By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Council Area, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha has called on Government at all levels to join hands with Development partners to grow the multibillion naira blue economy in the Niger Delta region for the benefit of the people.

Chief Dienagha stated this during a sensitisation programme tagged Empowering Women through Blue Economy with focus on leadership, sustainability and economic inclusion held in Okpoama-Brass, Bayelsa State and organized by African Maritime Environment Susttainability Initiative and Urgent Action Fund Africa.

Chief Dienagha who was represented by the Amayanabo of Isele-ama, His Royal Highness, Boute Levi Felagha said the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy should undertake the rolling out of policies and programmes that would provide livelihood for women and youths.

Earlier, the Founder and President of the African Maritime Environment Susttainability Initiative, Dr Felicia Mogo who spoke through Zoom said this phase of the initiative was an intervention to strengthen the involvement of women in coastal communities in Blue Economy with initial focus on the Niger Delta.

Dr Mogo expressed delight at level enthusiasm shown by the women and urged them to form co-operatives to advance their involvement in blue economy, adding that she would work with them to improve their livelihood.

In his presentation, the facilitator of the programme, Tarinyo Akono urged the women to promote the sustainability of the marine ecosystem while harnessing the resources of the of the sea.

He said using chemicals, dynamites and dumping of refuse in the rivers does not promote sustainability and called on the leadership of the various communities to provide a refuse dumping sites.

Akono noted that Brass is a major fishing hub that deserves the attention of the Federal and State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that experts should be contacted to fashion out programmes and projects to advance the sector.

In their remarks, the Women Leader of Okpoama Kingdom, Madam Obibinate Ikaye and the Secretary of the CDC, Inko Tariworio thanked the African Maritime Environment Susttainability Initiative for the sensitisation programme.

By Our Lagos Correspondent

Disturbed incessant demolition of markets in Lagos state, President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, has raised alarm over the increasing demolition of shops in Lagos markets, and what he described as systemic challenges affecting traders, particularly those of South-East extraction.

Reacting to the ugly incident while fielding questions from Journalists,Ukatu, traced his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure representing over 58 major market associations in Lagos.

He dismissed claims that demolitions in Lagos are targeted solely at Igbo traders, stressing that such assertions may be misleading.

“I will be wrong to categorize demolitions as targeting Igbo-owned shops. These demolitions occur in markets where different ethnic groups operate, even though Igbos are in the majority,” he said.
However, he questioned the government’s approach, accusing authorities of failing to follow due process.

“Many of these buildings have existed for years with approvals. Why demolish them now without proper notice or differentiation between those who complied with regulations and those who did not?” he queried.

He cited a past incident at Alaba Market, where investigations revealed that while some traders had valid approvals, others did not—yet demolitions were carried out indiscriminately.

“This lack of proper engagement fuels suspicion and public outcry,” he added.

Katu also challenged the widespread notion of “Igbo markets” in Lagos.
“There is nothing like an Igbo market. What we have are markets where Igbos are the majority. Other ethnic groups are also present,” he clarified.

He noted that his association coordinates major markets across Lagos, including areas such as Alaba, Lagos Island, and Tejuosho.

Describing his role as demanding, Ukatu said leading traders requires humility and patience.

“We are naturally independent-minded people. You don’t control traders; you guide them. The challenges are enormous,” he said.

He admitted that traders themselves sometimes contribute to their problems.

“Non-compliance and lack of patience often give government the opportunity to act against us. Many traders are also ignorant of policies and procedures,” he noted.

Katu strongly criticized the government for neglecting market infrastructure despite collecting revenue from traders.

“Go to the Trade Fair complex, the roads are terrible, there is no potable water, no proper toilets, no hospitals.
Yet, government agencies are busy collecting revenue,” he said.

He argued that traders largely develop markets themselves, while authorities fail to provide basic amenities.

“If we pay taxes, we should see the dividends; good roads, security, water, and a conducive business environment,” he stressed.

On why many South-East traders prefer Lagos over investing in their home region, Katu blamed lack of infrastructure and poor policy implementation.

“The seaport is in Lagos. That is why we are here. If the South-East had functional ports and infrastructure, many traders would relocate,” he said.

He criticized the development of certain markets in the South-East, such as the proposed international market, stating that stakeholders were not consulted.

“You cannot build a market without involving traders. That is why such projects fail,” he explained.

Ukatu also pointed to insecurity, multiple taxation, and poor road networks as deterrents to investment in the region.

He urged both federal and state governments to create an enabling environment for businesses.

“Provide infrastructure, reduce port charges, ensure policy consistency, and stop exploiting traders. That is how to grow the economy,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Ukatu advised traders to focus on leadership that prioritizes economic growth.

“As an association, we are apolitical, but we support any government that promotes the welfare of traders and makes business easier,” he said.

He encouraged traders to make informed decisions.
“Think about your business and your future. Support leaders who will create opportunities, reduce costs, and provide an enabling environment,” he noted.

By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Wednesday approved the 2026 budget proposal of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), endorsing a revenue target of N11.074 trillion and a total expenditure of N1.295 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approval followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs, chaired by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), during plenary.

Presenting the report, Jibrin said the committee assessed the agency’s 2025 budget implementation before examining the 2026 estimates.

He declared that the Customs Service exceeded its 2025 revenue target of N6.5 trillion, generating about N7.2 trillion, representing a performance of 110.53 per cent.

According to him, the agency’s performance could have been stronger but for the suspension of excise duty on telecommunications services, fiscal measures promoting local production of healthcare products and disruptions to global trade caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which affected imports, particularly wheat.

On expenditure, Jibrin said although the Customs Service had an approved budget of about N1.132 trillion in 2025, actual spending stood at N591 billion.

He attributed the shortfall in capital expenditure to delays in approvals by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC), resulting in several projects being rolled over to the 2026 fiscal year.

The committee chairman explained that the Service’s projected N11.074 trillion revenue target for 2026 would be driven by expanded deployment of technology, improved revenue recovery mechanisms, real-time audit systems, enhanced trade facilitation and intensified anti-smuggling operations.

He added that the proposed N1.295 trillion expenditure consists of N421 billion for personnel costs, N307 billion for overheads and N565 billion for capital projects, with funding expected to come mainly from the statutory four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy under the Nigerian Customs Service Act, 2023.

Based on its review, the committee recommended Senate approval of both the proposed revenue target and expenditure estimates.

Contributing to the debate, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised the committee for what he described as a well-prepared report and commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire workforce for their impressive performance.

He said the agency’s record revenue generation justified President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Comptroller-General.

“You have an agency that budgeted to generate about N6.5 trillion but ended up generating N7.2 trillion. That is a wonderful performance, and we cannot commend the Comptroller-General and his team enough,” Barau said.

He noted that despite generating significantly higher revenue, the Customs Service spent only N591 billion in 2025, with a larger share devoted to capital projects than overhead costs.

Barau also described the agency’s projected revenue target of over N11 trillion for 2026 as evidence of confidence in the reforms and innovations introduced by its leadership.

“For an agency to propose generating N11 trillion and spending only N1.2 trillion to run its operations shows remarkable fiscal discipline. This is an institution Nigerians should be proud of,” he added.

Following the committee’s recommendations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the proposals to a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously approved the revenue target and expenditure estimates.

Akpabio commended the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs for its thorough scrutiny of the budget proposal and congratulated the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service on its performance.

He also expressed confidence that the approved budget would strengthen the operations of the Customs Service and boost revenue generation for the Federal Government