General News
Customs, Others Hindering Cashless Policy – Chukwu
Osita Chukwu, national chairman, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporter Coalition (SNFFIEC) speaks about the economic losses and maladministration in the ports.
According to him, some elements have continued to sabotage the Federal Government’s ports reform processes.
He spoke to peter ugwu.
On Recent Developments in the Ports
After the visit of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala, minister of Finance and the Presidential Ports Reforms Committee, we had some calm in the ports. However, it is sad to state now that the situations are slipping down again.
Most of the things we pointed out then are yet to be attended to.
We want to seize this opportunity to call again on the Minister to compel the Customs and other constitutionally approved agencies operating in the port to abide by the fundamentals of ports operations, because it sounds ridiculous that when the Federal Government puts down an order only for a ministry, parastatals or agencies under it go contrary to that. Some people even dabble into functions of the presidency when they have not been called upon to do so.
If such gambling persists, the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) will not hesitate to embark on nationwide strike.
Cashless Policy and Nigeria Ports system
Before that, I want to point out that last time we had a town-hall meeting, we were promised by the Federal Ministry of Finance that the presidency will no longer condone any interference of multiple examinations, multiple chase by Customs, illegal collections, bribery and corruption within and outside the ports.
Even with the cashless economic policy people still carry cash running over N10 million while entering Nigeria ports for clearing activities.
Cash flows in Nigerian Ports.
And it takes face to face chat for bribery, corruption and atrocities committed during these venture to be established. Are we really ready for economic development? And there is a kind of preferential treatment on way operators handle issue of cargo checks. The Controller General of Customs should move swiftly to curtail such economic sabotage and obnoxious actions met against agents in our ports.
Reforms
Even with the concession and ports reform programme, the way things are one could fear that Customs is getting tired of pursuing its statutory duties; meanwhile, SNFFIEC thinks there is nothing wrong for us to imbibe ports management system in other countries where revenue generation is typically handled by the private entities.
For instance, it’s private companies that manage America’s revenue generation through ports systems. The main job of customs is supervision of documents.
So, when government wants to hide under the umbrella of Ports Concession, have they been able to alter Customs Law, which should place every duty collection under Custom’s purview.
Now, if you go to various terminals it is very glaring that things are yet to brazen up in the right direction, so we need immediate changes. There are still little foxes that spoil our economic vines.
Excess Charges
Another area we disagree with the authority is that when you have notified them about a particular cargo coming into the country, due to one challenge or the other they direct the cargo to another port, now the problem is that they will expect me to pay for the extra movement. I don’t think I should be the one to do that, because you are even delaying to render a service I had paid for. It implies system failure.
While vessels are waiting at the mainstream importers and freight forwarders are being billed. Why? The last meeting we had with the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS), and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) it was agreed that any vessel that someone must have stuck an agreement with the operator, you must be ready to pay if you were not able to discharge such cargo as predetermined by the consignee.
The earlier we identify those who do not want the nation’s economy to grow, the better for us, because I don’t see the rational behind a demand for container deposit of N450, 000 like we witness in the ports now.
Regulating Ports Operations
Although, I am commending the economic team, including the presidential committee on ports reform, Federal Ministry of Transport who collaborated with the Lagos State Government by using taskforce to dislodge trucks that block the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, at the same time, I want to say that they still have much work left in their plates.
Because if you don’t create enough enabling environment to enable the stakeholders – shipping companies, clearing agents, terminal operators, etc to execute their functions, the system will remain stagnant.
The link road within and out-sketches of the ports are nothing to write home about. Containers brought in from oversea, and paid the necessary taxes, hoping to recoup his investment, only for it to crash at the ports gate leading to the market. We have resolved not to continue this way.
Let’s call a spade by its name.
We know that in the ports of Maryland, Jersey, Baltimore, UK, Cape Ports or Durban you can never see government agency not meant to be at the port loitering about around ports corridors unless invited.
Even the presidency has issued order to that effect, but who will ensure compliance; approach customs on that and they will paint pictures of perfect systems for you. Police presence ought to be for the maintenance of law and order and not to be part of examinations and at the end containers are being turned-back without genuine reasons.
Even with much hypes that our borders are porous, yet the Police, SSS are inside the ports chasing already cleared containers. Yet, government is claiming to have perfected the system.
What are the duties of the SSS and police in the ports that Customs and the Immigration can not do? Regrettably, the Federal Operations Unite (FoU) of the customs mandated by the government to leave Lagos metropolis to man the borders, are not complying with the directive.
Terminal Operators
People are being pushed to the wall. We know that the long consequence of frustrations people are being subjected to leads to revolutions and quasi-civil war going in different countries. In as much as we pray that does not happen in Nigeria, it is better that those in authority do the right thing.
Presently, the terminal operators have embarked on giving unnecessary (double) charges. Some things you hear of Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and other acronyms that mesmerize you.
The THC is it for the machine to bring down the container that one container costs as much as N75, 000? Seven percent surcharge (7%) is meant for port maintenance and development.
Federal Government has not told us how the fund is used that we have the ports in deplorable conditions.
Even with the concession programme, we are still the way we were. The ports seemed better managed in terms of charges in the day of NPA. We need total overhauling in the system.
Auction Base
Having auction base at different place in the country will help contain economic wastes perpetuated in our ports.
For instance, during physical examination; which we feel is better, when Customs impound a container containing excess goods than what was declared, they normally seize such containers.
Although we have advocated that Customs should charge penalties on the spill over instead of seizing everything.
However, during auctioning everybody is left in the dark.
Therefore, there should be an auction base with screens to display commodities before and during the process. We still have a long way to go in or ports reform, and until government starts asking the right people questions, we nation’s port will continue to groan.
IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has partnered with the Ilorin Innovation Hub to host the maiden edition of its Demo Day at the state-of-the-art facility in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The event, themed “The Convergence,” is designed to spotlight 19 emerging startups that have participated in the Hub’s accelerator and incubation programs, and invite them to pitch their solutions to investors, venture capital funds, corporate partners, and the media.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a partnership between the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria, began operations in February 2025 with programs managed by Co-creation Hub and Future Africa.
The Demo Day presents an opportunity to take stock and assess how the Ilorin Innovation Hub is helping to nurture and bring to life groundbreaking ideas and solutions supporting economic resilience and addressing real-world societal challenges. The event is expected to help unlock funding opportunities, foster strategic collaborations, and amplify visibility for these startups that are developing solutions across critical sectors including agriculture, health-tech, green energy, lifestyle, and digital services.
Beyond the startup showcase, the Demo Day highlights Kwara State’s continued commitment to driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and IHS Nigeria’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and deepening the digital economy in Nigeria.
Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented, “We believe innovation and digital technology are powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. This is why we partnered with the Kwara State Government on the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is impressive and very fulfilling to see the diverse portfolio of ideas and solutions showcased today from the hub within a year of the commencement of operations.
This speaks to the depth of creativity among Nigerians and what is possible when they are equipped and supported. Today’s event makes me proud of our investment in the space and underscores IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation in Nigeria.”
Temi Kolawole, Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, commented, “Today, we showcase 19 startups that have shown that when you combine talent with the right support, the results speak for themselves. The Ilorin Innovation Hub exists to ensure that geography is never a barrier to building something extraordinary, and this Demo Day is proof that we are on the right track.”
AfriStakes has launched a new capital platform in Nigeria aimed at linking African small- and medium-scale enterprises with a broad range of investors in a move to address persistent funding gaps across the continent.
In a statement, the firm said the platform would improve capital allocation by bridging the disconnect between available funds, investment-ready businesses, and viable opportunities.
The launch comes as many African businesses continue to face funding constraints despite the availability of capital within the financial system.
AfriStakes said structural barriers have limited access to funding, even as capital remains concentrated in traditional instruments such as fixed deposits, equities, and managed funds.
The platform enables businesses and investors to connect directly by creating profiles, listing funding needs, and identifying suitable investment partners.
According to the company, businesses can upload key documents and showcase their funding requirements, while investors can outline their interests and financial capacity.
Founder of AfriStakes, Henry Adebisi, said the initiative was designed to tackle inefficiencies on both sides of the investment market.
“In Africa, businesses suffer from low access to capital while investors suffer from low access to investable opportunities. With AfriStakes, we ensure businesses are properly prepared and positioned for investment, while investors gain the clarity and confidence needed to deploy capital effectively,” Adebisi said.
The company noted that a major challenge for many SMEs is not a lack of value but poor investment readiness, which affects their ability to attract funding.
AfriStakes said it addresses this gap by providing a structured framework that helps businesses present financial information, develop investment narratives, and prepare realistic projections.
The platform also offers support services such as due diligence, deal structuring, and preparation of investor-facing materials.
It added that the platform would facilitate capital inflow from local and international investors, including individuals, angel investors, diaspora investors, entrepreneurs, and institutional players.
Adebisi said the platform would promote efficient capital flow into businesses driving economic growth across Africa.
“Our vision is to build a system where capital flows more efficiently into real businesses that drive economic change. By positioning both businesses and investors for success, we enable stronger investment decisions and more impactful economic outcomes,” he said.
AfriStakes said it supports multiple funding pathways, including debt financing, equity investment, partnerships, and acquisitions.
The company added that the platform would promote transparency, inclusivity, and structured investment processes across the African business landscape, adding that the initiative positions AfriStakes as a key player in addressing the continent’s financing challenges by creating a bridge between capital and opportunity.
The modern kitchen is no longer just a place to cook, rather where families gather, conversations happen, and lifestyles are expressed. Today’s homeowners want appliances that don’t just work efficiently but also reflect their personality and enhance their living experience.
This is exactly where the LG MoodUP™ Refrigerator stands out. Designed to combine innovative technology, customizable design, and smart entertainment, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator transforms the kitchen into a vibrant, expressive, and connected space.
A Refrigerator That Matches Your Mood and Lifestyle
Traditional refrigerators focus solely on storage and cooling. The LG MoodUP Refrigerator takes a bold step further by redefining what a kitchen appliance can be.
At the heart of this innovation are colour‑changing LED door panels that allow users to personalise their refrigerator’s appearance. With just a few taps via a smartphone app, you can effortlessly change the colors of the refrigerator doors to match your mood, décor, or occasion.
Whether you prefer calm neutral tones, vibrant colours for entertaining guests, or subtle lighting for a relaxed evening at home, the LG MoodUP adapts seamlessly.
Customizable LED Panels: Design Meets Technology
One of the most striking features of the LG MoodUP Refrigerator is its customizable LED door panels. These panels offer multiple colour options and lighting combinations, helping you create a kitchen that truly reflects your personality.
Why This Matters for Modern Homes
- Enhance kitchen aesthetics without renovations
- Allows you to refresh your space instantly
- Creates a dynamic, stylish focal point in the kitchen
- Ideal for design‑conscious homeowners and young professionals
In Nigerian homes where kitchens are increasingly becoming open, social spaces, this feature adds a unique blend of style and innovation.
Built-In Bluetooth Speaker: Entertainment at the Heart of Your Home
The LG MoodUP Refrigerator goes beyond design by introducing entertainment into the kitchen. With a built‑in Bluetooth speaker, users can connect their smartphones directly to the refrigerator.
This allows you to:
- Play music while cooking
- Listen to podcasts or radio shows
- Enjoy audio while hosting family or friends
- Make daily kitchen routines more enjoyable
From meal prep to weekend gatherings, the kitchen becomes a more social and engaging environment.
Smart Technology for Smarter Living
LG is known globally for pioneering smart home solutions, and the MoodUP Refrigerator reflects this commitment. Using LG’s intuitive app interface – LG ThinQ, users can control lighting, sounds, and certain settings directly from their smartphones.
This smart connectivity ensures:
- Easy customization
- Seamless user control
- A modern, connected kitchen experience
For tech‑savvy Nigerian consumers looking to integrate smart appliances into their homes, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator fits perfectly into today’s digital lifestyle.
Designed for Style, Comfort and Everyday Use
Beyond its innovative features, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator remains a high‑performance refrigerator built for daily use. It delivers reliable cooling performance, efficient food preservation, and durable construction expected from LG appliances.
Key lifestyle benefits include:
- Elegant, premium design
- Reliable cooling efficiency
- Smart functionality without complexity
- A blend of practicality and visual appeal
This makes it ideal for homes that value both performance and style.
Why LG Continues to Lead in Home Innovation
LG’s approach to product development focuses on understanding how people live today and how technology can improve everyday moments. The MoodUP Refrigerator is a strong example of this philosophy, demonstrating that appliances can be both functional and expressive.
Rather than blending into the background, the LG MoodUP stands out as a lifestyle statement; one that reflects individuality, creativity, and modern living.
For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen experience and embrace the future of smart living, the LG MoodUP Refrigerator delivers a bold and refreshing approach where your kitchen truly matches your mood.
For more information, kindly visit https://www.lg.com/africa/refrigerators/lg-gr-a24fdmmb
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