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Inside Watch Africa -IWA, 31, Shipeolu Street Somolu Onipanu, Lagos (2026)

15/09/2026

AKWAABA 2026: UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

It’s the third and final day of Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026.

As often happens on the final day of a fair or conference, there comes that inevitable moment of saying goodbye to family, friends and colleagues who have travelled from different parts of Africa. And somehow, the last day always carries a mixture of joy, gratitude and a little sadness.

This evening, while saying goodbye to one of my sisters, we talked about many things. Then, almost casually, she said something that stayed with me:

“Egbon, we are all growing older year after year. We have to make haste and do what we want to do.”

Egbon—senior brother. Just a simple Yoruba word, but her message carried the weight of wisdom.

It reminded me that life is not waiting for any of us. The years keep moving, and the dreams we carry in our hearts deserve more than endless postponement.

Perhaps that is one of the beautiful lessons of gatherings like Akwaaba: we meet, we share, we learn, we build friendships, we exchange ideas—and then we part, hoping to meet again.

So, as Akwaaba 2026 comes to an end, my prayer is simple:

By this time next year, may we all be better than we are today. May the things we have been talking about become things we have started doing. And may we have more reasons to gather, celebrate and give thanks.

Until we meet again, Akwaaba!

14/09/2026

Day 2 at Akwaaba African Travel Market 2026

One of the most distinctive and impactful experiences for me at Akwaaba every year is the opportunity for knowledge exchange. Every edition has something new to teach—and once again, Akwaaba 2026 did not disappoint.

Today, I learnt a great deal, but one experience stood out: the Cross River State Tourism Bureau’s presentation of the traditional “Fattening Room.”

Beyond the name and the cultural curiosity it evokes, I found the concept fascinating—a window into the traditional knowledge systems of the people of Cross River.

Traditionally, the Fattening Room served as a period of preparation for young women before marriage. It was a space where maidens were nurtured and taught important lessons about womanhood, family life, culture, responsibilities, and the values considered necessary for building a successful home.

What made the presentation particularly impactful for me was the realisation that tourism is not only about beautiful landscapes, hotels, beaches, and monuments. Our cultures, traditions, indigenous knowledge, and the stories behind them are also tourism assets.

The Fattening Room is a reminder that Africa possesses a wealth of cultural knowledge that deserves to be documented, preserved, and presented to the world with context, dignity, and authenticity.

Today at Akwaaba, I did not just see a tourism attraction. I encountered a piece of Cross River’s cultural heritage—and a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable tourism treasures are the stories our people have carried for generations.

Another day of learning. Another reason to appreciate the richness and diversity of Africa.

Akwaaba 2026 continues.

13/09/2026

Inside Watch Africa (IWA) is proud to be on the ground at the Akwaaba African Travel Market — arguably West Africa’s leading international travel, tourism and hospitality exhibition, held annually in Lagos, Nigeria.

For years, Akwaaba has served as a powerful bridge for intra-African travel, networking and business partnerships, connecting tour operators, airlines, hoteliers and government decision-makers across the continent.

This year marks the 22nd edition. It opens today, Sunday, 13 September 2026, and runs until Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

As Africa’s travel and tourism story continues to rise, IWA is here to witness the connections, the culture and the commerce shaping our continent’s journey.

06/09/2026

‘Unseen Africa’ revealed to global tourism buyers as new virtual trade show kicks off

CAPE TOWN – More than 950 meeting requests between tourism buyers and exhibitors were recorded within the first few days of a new month-long virtual tourism trade show opening, highlighting the growing demand for flexible ways to connect Africa’s tourism businesses with international markets.

The four-week Around Africa | The Impact Imbizo virtual trade activation, which officially opened for meetings on Monday, 24 August, has been welcomed by buyers and exhibitors for its flexible Global Pop-Up meeting format. Participants have already described the return on investment as “exponential”.

The virtual platform connects African and Indian Ocean tourism businesses with global buyers through flexible, one-on-one meetings spread across four Global Pop-Up weeks.

By Thursday, 27 August, 953 meeting requests had been sent, 310 meetings accepted and 106 one-on-one meetings completed. The platform had also recorded 6,247 profile views, 1,758 bookmarks and 1,679 message exchanges, according to Around Africa co-founder Rudi Wagenaar.

A further 46 meetings had taken place in the platform’s virtual lounges, with 63 participants making use of the “Gab a Seat” lounge meeting format.

Expressing his gratitude that the vision he shared with co-founder Thabang Rapotu was becoming a reality, Wagenaar said Around Africa was never intended to replace existing tourism trade shows, workshops and events.

«“The dream was simply to create more seats at the table. More opportunities for buyers and exhibitors to find each other. And at a price point that makes participation possible for more of us, with exhibitor participation starting from R4,700 for the full duration of the showcase.”»

Rapotu described Around Africa as a “love letter” to the industry.

«“This village is for tourism professionals who haven’t had a voice, people who want to learn about this industry. It’s about community in a village. Building each other up, growing together.”»

She added:

«“It is about giving smaller, independent African and Indian Ocean tourism operators the same opportunities as the larger players to be seen, heard and ultimately booked.”»

Kasey Engel, owner of Harmony Mauritius, said she had experienced some “amazing meetings” on the platform and praised the networking opportunities, noting that Around Africa had enabled her to meet key industry partners.

Amy Millican, owner of South Korean company Flya Twiga, said the “exponential ROI” alone had made participation worthwhile.

«“Sitting at my desk in Korea, in my own time zone, I found a DMC in Mauritius. Without having to fly halfway across the world.”»

Millican also described the platform as intuitive, even for someone who does not consider herself a digital native.

Still time to join

Buyers and exhibitors can still join the first Around Africa global virtual activation, with meetings continuing until 25 September.

Unlike the traditional three-day meeting marathons that many tourism professionals are accustomed to, Around Africa has deliberately spread its activation across several weeks. This allows participants to engage around their existing businesses, clients and working days.

It also means that buyers and exhibitors joining during the later weeks can still enter the virtual village, discover relevant partners, request meetings and derive meaningful value from the activation.

New buyers and exhibitors are being onboarded every day, with Rovos Rail and Jabulani Safari among the latest exhibitors to join as of writing.

Exhibitor participation starts from R4,700 for the showcase, offering smaller and independent tourism businesses another route to reach global trade without the cost and time commitment traditionally associated with travelling to an international trade show.

The virtual tourism village includes supporting spaces such as a lounge, virtual Coffee Corner, Community Tourism Spotlight, workshops and tourism podcasts. It will remain online until 30 September.

During each week, the platform opens through dedicated regional activation windows as the virtual showroom floor moves around the globe, allowing buyers and exhibitors to join during the source-market time zones most relevant to them.

Buyers and exhibitors meet through pre-scheduled, 20-minute, one-on-one video appointments, with dedicated meeting windows for Australia and New Zealand; Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Africa; North America and Canada; Latin America and the Caribbean; as well as an additional Open Time window for greater flexibility.

There is no requirement to fill an entire diary or spend consecutive days in back-to-back meetings. Participants can dip in and out of the platform, opening the windows that work for them while continuing to discover and make new connections throughout the activation.

Addressing the gap

The platform addresses a longstanding gap for smaller businesses that have not managed to attend an international trade show, whether because of time, cost or operational capacity. It also offers an opportunity for tourism professionals who simply want to reconnect with buyers or exhibitors before the high season begins.

Participants enter the virtual showroom floor, discover the people, places and businesses that interest them, and arrange focused video meetings around their existing working schedules.

That flexibility is central to the Around Africa model. Participants do not need to have joined on day one to benefit. A buyer or exhibitor entering the village in the final weeks can still explore profiles, connect directly with relevant tourism professionals and arrange meetings during the remaining activation period.

02/09/2026

African Unity: Beyond the Rhetoric

African unity is a goal we all claim to champion. Yet, our willingness to abandon it at the first sign of disagreement suggests that we may not fully appreciate its transformative power—or the immense dividends it can deliver.

Development thrives when different sectors come together, engage openly, and address challenges honestly. That’s why today’s “South African Tourism Meets Lagos” event, hosted by the South African Consulate, was particularly refreshing.

The candid, no-holds-barred dialogue with Nigerian travel agents and tour operators provided an opportunity to examine the recent tensions between our two countries from both sides. For once, there was room to listen, understand, clarify and, importantly, find common ground.

These honest conversations are the foundation of meaningful Pan-African progress. We may not always agree, but we must never stop talking.

Africa’s strength lies in our ability to engage, understand one another, and build together. Let’s keep the conversation going.

18/08/2026

I strongly believe that this world was created by the Word of God. And because we are made in His image, our words also have the power to shape, inspire and recreate our world.

That is why I take conversations and meaningful discussions seriously.

So, when I learnt that the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Nigeria’s premier think tank on diplomacy and international relations, was hosting a special roundtable discussion on the migration question in South Africa, today, Tuesday, 18th August 2026, I knew I had to be there.

My interest was heightened by the calibre of the discussants: Professor Adele Jinadu, former Secretary-General of the African Association of Political Science; Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of NIIA; and Professor Bobby Moroe, Consul-General of the Republic of South Africa in Lagos.

I am glad I attended.

Beyond my expectations, I was schooled. The conversation offered deeper perspectives on migration, Africa’s shared challenges and, most importantly, the possibilities that lie ahead for our continent.

I left with a renewed conviction that, difficult as the journey may seem, a united Africa is not an impossible dream.

With Nigeria and South Africa playing strategic roles, and with Africans choosing dialogue over division, cooperation over suspicion and shared prosperity over narrow interests, the Africa we envision can become a reality.

The journey may be long, but the conversation has begun. And sometimes, great transformations begin with nothing more than the right people sitting around a table and daring to imagine a better Africa.

Africa must talk. Africa must listen. Africa must unite.

15/08/2026

Ogun I Customs Seizes N3.57bn Smuggled Goods, Hands Over 6,035 Cannabis Parcels to NDLEA

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, recording seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.57 billion between January and July 2026.

The seizures, comprising prohibited and restricted goods, were paraded during a press briefing addressed by the Customs Area Controller, alongside the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ikopia/Idiroko Border; and heads of other security agencies.

Among the seized items were 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica cannabis, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in kegs, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, 30 kegs of diesel, 100 bags of fertiliser, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, as well as assorted consumables and cosmetics.

The total Duty Paid Value of the seizures was put at N3,574,435,248.08.

‘Smuggling Is Economic Sabotage’

Addressing journalists, the Customs Area Controller described smuggling as economic sabotage, dismissing the perception that it is merely a means of livelihood or a harmless commercial activity.

He warned that the illicit importation of foreign rice and other prohibited goods undermines domestic production, weakens local industries and threatens Nigeria’s quest for economic and food security.

According to him, every illegally imported bag of rice, bottle of vegetable oil or carton of pasta represents a direct setback to domestic industries and the country’s drive towards self-sufficiency.

He noted that Nigeria possesses the land, resources and human capacity required to produce enough food for its population, stressing that unchecked smuggling could undermine those national aspirations.

Customs Hands Over 6,035 Cannabis Parcels to NDLEA

As part of established inter-agency procedures, the Ogun I Command formally handed over 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica cannabis to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command, for further investigation and prosecution.

The Customs Area Controller warned of the dangers posed by high-potency cannabis and the wider criminal networks associated with illicit drug trafficking.

He noted that the enormous profits generated from the illegal drug trade could fuel other forms of organised crime, including human trafficking and arms proliferation.

He also expressed concern over the alleged cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs across Nigeria’s borders, saying the Customs Service would continue to work with sister agencies to disrupt the activities of criminal networks.

32,412 Drug Parcels Handed Over in Seven Months

The latest handover adds to the Command’s growing record of inter-agency cooperation in combating illicit drugs.

According to the Command, between January and July 2026, Ogun I Customs handed over 32,412 parcels of hard drugs and 92 sacks of raw cannabis sativa to the NDLEA, Idiroko Special Command.

The figures, the Command said, underscore the importance of sustained collaboration among security and regulatory agencies operating along Nigeria’s borders.

Command Records N90.06bn Revenue, N2.59bn Export Value

Beyond its anti-smuggling operations, the Ogun I Command also recorded revenue and export activities during the period under review.

The Command generated N90,066,164.00 in revenue in July 2026, with the collections arising from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, PMS and other applicable charges.

On exports, the Command recorded a volume of 10,110 metric tonnes, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N2,594,078,654.

The major export commodities included white talc, crushed thermal coal and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining border enforcement, facilitating legitimate trade and working closely with sister agencies to protect Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

12/08/2026

Seme Customs Intercepts Expired Noodles, Drugs, Explosives in Major Anti-Smuggling Drive

Command surpasses 2025 annual revenue by ₦3.89bn in seven months

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a series of significant seizures, including expired noodles, foreign rice, illicit drugs, ci******es and explosive materials, in a renewed drive against smuggling and cross-border criminality.

The seizures, which underscore the Command’s intelligence-led enforcement strategy, were disclosed during a press briefing by the Command.

According to the Command, the interceptions demonstrate the NCS’s dual responsibility of securing Nigeria’s borders while facilitating legitimate trade and generating revenue for national development.

Expired Noodles Intercepted

Among the seizures was a truck deceptively declared to contain food items. Acting on credible intelligence, Customs officers subjected the consignment to thorough examination and discovered 1,306 sacks of expired and waste noodles, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.

The Command said some of the noodles had deteriorated and were visibly decomposing, with intelligence indicating that the products were allegedly intended for repackaging and relabelling before being introduced into the Nigerian market.

The interception, it noted, prevented potentially unsafe food products from reaching unsuspecting consumers and highlighted the public-health dimension of border enforcement.

In separate operations across various flashpoints within its area of responsibility, the Command also intercepted 1,268 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, allegedly smuggled through illegal routes.

The Command said the illicit importation not only deprives the government of legitimate revenue but also undermines domestic agricultural policies, discourages local rice production and threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.

War Against Illicit Drugs and Harmful Substances

As part of its efforts to combat illicit drugs and harmful substances, the Seme Area Command intercepted 373 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 90 packs of Tramaking 250mg, 69 packs of Royal Tapentadol 250mg, and 310,000 sticks of Time/Yes ci******es.

The Command described the seizures as significant interventions against criminal supply chains, noting that illicit drugs and other harmful substances can contribute to substance abuse and associated social problems.

It also said the interception of smuggled ci******es would help prevent the circulation of products that evade statutory duties and applicable regulatory controls.

The seized pharmaceutical and drug-related products are to be handed over formally to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and appropriate action.

Customs Intercepts 3,300 Cartridges of Explosive Materials

In what the Command described as one of its most sensitive seizures, officers intercepted 3,300 cartridges of explosive materials being illegally conveyed through the border corridor.

Given the potential security implications of such materials, the Command said the seizure was immediately transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit for safe custody and further investigation.

The Command also disclosed that one suspect connected with the seizure had been transferred to the Police EOD Unit.

The interception, it said, reflected the importance of intelligence sharing and operational cooperation between the Customs Service and sister security agencies in preventing potentially dangerous materials from entering the country through the border.

Vehicles and Watercraft Seized

The Command also intercepted several used vehicles and watercraft in connection with its anti-smuggling operations.

The items include:

- One used speedboat;
- One used water bike;
- One used Toyota Land Cruiser, 2017 model;
- One used Toyota RAV4, 2016 model; and
- One used Nissan Versa, 2010 model.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all the items displayed at the briefing was put at ₦365,163,709.

The Command reiterated its resolve to deploy intelligence, surveillance and inter-agency collaboration to frustrate smuggling activities within its area of responsibility.

Revenue Surges to ₦19.84bn in Seven Months

Beyond enforcement, the Seme Area Command recorded a notable improvement in revenue collection.

The Command generated ₦15,941,258,676.01 in 2025. However, between January and July 2026, it generated ₦19,840,280,788.50, surpassing its total revenue collection for the whole of 2025 by ₦3,899,022,112.49.

This represents a 24.45 per cent increase over the Command’s 2025 annual revenue.

The performance, according to the Command, reflects improved compliance, enhanced stakeholder engagement and greater operational efficiency.

It stressed that enforcement and trade facilitation were not competing objectives but complementary aspects of Customs’ statutory responsibilities.

While the Command continues to tackle smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality, it said it remains committed to providing an enabling environment for compliant traders to conduct legitimate business with greater ease and predictability.

Commitment to AfCFTA and Regional Trade

The Command further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic reforms, facilitating legitimate trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a key player in regional commerce.

It also acknowledged the contributions of sister security and regulatory agencies, stakeholders and the media to its enforcement and trade-facilitation efforts.

The Command said its latest seizures were a reflection of the dedication and resilience of its officers and men, stressing that the fight against smuggling would remain intelligence-driven and collaborative.

With the combination of increased revenue, significant seizures and a renewed emphasis on legitimate cross-border trade, the Seme Area Command appears determined to strengthen its role as both a critical revenue-collection point and a frontline institution in Nigeria’s border-security architecture.

10/08/2026

Customs Unit Smashes N3.24bn Smuggling Ring, Recovers N729m in Revenue

LAGOS – In a major crackdown on economic sabotage, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ has intercepted contraband valued at over N3.24 billion while recovering N729 million in lost revenue, the agency announced on Thursday.

The haul, comprising 220 consignments of prohibited goods, includes 4,956 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to eight trailer loads), 2,683 parcels of synthetic cannabis weighing 1,439.9kg, 240,000 tablets of Tramadol, and 22 pieces of elephant tusks. Other items seized are 12 foreign-used vehicles, 686 cartons of poultry products, 414 bales of used clothing, and 24,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) smuggled in jerrycans.

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, leading the Ikeja-Lagos-based unit, described the revenue recovery as "encouraging" and reaffirmed the unit's resolve to clamp down on customs fraud.

"We are identifying and recovering revenue lost through under-declaration and false declarations," Aliyu said. He urged importers and agents to ensure full compliance, stressing that the unit will continue to facilitate legitimate trade while taking "decisive action" against offenders.

The operation, driven by enhanced intelligence and risk profiling, aligns with the federal government’s broader economic agenda. According to the Service, intercepting foreign rice, vegetable oil, and poultry products helps protect local industries and support national food security. Meanwhile, the seizure of illicit drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals aims to safeguard public health, particularly among young Nigerians. The recovery of elephant tusks also underscores the NCS's role in combating illegal wildlife trafficking.

Aliyu attributed the recent successes to inter-agency collaboration and public cooperation, assuring compliant traders of a fair and transparent environment. However, he warned that the unit would sustain a "zero-tolerance" approach to smuggling and revenue fraud.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to supporting the government’s economic objectives through robust enforcement, while calling on border communities and the business public to maintain vigilance and partnership in consolidating these gains.

07/08/2026

Two Arrested as Customs Intercepts Pump-Action Rifles, N373.8 Million Cannabis Consignment at Tin Can Port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded another major enforcement success at the Tin Can Island Port, intercepting a cache of concealed pump-action rifles and cannabis-infused products valued at over N373.8 million, while arresting two suspects linked to the illegal importation.

Announcing the seizures during a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the operation as a testament to the Service's unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's borders and preventing the nation's seaports from being used as channels for illicit trade.

According to the CGC, the fi****ms, imported in completely knocked-down (CKD) form, arrived aboard the vessel MB Velika on July 8. Acting on credible intelligence, Customs officers immediately placed the consignment under surveillance before conducting a comprehensive physical examination at the Enforcement Station.

The inspection led to the discovery of concealed firearm components.

«"As of the time of this briefing, 140 pieces of double-barrel Georgia pump-action rifles have been identified, while counting and technical examination are still ongoing to determine the exact quantity and configuration of all the recovered firearm parts," Adeniyi disclosed.»

He further revealed that two suspects were arrested on July 21 while attempting to facilitate the clearance of the container at a bonded terminal. Investigations, he said, have yielded substantial documentary evidence, financial records, and telecommunications analysis linking the suspects directly to the consignee named in the shipping documents.

In a separate but related operation, Customs operatives intercepted two additional containers loaded with cannabis-infused products that had been carefully concealed among legitimate cargo.

The seizures included 8,720 Delta-8 cannabis-infused pre-rolled products weighing 17.44 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N308.79 million; 125 cartons of Delta-8 cannabis-infused gummies weighing 515.2 kilograms, valued at N40.7 million; and 33 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies weighing 309.4 kilograms, estimated at N24.31 million. Altogether, the cannabis consignments are valued at N373.8 million.

Reaffirming the Service's zero-tolerance stance against transnational organised crime, the CGC declared:

«"We will stop at nothing to identify, track, arrest and prosecute everyone connected with these criminal enterprises. Nigerian ports will never become safe havens for the trafficking of illicit weapons, narcotics or other prohibited goods."»

Adeniyi commended the Tin Can Island Port Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, and officers of the Command's Enforcement Unit for their professionalism, vigilance, and intelligence-driven approach, noting that their efforts were pivotal to the successful interception and ongoing investigation.

The latest seizures further reinforce the Nigeria Customs Service's intensified anti-smuggling campaign and its determination to safeguard national security by preventing the unlawful importation of prohibited weapons, narcotics, and other dangerous goods through the nation's ports.

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