Nigeria Customs Service Participates in 2023 WCO Conference in Vietnam

...Set to Deploy Technological Solutions to Drive its Operations

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) delegation, led by the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, participated in the just concluded World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 10th to 12th October 2023. 

ztjunaid.blogspot.com reports earlier this week that Senior Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service will be representing Nigeria at this year's WCO Technology Conference. However the event, welcomed twelve delegates from the Nigeria Customs Service and the management and staff of the trade modernization project representing the private sector. 

The technology conference broadened the participants' knowledge on how to deploy technological solutions to drive their operations. 

The presentations in the performances showing the dynamic economy of Vietnam set the tone for the event.

Welcoming participants at the conference, the secretary general of the WCO, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, highlighted the critical role of technology in supporting Customs Administrations around the globe. 

The Acting CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, emphasized the significance of the WCO Technology Conference, which has been a pivotal event for over a decade, providing a platform for customs administrations, partner companies, sponsors, technology firms, and more to collaborate and exchange insights on the effective integration of technology in customs operations.

He noted that this year's edition continued the tradition of exposing participants to advanced technological solutions for addressing complex customs challenges. 

Adeniyi expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We've learned a lot, seeing the deployment of artificial intelligence, machine learning, non-intrusive technology, and various data analytics to analyze customs issues and provide solutions."

Adeniyi believes adopting these technological solutions will be a game-changer for Nigeria, improving trade facilitation and revenue generation. He expressed his readiness to initiate processes for their adoption in Nigeria.

Worthy of note at the conference were the breakout sessions that delved into contemporary challenges and innovative solutions in diverse areas, especially gender equality, of which Chief Superintendent of Customs Oluwabukola Omoniyi, a delegate from Nigeria was part of the discussants. 

The Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernization, ACG Kikelomo Adeola, also attended the conference and shared her commitment to embracing the e-commerce process. She emphasized the automation and AI-driven approach to improving customs operations.

Jummai Umar Ajijola, the Managing Director of the Trade Modernization Project, emphasized the strong partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Trade Modernization Project, highlighting their alignment to ensure the end-to-end automation of Nigeria Customs Service processes and procedures.

The conference's theme, "Embracing the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generation of Customs Professionals," underscored the importance of technology in customs operations and the continuous development of customs professionals.

During his vote of thanks to wrap up the end of the conference, the WCO Secretary General, ably represented by Hans Pieters, Head of Administration and Personnel WCO, announced that the 2024 edition of the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition would be hosted by Africa in Cairo, Egypt.

AIG Zone 2, Alh. Mohammed Ali Visits NAGAFF Headquarters

Stresses the need for Community Policing strategy 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Assistant Inspector General(AIG) of the Nigerian Police force Zone 2, Mohammed Ali Ari has stressed the need for Community policing within the Zone as it will strengthen the relationship between Community members and Police Force.

Speaking at Nigeria Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF) Headquarters, in Lagos on Tuesday 10 October 2023, AIG Mohammed Ari Ali said Community policing will not only strengthen relationship between the Community members and Police Force but will also enhance laudable ideas in solving existing problems between community members and the Police Force.

AIG Mohammed who was on an official visit to the headquarters in Lagos pledged to correct all anomalies of Police Officers at Zone 2 and promised to sustain and retain existing relationship between the force and freight forwarders.

While fieldiing questions from freight forwaders on the undesirable relationship that exists between the forwarders and police officers along the city roads under his watch in the course of delivering cargo to the owners warehouses immediately out of the customs ports and borders, he confirmed that all anomalies will be corrected in due course and encouraged the Forwarders to always bring to his notice any undue activities encountered with the police.

Feeling good with the presence of the AIG, the NAGAFF founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, referred AIG visit as a refreshing reunion between the AIG especially when he was the divisional police officer and Area Commander of Area B police Command Apapa and members of NAGAFF family.

Going down memory lane, Dr Aniebonam, recalled how AIG Hassan Bala who has been there through thick and thin for the association since its inception, handed NAGAFF and its members to Area B Police Command headed then by Mohammed Ari Ali as the divisional police officer Area B, to protect them at all cost..

He said, "The then Area Commander and now retired Asst Inspector General of Police in the person of Barr. Hassan Bala was a pride of the Nigeria police for upholding the constitution of the Federal Republlic of Nigeria. We recall the resistance and  pressure on him to stop the  inauguration of NAGAFF but he let ANLCA to understand that he has a duty to uphold the constitution of Nigeria. Knowing fully well that Customs clearing agents of the old and before the emergence of NAGAFF are experts in duty evasion and bribing of agents of the government in the ports and borders. When interrogated, I narrated my ordeal to him regarding the petition written against the inauguration of NAGAFF by some set of people, the AIG thus stood by me through thick and thin and when there was movement order in the force, he handed us over to Mohammed Ari Ali to continue to protect us. He ensured he  kept eyes on us always and i really Appreciate him for that," he  narated.

Also speaking, National President of NAGAFF, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, appreciated the presence of the AIG and expressed satisfaction on the unalloyed support of the Nigeria Police Force in the everyday business operations of NAGAFF nationwide.

The president who was represented by the Deputy National President NAGAFF Headquarters, Simeon Nwonu, said the AIG's visit has set a new record in the harmonious relationship between NPF and NAGAFF as a whole.

Also speaking, National Coordinator, 100 percent Compliance Team, Alhaji Tanko, appreciated the AIG for answering the call of the Founder and pleaded for continuous support of the freight forwarders at all cost by the force.

On his part, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, National President Association of Maritime Truck Owners(AMATO), who is in his fifth decade in truck operations also expressed gratitude for the presence of AIG Mohammed at NAGAFF headquarters and brought the nefarious activities of some touts on truck operators to the AIG's attention.

Chief Ogungbemi referred the problems faced by truck operators as cankerworm disease that has eaten deep into the system.

He said the dubious acts of these street boys has become so appauling as it has extended to bullying and killing of some truck drivers.

He thus solicited for the support of the AIG in mitigating the nefarious activities of the touts fondly called Area Boys who have constituted in illtreating truck operators within the AIG's jurisdiction.

In response, AIG Mohammed promised to ensure that all the illicit act of the area boys comes to an end in due course and also urges all the forwarders to endeavor to always report any case of  hinderanc henceforth.

Nigeria Customs Sets for 2023 WCO Technology Conference

ZAINAB JUNAID

As the biggest Annual International Conference of World Customs Organization(WCO) is set to commence in two days, Senior Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) will be representing Nigeria at the event. 

The 2023 Technology Conference according to WCO is scheduled to take place in Hanoi, Vietnam from October 10-12 and this year's theme centered around "Embracing the Digital Age: leveraging technology, fostering innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generations of Customs Professionals." 

The three day event will feature 10 plenary sessions and three thematic seminars aimed at exploring how innovation and technology can support Customs in performing its functions of trade facilitation, protection of society and revenue collection, while placing people at the heart of the digital transformation process. 

A variety of technology related topics would be discussed--including data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, block chain, cutting - edge, detection technology, and the implications of the growing volumes of e-commerce on Customs processes and procedures. 

So much to learn at the event... 

Border Security: Nigeria Customs Hosts Military Officers from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho

Border Security: Nigeria Customs Hosts Military Officers from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has emphasized on how enhancing trans-border trade is very crucial for both peace and security across African continent.

The Ag. CGC laid the emphasis on Thursday, October 5th 2023, while playing host to international delegates of military Officers from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lesotho at the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) Headquarters, Abuja. 

Welcoming the international delegates led by Colonel Masheke Mutimwa, Ag. CGC Adewale appreciated their presence, assured the visiting Officers his unwavering support and expressed his intention of engaging border community to achieve border security goals.

Adewale stressed that the collaboration of security agencies at both national and international level is very crucial to protecting borders, citizens and overall securities. 

On the official Facebook page of NCS, the Customs Boss said the partnership is pivotal to eradicating kidnapping, illegal mining and other nefarious activities bedevilling the region. 

"We are also very deliberate about Corporate Social Responsibility Programme for the border Communities, to ensure that we respond to their needs and make them have faith in an agency of government that is operating around them. In our current budget, we have identified six key places where there will be project that will help resolve their basic social amenities needs," he disclosed.

Impressed by the warm hospitality received from the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) management team, Colonel Masheke Mutimwa expressed gratitude to the team and asserted the readiness to collaborate with Nigeria Customs Service in eradicating kidnapping, illegal mining and other nefarious activities. 

Colonel Mutimwa also guaraantee optimizing coexistence of Africa approach to peace, security and stability with the collaboration. 

"Three key things that are interrelated in every region are Peace, Security and Stability, there is no how you talk about peace without talking about security and stability." 

 The essesnce of the visit is to conduct a study titled reshaping Africa Security Narratives which resonate their determination to block trans-border crimes while connecting a secured Africa for legitimate trade to thrive.

Ag. CGC Adewale Urges Importers, Agents to be patriotic in making honest declarations

.. As PTML Customs Seizes 20X20 Containers of expired tomato concentrate

ZAINAB JUNAID

Just as the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), made a historic milestone in the history of the command by successfully intercepting and detaining a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of the command, Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has urged agents and importers at the Command to always act patriotically by making honest declarations. 

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MRF,  made the call on Friday, October 6, 2023 while inspecting seizures made by gallant Officers of the Command. 

He expressed disappointment in the rate at which agents and importers are violating trade rules, saying the audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable. 

"The audacity of the smugglers to attempt introducing this hazardous product into the Nigerian market is both shocking and disheartening. 

" But I want to assure you that our officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, diligently scrutinizing all import and export consignments passing through our seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports, and terminals nationwide." 

"Our primary objectives are to curb smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of our nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses."

"The expired tomato concentrates were concealed within 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, all under the auspices of a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited. In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering sum of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73).

"The container numbers involved in this illicit operation are as follows: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351. As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation," the Comptroller General explained. 

This seizure, which was processed through three separate single good declarations (SGDs) forms, he said, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and our determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerian citizens by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.

The actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene the provisions of sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Additionally, it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to send a stern warning to importers and their agents, urging them to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into our country.

It is essential to reiterate that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to our regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties.

"Full compliance brings numerous benefits, including building a reputation for integrity, saving time and money by avoiding demand notices and penalties, and staying out of legal troubles that could lead to imprisonment, loss of licenses, and blacklisting

" Note that the Officers' operations align perfectly with the goals I set for the Nigeria Customs Service since I assumed reigns of leadership," he said 

Customs FOU 'A' Intercepts twelve Trailer Loads of Foreign Parboiled Rice

...Arrests 14 suspects in connection with seizures worth ₦1.75bn DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment and spirit of patriotism, Officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) made a commendable interception of approximately twelve trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice on the 6th of  October 2023.

The Command also apprehended fourteen suspects in connection with various seizures that worth a cumulative Duty Paid Value of One billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty- five Million, Eighty Thousand, Eight hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira (1,755,080,898).

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Command on Friday, October 6, 2023, to showcase the seizures made, Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, disclosed that about 7, 029 50Kg bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized by the officers at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western States.

Ag.CGC Adewale said the decisive actions took place inorder to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to also inflict financial losses on active smugglers.

Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, the Unit yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods and these includes- 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS); 1,100 liters of diesel; 1 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; 1 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies' handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items;1 20-foot container of unprocessed wood; 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry; 55 pieces of used fridges; 110 pieces of used compressors; 148 cartons of foreign soap; 121 cartons of expired hair oil; 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo). 

According to him, investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing and the arrested fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.

On revenue generated last month, the Customs Chief disclosed that the Unit generated Seventy-two Million, Eight Hundred and Seven Thousand, Twenty-five Naira, Eleven Kobo (N72,807,025.11) in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.

Ag. CGC Adewale later enjoined importers and licensed agents to always make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments. "Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders," he said.

The Ag. CGC further extended gratitude to all media for their role in disseminating Customs Service vital information to the general public, saying "I extend my gratitude for your attention and your role in disseminating this vital information. Together, as responsible stakeholders, we can safeguard our nation's economy and contribute to the welfare of our fellow citizens."

However, while on a tour with the Ag. CGC to intercept the seized containers at FOU warehouse today, it was discovered that a container with number MRKU 204776245G1 intercepted for contravening policy directives, was hidden at the extreme of the warehouse with the door sealed, preventing the Ag. CGC, management team and journalists from finding out what it conveyed. Curious about the development, Ag. CGC promised to unravel the misery behind the container. 

100 days in office: MAJAN applauds CGC Adeniyi's visionary leadership

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has applauded Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on his visionary leadership in his first 100 days in office.

MAJAN gave this commendation in a press statement issued recently through the Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Odinukaeze.

In the statement, Mr. Frank described the Customs Chief as an exemplary team leader and experienced officer who has intelligence, expertise and modern skills to take the Service to greater heights.

The statement partly reads, "The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria is commending the Customs Boss on his exceptional performance in inter-agency collaboration, renewed strategies to revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling drive.

"CGC  Adewale brought fresh impetus to bear in all aspects of Customs operations, entrenching a culture of discipline and professionalism.

"MAJAN as an association rates CGC Adeniyi high on managerial prowess, as he completes 100 days on the saddle. Since assumption in office, in June 2023, the enigmatic and charismatic Customs Boss has been building bridges and strengthening ties with stakeholders, other government organisations, security agencies, host communities, traditional rulers and freight agents, all with a vision of enhancing efficiency in the system for greater economic growth."

It read further that, "as a well trained career officer, CGC Adeniyi has rejigged Customs operations to place the highest premium on trade facilitation, safeguarding national security, operational effectiveness, anti-smuggling operations driven by intelligence and timely information sharing, as well as respect for human rights."

"As one, who is on a familiar terrain, Adeniyi's first 100 days in office witnessed a clear intent to transform Customs and harness its full potentials through his 3-Point policy thrust; Collaboration, Consultation and Innovation.

"He makes no pretence on his resolve to tackle smuggling and other trans-border crimes. It is quite glaring that CGC Adeniyi is on the march to leave an enduring legacy in Nigeria Customs Service, the maritime industry and the nation’s economy at large."

"Looking at his pedigree, dedication to duties, tenacity, integrity and impressive performance in the past few months, MAJAN has strong confidence in his ability to completely turn things around for good, not only for Customs but Nigerian economy as well."

"As part of the innovative strategy in reviewing anti-smuggling operations of Customs, the CGC dissolved the  Strikeforce Team on July 17, 2023, and strengthened the Federal Operations Unit of the Service nationwide. 

"He successfully restored peace in Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, after years of internal crisis, rancour and wrangling which defied all solutions proferred by maritime stakeholders. 

"He introduced a fitness programme for officers which he termed 'Walk-Life Balance’ exercise. In terms of training, CGC Adeniyi has performed creditably with the Passing Out of Basic Course I/2023 Cadets, where 81 Cadets successfully finished their training.

"Not limited to that, the Customs Chief also pledged his support to establish Customs primary and Secondary Schools Nationwide. He successfully deployed Area Controllers to various Commands.

"On Monday, 14th August, he extended a hand of fellowship to Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo State, an Orphanage home for Charity and Social Development and equally expressed readiness of his management team to collaborate with National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in the fight against the trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons. 

Recall that the Service in August 2023, intercepted 1,000 live ammunition concealed in 203 bags of foreign rice in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

"On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Customs Boss visited the Ag. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja; he had visited other top officials of the Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Governo among many others in order to sought inter-agencies' cooperation and collaboration that will help fast-track sustainable working relationships.