L-R: Joseph Okpanachi Adejoh, Superintendent of Customs I; (Centre) Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping; and other guests during the premiere of the Customs movie, Novara, at Viva Cinema, Ikeja, Lagos

SIFAX Group took centre stage as a key sponsor of Novara, the debut feature film by the Nigeria Customs Service, at a high-profile premiere that blended commerce, security, and cinematic storytelling.

The star-studded event, held on April 25, 2026, at Viva Cinemas Jara Mall Ikeja, drew top customs officials, business leaders, diplomats, and entertainment figures, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling. The film reflects the NCS’s innovative use of cinema to showcase the courage and sacrifices of its officers in combating smuggling.

Representing SIFAX Group, Mrs. Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, underscored the strong connection between the film’s narrative and real-life port operations. She noted that the story mirrors the high-stakes realities experienced daily at Tin Can Island Port, one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs.

“For those of us in the industry, port operations may seem routine, but this film goes deeper, revealing the risks and complexities that define global logistics”, she said.

Dawodu described Novara as more than entertainment, calling it a powerful tribute to the bravery and resilience of customs officers safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines. She highlighted the film’s portrayal of sacrifice as a reminder of the human cost behind security enforcement.

“At SIFAX Group, we recognise that a secure maritime environment is fundamental to economic growth. Without security, trade cannot thrive”, she added.

The Group’s role in the production earned commendation from the film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr. Okpanachi Adejoh, who both described SIFAX’s support as pivotal in delivering the project at scale.

The premiere ended on a reflective note, with guests applauding the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions. 

For SIFAX Group, the event reinforced a clear message: sustainable trade and logistics depend not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on a strong commitment to security.

pearl

By Pearl Ngwama

Pearl Ngwama is a prominent Nigerian media professional, an advocate of Nigeria Transport Sector development and Managing Director of JustAlive Communications Ltd, publishers of JustNet News. She is the convener of the annual Nigeria Transport Summit.

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