Nigerian seaports face surge in drug trafficking with N45bn seizures in first half of 2026
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Sea Empowerment & Research Centre SERC has expressed concern over the significant increase in illicit drug seizures at Nigerian seaports. In the first half of 2026, 109,306.75 kilograms 109.3 tonnes of illicit drugs, with an estimated street value exceeding N45bn, were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA. SERC highlights that while these interceptions demonstrate improved intelligence and inter-agency collaboration, they also reveal that transnational organized crime syndicates are increasingly using Nigerian maritime routes and containerized cargo for drug trafficking. The organization warns that this trend could damage Nigeria's international trade reputation, lead to stricter inspections, cause cargo clearance delays, deter investment, and elevate the country's global maritime risk profile. SERC also notes that drug trafficking through maritime channels fuels money laundering, organized crime, corruption, and insecurity. The center advocates for a shift from seizure-based enforcement to intelligence-led prevention, recommending the deployment of AI-driven cargo profiling, wider installation of non-intrusive scanners, strengthened container tracking systems, and enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies, including the full integration of the National Single Window for improved information sharing and risk management. Apapa Port accounted for the largest share of seizures, with 77,959.95 kilograms, representi
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Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers has reportedly prevented Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare from training with the first team, despite new FIFA regulations designed to protect players from such practices. Reports indicate that Wolves canceled a training session after Arokodare refused to leave the pitch when instructed not to train. The following day, additional security was reportedly deployed to prevent the 25-year-old from returning. This situation arises weeks into the tenure of new manager Cesar Peixoto. Arokodare, who scored six goals last season, has been linked with a move away, with Serie A clubs Genoa and Fiorentina reportedly interested. Fiorentina's offer was reportedly rejected, and Arokodare also declined a move to Trabzonspor. The timing of this dispute is notable as FIFA recently introduced reforms to its Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, in agreement with FIFPRO. These revised rules prohibit clubs from making players train separately or placing them in "bomb squads" to exert pressure during transfer negotiations. FIFPRO stated that these reforms aim to protect players from abusive practices like demoting them or forcing them to train in isolation. Wolves have made several new signings, including Kieran Trippier, Ra煤l Jim茅nez, Rafiki Said, and Ladislav Krej膷铆, bringing their summer spending to approximately 拢26 million.
Energy experts, academics, and industry leaders have urged the Nigerian Federal Government to enhance collaboration with the private sector and universities to accelerate the country's energy transition. Speaking at the fourth Dr Diran Fawibe Annual Lecture, stakeholders identified weak implementation, rather than a lack of policies, as the primary obstacle to transforming Nigeria's energy sector. They noted that despite numerous energy policies, poor execution, regulatory uncertainty, and insufficient investment hinder efforts to ensure reliable electricity, expand gas infrastructure, and promote renewable energy. Dr Diran Fawibe, Group Chairman of IESL and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CPEEL, stressed that energy security is vital for industrialisation, economic growth, and job creation, advocating for stable regulatory frameworks, increased investment in research, curriculum reforms, and stronger public-private partnerships. Professor Yinka Omorogbe SAN from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies clarified that the public-private energy shift signifies a new governance model where the government provides regulation and policy direction, while the private sector drives investment and innovation. She highlighted investment and implementation as key pillars, stating that investors are drawn by policy certainty. Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, expressed concern over the implementation gap in Nigeria's energy policies an
The Nigerian Exchange Limited experienced a significant downturn on Wednesday, with aggressive profit-taking in high-capitalization stocks leading to an N800bn reduction in total market valuation. The All-Share Index fell by 1,241.19 points, a 0.50 percent decline, closing at 245,418.37 basis points, and market capitalization dropped to N158.319tn. This decline was primarily driven by price depreciation in major consumer goods and industrial companies such as Nestle Nigeria, BUA Foods, UACN, Guinness Nigeria, and MeCure Industries. Despite the broader market contraction, investor sentiment showed resilience with 37 gainers outperforming 27 decliners. Analysts noted a high concentration of trading activity in First Holdco, indicating strong institutional participation, and sustained buying interest in tier-one banking stocks. Cadbury Nigeria, Trans-Nationwide Express, and Unilever Nigeria led the gainers, each advancing by 10 percent, while Nestle Nigeria and BUA Foods were among the top decliners, shedding 10 percent each. Activity levels increased significantly, with total volume traded jumping 34.34 percent to 1.253 billion units, valued at N118.179bn, across 47,458 deals. First Holdco dominated the activity chart, exchanging 736.038 million shares for N80.812bn.