MAJAN Condemns Incessant Attacks On Customs Officers

...says video reveals smugglers die -hard tendencies, with violent attack on officers

ZAINAB JUNAID

The maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has condemned Incessant attacks on Customs officers carrying out their statutory duties.

Frank Odinukaeze Odinukaeze, the Association's Public Relations Officer disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday December 19, 2023, after watching the viral video at its secretariat at Apapa, Lagos.

He said in the process of reviewing the viral video showing sporadic shooting by officers, it revealed clearly smugglers die- hard tendencies with violent attack on officers, who were carrying out their anti-smuggling function.

"MAJAN Executive observed that the smugglers were the first to attack the officers, closing up on them, while the officers shut into the air, trying to defend themselves from the dreaded smugglers, who came out in large numbers to attack them.

"The group also observed that while the smugglers directed their attack on officers, in a deliberate attempt to disarm them, the officers only shut into the air, in order to escape from the scene,and this shows high level of professionalism and character.

MAJAN as an association condemns  in strong terms recurring attacks on officers by economic saboteurs, working against the policy of the Federal Government in growing the nation’s economy. "A situation where smugglers deliberately attack officers on lawful duty is totally unacceptable. The culprits involved in this attack must be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as deterrent to others", the association frowned.

"We must realise that Customs officers are Nigerians like other citizens with a right to life. As such, their fundamental human right must be respected at all times.

"We equally condemn the act of Smuggling which is doing damage to the economy and overall well being of Nigerians," Frank added.

Customs Partners Cooperative Mortgage Bank on 5,009 Housing Units for Officers Nationwide

As part of the vision to create a better conducive housing scheme for Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR reveals that the service is partnering with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank in constructing a total of five thousand and nine housing units nationwide.

ZAINAB JUNAID

The CGC revealed this on the 18th December at the Pacesetter Garden Estate, Ajoda Ibadan, Oyo State, in the company of the National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, DCG Festus Okun, DCG Greg Itotoh, ACG Aliu Olaniyi Alajogun, ACG Bello Jibo and a host of other Senior Officers.

CGC Adeniyi acknowledged the scheme's impact on Officers and families, especially in boosting their work morale effectively and efficiently.

"The Service is providing temporary relief through staff quarters, but concerns persist regarding retirement and subsequent vacation from these quarters.

"To establish a sustainable housing solution, a strategic partnership has been formed with the Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB). This collaboration aims to construct 5, 009 Housing Units nationwide, providing a stable foundation for Officers and empowering them to invest in their families and futures, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in serving the nation." He stated

According to him, the housing scheme features diverse residences, including two-bedroom terrace bungalows and three-bedroom terrace duplexes, strategically located in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Asaba, Masaka, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.

The CGC expressed gratitude to the Cooperative Mortgage Bank, Modern Shelter, and Brains & Hammers for their collaboration in this flagship housing program.

President of the Cooperative Association of Nigeria, Tajudeen Aiyeola, urged State Governors and Ministers at the national level to take deliberate actions in providing low-cost housing for Nigerian citizens.

He emphasized that achieving substantial provision for affordable housing is possible with government interest, encouraging local production of housing materials, cost reduction, and facilitating access to work-based loans.

Aiyeola stressed the need for government support and subsidies to benefit Nigerian citizens.

Highlighting the importance of the cooperative sector, Aiyeola noted its significance in various human endeavours, extending from the national level to its affiliates.

He said the cooperative structure is a crucial instrument for the government to implement social and economic programs aimed at the welfare of Nigerians.

While addressing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Aiyeola commended the uncommon initiative, emphasizing the eradication of poverty in Nigeria by prioritizing the middle and lower classes.

He called for collective efforts from the government, governmental parastatals, agencies, and the private sector to focus on member welfare and reduce turnaround time in Nigeria.

Aiyeola urged all agencies in Nigeria to follow suit, commending the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for initiating programs that benefit the people.

Representing the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the Special Assistant to the governor, stated that this initiative will contribute to the state's economic development, aligning with his commitment to providing housing and other developmental projects.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for this endeavour and urged everyone to support it, emphasizing its potential to boost the state's economy and provide value to Nigerian agencies.

The event ended with the presentation of housing documents to respective recipients, group photographs with various groups of stakeholders present at the event, and a tour of the various types of One bedroom bungalows,  two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows three-bedroom semi-detached and detached bungalows and four-bedroom bungalow.