Index to Nigerian Newspapers

In an effort to enhance cargo clearance efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) launched the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) application, engaging stakeholders such as importers and exporters. Zonal Coordinator Mohammed Babandede described OSS as a technology-driven solution that aims to streamline processes, cut cargo dwell time from 21 days to 48 hours, and recover additional revenue through improved tracking. The initiative seeks to minimize wage costs and reduce port congestion by consolidating multiple checks into a unified process. Stakeholders raised concerns about potential continued interception by Customs outside the ports and delays caused by other government agencies. The OSS initiative is positioned as a significant advancement in Nigeria’s trade facilitation, aligning with global standards while addressing local issues.

The Federal Government may incur additional N315bn in wage bill in the next six months for the newly introduced allowance for federal workers. This came as Organised Labour agreed to suspend its proposed nationwide strike for 30 days, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government after a marathon meeting that ended around 11pm on Tuesday. Announcing the outcome of the meeting to State House correspondents, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, said “The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.” Lalong said the memorandum shall be filed with the relevant court of competent jurisdiction within one week as consent judgment by the Federal Government. According to the agreement, the Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 only to all Federal Government workers “beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.” The agreement further read in part, “A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) announced the launch of the Maritime Labour E-Platform, which complies with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, known as the "Seafarers' Bill of Rights," aimed at enhancing working conditions and social security. The platform is expected to improve the sector's competitiveness and was introduced through a workshop that provided practical demonstrations for users. NIMASA's Executive Director highlighted the platform's role in achieving global competitiveness and fulfilling the agency's obligations, notably through the centralized registration of maritime workers and the issuance of biometric ID cards. This initiative, launched during an event for the Day of the Seafarer, is deemed a transformative tool for maritime labor governance in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Owerri, has handed over 86,100 grams of hard drugs, including 151 wraps of cannabis sativa (77,500 grams) and 15 wraps of Canadian loud (8,600 grams), to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Customs Area Controller Abdullahi Balogun emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining national security and health. The successful seizure was attributed to the vigilance and dedication of Customs officers during routine patrols. Balogun reaffirmed the Service's commitment to executing its responsibilities regarding revenue generation and suppression of smuggling, while urging Nigerians to provide information to aid enforcement efforts.

The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, identified the poor attitude towards safety on inland waterways and insufficient funding as significant challenges during his tenure. His resignation from NIWA was in compliance with the electoral law, enabling him to pursue his governorship ambitions for Osun State in 2026. Oyebamiji emphasized the need for improved safety awareness among waterway users and consistent funding for NIWA to fulfill its mandate. He previously served as the Osun State Commissioner for Finance and has a background in banking, economics, and public administration.