Ag. CG Bashir Inspects Proposed Customs Training College,

Government Warehouse, on 100 Hectares in Abeokuta

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has on Monday, 7th August 2023, inspected the proposed 100 hectares of Customs Training College, Federal Operations Unit Zone 'A' Headquarters, Government Warehouse and Agro International Airport at Iperu-ilishan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking at the site, the Ag. CGC expressed delight at the progress made so far while pledging commitment to be a responsible neighbour to the government of Ogun state. 

In his words, "We are happy that we are going to be your neighbours, and I can commit to you that we are going to be very responsible neighbours; we are going to operate in a way that will make Ogun state proud". 

He urged the contractors to work within the time frame of the contract period as the project is going to be very strategic to the future of Customs operations. 

"As we try to get our process right, as we try to bring innovation, we now need outstanding infrastructural support to drive these operations".

"We are going to be very strict with the contract period; we cannot afford the airport to take off too far away before we start here, so we want some kind of development to be happening side by side; I believe that our presence here will add value to the airport just like we believe that the airport will also add value to us".

The Ogun State Commissioner of Works,  Engr. Ade Akinsanya highlighted the accessibility of the area and the expected period for completion of Agro International Cargo Airport. 

"The target for us to get this project ready is the end of the year. The runway is completely done, the control tower is about 90%, and all the equipment needed is completely procured". 

"In terms of capacity, there is enough room to grow, right now we have a warehouse under construction with a terminal building where you will be able to help us man, so things are taking shape and the governor is really pushing up to get everything done by the end of the year. 

The Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, in the company of the commissioner, the project manager, as well as his management team, took a tour of the proposed Customs project site and the Agro Cargo International Airport under construction.

FOU, Western Marine, Sector 2 Border Drill

made 5 Arrests, 25,195 Seizures worth ₦650 Million DPV in six Days

ZAINAB JUNAID

Western Marine Command, Federal Operations Units (FOU) and the Sector 2 border drill operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service have made significant seizures in recent times as they successfully arrested 5 suspects in connection with 25,195 parcels suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and India hemp translating to a Duty Paid Value of Six Hundred and Fifty million naira (₦650M).

This was disclosed by the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on Monday while inspecting seizures made at Ogun 11 command, Abeokuta .

According to him, "Officers of the Federal Operatives of Zone A intercepted 14,015 parcels of india hemp weighing 7728kg translating to Duty Paid Value (DPV) ₦618, 240,000, (Six Hundred and Eighteen million, two hundred and forty thousand naira) discharged from a boat at the creeks around Aja and Ijebu Ode Area. A total of 3 suspects and the items were handed over to Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on August 2, 2023 and are currently undergoing investigations.

"On Thursday August 3rd at about 04:00 hrs; a joint patrol team of officers intercepted a wooden boat with 2 Yamaha outboard engines (40 horsepower) each containing 103 sacks containing 8240 loaves of substance suspected to be  Cannabis Sativa weighing 3811kg at a Duty Paid Value of Over ₦32,192,000.00 (Thirty two Million, One Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand). These items are currently warehoused in western marine base in Lagos.

"On 7th of August, on Monday at about 03:15hrs, credible intelligence led to a seizure 2, 940 parcels of same items around Sokoto- Ijoun road, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. The items were ingeniously concealed with hip of pineapple fruits in a vehicle with chasis number 2FA23000006141966. Two suspects have been arrested in line with this. Hakeem Olatunde (Driver), Abdul Nurudeen Adedeji (Passenger) have been arrested and taken into custody for further investigation," he said.

But despite the continuous seizures made by government enforcement agencies in relation to cannabis sativa which is the main source of psycho active drugs used by Nigerian youths, there is still an alarming increase in the abuse of it within Nigeria Society.

The continous orientation given to the general public on the adverse effect of the so called Marijuana/India hemp hardly has positive impact on the youths for they have refused to abstain from it or could the intrigues behind its continuous smuggling into the country by perpetrators be to impair Nigeria's future generations? 

CGC Adewale confirmed that smugglers of the cannabis sativa are using ingenious means to force proliferation of trade in Nigeria through various illicit means. 

"They use concealment through land borders and smuggling through the air routes. The creative consequent techniques employed by traffikers present a significant challenge in the fight against the menace of india hemp smuggling in the country.

" The abuse of these drugs has far reaching consequences to our society, particularly on the youths. It's usage can lead to impaired cubitive function, addiction and negative impact on mental health and general well being of its users. The armful effect of these substance on its users cannot be over stated. It poses a significant challenge to public health and safety as well as to our social economic development," he said.

Having recognised the gravity of how the menace has afftected the society at large, the new generation especially, the CGC pledged to partner relevant agencies to address the concerning trends through robust measures combatting proliferations and trade in Nigeria.

To him, "We are committed to fulfilling our social contract with Nigerians, ensuring their social wellbeing by intercepting illicit drugs and other harmful substances. We are doing this in partner with appropriate agencies responsible to fight this illicit act. Nigerian Customs Service remain steadfast in the delivery of its statutory mandate and protecting the nation. Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been very supportive and we are ready to increase our efficiency and redouble our strength in fighting this menace".

On his part, Controller, Joint Border Drill operatives, M. N. USMAN, while fielding questions with journalists at Abeokuta, noted that the seizures were made along Ijoun road and believed the actual origin of the items seized are from Benin Republic. However, he said further investigations on the items will give accuracy on their source. "Though, not an easy task but our collaboration with sister agencies, couple with our personal techniques deployed, led to the success of these seizures." 

Usman advised Nigerian youths to yield to the orientation given on the negative impact of the Cannbis Sativa and ensure they desist from its usage.