President Tinubu Seperates Maritime from Transportation Ministry,

Creates Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy

... Much is Expected from New Marine Minister 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has successfully seperated the maritime sector from the Ministry of Transportation by creating Ministry of Marine and Economy, appointed Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo as the minister of the sector.

This information was obtained in the list of portfolios assigned to the newly appointed ministers depicting former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola as the newly appointed Minister of Transportation.

Born on May Ist, 1982, at Oyin Akoko, Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, also an indigene of Okeagbe in Ondo State, Minister of Marine and Economy, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo was a graduate of the University of North London University (now London Metropolitan University). Before reaching the age of 24, he earned certifications in eighteen professional qualifications.

He became the Chief Executive Officer of a leading indigenous consulting company in Nigeria, Matrix IT Solutions Limited, at the age of 24.

Prior to his appointment, he had his first elective position in 1998 when he campaigned and won election as the first elected Senior Prefect of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) Staff Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State.

A management Consultant with about two decades of public and private sector experience consulting for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB}, the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) Management Board, the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), the National Petroleum Investment and Management Services (NAPIMS) the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and the World Bank, among others. 

Much is expected from the newly appointed minister especially in adopting innovative ideas, demonstrating the capacity to develop practicals, and impacting oriented solutions that will revive the marine sector and make it a viable one. 

.. to relocate FOU's Entire Operations to new Site in 30 months

 Customs Suspends $3.2bn Modernization Project Over Litigation

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has suspended the $3.2 billion Cudtoms Modernization Project (e-Customs) earlier approved by the administratiin of ex-President Muhammed Buhari, Over lingering litigations.

Acting Customs Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyu, MFR, announced this on Wednesday while fielding questions with reporters at the Federal Operations Units (FOU), Ikeja, Lagos adding that the service will be partnering with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to deploy Geospatial Intelligence at the nation’s borders.

The acting Comptroller General noted that due to the lingering court cases of the $3.2bn e-Customs Project, he has not been talking much about it since he took over the reins of leadership of the service.

According to him, "Currently, we are at a stage where the matter is in court, and that’s why I have not been talking so much about the $3.2 billion Customs Modernisation project. However, beyond the modernisation project, there are a number of things that we can do on our own. We have been getting very firm assurance from the WCO and other partners to assist us. 

"What we are developing through Geospatial Intelligence is with the assistance of the WCO.”

“We are also building the capacity of our officers locally and domestically, exposing them to the kind of training that will allow them to learn best practices on how we can integrate elements of technology into our operations,” he stated.

The acting Comptroller General who was at Ikeja Command to announce and inspect the interception of 299 cartons of codeine syrup worth N100 million and interception of 7 trucks laden with foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country from Benin Republic, also hints that due to inadequate space at the Command's warehouse, the entire operations of the Command will be moved to a new site in 30 months time. 

"We have acquired a place to transfer all siezed vehicles. Its going to be a one of location, there is no more space here  again and when we leave Ikeja Zone, we are going to make a better usage of this warehouse to avoid creating nuisance that all these lorries have caused. The new site project have started and in 30 months time, we will move the entire operations from here to new locations. I will use this opportunity to encourage the officers to continue their diligent discharge of duty because management is taking judicial notice of their diligence. Their sacrifice wiill not go unnotice," he stated.

However, on the seuzures made by the Command, the acting Comptroller General stressed that the Service will continue to be dedicated to combating smuggling of illicit, regulated drugs and contrabands from neighboring West African countries.

He said, "As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking. Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

"NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use of dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth. The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges.”

“In response, regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.”

“On our part we will continue to partner with the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians.”

Speaking further, “smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromises our revenue and sabotages our food security. Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border.

“They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by NCS officers of NCS. The following seizures of both items were recorded, a total of 4, 252 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis, Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

"Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to take out these strategic resources through the Oja-odan axis in Ogun State. Other items seized in the last 2 weeks include, 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing; 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes; 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products; 190 Pieces of Rugs; 5 Units of Vehicles and 170 pieces of used tyres.

"These seizures are a fallout of our uncompromising position to strictly enforce the law and protect the lives of our people. The codeine syrup, which is reportedly being abused by mostly young persons in society, is associated with addiction and, in the long-term, results in anxiety, depression, memory loss, and damage to the liver, kidneys and brain. It is pertinent to note that the damaging effects of drugs have led to preventable deaths for consumers taking them outside doctors’ prescriptions.”

In view of the seizures made so far by all commands and to enhance more successful operations across borders, the acting Comptroller General maintained that the Service will integrate Corporate Social Responsibilty(CSR) Plan and positively relate with members of the communities where the Service Operates.

“We are also building the capacity of our officers locally and training institutions within and exposing them to those kind of training programmes to integrate the elements of technology into our operations,” the CGC explained.

COSCO Shipping Unveils High Class Multipurpose Ship 'GREEN KOTKA'

 

COSCO Shipping Unveils High Class Multipurpose Ship 'GREEN KOTKA'

ZAINAB JUNAID

COSCO Shipping Special Carriers has increased its fleet with the successful delivery of a General Multi-Purpose ice-class ship “GREEN KOTKA', a vessel that represents the second vessel in a series crafted by Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd.

 This remarkable series of ships was categorised among the world’s largest ice-class multi-purpose ships built in China. The first ship in this series, the “GREEN KEMI,” was delivered in July 2023.

The newly introduced addition, the “GREEN KOTKA,” stretches out to a length of 226.8 meters and spans 19.3 meters in width. With a design speed of 14.8 knots, it holds a remarkable cargo capacity of 68,000 tons and can operate on Methanol. The ship can navigate through waters with ice layers of up to 80 centimeters in thickness, a feature specifically designed for effective polar region operation. This vessel is up to the specifications denoted by the CCS B1 ice area symbol and has a category C polar certificate.

Notably, the ship’s deck is equipped with four single-unit cranes capable of accommodating diverse loading and unloading demands. These versatile cranes are fully prepared to handle a wide range of cargo, from heavy-duty, large-scale machinery to substantial quantities of pulp and varying cargo sizes such as wind power equipment and locomotives.

The ship features a “One to One” temperature detection and early warning system. This cutting-edge system has been meticulously crafted to ensure the secure transportation of energy-related equipment on board. Additionally, the vessel has advanced methanol-related fuel systems and holds the Methanol Dual-Fuel AIP (Approval in Principle) certificate.

The GREEN KOTKA is set to sail to Victoria Harbor after being loaded with cargo.

Majestic Rig Incident: NIMASA Dispatches Search and Rescue Team

 ....Seplat yet to report incident officially- NIMASA

ZAINAB JUNAID

In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA)which includes safe shipping and cleaner oceans, a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State.

 A statement made available to reporters by the Assistant Director, Public Relations of NIMASA, Osagie Edward, read that initial findings has confirmed that the ill-fated Rig was Panama Flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without requisite approvals from the Agency.

The ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was being towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.

NIMASA has initiated contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a conglomerate of all International Oil Companies (IOCs) responsible for the cleaning of Tier 2 oil spill, to establish the level of spillage at the scene of the incident.

"In addition, the Agency is in communication with officials of SEPLAT Energy Limited chatterers of the ill-fated Rig who are expected to officially report the incidence within 24 hours in line with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007," the statement reads.

SAHCO WINS AVIACARGO EXPORT HANDLER OF THE YEAR

 SAHCO Wins AVIACARGO EXPORT Handler of the Year 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has won the Aviacargo Export Handler of the year in Nigeria. 

This award was presented to SAHCO at the Chinet Aviation and Cargo Conference at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja. 

Speaking during the award presentation, the Organiser of the Conference, Ikechi Uko applauded SAHCO for their immense contribution to the growth of the Aviation and Cargo industry especially in the Agro-export sector.

The annual two-day event which was the 3rd edition of the Chinet Aviacargo conference was attended by delegates from both the international and local aviation community and was geared towards discussing the challenges of the Nigerian agro-cargo industry and the solutions.

At the event, the Managing Director/ CEO of SAHCO, Mr. Basil Agboarumi , who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Adetola Vanessa Uansohia, was presented with the Aviacargo Champion award for 2023, due to his continuous support to ensuring that the Aviation Cargo industry thrives despite all odds. 

Agboarumi expressed his gratitude and said he is humbled and genuinely surprised at the award. He went on to say that the aviation industry can only thrive through the joint effort of all stakeholders and if everyone contributes their quota the sky would be the starting point for the aviation industry especially the agro-export industry in Nigeria. 

He stressed that as a company, SAHCO is always poised to always ensure a safe, efficient and speedy service by continually expanding and improving the facilities of its import and export warehouses and by procuring environmentally friendly ground support equipment. 

Oyo Customs Generates ₦43.6bn Revenue, Seize 156 goods Worth ₦250.9m DPV in Seven Months

 Ag. CGC Visits Oyo/Osun Customs, Urges Officers to take Up Responsibilities of their Health Status

ZAINAB JUNAID

Ag. Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has urged Officers of the Oyo/Osun Area Command  to take up responsibilities of their health and seek financial assistance when the need arises as their health comes first in anything they engaged in.

The CGC made this call on Monday, while addressing Customs Officers during his familiarization visit to the command, urging them to brace up on their health and sought for financial assistance whenever the need arises. 

He expressed dissatisfaction on the report received on lackadaisical attitudes of some officers towards their health status especially in area of seeking financial assistance and further advise them to adopt positive attitude regarding the issue.

Speaking on the weapons at the officers disposal, the CGC orders them to restrain from careless use of Guns but make it a last resort especially for self defence.

"Let us be cautious of the use of weapons at our disposal. We need to extremely restrain from the careless use of it. It should be for self defense on last resort. There is need to understand how to deploy new strategies to curb the myraids of crime. You should avoid using the weapons anyhow," he said.

CGC Adewale however commended newly promoted officers, charged them on continous diligent in the discharge of their duties and also enjoined other officers who are yet to sit for their promotion exams to brace up and take up responsibilities to fit in for the feat.

Meanwhile, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, on his part, expressed delight over the Ag. CGC visit and regarded it as a significant occasion which symbolized unwavering support of the CGC for the command.

According to him,  "The CGC's visit to the Command was first of its kind in the last 15years. There is no record of any CGC' s visit in the last 15 years to the command. The Ag. CGC has laid a new benchmark for the entire command and we are ready to work diligently to support the principle of transparency, integrity and professionalism brought forward by the CGC".

Comptroller Jaiyeoba further declared the revenue generated by the command stating that it recorded Forty Three Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty two Naira, Seventy Eight kobo (43,559,666,432.78k) between January and July 2023. A 14.7% short of revenue target in 2023 and an 18% increase from the revenue generated in the same period under review in 2022.

He attributed the 14.7% shortage in the 2023 first half year revenue target to change in fiscal policy, cashless policy of government which had negatively affected manufactuting companies and hitherto could not pawheny duties as at  due.

The Command also recorded 156 seizures of various goods worth Duty Paid Value (DPV) ₦250,934,959.00, between January and July 2023.

According to him, "the enforcement duties carried out by the Command to strategically curb all forms of smuggling activities that might arise from Nigerian border with Republic of Benin has led to the seizures of 156 various goods worth Duty Paid Value(DPV) of ₦250,934,959 between January and July.

Relationship with Border Communities

CAC Jaiyeoba said the command maintained a healthy relationship with host border communities especially with traditional rulers who partners with the command to fight the menace of smuggling by enlightening and discouraging their subjects engaging in smuggling activities. 

This partnership, he said has resulted in the donation of 4.338 acres of land around Sharki; 2.429 size of land at Idiakpa, Ishi Area of Oyo state and 4 acres of land at Odo water side. Also 4274.2sqm along Eruwa. "We are currently working on securing title document of the land and when we get it,  it will be used for schools and barracks," he disclosed.

Stressing the challenges encountered by the Command, Comptroller Jaiyeoba highlighted changing of operating environment, insufficient manpower, lack of adequate resources among others as shortcomings of the Area Command.

His words, "It is worthy to note that the challenges experienced by the area command towards performing its duties can be likened to- Changing of operating environment following the growth in international trade and travels; Increase in volume of trade and travels. This has actually reform the way people do their services/ businesses. We find it difficult to sepeare legitimate trade growth from illicit ones; Inadequate Operational vehicles; Insufficient manpower- we had to merge with the soldiers at the Nigetia Airport to carry out our duties due to lack of officers; We also experience lack of adequate resources."

Inspite of the shortcomings highlighted, the Command's Area Controller maintained that the Ag CGC's guidance, wealth of knowledge, strategic insight and vast experience will definitely serve as a guiding light and help the Command steer towards achieving its set goals of a full service delivery through facilitation of legitimate trade without compromising national security and revenue of the nation.

"Oyo/Osun area Command of the Service covers an expansive land area comprising 36 Local Government in Oyo State and 30 Local Government in Osun State and also border the Republic of Benin. It covers a landscape of 37,705 square km. It is imporrant to note that the command is both revenue and enforcement oriented. It collect revenue from excise factories through excise duties and import duties, compounded warehouses and terminals, and also parcel post with our area of responsibilities. There are 100 warehouses, 2 parcel posts at Ifeand Oshogbo," he added

Similarly, the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs also called for a strategic partnership between Customs and the Oyo state government in the fight against smuggling when he visited the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Adebayo Lawal.

He said, "It is important for us to call on the state government to partner with us in this fight against smuggling, particularly around the border areas.

"We believe that the time has come for us to work closely with each other, strengthen our partnership, and understand ourselves better so that we will know that we are working towards a shared goal of national development and security."

In response, the Deputy Governor urged officers to exercise discretion while chasing smugglers and pay more attention to criminals who import arms and ammunition. 

"More attention must be paid to criminals who import arms and ammunition. If you're able to catch criminals attempting to import arms and ammunition into the country for illegal purposes, that will save more lives", he said.

Similarly, to foster Customs Community relationship, the Ag. CGC visited the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadan, to pay homage and seek his continued support in the discharge of NCS mandates. 

Nigeria Customs to Revive Customs Consultation Forum

 ... to Launch Full Scale Authorised Economic Operator Programme

 ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to fill the vacuum created in the operations of the already established Fast Track 2.0 system which was launched by the Nigeria Customs Service six months ago, the service is set to launch a full scale authorised economic operator programme which will built on the foundation already established by the Fast Track system.

The Ag. CGC of the service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said this while engaging stakeholders, Customs Officials and Journalists at Oyo Area Command of the Service on Monday stating that the efficiencies and missing gaps created in the operations of the Fast Track system have been studied, reviews and corrections have been made on it and the Service is set to launch the AEO.

CGC Adewale disclosed that steering committee that will midwive the beginning of the AEO has been setup, working groups that will be saddled with the responsibilities of the day to day running of the AEO will also be constituted soon.

According to him, "The Service has been assured of cooperation and support from the World Customs Organisation and international partners who are interested in facilitating trade in Nigeria. Electronic transmission of Customs Document has been backed by law. Manifest declaration, payments among other customs activities are now backed by the law."

He assured the stakeholders present at Oyo/Osun command that seperate mechanism has been created under new customs law which will act as a machinery for resolution of dispute.

In his words, "The new customs acts open up new initiatives that customs can drive to champion the course of trade facilitations. Under the new law, new mechanism has been opened for resolution of dispute of classifications, evaluation on HS issues that are related with customs procedures."

He enjoined the stakeholders to continue to cooperate with customs as this will make regulation of international trade to change for better in the days ahead.

The stakeholders(manufacturers)who were represented by Adegoke Joseph, Plant Manager, Nigeria Bottling Company; Isaac Isreal of SevenUp Bottling Company; Danjuma Donny Kelly of Nigerian Breweries and Edward Omojumi of BAT respectively, on their parts, commended the Ag CGC for his commitment towards achieving and enhancing Trade Facilitation in the country and promised a continuous collaboration with Nigerian Customs Service to collectively achieve this goal.

They expressed satisfaction with the existing collaboration and cooperation between them and the service especially in the payment and collection of the indirect tax levied on the production and consumption of their goods but also use the opportunity to relay the challenges they faced in the course of discharging their activities.

Omojuwon Edward of BAT stressed that Excise policy and the issue of illicit trade have been a major factor affecting the revenue of manufacturers in Nigeria and called on the Service to continue to deploy policy that will alleviate illicit trading which will inturn improve production activities of the manufacturers and revenue for both NCS and manufacturers respectively.

The CGC in his response to the afore shortcomings, reiterated that regular consultation and collaboration with manufacturers will be his cardinal objective in discharging his mandate and to also ensure stakeholders problems are being resolved amicably without delays.

To him, "We are committed to strengthening partnership with stakeholders as Excise traders are expected to be National heroes of our country. We are aware of the challenges and the circumstances at which they produce their products and still pay their excise duty despite difficulty faced. Partnership with them should be cherished. We must periodically open doors for consultations with them, get to understand their problems, which should be paramount to us. The totality at which they increase the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) inspired me to be more committed in strengthening partnership with them. We will continue to work with you as we make progress in our development and modernization in our achievements and make you part of our records. If your company folds up, its going to have adverse effect on excise duties and unemployment will hike in the society but if you succeed and have turnover in millions through multiplier effect, we will see your positive impact in area of employment and excise payment. So we will continue to partner with you to enhance your productivity and also improve trade in the economy."

However, in a related development, CGC Adewale noted that the Service's record of National Council Trade facilitation would be the anchor for advancing number of initiatives related to trade facilitation in the country as Customs Service is set to host the committee that is domiciled in the ministry of Industry Trade and Investment.

"We want to give the committee a new life. I have had engagement with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, NACCIMA. We are going to host the next meeting with the committee and we are planning to host a retreat of all members of the committee along with customs. This is to know vital things that can be deployed to facilitate trade better than its being done before.

"Seconodly we want to resuscitate customs consultation committee, a platform where stakeholders, private sectors and customs will come together to discuss ailing issues. This used to exists 15-20 years ago. Where i was part of those who initiated it back then but successive heads of customs have not paid desired attention to the existence and the workings of this committees. We have met and planned to resuscitate this forum, so that we can periodically interact to find solutions to pending issues," he maintained.