MARITIME CUP 2023: Nigeria Customs Celebrates Lone Goal Against NAGAFF

 ...to face NPA today 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) football team on Wednesday secured their place in the final stage of Maritime Cup 2023 after defeating the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF)  with a lone goal.

Customs scored the only goal through Superintendent Sani Buhari in the 59 minutes of the game.

In a communique signed by Superintendent of Customs Akinwale Fatoki, the semi-final match was initially scheduled to kick off at 3 pm but was delayed by almost 20 minutes due to a protest by the NCS Team. 

They alleged that NAGAFF Team had mercenaries among its players. However, the match proceeded after the Match Commissioner advised the Team Manager of NCS to seek official redress through the Technical Committee of the Maritime Cup.

The NCS Team, known for its resilience, is set to face the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in the final match today Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Stables Sports Complex in Surulere.

MAJAN lauds Moltok's Exceptional Performance at Retirement

...Describes Moltok as outstanding PR Manager

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has described the immediate past General Manager (GM), Corporate and Strategic Communications (C&SC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Josephine Moltok, as an outstanding Public Relations Manager.

MAJAN, as an association, extolled the virtues of Mrs Moltok, highlighting her public relations skills, competence, resilience, hard work and the right attitude in office.

The encomiums formed part of a press statement released by MAJAN on its platform yesterday.

Going further, MAJAN commended Moltok for the fresh impetus and intelligence she brought to bear on  the PR Unit of NPA.

The Association stressed that Moltok's expertise and effectiveness as the Image Maker of NPA will be remembered for generations to come, notwithstanding her retirement from the organisation. "Her excellent footprint as outstanding PR Manager in NPA will remain on the sands of time for generations to come".

"Mrs Moltok is  intelligent, highly experienced in PR management and she used her competence to deliver on her assignment in NPA effectively".

"Moltok, an old war horse in media and PR management, was for many years, the NPA’s Head of Overseas Liaison Office in London. She returned to Nigeria last year to head the Administration Division of the Authority as its GM from where she was moved to the new position.

"The soft-spoken new image maker, who hails from Plateau State, worked as a Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the defunct Western Zone of NPA in Apapa and later moved to Calabar Port.

"She also worked at the agency’s defunct head office in Abuja, after which she came to serve at the former Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) Port in TinCan, Lagos, even as she equally headed the PR Unit of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa," the statement read.

Overtime Cargo: Customs Set up Committee to ease Ports Congestion

Overtime Cargo: Customs Set up Committee to ease Ports Congestion 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Wednesday officially inaugurated a committee to expedite the Disposal of Overtime Cargo at Nigerian Ports.

This was contained in a statement made available on Thursday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada saying the development was in response to the new Customs Act's provisions, which empower the NCS to dispose of containers that have exceeded their allotted time within the ports.

In the statement, CGC Adeniyi emphasized that decongesting the ports stands as a paramount objective for the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offering the promise of heightened efficiency and enhanced trade facilitation.

"It's worth noting that approximately six months ago, the new NCS Act received the former President Mohammed Buhari's signature, ushering in substantial modifications to the previous protocols governing the disposal of overtime cargo," the CGC stated. 

According to him, the provision of the NCS Act 2023 mandated that the disposal of cargo exceeding its allotted time can now only occur through a court order.

"The Act also stipulates that goods must be disposed of through public auction or tender, to be widely publicized in advance through national newspapers, television, and the service's official website," CGC explained.

Acknowledging the initiative, the General Manager of MD's office, Nigerian Ports Authority, Durowaiye Ayodele, expressed his relief, highlighting the issue of over 7,000 overtime containers that have remained for years across the ports.

"We have containers that have been there for over ten years, occupying economic space for which we are unable to dispose. So this is a significant relief for our operations. We are delighted that we have reached a point where we can begin to remove some of these lingering containers and overdue cargo from the port," he stated.

On his part, Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, in charge of Human Resources Development, Greg Itotoh, affirmed that with the support of the Nigerian Ports Authority, the changes and new procedures will ensure more streamlined trade operations.

The committee will be chaired by a senior officer from the Nigeria Customs Service. Its members include representatives from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Agency for Food, Drugs and Control, a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, among others.

Maritime Workers Begin Nationwide strike November 14

Maritime Workers Begin Nationwide strike November 14

 ZAINAB JUNAID

The President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN), Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju has directed all members of the union to heed to the clarion call of the Trade Union Congress(TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and embark on a nationwide strike from midnight, Tuesday 14th November, 2023. 

In a statement signed by MWUN's Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna and made available to journalist on Wednesday, the nationwide strike is coming on the backdrop of the NLC and TUC joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, 7th November, 2023, directing its affiliate Unions to embark on immediate withdrawal of services and to shut down Imo State by all public and private sectors workers indefinitely by midnight of November 7th, 2023.

The decision by the NLC and TUC is prompted by series of infractions and encroachments on the rights of workers in Imo State and the distressing and appalling  acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and other Unions' officials by the Imo State government in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, Imo State Command.

According to the statement, "A joint communique signed by Comrade (Prince) Dr Adewale Adeyanju, President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), who doubles as Deputy President of NLC with Comrade Festus Osifo, President of TUC which further directs that in the event that 'Labours' demands are unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by midnight of Tuesday, the 14th of November, 2023.

"Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria as an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress; its President -General, Comrade Adeyanju has directed that all members of the Union should comply with the jointly signed communique to commence immediate and total mobilization to ensure MWUN participation in the nationwide strike on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 is complied with indefinitely."

Dr. Adeyanju who doubles as Deputy President of NLC, thus ordered all members of the Union to comply with the jointly signed communique by TUC and NLC to commence immediate and total mobilization and ensure MWUN participate in the nationwide strike on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023.

Nigeria Customs, Maritime Industry need collaboration to unlock AfCFTA Potential-CG Adewale

 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service has recommended collaboration between the service and the maritime industry to unlock the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this recommendation at the 43rd Annual Council Meeting and 18th Roundtable of Managing Directors/Exhibition of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) on Monday, November 6, 2023, in Lagos.

The CGC stated that the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area present a beacon of hope for Africa's economic transformation, ranging from promoting intra-African trade to sustainable economic growth.

According to him, "These goals resonate profoundly with the eight-point agenda championed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

"An agenda that aspires to ensure food security, end poverty, foster economic growth, create jobs, provide access to capital, ensure security, improve the ease of doing business, uphold the rule of law, and combat corruption," he stated.

The CGC disclosed that Customs has taken proactive steps to align its activities with the aspirations related to trade facilitation and ports.

"Notably, our initiatives include transforming Nigeria into Africa's most efficient trading nation, addressing the long-standing issue of port congestion, and enforcing the Presidential Directive for the 48-hour clearance of goods at seaports in accordance with Executive Order 001.

"Furthermore, we are redefining performance measures for key government agencies to emphasize trade facilitation, implementing the National Single Window trading platform, and launching a comprehensive transformational program to support export development," he added.

The Customs Boss reminded participants of the need for Customs and the maritime industry to work together to ensure the success of AfCFTA.

"It is a powerful reminder that in this era of increased collaboration and interdependence, Customs and the maritime industry must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of these initiatives," he said.

For him, the success of AfCFTA is deeply intertwined with the maritime industry, which plays a vital role in Customs operations and the realization of AFCFTA's objectives.

Customs FOU ‘A’ Arrests 9 in connection with Goods Worth N1.24bn in October

Seizes 7,381 units of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 593 Jerrycans of PMS

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Federal Operations Unit(FOU) Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has arrested nine suspects in connection with some seizures worth one billion, two hundred and forty one million, seven hundred and seventy seven thousand, seven hundred naira only (N1,241,777,700) Duty Paid Value(DPV).

Speaking at a media briefing held today at the Unit to showcase the goods intercepted for October, Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu disclosed this while reeling out the list of seizures.

According to him, “Rice has been a recurring commodity in the list of seizures across various borders in the southwest zone and the Unit has seized a total of 7,381 units of 50kg foreign parboiled rice from smugglers which amounted to almost thirteen trailer loads of rice in the South West region. 

"A total of seventeen vehicles were also seized from smugglers who wanted to circumvent the law by evading duty payment, 593 jerrycans (14,825 litres) of premium motor spirit was also intercepted Because of the volatility of this product, we have safely disposed them in line with laid down rules."

Other seizures made are 657 pieces of used tyres, 167 (202 kg) parcels of Indian hemp, 39 bales of second hand-clothing, 100 packs of tomato ketchup, 4 units of used motorcycle, 600 cartons of GIV soap and 730 sacks of hide and skin hidden in a 1x40 container equivalent to 5,033 pieces.

In view of the number of vehicles seized by the Unit, Ejibunu restated that the ban on vehicle importation through land borders still subsists and smugglers should desist from its importation.

However, the continuous quest to prevent revenue loss through various infractions such as; under-valuation, under-payments, and wrong classification, the sum of N115,456,534.94 was collected by the Unit following the issuance of demand notices to defaulters.” 

He noted that  deployment of the improved logistics supplied by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir A Adeniyi MFR; provision of strategic manpower placements to the Unit officers has made the drive to suppress smuggling easy and "the unit shall sustain efforts towards deploying the strategies continuously," he said. 

The Ag. Controller further read out riot act to all smugglers on the forth coming yuletide saying, "I  want to state that this Unit of the Service under my watch will make the remaining part of 2023 and beyond tough for smugglers in the interest of our country. We are ready to intercept them and frustrate their antics of concealment, illegal route passage, false declaration and under declaration. In addition, we are also determined to implement all the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, including the various penalties attached to offences while striving to ensure that perpetrators face the full wrath of the laws."

 

Maritime Unions kick Against Revitalization of Port and Harbour Bill

 ...Condemn Attempt by National Assembly to Sneak the Bill into Legislation through Back Door

... Reject the Bill seeking to repeal NPA's ACT

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Leaderships of the two in-House Unions in the Maritime Sector - Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN) and Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies(SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch, have kicked against the renewed attempt by the National Assembly to sneak the Port and Harbour Bill into Legislation through the back door.

Speaking at a joint press briefing held by the Unions on Monday November 6 2023, at MWUN's headquarters in Lagos, Dr. Adeyanju Adewale and Comrade Akin Bodunde affirmed that the Bill which was earlier initiated by an Honourable member of the 8th national assembly was squashed from becoming law through the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians, Stakeholders and the exerted efforts of the two in-house unions -MWUN & SSASCGOC, who mutually and strongly maintained their opposition towards the proposed hellish Bill.

They warned that if the said bill is passed into law will have adverse effects on the security of the nation as it will cede harbour, jetty and terminal operations into private hands.

In their words, "The bill as being processed if passed into law will render the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) employees jobless and endanger the productivity of other port users. It will also institutionalize the evil concept of casualization of workers and as well negate the provisions of the Pension reform Act 2004 as amended.

"This is in direct contrast to the avowed promises of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure the provision of about 5 million jobs for Nigerians through the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. 

"We are not surprised that the Bill is being vigorously sponsored by certain unpatriotic individuals within the Maritime Sector, who are hell bent on appropriating our common wealth and concerning same into the lining of their individual pockets and that of their cronies."

"But we are surprised that the sponsors of the bill outrightly ignored our demand to call the International Oil Companies(IOCs) operating in our sovereign territorial economic zones, who have snobbishly refused to obey our extant Maritime regulations, standards and laws to order. But find it expedient to sit in the comfort of their hallowed chambers to push for laws that will be detrimental and inimical to the welfare and wellbeing of the working class, Nigerians and our nation's security and sovereignty.

"The 'Joint House Unions', MWUN & SSASCGOC use this medium to convey our believe to the Executive, National Assembly and the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy that this certainly not the right way to go as this ploy by these selfish individuals in the Maritime Sector will cause chaos and anarchy in the industry which has enjoyed sustained peace since the idea of projecting the harsh Bill was killed in 2018 and it will not be allowed to come to fruition 

In view of the afore said, the groups unanimously rejected the Bill seeking to repeal the Act that set up Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) in it's entirety and thus confirmed absolute vote of confidence on the NPA Act.

To them, the Act currently relates to the Nigerian state and the well-being of the workers in the sector and any attempt to push the hellish bill further will be vehemently resisted.

However on appointment of leadership of all agencies in the industry, the two groups called for appointment of technocrats who are vast in Maritime operations in consonance with the laid down laws.