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Experts, Creatives Convene in Lagos for Dialogue on Creative Tax Readiness Ahead 2026

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Experts, Creatives Convene in Lagos for Dialogue on Creative Tax Readiness Ahead 2026

Creative Circle Africa, under its knowledge-sharing platform, The Muses’ Circle, has brought together tax professionals, accountants, and creative entrepreneurs in Lagos to examine the future of tax compliance within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.

Holding at Freedom Park, Lagos, the session, themed: “Creative Tax Readiness 2026: Structure. Strategy. Sustainability.”, will focus on preparing stakeholders ahead of expected regulatory and tax reforms affecting the creative sector.

Organisers said the event is designed as an evening of insight aimed at providing clarity on tax obligations, business structuring, and long-term sustainability for creative businesses across Nigeria and the continent.

According to the conveners, the maiden gathering forms part of an ongoing effort to build a collaborative think-tank capable of influencing policy direction and strengthening creative enterprises through informed governance and strategic planning.

They noted that a series of follow-up engagements will continue beyond this edition, with the broader goal of equipping creatives with tools to operate structured, compliant, and economically viable ventures.

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 6th December 2025, at 2:30 pm at the Freedom Park, Lagos.

Apapa Customs Intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on Brazilian Vessel, Hands Over to NDLEA

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Apapa Customs Intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on Brazilian Vessel, Hands Over to NDLEA

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, which docked at the Lagos Port Complex.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Suleiman, the substance, packaged in 24 slabs and hidden inside five bags, was discovered during an intelligence-led operation carried out shortly after the vessel berthed. The ship has since been detained.

Controller of the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who confirmed the development, described the seizure as a major outcome of the strengthened collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Oshoba noted that intelligence reports indicated the vessel sailed from Brazil and made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other ports with known links to drug trafficking before arriving Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing customs laws and preventing illicit imports in line with directives from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the drugs to the NDLEA, Oshoba said the vessel remains under detention as part of ongoing investigations.

“What has happened today is the outcome of profiling and intelligence-led operations,” he said. “This seizure and the detention of the ship should send a strong warning to perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.”

He added that, as the Yuletide period approaches, the command will prioritise national security over trade convenience, insisting that all consignments passing through the port must be properly examined.

The NDLEA took custody of the drugs at a brief handover ceremony. The agency was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command.

LSSTF Vows Tougher Oversight, Tracking of Security Assets

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LSSTF Vows Tougher Oversight, Tracking of Security Assets

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has announced new measures to strengthen accountability, monitoring, and deployment of security assets donated to law enforcement agencies in Lagos State.

Ogunsan made this known during a press conference, where he emphasized that the Fund was established to close operational gaps arising from inadequate federal support to security agencies.

He stressed that Lagos residents are more concerned with safety outcomes than with which tier of government provides resources.

According to him, some agencies recently approached the Fund to be included among beneficiaries, having demonstrated clear roles in public safety. He confirmed that LSSTF has begun integrating them into its support framework and will include them in the next phase of asset distribution.

Ogunsan, however, noted that while LSSTF remains committed to assisting security formations, the era of indiscriminate or unmonitored use of donated assets is over.


“We will locate every item, wherever they are hiding,” he vowed. “The days of collecting equipment for personal use without accountability must be reviewed.”

He explained that certain exceptions exist, such as vehicles legitimately used by senior police officers for supervisory duties and covert operations. Still, he maintained that all agencies must submit to periodic checks.

Beginning next year, LSSTF will introduce a more rigorous asset-tracking and audit system, which will include physical inspections, recall procedures, and technology-based monitoring devices.


“From time to time, we will ask all beneficiaries to report to a parade ground so we can verify the condition of every vehicle,” he said. “If you cannot account for an asset, next time you will not receive another.”

Ogunsan appealed to the media and the public to support the Fund by reporting any misuse of donated vehicles or equipment spotted on the road.


“The world is now a global village. If you see a security vehicle being pushed, broken down, or diverted out of state, take a photo and report it. We will act,” he assured.

He also announced that the press would now be compulsory participants during future handover ceremonies to ensure transparency. “If the press is not there, the handover is not complete,” he said.

Ogunsan reiterated LSSTF’s readiness to remain proactive and “restless” in enforcing accountability, adding that the Fund will soon unveil a monitoring committee to ensure that all security assets are deployed strictly for the safety and protection of Lagos residents.

Tin Can Island Port Command Records ₦1.45 Trillion Revenue, Sets Record for 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, NCS, has reported a remarkable revenue haul of ₦1.451 trillion between January and November 2025.

The milestone was achieved under the leadership of Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, renowned for his focus on revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation, and decisive anti-smuggling measures.

November alone saw the command generate ₦135.21 billion, its fourth-highest monthly revenue this year, surpassing the ₦120.19 billion collected in the same month of 2024.

Despite challenges associated with transitioning from the NICIS II system to the new Unified Customs Management System, known as the B’Odogwu platform, the command maintained steady growth.

In October, officers intercepted multiple consignments of illicit substances, including cannabis indica and methamphetamine, with a street value estimated at ₦5.3 billion, demonstrating the command’s vigilance against illicit trade.

Comptroller Onyeka has also enhanced operational efficiency by deploying tools such as the Advance Ruling System and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, aligning the command with global best practices for transparency and trade facilitation.

The command’s performance earned it two awards at the recent Comptroller-General of Customs Conference: Best in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a Special Award in B’Odogwu. The accolades highlight improved internal processes, stakeholder engagement, and contributions to national development under Comptroller Onyeka’s leadership.

Officers and stakeholders praised the year as “record-breaking,” noting that the early engagement of stakeholders, streamlined operations, and robust anti-smuggling measures have increased compliance while deterring illicit activities.

The anticipated rollout of the National Single Window one-stop shop in January is expected to further enhance efficiency at the port.

Though Comptroller Onyeka often maintains a low profile, he consistently underscores his commitment to seamless trade facilitation, national economic protection, and optimal revenue generation, a strategy that has positioned Tin Can Island Port as a model of efficiency and accountability in 2025.

New Acting Customs Area Controller Assumes Office at KLT Command

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New Acting Customs Area Controller Assumes Office at KLT Command

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has recorded a seamless change of leadership as Deputy Comptroller BL Adigun officially took over as the new Acting Customs Area Controller.

He succeeds Assistant Comptroller General E.J. Edelduok, who has been elevated to the Service’s management team.

The brief handing-over ceremony, held at the Command’s conference hall on Friday, December 5, 2025, drew senior officers, partner agencies, and industry stakeholders who gathered to witness what was widely described as a smooth and well-coordinated leadership transition in keeping with Customs’ long-standing administrative tradition.

In her remarks, ACG Edelduok expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management team for the opportunity to serve.

She described her tenure at KLT as fulfilling, attributing the Command’s achievements to teamwork, professionalism, and consistent stakeholder support. Edelduok urged officers and partners to extend the same loyalty and cooperation to her successor.

In his acceptance speech, Acting Area Controller Adigun thanked the Comptroller-General for the confidence reposed in him and lauded Edelduok’s exemplary leadership.

He pledged to sustain and strengthen the Command’s performance, with particular emphasis on revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and operational integrity.

Adigun called on officers to remain disciplined and committed, while also seeking the continued collaboration of stakeholders to achieve the Service’s core mandate.

Stakeholders present described the transition as a hallmark of stability and institutional maturity within the Nigeria Customs Service. Many expressed optimism that the new leadership would further enhance the Command’s efficiency and strategic contributions.

Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of handover documents, the symbolic presentation of the Service flag, and group photographs to mark the formal transfer of authority.

LASG, PARTNERS BEGIN SECOND PHASE OF POLIO OUTBREAK RESPONSE CAMPAIGN

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LASG, PARTNERS BEGIN SECOND PHASE OF POLIO OUTBREAK RESPONSE CAMPAIGN

The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the Second Round of the Polio Outbreak Response,OBR, campaign from 6th of December, 2025.

This is a coordinated effort led by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, LSPHCB, in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, the World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF, and other development partners.

This latest phase of the campaign will run from Saturday, 6th December to Tuesday, 9th December 2025, and forms part of the State’s continuous strategy to halt the spread of the poliovirus and strengthen immunity among children.

This round builds on the achievements recorded during the initial OBR exercise and aims to further fortify vulnerable communities, especially those that are densely populated and considered high-risk.

During the four-day exercise, vaccination officers will be deployed across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

The target population remains children aged 0 to 59 months, irrespective of their previous immunization status. Each child will be administered two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), a safe and effective vaccine approved by NAFDAC and the WHO.

To ensure wide coverage and accessibility, vaccination teams will visit households and carry out outreach activities in public places such as schools, markets, worship centres, motor parks, and other community hubs, ensuring that no eligible child is missed.

Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, emphasized the government’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding the health of every child in the State.

He appealed to parents, caregivers, community gatekeepers, and residents to support the teams and make their children available for vaccination throughout the duration of the campaign.

He urged all residents to cooperate fully with health workers and embrace this crucial public health initiative.

Martell Unveils Landmark Scrap-Art Installation by Dotun Popoola

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Martell Unveils Landmark Scrap-Art Installation by Dotun Popoola

Martell, the iconic cognac brand under Pernod Ricard, has unveiled The Swift Ascendant, a monumental scrap-metal sculpture created in collaboration with celebrated Nigerian artist and metal sculptor, Dotun Popoola.

The unveiling, held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Wings Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, formed a major highlight of Martell on the Move, the brand’s latest campaign celebrating audacity, movement, and creative vision.

Dotun Popoola, renowned across Africa for pioneering “scrap art” and transforming discarded metal into striking works of art, reimagined Martell’s historic emblem, the Swift, using hundreds of recycled components.

The Swift, engraved on every Martell bottle, symbolizes freedom, boldness, and the brand’s enduring spirit of pushing beyond boundaries.

Speaking at the event, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, described the installation as a powerful representation of Martell’s identity.

“Martell has always stood for pushing boundaries, for choosing boldness over routine,” he said. “This installation captures that spirit beautifully, transforming what was once discarded into a masterpiece and telling a compelling story of vision, creativity, and responsible transformation.”

Also addressing guests, Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, emphasized the cultural impact of the work. “The Swift Ascendant is more than an installation, it is a conversation starter,” she noted. “As it travels across Lagos, we expect it to inspire curiosity and spark deeper engagement with our consumers.”

The initiative aligns with Pernod Ricard’s Sustainability and Responsibility Roadmap, particularly its circular making pillar, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable luxury. By merging art, recycling, and brand storytelling, The Swift Ascendant stands as a symbolic testament to how creativity and sustainability can coexist.

Governor Uzodimma Commissions Access Bank Regional Office in Owerri

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Governor Uzodimma Commissions Access Bank Regional Office in Owerri

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening economic development as he commissioned the new Access Bank Plc Regional Office in Owerri.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of robust financial institutions in driving economic growth, noting that this informed the state government’s swift approval of the location for the bank’s new regional headquarters.

The newly commissioned facility is named after renowned economist and business icon, Sir Pascal Gabriel Dozie, in recognition of his contributions to indigenous enterprise development and financial inclusion.

Governor Uzodimma stated that every transaction conducted in the new office would translate into a measurable economic impact for the state.

The governor also commended Access Bank Plc for achieving the milestone and paid tribute to its late Managing Director, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, acknowledging his pivotal role in initiating the partnership with the Imo State Government.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to yield mutual benefits for the bank and the people of Imo State.

In her welcome address, the Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli, described the bank’s growth as a story rooted in vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service.

She said naming the regional office after Sir Pascal Dozie was fitting, given his foundational and transformational impact on Nigeria’s financial sector. “By naming this branch after him, we celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire excellence, innovation, and service,” she noted.

Okoli praised Governor Uzodimma for his strong support for the private sector, stating that his leadership has encouraged enterprise development, strengthened financial inclusion, and boosted investor confidence.

She also commended the governor’s efforts in the areas of infrastructure, security, and ease of doing business, which she said have created an enabling environment for institutions like Access Bank.

The DMD disclosed that Access Bank currently operates 17 branches across Imo State. With the unveiling of the new regional office, bringing the number to 18 in the state capital, the bank is expanding its footprint and reaffirming its commitment to serving individuals, SMEs, corporate organisations and public-sector institutions across Imo and neighbouring states.

She added that the new regional office was strategically designed to deliver enhanced banking services, stating: “Our goal is to bring world-class financial services closer to our customers and to serve them better than ever before.”

LASU Retains Best University in West Africa, Climbs Global Sustainability Rankings

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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

Lagos State University, LASU, has reaffirmed its leadership position in environmental sustainability by emerging, once again, as the Overall Best University in West Africa in the newly released 2025 UI GreenMetric World University Ranking.

The results, announced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, show that LASU ranked first in Nigeria and the entire West African region for the fourth consecutive year, a streak that has been maintained since 2022.

In addition to sustaining regional dominance, LASU recorded a significant advancement globally, rising 39 places from 799th in the 2024 edition to 760th out of 1,745 participating universities across 105 countries. The institution has consistently improved its global standing since joining the GreenMetric platform in September 2022.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, lauded the achievement, describing it as a testament to LASU’s deepening commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible institutional growth.

She congratulated the entire university community for their dedication and credited the Lagos State Government for its continued support and investment in world-class academic and environmental standards.

Professor Olatunji-Bello specially acknowledged key contributors to the ranking success, including the Special Ranking Committee led by Professor Adenike Boyo, the Directorate of Research Management and Innovation, headed by Professor Adejuwon Adeneye, the Centre for the Actualisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), led by Professor Tayo Ajayi, and the Centre for Planning Studies, under Acting Director Dr. Fatai Ogundele

LASU, which is also currently the most subscribed university in Nigeria, says it remains committed to sustaining its trajectory of excellence.

Wema Bank Promises Exciting December Shopping Experience at 2025 Fashion Souk

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Wema Bank Promises Exciting December Shopping Experience at 2025 Fashion Souk

Wema Bank has announced its participation in 2025 Fashion Souk, offering customers a festive “turn up December” shopping experience on December 6 and 7, 2025 at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The annual lifestyle and fashion event is set to be one of the biggest destinations for fashion, lifestyle, and beauty enthusiasts this season. Building on the success of previous editions, Wema Bank is enhancing the experience with exciting rewards and seamless payment options.

Customers paying with Wema or ALAT debit cards will enjoy a 20% cashback on every purchase during the event. Additionally, new customers can open Wema Bank accounts on-site, fund them immediately, and participate in spin-and-win activities to unlock cash prizes and gifts.

Beyond providing an elevated shopping experience, the partnership underscores Wema Bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs. By combining lifestyle, fashion, and financial convenience, the bank continues to empower businesses and deliver meaningful value to its customers.

Fashion Souk 2025, powered by Wema Bank, is shaping up to be a memorable festive experience for Lagosians, blending style, rewards, and financial empowerment.

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