Customs CG, Adewale Visits ex-ACG Bagiwa,

Late Dikko Inde’s Family In Katsina

ZAINAB JUNAID

On Friday, 4th August 2023, Ag. Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, wrapped up his first official visits to Ilela and Jibia borders to inspect the full implementation of the recent ‘Border Closure Policy’ at the two stations with a visit to the Veteran Customs Officer,  ACG Lawan Bagiwa (rtd), at his residence in Katsina town.

Speaking to the ex-ACG Bagiwa, Ag. Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR said that he decided to visit him out of respect and in view of his meritorious service to his fatherland.   

“We feel very proud to have you after your retirement, and you are still doing this for the service of our fatherland. We pray that God will give you long life and good health so that you continue to render your support to the Service.” CGC Adeniyi said.

The Ag. CGC extolled ex-ACG Bagiwa for distinguishing himself while serving as Customs Officer between 1965 to 1999 when he retired as one of the then Management Staff. 

Responding, the retired Assistant Comptroller General, Bagiwa Lawal, appreciated Ag. CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for stopping by to greet him out of respect and congratulated him on his appointment, “We are indeed very grateful to have you at the helm of affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service. I want to use this opportunity, on behalf of the retired and serving officers and men of the Service, to congratulate you on your appointment.”

Retired ACG Bagiwa told the CGC that he never turned a blind eye to Customs right from 1965, when he joined the Service, to 1999, when he retired and consequently after his retirement.

“You are fortunate to have Mr Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of this Service because he is a seasoned Customs Officer; he is a Customs Officer to the core – and I have the privilege to be one of the officers to have brought him up. Adeniyi is one of our good sons; we are proud of him.” Ex-ACG Bagiwa vouched.

The Ag. CGC then proceeded to the residence of former Comptroller General of the Service, Late Abdullahi Dikko Inde, to greet his family, specifically the elderly mother of the late former Customs Boss. The session was blessed with special prayers to the late former Comptroller General of Customs. 

The Late Dikko Inde’s family expressed their delight in receiving the CGC at their home and prayed that his tenure would be bright and hitch-free.

FG Closes all Borders with Niger Republic

FG Closes all Borders with Niger Republic in interest of the Citizens 

ZAINAB JUNAID

In line with Presidential order on immediate closure of all Borders with Niger Republic and also to protect the interest of citizens living in neighboring community of Nigeria-Niger Border, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has visited Ilela border station to ensure compliance of the Presidential order.

The National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada,, disclosed this in a statement saying the CGC, who was on a working visit to Ilela Border Station expresses delight with the level of compliance by the residents but re-echoed President Tinubu's cardinal reason for taking the measure, saying that the exercise was not meant to infuse hardship on Nigerians.

The measure according to the CGC, was a decision taken by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the Nigerian President chairs, adding that “we are optimistic that this effort will yield positive results, and I must tell you that President Tinubu is committed to restoring peace in this axis.”

He also said that the exercise would secure Nigeria's Democracy and social stability, considering the current state of uncertainty in the neighbouring Niger Republic.

Responding to questions from newsmen as to whether the exercise will affect Customs' mandate of generating revenue, the CGC said the Service is aware of the situation - and has already taken proactive measures to address it strategically. 

He reiterated that the administration of President Ahmad Bola Tinubu is committed to protecting the well-being of the citizens and their businesses, saying that “I have the optimism that borders will soon be opened and businesses of Nigerians will continue to thrive.”

His words, “President Tinubu, as a champion of the region, has measure responsibility to promote trade, and we are all aware that trade can't be achieved where there's no peace. However, considering what's happening in Niger, which affects the political stability of the sovereign nation, my mission here is to restate the directive of President Tinubu as the ECOWAS Chairman.”

Similarly, the Comptroller-General had also engaged traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the Ilela border.

Chairman Association of Customs License Agents, Alhaji Aminu Dan-Iya, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, consoled residents around the affected area and the entire stakeholders to understand the situation, stressing that “the decision was for our benefit, thus no need to panic.”

In a related development, the CGC also paid a courtesy visit to Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Lawali Muhammad Zayyana, to seek his support towards achieving the mandates of the service.  

Addressing the Emir, the CGC told him that “today, with our delegation, we are embarking on a journey to Illela Border Station to inspect and monitor the level of compliance of President Tinubu's order of closing borders and to also interact with the members of the border community.”

While appreciating the traditional ruler for his sustained support to the Service, the CGC also commended his passion towards promoting good cordial relationships between the community and the operatives of the Service.

Responding, the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Zayyana, welcomed the CGC and his entourage while also taking him through the history of the Palace.

He felicitated with the CGC on his appointment and assured him of his Palace's unwavering support to ensure he spent a hitch-free tenure.

“Having disputes could sometimes be seen as natural, but I wish to give assurance of my support to win over the residents of this Emirate.” He said.