NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Warehouses, Seizes Narcotics, and Arrests Businessman Over Lagos Port ‘Loud’ Shipment

Between December 21 and 25, 2025, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted nationwide anti-narcotics operations across Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, Abuja, Lagos, Taraba, and Gombe states. Agents destroyed cannabis warehouses, seized large quantities of drugs, and arrested several traffickers. In Ara-Ekiti, 638kg of skunk cannabis was burned. In Edo, 883.1kg of compressed cannabis was intercepted. Cross River and Abuja operations led to multiple arrests, while in Lagos, Ajoke Dauda and Oluwasegun Felix were apprehended with 45.5kg and 18.5kg of skunk, respectively. Taraba and Gombe also recorded arrests and drug seizures. Notably, businessman Ignatius Egbochie (alias Brown) was arrested in connection with 26kg of high-grade cannabis (“Loud”) seized at Tincan Port on December 10. NDLEA emphasized its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks nationwide.

FG Approves just $1bn for Modernisation of Apapa, TinCan Ports in Lagos.

The Federal Government has approved $1 billion (₦1.4 trillion) for the modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos — Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced this on Wednesday at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference in Lagos. 

He said the project aims to enhance cargo handling, expand capacity, and align operations with global standards under the ministry’s 10-year marine and blue economy strategy.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola stated.

He added that similar port upgrades are being planned outside Lagos to ensure balanced development nationwide.

Though the government has not released full details or a timeline, reports earlier this year indicated that ITB Nigeria — owned by Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury — had been awarded a $700 million contract for the Lagos port renovation, expected to begin in mid-2025. 

The project is to be financed through a Citibank loan backed by UK Export Finance, with additional support from Afreximbank.

APM Terminals, operators of the Apapa port and a subsidiary of Maersk, has also proposed a $500 million investment.

Oyetola noted that the ministry is fostering private sector participation through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and incentives to drive innovation and job creation.

Lagos ports, despite high fees and ageing infrastructure, remain vital trade hubs for West Africa and continue to attract major global shipping companies.