NCS- Walking the path of Technology to Drive its operations

NCS-Walking the path of Technology to Drive its operations

ZAINAB JUNAID

The 2023 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition held in Hanoi, Vietnam, has not only broadened the experience of the Nigeria Customs Officers team led by the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who attended the event but also impacted more on Adewale's policy thrust of Collaboration, Innovation and Consultation.

A strategy he has embarked upon to revive the Service from its comatose state since he took over reigns of leadership of NCS in June 2023.

The Conference under the theme  "Embracing the Digital Age: leveraging technology, fostering innovation, and Nurturing the Next Generations of Customs Professionals." explored 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.

Being a pivotal event for over a decade, the Conference maintained its tradition of exposing participants to advanced technological solutions for addressing complex customs challenges. 

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs overwhelmed with this year's event, believes adopting the technological solutions learnt at the Conference will be a game-changer for Nigeria as it improve trade facilitation and revenue generation.

He said, "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."

He 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.

Some take-aways from the Conference include - 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 automation and AI-driven approach to improving customs operations in which the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernization, ACG Kikelomo Adeola said she will embraced back in Nigeria.

Jummai Umar Ajijola, the Managing Director of the Trade Modernization Project, who also attended the Conference 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 underscored the importance of technology in customs operations and the continuous development of customs professionals, which has been the policy thrust of the Ag.CGC since his appointment as NCS Boss by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially on how  to improve service delivery of Men and Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.

His strategic way of reshaping Nigeria Customs Service system and simultaneously enhancing Trade Facilitation, Increasing revenue generation and also protecting llves of citizens across all borders in the country, by engaging in strategic collaborations with Local and international experts,  Security Agencies, among others is like a rancher taking a bull by the horn.

With the strategic method adopted by the Ag. CG Bashir Adewale MFR and If Men of the service continued to partake in World Conference Organisation(WCO) programmes and also apply the knowledge acquired into their operations, the alleged menace battlling the Nigerian Customs Service systemic administrative issues will soon be a thing of the past.

"God has appointed you to serve the people and no man can remove you"- Prophet Godwin Ikuru

"God has appointed you to serve the people and no man can remove you"- Prophet Godwin Ikuru

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Following the judgement passed by the tribunal sitting in Nassarawa State declaring PDP candidate, Dr. David Ombugadu winner of the last governorship election in the state against Governor Abdullahi Sule, the presiding prophet of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Prophet Godwin Ikuru has sent a strong message to the sitting Governor that it was God that appointed him to serve the people and no man can remove you.

Speaking after the tribunal passed judgement against the APC Governor that he lost the last governorship election, the highest award winner in 2023, who also earn the title of prophetic hero of democracy, a renowned worldwide Prophet that always prophesied positively, Prophet Godwin Ikuru advised the governor not to believe in fake prophesies as he will come out victorious. 

Prophet Ikuru said Governor Abdullahi should rather focus more on humanitarian service. 

His words, "It is God's will that governor Abdullahi Sule is in that position,  the judgement will turn in favour of him. The governor should not believe fake prophesies, he will surely come out victorious. He should be more focus on humanitarian service. He should be a governor with people's interest at heart, he should be there for the people, he must serve the people, must be humble in spirit, loyal to the king's in his state, he must work in cooperation with his leaders, executive members and the legislature. If he's able to do all this, things will turn in his favour and he will come out victorious," the Prophet said. 

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