General News
Customs Officers Incompetent @ Handling Image Analysis

Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are not fully equipped to operate and maintain very complex equipment like scanners which requires a lot of expertise and discipline, according to Global Scansystems Limited, one of the service providers handling the destination inspection scheme.
Mr. Fred Udechukwu, managing director/CEO of Global Scansystems Limited, said this while presenting a paper titled “Destination Inspection: Which way after December 2012” at a one day seminar organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at the International Maritime Press Centre (IMPC) in Apapa, Lagos.
Udechukwu, who was represented by Mr. Ogbogu Kenneth, the company’s operations manager, stated that there is “a serious skill gap in the Nigeria Customs Service” hence hindering its ability to take over the scanners at the end of this year when the seven years contract between the Federal Government and the three service providers namely Cotecna, Global Scansystems and SGS will terminate.
“The officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service trained to take over from us are not fully equipped to operate and maintain very complex equipment like the scanners which requires a lot of expertise and discipline. This has serious health implications as uncontrolled x-ray dosages can be emitted into the atmosphere. Also the maintenance of these scanners are programmed and planned to prevent breakdown and its huge financial implications.
“There is a serious skill gap in the Nigeria Customs Service until recently they did not show sufficient interest in the DI scheme and training. This will have to be addressed and adequate training given to them both within and outside the country before we can comfortably hand over to the service”, he said.
Udechukwu also said that Form M which is a major transaction document is not yet in electronic form/setting claiming that it will take some time to harmonise the e-form M document in the process.
The Global Scansystems boss also lamented what he called the gross under-utilization of all scanners which he said is below five per cent.
He said that cessation of the DI contract with service providers will lead to job loss disclosing that no fewer than 200 Nigerians currently employed by his company will lose their jobs.
He asked the Federal Government to extend the contract of the service providers for the success of the destination inspection scheme.
Earlier in his address, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, president, Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), said that the seminar was organised by MARAN as part of the association’s contribution in engendering healthy debate and discussion on critical issues in the maritime industry.
Akinola said that cargo dwell time at Nigerian ports is the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. He said only a simplification of processes and procedures as well as automation at the ports can drive down the cargo dwell time.
“I must say that cargo dwell time which stands at an average of 24 days at Nigerian ports remain the highest in Sub-Sahara Africa. The implication of high dwell time of cargo is increased cost of doing business at the ports.
“Corruption and bureaucratic bottlenecks are still preponderant in Nigerian ports and are the major reasons for the high cost of doing business at the ports. There is the need therefore to simplify processes associated with cargo clearance. We also need to increase automation of our processes in order to reduce human contacts. Importantly too, there is the need to advise government, using this platform on the option that will work best after 31st December, 2012. We need to come up with a practical option can drive dwell time down to an average of seven days”, Akinola stated.
Akinola said before January 2006, the determination of value as well as quantity of imports into the country had been done at the port of origin of the imports by Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs) namely Swede Control/Intertek, Cotecna and SGS while the Nigeria Customs Service performed 100 per cent physical examination of imports at destination – a perceived duplication of function of the pre-shipment agents.
The MARAN President added that: “The pre-shipment inspection scheme was criticized by various interest groups for several discrepancies which included false declaration, under-declaration and under-valuation of imports in what was described as a scam allegedly master-minded by some of the PIAs and some unscrupulous importers.
The pre-shipment inspection scheme thus became undesirable based on the foregoing which necessitated the re-introduction of destination inspection. To provide facilities and equipment to achieve the destination inspection objectives, three of the former PIAs were contracted by the Federal Government. The three PIAs are Cotecna, SGS and Global Scan.
The service providers signed separate seven year contracts with the Federal Government to provide mobile and fixed scanners for implementation of the destination inspection scheme on Build-Own-Operate-and-Transfer (BOOT) basis.
The seven-year contracts will end by 31st December this year and port users are curious to know if the Federal Government has mapped out strategies for effective manning, utilization and maintenance of the scanners installed by the three service providers. Or is government making arrangements to retain the services of some of the scanning companies to ensure that DI is not jeopardized?”
The seminar which was chaired by Otunba Kunle Folarin, chairman, Port Consultation Council (PCC), was attended by several stakeholders and port users including service providers, customs agents, importers, customs and truck operators.
General News
World Bank Blocks Social Media Comments from Nigerians over Loan Backlash

World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page after thousands of Nigerians flooded the platform begging them to stop lending money to Nigeria.

The protest erupted after reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking a fresh $1.25 billion dollar loan for approval on June 26.
Some Nigerians asked the World Bank to provide more details about the purpose of the loan and how the funds would be managed.
Others said the country should reduce dependence on foreign loans and focus on improving local revenue.
The federal government has continued to defend its borrowing plans.
Officials say the funds will support economic reforms, development projects and efforts to strengthen the economy.
Nigeria remains one of the major borrowers from the World Bank in Africa, with different administrations securing loans over the years for infrastructure, social programmes and economic support.
General News
Lagos Plans New Cybersecurity Centre

The Lagos State Government plans to establish a Cybersecurity Operations Centre to strengthen protection of government systems, digital services and citizen data amid rising cyber threats linked to the city’s expanding digital economy.

Tunbosun Alake, Lagos commissioner for innovation, science and technology, said the centre would help secure the infrastructure supporting online payments, e-government services, cloud platforms and technology-driven business operations across the state.
According to Alake, the facility will monitor, detect and respond to cyber threats targeting government networks, digital transactions and sensitive public data.
The move comes as Lagos accelerates its smart city agenda through investments in broadband infrastructure, digital identity systems and automated public services.
Alake said Lagos had already deployed 109 Data Protection Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which he described as the highest number among Nigerian states, to strengthen compliance with data protection regulations.
Alongside the proposed cybersecurity centre, the state also launched the Lagos Campus Network Upgrade project aimed at improving digital infrastructure within the public sector.
The upgrade is expected to improve network performance, automate internal government processes and enhance digital engagement with residents. The cybersecurity initiative follows the release of Lagos State’s cybersecurity guidelines in April.
The framework recommends measures including multi-factor authentication, vulnerability testing, encrypted backups and tighter endpoint security controls.
The guidelines align with Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021.
General News
LG Electronics Strengthens Household Energy Efficiency in Nigeria with Advanced Inverter Refrigerator Solutions

LG Electronics (LG) is reinforcing its commitment to smarter and more energy‑efficient living by spotlighting its range of inverter‑powered refrigerators designed to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian households.

As electricity costs continue to rise and inflationary pressures shape consumer spending, LG’s refrigerator portfolio is positioned as a practical solution that combines dependable performance with responsible energy consumption.
Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in Nigerian homes, operating 24 hours a day and accounting for a significant share of household electricity usage. LG addresses this challenge through its proprietary Inverter Compressor technology, which intelligently adjusts cooling power based on actual usage conditions.
By reducing unnecessary energy draw, the system delivers stable temperature control while helping households lower energy consumption and manage monthly utility costs more effectively.
Beyond energy savings, LG refrigerators are designed to support food security and reduce waste, an increasingly important consideration for families navigating rising food prices. The inverter system enables faster cooling recovery after power interruptions and helps maintain consistent internal temperatures, preserving food freshness for longer periods. With fewer friction points in the compressor design, LG refrigerators also offer enhanced durability and long‑term reliability, minimizing maintenance costs over time.
LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator lineup includes Top Mount, Side‑by‑Side, and Door‑in‑Door models, each tailored to different household sizes, storage needs, and lifestyle preferences. The Top Mount refrigerators offer practical, space‑efficient designs ideal for everyday family use, delivering reliable cooling with optimized energy efficiency.
The LG GN-F452PFAQ model keeps food perfectly fresh with FRESH Converter+ that optimizes temperature as per food items and never runs out of ice with the Auto Ice Maker.
For households that require larger storage capacity and improved organization, Side‑by‑Side models provide generous interior space, improved visibility, and consistent cooling across compartments.
For more design‑conscious consumers, LG’s Door‑in‑Door refrigerators reduce cold air loss by allowing quick access to frequently used items, supporting both energy efficiency and long‑lasting freshness.
At the premium end, LG continues to innovate with advanced models such as the MoodUP™ refrigerator, which combines customizable aesthetics with functional energy‑saving features like the InstaView panel, allowing users to view contents without opening the door and reducing unnecessary cold air loss. This refrigerator comes with a washing machine as a bundle promotion.
According to LG, this range‑based approach reflects a deep understanding of how Nigerian households differ in size, consumption habits, and lifestyle needs.
“Nigerian consumers are becoming more intentional about how they use energy and manage household costs,” said Mr. Oktai Kim, General Manager, Home Appliance Solutions, LG Electronics Nigeria. “By offering a diverse range of inverter‑powered refrigerators, we are giving families the flexibility to choose solutions that suit their homes while delivering long‑term value through energy efficiency and dependable performance.”
Rather than focusing on technology alone, LG’s energy‑saving refrigerator portfolio emphasizes everyday benefits, efficient operation, reliable cooling, and designs that adapt to real living conditions. Available nationwide, LG refrigerators continue to support smarter living and economic resilience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering durable, consumer‑focused home solutions for Nigerian households.
News3 days agoThe Nigeria Prize for Science & Innovation Records New Height as 2026 Edition Attracts 237 Entries
General News3 days agoCross-Border Payments Startup Chimoney Closes Shop After 4 Years
Telecom3 days agoFirm Shares 5-step Safety Action Plan on What to Do When You Discover Your Phone is Missing
Telecom3 days agoChamber Raises Alarm over Increasing Telecoms Infrastructure Vandalism
General News3 days agoTribest Corporate Support Group Appoints Fadebi as Group Executive Director
E-Financial3 days agoNDIC Drags Wema Bank to Court over N125.38Bn Banana Island Assets
General News3 days agoFCMB, REA Others Launch $188M Fund to Finance 191mw Solar Capacity
Telecom2 days agoNITDA, FMCIDE Deepen Collaboration on Nigeria’s Digital Transformation













