Customs Hands Over Seized Illicit Substances Weighing Over 15,000kg to NDLEA

...says it's a call to action for safer Nigeria

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) delivered a blow to drug cartels operating within the nation's coastal waters and land borders by handing over hard substances, suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol, to the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

The handover ceremony according to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, occurred on Thursday, 23 November 2023, at the Customs Warehouse in Karu, Abuja.

The statement partly read that during a joint press briefing, Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, affirmed that the illicit substances were seized in operations conducted by the Western Marine Command, FOU Zone ‘A,’ and Zone ‘B’ formations. Notable contributors to this effort included the Ogun 1 Area Command and Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C.’

He recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had solidified their commitment to combat drug trafficking by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 4 April 2023.

CGC Adeniyi emphasized the significance of community support in the battle against drug trafficking saying, "This is a battle for every citizen." He detailed the seized items, including 13,567 parcels of Cannabis Sativa from Zone ‘A,’ 1,511 parcels and 292 bags of Indian Hemp from Zone ‘B,’ and 3,213 parcels and blocks, along with 935 sacks of Cannabis Sativa from Zone ‘C’.

From Ogun I Command, 2,223 wraps and 144 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, weighing a total of 3,312.7kg, were seized. Additionally, the Western Marine Command contributed with 2,205 parcels weighing 624kg.

The Director of Narcotics, Samuel Gazama, representing the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its pivotal role in cleansing the country of illicit drugs. 

He stressed the severe societal threat posed by Cannabis Sativa and affirmed the NDLEA's unwavering commitment to collaboration with the NCS in the relentless fight against drug trafficking. Gazama concluded, "We will not relent until our battles on drug trafficking are achieved."

Apapa Command generates N135bn in October 2023

 ...makes N11.3bn outstanding daily collection

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a landmark revenue collection feat with the generation of N11.3bn on November 22, 2023 thus surpasssing the existing highest daily collection record of N10bn which was  achieved on August 3, 2023.

In a statement signed by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSC Abubakar Usman, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba described the collection as a fallout of teamwork, system audit ,compliance and zero compromise, but further urged officers of the command to sustain the tempo of hard work.

Comptroller Jaiyeoba said the command has been more focused on its mandate and collected N135bn for the month of October, which presently is the highest monthly collection in its history.

According to the CAC, the recent daily and monthly revenue collection achievements should be a motivation for officers to do more to justify the confidence invested in the service by the Federal Government and meet the expectations of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, in the areas of maximum revenue collection, legitimate trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling. 

The CAC also urged members of the Apapa port community like importers, licensed customs agents, chandlers, haulage operators, and freight forwarders to see compliance and obedience to laws as part of their civic responsibility as citizens. 

He reiterated that his office is open for dialogue and suggestions on ways to improve customs service delivery and achieve federal government objectives. 

Comptroller Jaiyeoba lauded various federal government agencies for their cooperation while describing customs relationship with them as excellent all geared towards realizing government goals. 

"We are very optimistic about meeting our target for the year. Even though, from the initial part of the year, it was not what was expected but from what we have been recording in the last 2 months , I am very optimistic that we will be able to get there".

"I keep telling some of my surbodinates, who want to be discouraged, that it is not over until it is over.I believe it is achievable.What we need is the willpower and the willpower is there. I know that by the end of the year, we will have cause to celebrate."

"My counsel to sister agencies is that they stick to their standard operating  procedures, and I want to put on record that other security agencies  have been cooperating with us."

"The issue is just with these non-governmental organizations, and we will continue to tell them let's play the game by the rules. Whether you are an agent or licensed chandler,  there is a condition for your license.The condition for every operator is spelt out. If we all play according to the rules of the game, there will be less friction, and we will be able to achieve a secured port environment. "

"I keep telling people that we are working  because the port is secured .The onus is not only on any of us, but all of us. We should all be able to do what we need to do to secure the port. An agent can discover that some of their counterparts are doing things that can undermine the security of the port. They  should let us know so that we will address it right from the beginning before it causes a problem to everyone, " the statement read partly.

MAJAN: New Executives Emerge Six Months after Rays Demise

…. Jerry Aguigbo elected as new President 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Six months after the demise of the pragmatic and charismatic leader of Maritime Journalist Association of Nigeria(MAJAN), Mr. Ray Ugochukwu, the association has dissolved existing cabinet and elected new executive members to over see the affairs of the association.

Jerry Aguigbo emerged new President of the association after successfully passing through rigorous screening and also unopposed in the election conducted at the association’s secretariat on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Other members of the executives are Mr Ranmilowo Ojalumo of factual Nigeria- Vice President;  Udeme Clement- Secretary; Frank Odinukaeze premium News Daily- PRO; Silas Onuoha-Financial Secretary; Love Oyedokun- Treasurer, Okezie Nnadi- Provost

The oath of office was administered on the newly elected by Mr. Ebenezer William of Maritime Connect former reporter with business and Maritime West Africa Magazine.

Speaking shortly after being sworn in , Jerry Aguigbo promised to take the association to the next level and also deploy what he learnt from the former president Mr Ray Ugochukwu who passed on six months ago.

Having gone through tutelage from the former president of MAJAN, MR. Ray Ugochukwu, the newly elected president, Jerry Aguigbo promised to bring to bear  what he learnt from Mr Ray Ugochukwu.

He thanked all those that participated in the election and promised to deliver more and hope for successful completion of the four  years tenure.

Aguigbo further urged members to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties and assured members of the association ‘s support at all times.

CG Adewale Pledges to strengthen Nigeria's reputation globally as he chairs NRMG committee

...set to promote the culture of 'reputation consciousness'

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of a renewed commitment and deliberate effort to strengthening Nigeria's reputation globally, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has pledged to contribute his quota in addressing critical reputational challenges that have affected Nigeria as a country. 

Adewale made the pledge at the inauguration of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) committee held on Thursday 23 November 2023, in Abuja.

NRMG is an initiative established by the leadership of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Commending the leadership of NIPR for this initiative, Adeniyi said the idea is coming at the time leaders are deliberating on how to revamp the country's image. 

According to him, “For the current leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), which I am a proud Fellow, let me commend you for sustaining this vision and escalating it to this level. I urge you to continue to accord priority attention and seriousness to this Committee to achieve the set goals. The success of this initiative will give a major boost to the relevance of the Institute; hence, no efforts should be spared.” 

He said, “Reputation plays a key role in every aspect of human endeavour and any individual, organization, state or nation that wants to be taken seriously and be on top among peers must make deliberate effort to promote the culture of “reputation consciousness”. 

“Unfortunately, the society, especially, many African nations have not recognized the power of reputation in turning their economies around. Though intangible in nature, reputation if properly understood, effectively planned, efficiently harnessed and well deployed, will position any country for greater value, global relevance and remarkable competitiveness.

“this great idea of NRMG is a product of an Institute whose mandate revolves around reputation building and management. More importantly, the project, which is designed to deliver value to the country will be driven by competent and reputable industry experts. From the Committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR), I see a well conceived initiative with the potentials of advancing the course of our nation.”

He however, bemoaned the poor global perception rate of Nigeria and how it has negatively impacted the nation’s economy but stressed that NMRG initiative will help yield the right results.

Adeniyi later gave his consent to serve as the Chairman, NIPR Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) Committee, saying he is responsive of the enormous value the project will add to Nigeria as a whole.

His words,”May I assure the Institute and our stakeholders across the nation that I will do my best to ensure that the objectives of this important initiative are achieved. 

“May I also use this medium to call on the governments at all levels, organizations, individuals and other stakeholders involved in Nigeria project to give reputation matters priority attention, as every reputational error from individuals, organizations or government distorts development, affects our global outlook and rating, thus retards progress.

“On behalf of my team (members of the Committee), I accept this responsibility to serve as the Chairman, NIPR Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) Committee because I know the enormous value this project will add to our country, Nigeria.

“I also commend the Council of the NIPR under the leadership of the President, Dr. Ike Neliaku for the giant strides recorded within the first three months in office. I am quite impressed and wishing you all the best as you handle the affairs of the Institute,” He concluded.