Mediacon Network Launches Centre for Training
Mediacon Network Launches Centre for Training
… Customs Spokesman, Maiwada says National Single Window will not stop Customs formalities
By Jerry Aguigbo
The 10th Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists, which held on Wednesday, 17 December, 2025, in Lagos. Was well attended by Journalists from different media rganisations.
The well attended programme,
organised by Mediacon Network Limited in collaboration with Nigerian Shippers’ Council, brought together maritime experts, representatives of government agencies, Customs Officers, importers, freight agents and highly experienced stakeholders to build capacity of maritime Journalists on the dynamics of maritime operations in the digital era.
In his welcome address; the Chief Executive Officer of Mediacon network limited, Mr Sesan Onileimo, said the speech of innovation in maritime operations requires significant capacity building for Journalists to keep up the pace with global trends in digitalisation and the use of Artificial Intelligence, AI,
As such, reporters must continually update their reportorial skills to stay glued to the new trends and present day technologies.
He pointed out that the establishment of the Centre is essential to bridge the knowledge gap in training and retraining of Journalists to be adequately equipped to report accurately, factually and impactful.
Dr. Kayode Farinto, ex-vice president of ANLCA, said inter-connectivity is very essential to ensure efficiency in the system. He lamented that the initial teething problems associated with introduction of B’Odogwu digital platform took its toll on freight agent.
“We lost over 7Billion because we couldn’t make declarations.
“We don’t want to experience that type of teething problems during implementation of National Single Window, NSW, Project.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the tax law. There must be punitive measures to check excesses of some Chief Executive Officers who may deliberately want to circumvent the system and cause delay in cargo clearance for maritime traders to be exploited.”
Continuing, Dr. Farinto expressed displeasure over what he described as multiplication of functions between Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
“Why is SON charging examination fee? The importers are made to pay extra money for examination of containers even after conformity certificates are issued.
There must be attitudinal change amongst government
agencies for NSW project to succeed.”
Farinto applauded CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for making tremendous improvement on the B’Odogwu platform, making it more efficient for Customs procedures, but said that some officers still insist on examination despite the effectiveness of the homegrown digital platform.
“B’Odogwu now allows containers to be released automatically after proper documentation, Why are officers still insisting on examination? This single window is the platform that will take us to the promise-land. We must key into the time release study for single window to be successful.”
He added, “NSW is a laudable project. The media must give it fair reportage, be proactive and objective in reporting the implementation.”
Making clarification on the involvement of Customs in NSW project, the Service Image Maker, DC Abdullahi Maiwada PhD, stated emphatically that Customs is actively involved. However, he explained that NSW will not take away Customs formalities that are recognised by WCO.
“Our ICT team and tariff department are working closely with NSW in terms of integration to actualise the vision of President Tinubu. Recently, the CGC had over six hours high-level engagement with manufacturers, and he is still meeting other groups, all in the interest of promoting trade facilitation for economic growth.
Also, a representative from NSW team, assured the participants on the readiness of the team. According to him, the NSW team has technical partners with regional experience, who have implemented single window project across 10 countries in the region.
Also, the CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, represented by the
Director of Special Duties, Abere Moses, dwelt on unbiased and transparent presentation of facts in covering activities in the maritime industry.
His words: “As the maritime sector grows more complex; driven by digitalisation, new trade realities, regulatory reforms, and global logistical shifts, journalism within this space must evolve accordingly.
“This decade-long journey affirms a simple truth, no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable, and committed media community.
“We remain committed to promoting efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within the sector.
We consider the media as essential partners in informing stakeholders, shaping public understanding, and strengthening accountability.
“We will continue to support credible and responsible maritime journalism. We are open to meaningful engagements that enhance professionalism and knowledge within the press community.
As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, let us recommit ourselves to building a stronger future, one defined by accurate information, robust collaboration, and shared progress.”
The seminar was an interesting outing with a unique theme, ‘A Decade of Collaboration for Impact : strengthening maritime Journalism for the future’
Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde with Shipping Positions Newspaper, made a brief presentation on a topic, ‘Why The Centre ? He highlighted the importance of the Centre in capacity building for maritime Journalists in line with the digital age.
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