Headlines

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a total revenue collection of N1.751 trillion for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing its projected target for the period.

Comptroller General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, made the disclosure during a press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Adeniyi noted that the revenue performance reflects the agency’s continued commitment to efficient revenue generation and accountability.

“In the first quarter of 2025, the service recorded a revenue collection of N1.751 trillion. This surpasses our quarterly target and underscores the progress we are making,” he said.

He also provided an update on anti-smuggling efforts, revealing that the NCS carried out 201 seizures within the quarter, with a total value of N7.7 billion.

“We believe the public has the right to know what is happening in the Nigeria Customs,” Adeniyi stated, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to transparency and national economic growth.

NNPC Shipping, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has entered into a strategic partnership with Stena Bulk and Caverton Marine Limited to enhance maritime transportation efficiency across West Africa through the establishment of a new tanker fleet.

The agreement, signed last week in London, aims to launch a joint tanker operation focused on transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the region. The initiative is expected to bolster Nigeria’s energy supply chain and improve logistics capacity across West Africa.

According to the parties, the joint venture will provide high-quality and efficient maritime transport services. The operation will involve a combination of new and existing vessels, with decisions guided by market trends and commercial viability. The partners also plan to explore vessel acquisitions and long-term charter arrangements, while upholding high standards of safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, stated that the new fleet will primarily support NNPCL’s logistics needs for crude oil, clean products, and LNG/LPG. He described the venture as a significant step in modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and strengthening the country’s role in global energy logistics.

“This partnership brings together NNPC Shipping’s expertise with Stena Bulk’s global experience and Caverton’s local knowledge, creating a strong platform to serve oil producers and traders across the region,” Gliatis said.

President and CEO of Stena Bulk, Erik Hanell, expressed enthusiasm over the company’s expansion into a key growth market, noting the alignment with Nigeria’s energy sector transformation and Stena Bulk’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainability.

Also speaking, CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, described the collaboration as a milestone in boosting Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. He emphasized that the blend of local insight and international best practices would benefit Nigeria and the wider sub-Saharan Africa region.

The joint venture is expected to support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth by enhancing energy logistics and strengthening the country’s maritime operations.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants in the July 12 Lagos State Local Government Election. The fees, detailed in guidelines signed by APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Secretary Dr. Adeola Jokomba, were released on Tuesday.

Chairmanship Aspirants

• Male: ₦5 million nomination fee; ₦500,000 administrative fee
• Female: ₦2.5 million nomination fee; ₦500,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants under 40: 50% discount on nomination fee; ₦500,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants with disabilities: Nomination fee waived; ₦250,000 administrative fee

Councillorship Aspirants

• Male: ₦1 million nomination fee; ₦100,000 administrative fee
• Female: ₦250,000 nomination fee; ₦100,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants under 40: 50% discount on nomination fee; ₦100,000 administrative fee
• Aspirants with disabilities: Nomination fee waived; ₦50,000 administrative fee

There is no separate fee for the Vice Chairman position. All fees must be paid via bank draft in favor of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State.

Chairmanship nomination forms must be endorsed by five registered APC members who are voters in the aspirant’s ward, local government area, or Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has imposed a nightly curfew in Minna, the state capital, effective immediately.

The curfew, which restricts movement from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., was announced Tuesday during a security summit at the Government House attended by traditional rulers and heads of security agencies.

Under the new order, commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators are barred from operating during curfew hours, though medical emergencies are exempt.

The measure is intended to stem a recent surge in attacks and killings across the city.

Governor Bago affirmed that his administration will not tolerate violence against innocent citizens. He further instructed district, village, and ward leaders to begin formally documenting all visitors.

Any residence found sheltering suspected criminals or drug traffickers will be demolished, he warned.