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Inside Watch Africa -IWA, 31, Shipeolu Street Somolu Onipanu, Lagos (2025)

11/10/2025

AfCFTA SECRETARIAT INVITES AFRICA TO MEET IN ACCRA, GHANA FOR CREATIVES CONNECT AFRIKA 2025

Accra, Ghana - Friday, 10 October 2025 - The AfCFTA Secretariat, in partnership with the Black Star Experience (BSE) and Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), is proud to announce the inaugural Creatives Connect Afrika 2025: The AfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creatives and Cultural Industries (www.creativesconnectafrika). This groundbreaking event will take place in Accra, Ghana, from November 24th to 26th, 2025.
A platform for creative excellence, the Creatives Connect Afrika 2025 is a Forum and Festival that will bring together African and diaspora creatives in film, music, and fashion, as well as tourism professionals. The event aims to foster intra-Africa business development, investment, and marketing under the AfCFTA framework.
Programme highlights
Masterclasses: Learn from industry experts and thought leaders
Policy Dialogues: Engage in high-level discussions shaping policies and identifying opportunities
Matchmaking Opportunities: Connect with potential tourism, creative and cultural industry professionals’ partners and investors
Exhibitions: Showcase your work and products
Deal-Making Lounges: Dedicated spaces for Film, Music, and Fashion professionals
Attendees and participants will include talented designers, innovative creatives, and distinguished tourism professionals, alongside representatives from national tourism boards and authorities. Engage with tour operators, travel agents, and key players in tourism experiences and attractions, as well as forward-thinking entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Connect with leaders from the creative and cultural industries, film and music production companies, passionate fashion enthusiasts, and the bright youth driving innovation and technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate and shape the future of these vibrant industries.
Join us for an exceptional gathering of influential figures, including policymakers, visionary investors, dynamic film and music producers, and cutting-edge fashion houses.
As a precursor to the inaugural the AfCFTA Secretariat in collaboration with Black Star Experience (BSE) and Africa Tourism Partners will be launching the AfCFTA Forum & Festival on Tourism, Creative, and Cultural Industries Creatives 2025 on Monday, the 27th of October 2025 at the Capital on the Park, 101 Catherine Street, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg. All the creatives’ professionals and practitioners are invited to attend the evening cocktail. For more information, contact [email protected] or +27 81 303 7030 for registration or visit: www.creativesconnectafrika.com
Registration and Exhibition Stands
Artists, filmmakers, fashion designers, creative enthusiasts and tourism professionals are encouraged to register and attend this prestigious festival. Only 20 exhibition stands are available for exhibitors from across Africa. To register or for more information, visit (link unavailable) or contact Rejoice Chishamba at [email protected] or +27 81 303 7030.

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Notes to the Editor:
About Creatives Connect Afrika 2025
Creatives Connect Afrika 2025 is a joint initiative by the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Black Star Experience (BSE) Secretariat, and Africa Tourism Partners (ATP). The event marks a significant milestone in promoting Africa's creative industries and tourism sector.
About the AfCFTA
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Trade in Services (the Protocol on Services), tourism and cultural services are among the services sectors included in the progressive liberalization negotiations. The AfCFTA Agreement, the Protocol on Trade in Services, and the Protocol on Trade in Goods seek to promote sustainable tourism and cultural development, in both trade in services and trade in goods, to enhance Africa's economic competitiveness, promote cultural diversity, facilitate the growth and development of the sectors, and improve social and environmental outcomes.

About Africa Tourism Partners
African Tourism Partners (ATP) - www.africatourismpartners.com is a UN Tourism- affiliated award-winning Pan-African tourism development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm. The firm specializes in tourism and MICE strategy formulation, investment facilitation and promotion, research, master planning and destination market development and capacity building across Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and golf sub-industries.

Our clients and partners include but are not limited to UN Tourism, World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, NEPAD, AfCFTA, South African Tourism, Ghana Tourism Authority, Tourism KwaZulu- Natal, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Commerce, SAACI, RwandAir, SAA, Ethiopia Airlines, Tanzania Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Tourism Board, Gauteng Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Nigeria and more.

10/10/2025

Threads of Heritage: Emily Nkanga’s Lens and the Art of Remembering

Every thread matters in the fabric of our lives—just as every detail shapes a powerful image. Nothing is ever truly superfluous.
This morning, those thoughts lingered in my mind as I pondered a deep concern: how many young Africans, in their pursuit of better opportunities abroad, are becoming increasingly disconnected from the rich tapestry of our heritage.
Then came a timely reminder. I had the distinct privilege of attending Emily Nkanga’s art exhibition at Purist Gallery, 114 King’s Cross Road, London. Her work, moving and intentional, felt like a profound response to that very concern.
After the painful experience of laying her father to rest two years ago, Emily discovered a renewed purpose—to use her lens to document and celebrate the enduring beauty and stories of her people, the Akwa Ibom of Nigeria.
What touched me most was her humility and conviction. She said she knows she cannot do everything, yet she is committed to doing her part—preserving and sharing the narratives of her ancestry, one frame at a time.
That kind of resolve rebuilds cultural bridges and keeps our stories alive. It reminds us that we all have a role to play in ensuring Africa’s heritage continues to shine brightly across generations.

07/10/2025

A Time for Everything — Lessons from Nigeria’s Ginger Story

“There is a time for everything,” as famously stated in the Book of Ecclesiastes. This timeless truth teaches us that every event and action unfolds in its appointed time, urging us to embrace patience, understanding, and respect for life’s natural rhythms.

Until recently, Nigeria proudly stood as the world's second-largest producer of ginger, trailing only behind India. Nigerian ginger was not only abundant but also celebrated for its exceptional aroma, intense pungency, and rich oil and oleoresin content — qualities that have made it a global favourite.

However, this narrative has taken a sobering turn. A severe fungal outbreak over the past year has devastated production and exports, resulting in significant losses for farmers and disrupting the ginger market.

In this edition of Inside Watch Africa (IWA), our cover story delves into this critical sector of our agricultural economy. We aim to broaden the conversation and encourage a deeper exploration of the underlying causes of this crisis.

Some perspectives suggest that our efforts to bypass the natural cycle of planting and harvesting may be a contributing factor — perhaps a reflection of our impatience to synchronise with the seasons. In doing so, we may have disrupted the delicate balance necessary to sustain this vital cash crop.

Indeed, there is truly a time for everything.

28/09/2025

Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA), promoting friendship for the common good, will celebrate Nigeria's 65th Independence Day Anniversary on Saturday, October 4th, in London.

21/09/2025

What an unforgettable weekend!

Between Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th, I had the privilege of serving as MC for the first-ever TravconExpo 2025 in Lagos—and what an experience it was!

The mission was clear: to inspire and empower a new generation of travel entrepreneurs by connecting them with industry leaders, real-world insights, and practical strategies to succeed. The energy in the room was nothing short of electric a true melting pot of ideas, ambition, and collaboration.

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up, shared knowledge, and made this historic event such a success. The future of travel and tourism in Nigeria is blazing with promise, and I’m honoured to be part of that story.

15/09/2025

Akwaaba African Travel Market is making history—once again!
Thrilled to be at the 21st edition of West Africa’s first-ever travel market, live at the iconic Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
From the very beginning, visionary founder Mr. Ikechi Uko set the stage for what has become a cornerstone of Africa’s travel and tourism industry. For over two decades, Akwaaba has connected businesses, investors, and governments—unlocking opportunities across the continent and beyond.
This is more than just an event; it’s a legacy in motion. Here’s to honouring the past and shaping the future of African travel!

14/09/2025

Comptroller Anani Takes Charge at PTML Command, Pledges to Deepen Trade Facilitation and Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Lagos, Nigeria – September 12, 2025 – The Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service entered a new chapter of leadership on Friday as Comptroller Joe Anani officially assumed office as Customs Area Controller (CAC). His appointment follows the recent deployment exercise approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

Comptroller Anani succeeded Assistant Comptroller-General Tenny Mankini Daniyan during a brief but symbolic handing-over ceremony at the command headquarters in Lagos.

In his maiden address, the new CAC applauded his predecessor’s “outstanding leadership” and particularly commended the seamless rollout of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), widely known as B’Odogwu. He described the system as a game-changer that has significantly boosted revenue collection and improved trade facilitation at the command.

Building on that momentum, Comptroller Anani pledged to sustain PTML’s reputation for efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder collaboration.

> “Our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone,” he affirmed. “I call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the press to support me in sustaining PTML as a model port of excellence—renowned for security, efficiency, and diligent trade facilitation.”

A central pillar of his leadership, he emphasised, will be the promotion of compliance. He noted that PTML has already set a benchmark with its two-hour cargo release time for compliant Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) consignments, while stressing that stricter adherence to regulations could shorten the process even further.

> “Compliance is the key to trade facilitation. It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, and fosters trust. Everyone benefits—time and money are saved. Conversely, non-compliance attracts interventions, demand notices, and even seizures,” he cautioned.

Reaffirming the directives of the CGC, Comptroller Anani vowed to sustain a zero-tolerance stance against smuggling while adopting an open-door leadership style.

> “Let me use this opportunity to inform you that my office is without a door. I shall be accessible to all—physically and virtually. Feel free to engage with me and share information that will help us succeed collectively,” he assured.

The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection and appreciation for ACG Daniyan’s tenure. Stakeholders across the freight forwarding and logistics industry lauded his transformative contributions, particularly his role in piloting and consolidating the B’Odogwu project.

Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), described Daniyan as “a man whose records speak volumes positively.”

Similarly, Chief Charles Nwarrienne, Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), PTML Chapter, praised him as “an excellent officer deserving of a certificate of project completion for the successful ex*****on of the B’Odogwu system.”

The event concluded with optimism for a seamless transition and renewed commitment to growth under Comptroller Anani’s stewardship.

09/09/2025

Olomu Bows Out at Apapa Command, Hands Over to Oshoba After Record-Breaking Tenure

Lagos, September 8, 2025 – The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) witnessed a historic transition on Monday as Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Babatunde Olomu formally handed over leadership to Comptroller E.O.B. Oshoba.

The handover ceremony, attended by terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders, was marked by glowing tributes to ACG Olomu, whose 16-month tenure was widely described as transformative for the Service’s flagship command.

Record-Breaking Revenue Performance

In his valedictory address, ACG Olomu—recently promoted from Comptroller—highlighted unprecedented revenue achievements under his watch. He credited the success to the steadfast support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside the dedication of his officers and port stakeholders.

The command, under Olomu’s leadership, generated over ₦2 trillion in 2024—a historic first that earned both him and the command special commendations from the CGC. The momentum carried into 2025, with the command recording ₦1.83 trillion as of his handover date—representing 60% of its annual target and setting it firmly on track toward its ₦3 trillion goal. Notably, the command also posted record single-day collections, including ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025.

Driving Trade Facilitation and AfCFTA Integration

Beyond revenue collection, Olomu championed operational reforms in line with the CGC’s trade facilitation agenda, resulting in faster cargo clearance processes and more efficient dispute resolution.

He also underscored Apapa’s pivotal role in advancing continental trade. Under his watch, the command facilitated Nigeria’s first-ever shipments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in July and November 2024—marking the nation’s active entry into intra-African trade.

Strong Enforcement Record

The command’s enforcement drive also intensified during his tenure. Olomu disclosed that the command made 75 high-impact seizures in 15 months, including containers laden with fake, expired, and controlled medications such as codeine and tramadol, alongside other contraband. Declaring Apapa a “no-go area for illegalities”, he stressed that vigilance remained central to the command’s mandate.

A Legacy of Leadership and a Call for Support

Expressing gratitude to government agencies, industry operators, and stakeholders, Olomu urged them to extend even greater cooperation to his successor. He described Comptroller Oshoba as a “distinguished gentleman officer, fully equipped to take Apapa Command to greater heights.”

In his acceptance remarks, Comptroller Oshoba pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Comptroller-General of Customs. He assured stakeholders of his commitment to consolidating on the solid foundation laid by Olomu and called for continuous collaboration to sustain the command’s strategic importance to national trade and revenue generation.

06/09/2025

A Legacy of Service: From 1891 to Today

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was established in 1891 by the British colonial administration. While it began with a primary focus on revenue collection, the NCS has since evolved into so much more.

Through its paramilitary arm—formerly the Customs Preventive Service and now the Enforcement Unit—the NCS plays a critical role in combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

This vital responsibility was powerfully highlighted by Comptroller Lanre Olumoh, the immediate past Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Zone Command, who retired on September 4, 2024, after a distinguished career. In his parting words to serving officers, he reminded them:

"What you do—or fail to do—can grievously impact the Nigerian nation. You must jealously guard the pivotal positions you occupy, especially at our borders."

We celebrate Comptroller Olumoh’s legacy of service and echo his call for diligence, integrity, and patriotism. The work of every Customs officer is vital to Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity.

02/09/2025

What we do to one, we do to all" — those powerful words stayed with me after supporting my dear sister, Tosin Otudeko, at the screening of her brilliant film Over The Bridge yesterday. Even with my usual Monday caution, there was no way I was going to miss it.

After a stellar run at international film festivals, Over The Bridge is now the most-nominated film at the 2024 AMVCAs—and it’s easy to see why. With outstanding performances by Ozzy Agu, Segilola Ogidan, Joke Silva, and Deyemi Okanlawon, the film delves deeply into moral conflict and mental health.

It was a truly moving and thought-provoking experience. Huge congratulations to Tosin and the entire team! Nigerian cinemas, watch out—it’s coming soon!

27/08/2025

We can't let others continue to tell our story. To build the Africa we desire, we must own our narrative.

This was the core of today’s powerful discussion at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting. The theme: "Media as a Bridge," focusing on how the MTN Media Innovation Programme is strengthening ties between our nations.

Honoured to host as MC, and even more honoured to leave so inspired. The future is bright when we tell our own stories!

Inside Watch Africa -IWA

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