Jaiyeoba Assumes Duty as Apapa Customs Controller, Express Optimism to Surpass Target

...Command Generates N676bn revenue in Seven months, N136bn in August 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The new Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba has expressed high optimism to sustain and surpass targets and ensure full compliance at the nation's foremost port. 

Compt. Jaiyeoba who took over from his predecessor, ACG Auwal Baba Mohammed, in Lagos on Tuesday, September 12th 2023, said he is aware of how tasky his new assignment is but is fully ready to actualize his goals. 

He solicited the cooperation of officers and port users to sustain and surpass the impressive revenue records achieved by his predecessor who was the Command's Area Controller before his recent elevation to Assistant Comptroller General Technical Services at Customs Headquarters.

While thanking the Acting Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for the new task, he pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor in the area of revenue, trade facilitation and anti smuggling. 

Comptroller Jaiyeoba also promised to adopt open door policy that will help foster trade, prevent revenue leakages and suppress smuggling.

Meanwhile, ACG Auwal Mohammed

in his valedictory speech, thanked Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy, and expressed profound appreciation to the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his recent visit to Lagos Ports which to him really motivated and encouraged all personnels at the Nigeria Customs Service to deliver more. 

To him, "the joy of moving forward to serve our great country in higher office is laced with the nostalgic feeling of missing my colleagues, officials from other services and all other stakeholders in the Apapa port community." 

On revenue generated by the Command, ACG Auwal Mohammed disclosed that Apapa Command generated over N676billion as revenue between January and July and made the highest monthly revenue collection of N136 billion in August 2023.

"It is noteworthy that on 3rd August 2023 Apapa Customs achieved the highest daily revenue in the command's history with the collection of N10.09 billion. These figures and attainments are aftermath of dedication, intelligence, commitment and of course, zero tolerance for duty evasion.

"I recall the many intervention steps taken through alerts and issuance of demand notices to maximally collect identified shortfall revenues in duty payments after meticulous examinations.

We are assigned here to collect revenue, suppress smuggling and facilitate lawful trade. These are responsibilities bestowed with trust and as patriotic

citizens, we must never betray the trust. Knowing that our job touches directly on the national economy, we have to discharge our duty having

service and honesty in mind.

"For my friends in other services, our camaraderie as agents working for one government, united against criminals and deviants paid off with prevention of unlawful activities in Apapa Port.

"May I add that our inter-agency relationship with other government organizations contributed in making the area a crime free zone and few attempts to test our resolve met resistance. Seizures of arms, drugs and trade goods under prohibition during the seven months period attests to this reality.

"At this juncture, I want to specifically thank all my brothers and sisters in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army (NA), Nigerian Navy (NN), Nigeria Police (NP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control

(NAFDAC), Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Port Health Service (PHS) and others.

"Our cooperation worked for the good of Nigeria and it is noble for us to stay on that path. Inter-agency synergy is the first bold step to frustrate

crime and criminals in the port environment.

"We should never underestimate the essence of gathering, processing and sharing of credible intelligence, especially at the leadership level of our various service within the port. When crime is nipped in the bud at the port level, it means unwholesome things harmful to citizens health or capable of posing danger to the social and economic wellbeing of the society won't find their way into our country.

"I want to request that a higher level of cooperation be given to my successor. This existing synergy should be sustained and improved upon," ACG Auwal stressed. 

Nigeria Customs Partners Benin Republic Counterpart

to Enhance Trade Facilitation 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigerian Customs Service has partnered the Republic of Benin Customs Administration to manage cross-border trade between the two Countries. 

Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made this known on Monday, 11th September 2023, while declaring open a two-day interactive session between the Nigeria Customs Service and Benin Republic Customs in Abuja.

The interactive session aimed at strengthening existing bilateral trade ties and cooperation between the two countries, which will pave way for a comprehensive mechanism to harmonize the import prohibition lists of the two countries.

Speaking at the meeting, the Ag. CGC appreciated the Benin Customs and Embassy of the country for expressing interest in collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance trade facilitation.

He said, “It is our hope that the program will address the issues of trade and set a roadmap for implementation of new strategies that will enhance the economy and revenue in Nigeria and Benin Republic. Thus, our organizations need to come up with ideas that will address the issues of transit and other progressive measures.”

The Ag. CGC added that with the increasing global security challenges, the need for both customs administrations to work in synergy cannot be over-emphasized. "This mutual collaboration will help boost our relationship and also improve the economy of both two nations." 

Border Security: Customs Strengthen Relationship with Nigerian Army

  to fight Smuggling

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to seamlessly extend humanitarian support to victims of insurgency at Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) camps and also fight against smuggling and counter-terrorism, the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened the long existing relationship and formidable bond between the Service and Nigeria Army.

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, expressed the need for the two agencies to actively collaborate more in curbing smuggling and other border threats, while commending the Nigerian Army’s efforts in combating the menace of insecurity in Nigeria. 

Ag. CGC Adewale stated this on Monday, 11th September 2023, when he led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The Ag. Comptroller-General, while congratulating the Chief of Army Staff, stressed that Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja's appointment is no longer news, but  felt obliged to congratulate him on his well-deserved position. 

To him, "The seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army would provide the opportunity for the two agencies to work together and improve their expertise in the areas of fight against smuggling, counter-terrorism, intelligence and extending humanitarian support to the public.

“We need this active collaboration with the Nigerian Army to enable us to kickstart our social program of distributing relief items to the victims of insurgency at IDP Camps, and we want the Nigerian Army to provide us with security and logistics while conveying this stuff.” Ag. CGC said.

He also appreciated the long-existing relationship and formidable bond between the two agencies saying, “We have collaborated in several missions that succeeded in curbing smuggling, hence the need to form a formidable force to fight against enemies of the state.

“I wish to extend our sincere request to strengthen our ties to address the illegal inflow of dangerous goods and other threats to national sovereignty. ” 

He added that the steadfast support that the Nigerian Army gives to Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service has enhanced their skills in many areas.

In response, the COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, thanked the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs for visiting him and assured him of the Nigerian Army's unflinching support to strengthen the security at the border areas.

According to him, “We must continue to collaborate to make sure we synergize and work closely in the areas of maintaining national security and training, and the Nigerian Army will continue to partner with Customs towards border-related issues and interests across the Federation.”

He maintained that such collaboration would continue to provide valuable opportunities for the Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service to acquire new skills and knowledge, recalling that the two Security agencies have since been good partners in progress.

Customs CG Visits FOU Zone B

Pledges to Revamp Customs Primary School, Barnawa

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of his commitment to suppress the menace of smuggling activities in the Country, the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has charged officers of FOU Zone B Command, Kaduna, to redouble their efforts in frustrating business for unpatriotic citizens who venture into smuggling activities within the edges of the Zone. 

The CGC made this charge in Kaduna when he visited the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ as part of his official working tours to the Customs Formations in the country.

He asked the officers to worsen business activities of smugglers through intensifying border patrol and confiscating unlawful items that will lead to the success of generating revenue for the Nigerian government.

CGC Adewale later commended the role of the officers and men of the Service at the Zone for maintaining their stand while discharging their duty. He assured them that the Service will not turn blind eyes on any officer who exhibits courage in the cause of his work.

“While I commend the officers who engineer good seizures in this Zone, I also wish to charge you all to be more steadfast in discharging your duties with the provisions of the law to suppress the smuggling of unlawful substances,” he says. 

He added that the Service has renewed its strategy for assessing officers who performed excellently in service, emphasizing that “the era of making contact with officers who are ahead of you by rank to assist you pass your examinations has passed.”

The Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’, Comptroller Musa Ibrahim Jalo on his part, briefed the Ag. CGC on the success achieved so far especially in area of revenue generated.

He told the CGC that the milestones attained by the Unit were possible due to his new tactics of engaging community members and stakeholders in the Unit. "Intelligence information has led to the seizure of foreign rice, petroleum products, marijuana amongst other items," he said. 

To him, "the Customs-Community relationship in the Unit is already paying good results, as we have recently recovered  N2,500,636,150 in revenue, this is due to the commitment of the officers at the Unit". 

However, on a seperate visit to Customs Primary School Barnawa, Kaduna, the CGC pledged to create a conducive atmosphere for both management and wards of the School.

He said the Service under his leadership is committed to promote education through Customs' Social Program. "We are currently observing problems encountered by the school and will surely place it on superficial level.

"We will do the best we can to raise the spirit of this school and to properly educate the wards of the residents. We have enough to chew to ensure that we renovate the school because we all love our children to have a better knowledge," he stressed. 

On existing relationships with stakeholders in the community, the Ag. Comptroller General appreciated the harmonious alliance which will have greater impact mpact in theircompliance with Customs rules.

“It is because we have a good relationship that you agreed to come and sit down with us here — whereas if the alliance is not good, you will just stay at the back of your fence and begin to talk down on us that there is no point to meet those people who don't value us. I want to appreciate you for the service that you have rendered in Kaduna and to the entire structure of the Nigeria Customs Service. We respect and take you all with high esteem as our partners.

“I am therefore extending a new hand of collaboration with you to work together so that we will always address your challenges because we recognize you as contributors in transforming the country through strengthening its security," he said

NCS Rewards 18 Personnels of

 Seme Command for diligence to duty

ZAINAB JUNAID

In line with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) dictate of encouraging its personnels, the Officers and Men of Seme Area Command that were involved in the seizures of fake Six million USD ($6,000,000) currency, Fifteen (15) fake international passports and Ten (10) Driver’s license, and that of Donkey skins in January, 2023 have been rewarded with commendation and congratulatory letters by the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Compt. Dera Nnadi, disclosed this on Friday 8th 2023, while briefing journalists on recent seizures and revenue generated in the last 8 months by diligent officers of the command.

The Commendation and Congratulatory letters dated September 1st, 2023, from the Command were presented to the beneficiaries at the briefing.

Compt. Nnadi who is also the Co-Chairman Seme-Krake Joint Border Post before his recent redeployment to TinCan Island Port said the feat was in line with the personnels' act of bravery and display of integrity in the discharge of their duty.

Speaking on the notable impacts made by the Command in its key performance indicators which are revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations for the last 8 months, Compt. Nnadi noted that the Command's revenue target for the year 2023 is One Billion Nine Hundred and Sixty Million Naira Only(₦1,960,000,000). 

However, as at Friday morning 8th of September, 2023, the Command has collected One Billion Nine Hundred and Four Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety Naira, Seventy Seven Kobo (N1,904,459, 390.77)  which represents 97.2% of N1,960,000,000 allotted target for the year 2023.

This shows a tremendous increase of N1, 018,916, 292. 33 (51.98%) in the corresponding period under review for year 2022, where the Command generated a revenue of Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Million, Five Hundred and Forty Three Thousand, Ninety Eight Naira Eleven Kobo (N885,543,098.11).

Compt Nnadi attributed the feat to a painstaking efforts made by the leadership of the Command in partnership with stakeholders to ensure compliance with revenue generation agenda.  

Meanwhile, in anti-smuggling operation, he highlighted Six Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty Nine (6569) 50kg bags of rice equivalent to sixteen (16) trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice with Duty Paid Value of ₦312, 242, 064.93k; 13, 835 x 30 liters Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit equivalent to 415, 050 liters/13 petroleum tankers with Duty Paid Value of ₦738,276, 461k; 15,389 of General Merchandise Goods; Hard Drugs and Narcotics; 41 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 4,900 Tablets, 225mg of Tramadol Tamol-X, 3,600 Tablets 225mg Tramadol Royal 225, 157 Tablets of Heineken Ecstacy, 864 Packs of Cigarette; among items that were seized from smugglers.

In the same vein, Officers and Men of the Command acting on credible intelligence intercepted One Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty Four (1,364)  30 Liters Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit equivalent to forty thousand eight hundred (40,800) litres over one Tanker Load and with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of (N24, 663, 355) at the early hours of Friday 8th September, 2023 along the Badagry Coast

"The duty paid value for items seized for the period January to 8th Septmeber 2023 is One Billion, Eight Hundred and Twenty Seven Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Nineteen Niara (₦1, 827, 362, 619. 00)," he said.

On Trade Liberalisation, Comptroller Dera Nnadi lamented that Economoc Community of West Africa State(ECOWAS) region is yet to maximize gains of ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) which depicts that it is not fully ready for the African Continental Free Trade Area(AFCFTA). 

"Among the trade blocks in Africa, the ECOWAS region has a population of 428.6 million people and ranks second in Africa after East Africa region with a population of 474.9 million people. It is expected that the potential inherent in this advantageous position will be translated to increase trade among countries of the ECOWAS subregion especially between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin with a combined population of nearly 250 million people. 

"Sadly, ECOWAS ranks fourth at 10 per cent when it comes to trade within the African Continent.  Southern African Development Community (SADC) with a population of 69.2 million people ranks first in trading among themselves at 32. 12 percent, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) at 20.32 per cent, and Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) at 16.59 per cent.  This is an indication that the ECOWAS region is yet to maximize the gains of ETLS. Again, this underscores the level of our limited preparedness for the African Continental Fre Trade Area (AfCFTA)," he lamented.

To him, "Several factors have been adjudged to hamper trade (between Nigeria and her proximate neighbour) within the sub-region especially transit trade across the countries and along the corridor. There have been several complaints by operators against the closure of the borders, the non-adherence to transit agreements signed under the ECOWAS, World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariff. However, the Comptroller General of Customs, Government of both countries and the stakeholders are all on the same page regarding the need to improve our relationship with a view to maximize the opportunities offered by the proximity of our two countries to the border and develop trade along the corridor."

While fielding questions with journalists, Nnadi noted the positive impact felt by the community since he took over the reigns of leadership of the Command on the 23rd of January 2023. 

His tremendous footprint in the last 8 months as Area Controller of Seme Command cannot be overemphasized for the Command witnessed a remarkable improvement in revenue, Anti-Smuggling and trade facilitation.

The CAC also used the opportunity to appreciate the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs for his support to the Command and also appreciated Seme Badagry Community for their cooperation and officers of the Command for their patriotism. 

Some of the personnels rewarded with the commendation and congratulatory letters includes-Assistant Controller of Customs, AC IP Musa, OC Operations ED Ashinze, IP Muhammed, Iyali, AY Abdlmumeen, AI Ibrahim among others. 

When interviewed, they praised Nnadi for leveraging and sustaining robust relationship with neighbouring community since his assumption of duty as the Area Controller of Seme Command and also applauded him for renovating some dilapidated infrastructureswhich arose as a result of the border closed.

"The Controller also added value to sporting activities by making sport equipments, footballs available to the six ethnic grouos at SEME Border Community within the short period spent with them," they said.

Customs Collaborates with NISS to Improve Officers' Proficiency

 Customs Collaborates with NISS to Improve Officers' Proficiency

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Ag. Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has re-echoed his stand to sustain the mastership of the Service in the area of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians - through enhanced capacity building for his officers.

The CGC made this known during a courtesy visit of the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies(NISS), Ayodele Adeleke and members of the Institute to Customs headquarters Abuja on Tuesday, 6th September, 2023. 

CGC Adewale reiterated the need to join hands with the Institute in order to intensify the probity of officers and men of the Service. 

To him, "maintaining high security level in Nigeria should be a collaborative effort." 

The Customs Boss, who spoke about the importance of organizing capacity-building workshops, assured the entourage that the Service would continue to prioritize the institute.

Some members of the Service's management team and alumni of the institute expressed their appreciation for the opportunity garnered at NISS.

On his part, the Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke, noted that the Institute is currently researching "Globalization and Regional Economic Integration, Implications for Sustainable Development in Africa" and explained that their visit will be centred around a training program beneficial to the Service's management, officers, and personnel.

"The Institute is ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service to pursue excellence," he said. 

The National Institute for Security Studies is a centre for security studies, research, capacity building and staff development, amongst others.

Customs Takes Action on Defaulting Authorised Dealer Banks

 Customs Takes Action on Defaulting Authorised Dealer Banks

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has taken decisive action in response to selected Authorized Dealer Banks failing to meet Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) related to Customs Duty and statutory charge remittances.

This action which was contained in a press statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer of the Service, aimed at ensuring accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development.

According to the statement, "the decision follows a thorough audit and due process, aligning with the NCS's commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection.

"Despite the deactivation of these banks, the Comptroller General has implemented measures to minimize disruptions for importers and stakeholders within the trading ecosystem. He assures the trading community that all pending assessments will undergo clearance processes in line with international best practices.

"Importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments are advised to utilize other Authorized Dealer Banks that comply with NCS regulations. Stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank are encouraged to use alternatives that function appropriately.

"The deactivated banks will have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and settle outstanding remittances. Collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders are underway to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the Customs Duty Collection system.

"The NCS places a priority on trade facilitation, putting stakeholders and Nigerian citizens first, even in the face of non-compliance by some Authorized Dealer Banks. This action underscores the NCS's commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent customs revenue collection process," the statement read.