By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a movement code to streamline the movement of empty containers into seaport terminals and reduce traffic congestion caused by container trucks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.

Under the new policy, the movement code will serve as a unique identifier generated by a holding bay for every empty container uploaded to the Electronic Call-Up (ETO) platform.

The code must correspond with the details captured on the ETO system before trucks are granted access to port terminals.

In a notice issued to stakeholders, the port authority said the movement code had become a mandatory requirement for completing the truck-container matching process. Truck drivers are required to obtain the code from designated holding bays before proceeding to the ports.

According to the NPA, the initiative is designed to ensure that each truck is matched exclusively to its designated empty container, eliminate multiple allocations, improve traffic management and enhance operational efficiency within the port corridor.

The port regulator explained that the new requirement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the electronic call-up system, facilitate the seamless evacuation and return of empty containers, and improve compliance with port access protocols.

“Following our recent engagement with holding bays, we wish to inform all stakeholders of the introduction of the movement code for empty container matching on the ETO platform.

“This update is designed to ensure that trucks are matched only to the specific empty container they are authorised to convey. It will also help prevent the practice of matching trucks to unrelated containers to secure an earlier position, followed by requests for container changes closer to port entry,” the notice reads.

The NPA, in recent years, has been trying to reduce congestion and make accessibility to Nigeria’s busiest ports easier, but many of the solutions have not been fruitful.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A man identified as Mr Saheed Zubair Danjuma has been convicted and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for his involvement in unauthorised foreign exchange transactions in Lagos.

Mr Danjuma was brought before Justice T.A. Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge bordering on illegal forex transactions.

According to the anti-money laundering agency, the convict carried out FX transactions outside the authorised channel.

This action, the EFCC said, was contrary to Section 11(1)(a) and punishable under Section 11(2)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (Establishment, etc.) Act, 1994.

“That you, Saheed Zubair Danjuma, sometime in 2026, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this court, engaged in foreign exchange transactions with Usman Muhammad other than through the official foreign exchange market and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(1)(a) of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (Establishment, etc.) Act, 1994 and punishable under Section 11(2)(a) of the same Act,” the charge read.

After this was read to him, Mr Danjuma pleaded guilty. After the guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, U. S. Kyari, urged the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

In his judgement on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the judge convicted and sentenced the defendant to 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N100,000.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has decried the violation of the ban on sachet alcohol production by some manufacturers in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the agency, Mrs Mojisola Adeyeye, who stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, said that despite several warnings and time given to the producers, they had continued to act in flagrant disregard for regulations.

She, however, warned that it was considering consequences against errant companies and individuals.

Initially, the food and drug control body clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at manufacturers who comply with approved packaging requirements but is focused on removing products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold, which have been categorised as illegal and unsafe.

Last week, NAFDAC commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise to seize alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.

The operation, which is still being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones, involves markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy the banned products.

NAFDAC warned that manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters found producing, stocking or selling the prohibited alcoholic beverages risk regulatory sanctions, seizure of products and possible prosecution.

It advised all stakeholders still in possession of the affected products to voluntarily surrender their remaining stock to the agency, stressing that continued sale or distribution of the banned items is illegal.

According to NAFDAC, the exercise is part of a sustained nationwide enforcement and public awareness campaign designed to eliminate harmful alcohol products, reduce underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption among adults.

The agency said the crackdown is intended to protect public health, particularly by curbing harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse among children and young people.

NAFDAC clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at manufacturers who comply with approved packaging requirements but is focused on removing products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold, which have been categorised as illegal and unsafe.