reassuring residents, and deterring criminal activities.

The Command has also placed special focus on strategic routes, including the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road, where coordinated joint operations with sister agencies are ongoing to ensure the safe movement of people, goods, and travellers before, during, and after the Yuletide celebrations, while maintaining law and order across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Lanre Ogunlowo has directed the massive deployment of personnel for traffic control and other operational duties throughout the festive period and beyond.

Ogunlowo also emphasized sustained synergy with all security agencies in the state to ensure effective coverage and rapid response to security threats.

He reassured residents that security operations will be sustained throughout the Yuletide season and reiterated that the use of fireworks and bangers remains prohibited in the interest of public safety. Residents were urged to celebrate responsibly and cooperate fully with security personnel.

The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to report suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield toll-free line 0800 000 9111, and emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.

JMG Powers NIPCO’s Energy Transition, Deploys Solar at 3 Key Fuel Stations

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blacktalker
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JMG Powers NIPCO’s Energy Transition, Deploys Solar at 3 Key Fuel Stations

JMG Limited has successfully commissioned hybrid solar power systems at three major NIPCO Plc fuel stations, delivering clean, reliable energy and cutting annual energy costs by over ₦44 million.

The project, completed between May and June 2025, involved the installation of advanced hybrid solar systems at NIPCO stations in Gwagwalada, Lekki and Mpape. The installations combine high-efficiency solar panels, lithium battery storage and smart hybrid inverters to provide round-the-clock power for fuel pumps, lighting and office operations.

Since commissioning, the stations have reportedly operated with zero reliance on grid electricity or diesel generators during favourable weather conditions, significantly reducing operating costs and emissions.

Speaking on the project, Head of JMG’s Hybrid Solar Division, Abbass Hussein, said the initiative demonstrates that energy-intensive sectors such as fuel retail can transition to clean and cost-effective power without compromising performance.

He noted that the systems have delivered estimated annual savings of ₦44.4 million, generated about 88,535 kilowatt-hours of clean energy yearly and reduced carbon emissions by approximately 43.8 tonnes.

Hussein added that the scalable nature of the hybrid systems makes them adaptable to different operational needs, offering a practical pathway for businesses seeking to lower emissions and energy expenses.

Confirming the impact of the installations, NIPCO’s Station Manager at Gwagwalada, Idoko Jacob, said the solar systems have fully met the stations’ daily energy needs on bright-weather days, with generator support only required during extended periods of poor weather.

Across the three stations, the installations now cover between 80 and 100 per cent of daily energy demand. The Gwagwalada station records an estimated annual solar output of 42,450 kilowatt-hours, saving ₦15.6 million and cutting carbon emissions by over 15 tonnes yearly.

The Lekki station generates about 3,635 kilowatt-hours annually, saving ₦12 million, while the Mpape station produces approximately 42,450 kilowatt-hours, translating to ₦16.8 million in yearly savings.

With generator use reduced to near zero, the project underscores the growing viability of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria’s commercial and industrial sectors.

JMG said it remains committed to delivering efficient and reliable solar solutions for homes and enterprises, supporting Nigeria’s transition to sustainable energy through innovative technology and tailored power systems.

LASEPA Orders Remediation Efforts by Iron and Steel Firms in Ikorodu Amid Spikes in Air Pollution

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blacktalker
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LASEPA Orders Remediation Efforts by Iron and Steel Firms in Ikorodu Amid Spikes in Air Pollution

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has ordered the implementation of remediation measures by iron and steel companies operating in the Ikorodu industrial corridor following the detection of elevated air pollution levels in the area.

General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, stated this during an inspection and enforcement tour of the facilities, noting that affected companies have been directed to immediately halt production while corrective and pollution-control measures are put in place.

Ajayi explained that the intervention followed irregular readings from the Agency’s air quality monitoring devices, which recorded spikes in nitrogen oxides, sulphur compounds, and particulate matter capable of endangering public health.

According to him, management of the companies agreed to stop all polluting activities and were granted a short grace period to remediate the environment and install appropriate abatement technologies to prevent future violations.

“We have asked them to immediately stop operations, address the source of pollution, and put measures in place to ensure this does not happen again. Over the next few days, we will maintain close monitoring to ensure compliance,” Ajayi said.

He warned that failure to complete remediation within the stipulated period would result in the sealing of facilities or the imposition of heavy sanctions, in line with the polluter-pay principle enshrined in environmental laws.

Ajayi said while LASEPA enforces strict compliance, the Agency also considers the economic impact of shutdowns, as the industries employ thousands of workers, noting that the temporary grace period is intended to balance environmental protection with economic stability.

The LASEPA boss added that the Agency’s air quality monitoring dashboard remains publicly accessible, allowing residents to track pollution levels across the state in real time.

He stressed that pollution from industrial activities must not exceed designated buffer zones or affect nearby residential communities, assuring Lagosians that vigilance and enforcement would be intensified across industrial corridors.

2025 Christmas: LAWMA Assures Lagosians of Effective Waste Management

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blacktalker
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2025 Christmas: LAWMA Assures Lagosians of Effective Waste Management

The Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has assured residents of seamless waste management across the state during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

In a statement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the Authority had activated a comprehensive waste management plan to address the expected increase in waste generation in residential, commercial, and public areas during the festive period.

Gbadegesin said LAWMA had deployed additional waste evacuation trucks, sanitation personnel, and supervisory teams to strategic locations, including major highways, markets, motor parks, and other high-traffic public spaces, to ensure continuous and prompt waste collection throughout the holidays.

He noted that collaboration with Private Sector Participants, PSPs, Community Development Associations, CDAs, and market leaders had been strengthened to promote proper waste disposal practices and ensure adherence to approved collection schedules.

According to him, all PSP operators have been mandated to sustain effective service delivery before, during, and after the festivities, particularly in densely populated residential areas, warning that the Authority would not tolerate service lapses as monitoring and enforcement activities have been intensified statewide.

The LAWMA boss urged residents to support the Authority’s efforts by properly bagging their waste, avoiding indiscriminate dumping, and using designated waste collection points. He also encouraged Lagosians to adopt waste reduction practices, such as the use of reusable bags and containers, to minimise littering during celebrations.

Gbadegesin further assured residents that LAWMA intervention teams and enforcement officers would remain on duty throughout the festive season to swiftly address waste accumulation and environmental infractions. He also advised motorists to exercise caution around waste evacuation points to safeguard sanitation workers who would be operating extended shifts.

“Our goal is to ensure that Lagos remains clean, orderly, and liveable throughout the festive period and beyond. LAWMA is fully prepared, and with the cooperation of residents, we can all enjoy a safe and pleasant Christmas and New Year,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Authority has held its annual Christmas Carol and End-of-the-Year Thanksgiving service at its headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, Lagos, to express gratitude for the year 2025.

The event was attended by LAWMA’s management team, staff, friends, and well-wishers. In his welcome address, Gbadegesin acknowledged God’s faithfulness in the affairs of the Authority and encouraged staff to remain hopeful for a better 2026.

The Thanksgiving service featured Bible readings, a sermon on the theme “The Name of Jesus” delivered by Pastor Adebayo Adeniyi, Psalms of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, prayer sessions for the Authority, Lagos State, and Nigeria, as well as hymn renditions and special musical ministrations.

Fidelity Bank Donates Firefighting Equipment to Ikoyi Fire Service Station

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blacktalker
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Fidelity Bank Donates Firefighting Equipment to Ikoyi Fire Service Station

Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened community safety and environmental protection efforts with the donation of firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline-powered water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos.

The donation was carried out under the bank’s Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP) by the True Serve team, a staff-driven initiative through which employees identify critical community needs, raise funds, and receive matching financial support from the bank to implement selected projects.

Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, said the donation underscores the bank’s commitment to enhancing emergency response capacity and promoting public safety within the communities it serves.

Nwagboh noted that Fidelity Bank remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that protect lives, property, and the environment, adding that community safety is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between corporate organizations and the public.

He further emphasized the importance of preventive measures over reactionary responses, stating that the provision of essential tools aligns with the bank’s drive for sustainable practices and its broader goal of ensuring safe and empowered communities.

Receiving the equipment, Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service, and Controller of Fire, Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely intervention, particularly as the festive season coincides with dry weather conditions that increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

Adebayo urged residents to exercise caution during celebrations, warning parents to discourage children from using fireworks and stressing that fire must be handled responsibly at all times. She added that the Fire Service has intensified sensitization visits to corporate organizations to curb unsafe practices that could lead to preventable fire incidents.

Also speaking, Area Commander, Onikan Fire Station, and Chief Superintendent of Fire, Oswere Michael, expressed appreciation to the bank for supporting firefighting operations, describing the donation as a boost to the station’s capacity to safeguard lives and property.

He called on families, business owners, and community members to prioritize fire safety at home and in the workplace.

Adewole Takes Over as Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command

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Adewole Takes Over as Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Oyo/Osun Area Command, has witnessed a smooth leadership transition with the appointment of Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Moses Wale Adewole, as the Acting Customs Area Controller.

Adewole assumed office following the redeployment of the former Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Adewole expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, fnipr, psc (+), PhD, and the Management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him.

He described the new role as a call to higher responsibility and pledged to uphold professionalism, integrity, discipline, and teamwork in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Acting Controller commended his predecessor for what he described as exemplary leadership, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and stakeholder engagement. He assured officers and stakeholders that his administration would consolidate existing gains while striving to exceed current performance benchmarks.

Adewole outlined key priorities of his administration to include improved and transparent revenue collection, strengthened anti-smuggling operations through collaboration with sister security agencies, continuous capacity building and welfare of officers, improved work ethics and discipline, and sustained engagement with traditional institutions, business communities, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders across Oyo and Osun States.

In his remarks, the outgoing Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, described his tenure as fulfilling, noting strong collaboration with the governments and people of Oyo and Osun States, effective synergy with sister security agencies, and consistent engagement with traditional rulers within the Command’s jurisdiction.

Aliyu highlighted improved revenue performance recorded during his tenure, attributing the gains to enhanced compliance, structured engagement with excise factories, and the deployment of the B’odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

He also commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and resilience, which he said contributed significantly to successful anti-smuggling operations and protection of the national economy.

The outgoing Controller urged his successor to sustain capacity-building initiatives, deepen engagement with border communities, and ensure the completion of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project, the proposed solar-powered healthcare centre at Iragbiji.

The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages and a renewed commitment by officers of the Command to service excellence, continuity, and the broader vision of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Enatta Foundation Celebrates Fisherwomen, Calls for Stronger Support for Coastal Communities

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Enatta Foundation Celebrates Fisherwomen, Calls for Stronger Support for Coastal Communities

The Enatta Foundation has brought renewed attention to the contributions and challenges of fisherwomen across coastal Lagos communities with the hosting of its 2025 Boat Regatta, a festival dedicated to celebrating women working in the fisheries value chain.

Founder of the foundation, Adijat Enitan Okuyelu, said the event was designed to give visibility to fisherwomen from eight communities who, she noted, remain largely unrecognised despite their critical role in food production and household livelihoods.

According to Okuyelu, generations of women have worked as traditional fishing artisans, yet they are often excluded from policy conversations, access to support, and public recognition.

She stressed that visibility is a first step toward ensuring fisherwomen are included in decision-making processes, supported with tools, and acknowledged for their economic impact.

Beyond the regatta, Okuyelu highlighted several empowerment initiatives run by the foundation, including financial inclusion programmes aimed at helping women access digital banking and formal financial services.

She explained that the approach emphasises partnership and accountability, equipping women with the discipline and knowledge required to engage banks and financial institutions effectively.

She also spoke on the foundation’s Boat Project, through which each of the participating communities has received two fishing boats. While describing the intervention as modest, Okuyelu said it marked the beginning of broader engagement, expressing hope for stronger partnerships with government and private sector actors.

Her long-term vision, she added, is for every fisherwoman to own a boat, improve productivity, and better support her family.

On her part, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, who was represented by Mrs Yetunde Adeniji, described the initiative as impressive and aligned with the ministry’s mandate.

She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noting that supporting women directly translates to improved education, nutrition, and wellbeing for families and communities. Adeniji said feedback from the event would be reported to the commissioner to explore ways of supporting and scaling the initiative.

Similarly, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Ogunsanya, who was represented by the Director of the Fisheries Department, Mrs Daisi Oshikoya, commended the Enatta Foundation for its sustained focus on women in coastal communities. She emphasised that women play a central role in fisheries sustainability through fish processing, market management, and family care.

Ogunsanya reiterated the ministry’s commitment to improving fisherwomen’s access to equipment, training, financial inclusion, safety, and wellness programmes, describing the regatta as more than a competition but a celebration of resilience, heritage, and unity.

As part of the 2025 impact highlights, the Enatta Foundation reported improvements in fish harvests, reduced post-harvest losses through better preservation practices, and direct livelihood support for fishing households. Over 250 fisherwomen have also benefited from the Money Mata Programme, gaining access to formal savings accounts, financial education, and improved creditworthiness.

The foundation has further strengthened its institutional standing through official registrations with relevant state and federal ministries, initiated a centralised digital data portal, enhanced staff capacity through grant-writing training, and expanded its visibility through diaspora engagement and partnerships.

The Boat Regatta 2025 concluded with renewed calls for collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector to deepen support for fisherwomen and strengthen coastal economies across Lagos State.

The event also featured the presentation of cash prizes to women who actively participated in the Money Mata Initiative with Ebute Ilaja took first position, Oworonshiki came second, Ago Egun came third, and Agboyi took fourth place.

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