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Veteran maritime journalists are set to unveil a new book examining developments in customs operations and Nigeria’s maritime sector under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for June 18, 2026, will also feature a seminar titled “3 Years After Marine & Blue Economy Ministry: How Far, How Well?”, to be delivered by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON.
Titled “Customs Operational Revolution and Maritime Development Under President Tinubu,” the book provides a comprehensive assessment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), focusing on revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, trade facilitation and institutional reforms within Nigeria’s economic and trade framework.
Authored by two veteran maritime journalists; Chief Timothy Okorocha and Mr. Francis Ugwoke, the publication highlights the reform agenda and performance of the NCS under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. It also examines the activities and achievements of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and its agencies since the ministry’s establishment in 2023.
Featured institutions include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN).
The book contributes to ongoing national discussions on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, institutional accountability and maritime sector development. It highlights the Customs Service’s growing role in national revenue generation and documents efforts aimed at improving operational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
The publication also reviews key developments in the maritime sector, including Nigeria’s successful return to the Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after nearly a decade. According to the authors, this achievement was aided by significant progress in combating piracy in Nigeria’s territorial waters and the Gulf of Guinea, strengthening the country’s position in challenging war-risk surcharges imposed on cargoes destined for Nigeria.
Beyond documenting achievements, the book identifies persistent challenges and areas requiring policy attention to sustain reforms and improve sector performance.
The presentation will take place at Shoregate Hotels, 29 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos (opposite Lagos Marriott Hotel), beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Chief Timothy Okorocha, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of This Page Newspaper, is a former Daily Times Bureau Chief for the South-South region and a past Acting City Editor of the newspaper. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Journalism, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management and an MBA from the University of Calabar.
Mr. Francis Ugwoke is the Managing Director of Sea Visions & Services Limited, publishers of Shipping Day Online/Magazine. A former Chief Maritime Correspondent and senior editor at ThisDay Newspapers, he was the recipient of the maiden Best Maritime Reporter Award in 1997. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Journalism and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
As part of the seminar, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, are expected to present papers on the achievements and challenges of their respective organisations over the past three years.
