DC Shuaib attributes over 400% increase in October Revenue to Robust Stakeholders' Engagement

....Command Seizes Contrabands Worth N398.4m

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, has attributed the significant increase of over 400% (N24,921,200.00) in the revenue generated for the month of October 2023 compared to that recorded in 2022 to the unwavering commitment of the Command to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement.

DC Shuaibu made the attribution at a press briefing held at the Command today to reel out the Command’s achievements in October, 2023.

He said the achievements underscore their unwavering commitment to contributing to economic development and national security of the Country, through the mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation in Ogun State.

Reeling out the achievements made so far, DC Shuaib disclosed that the Command raised thirty million, four hundred and eight thousand, two hundred and seventy six naira (N30,408,276.00) as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products."

A significant increase of about twenty four million, nine hundred and twenty one thousand, two hundred naira(N24,921,200.00), that is an increase of 400%, when compared to the amount five million, four hundred and eighty seven thousand and seventy six (N5,487,076.00) collected in 2022 for the same period under review.

"We are able to achieve these feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement," the DC said.

He added that the Command recorded seizures of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, fondly called Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, popularly referred to as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles also known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of 8 trailers load, among others.  

The seizures according to him, correspond to three hundred and ninety eight million, four hundred and seventy thousand, six hundred and eighty seven naira(N398,470,687.00) Duty Paid Value.

"The persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, Foreign used Pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the Command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless.

"It is also a proof of our concern in safeguarding our motorists from road mishap which could terminate their lives or subject them to permanent disability. We are determined to making our society a safe place to live with peace of mind and an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive," he said 

"Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team. As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of 8 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations. Other factors responsible for our achievements was the strategic deployment of our gallant Officers and Men, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies, and other critical stakeholders.

"As part of the commitment to improve on the existing synergy and collaboration with critical stakeholders in Ogun State, upon resumption of office, we embarked on a familiarization tour of traditional Institutions and security agencies. We were warmly received in all the places visited and secured their reassurances of continuous support and good working relationship. We visited the palaces of Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the Olota and Paramount Ruler of Aworiland and Oniko of Ikolaje Kingdom, Idiroko. We equally visited the State Commands/Unit of the Nigerian Police (NPF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of Security Service, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy School of Music (NNSM) and 192 Battalion Rear of the Nigerian Army. 

The economic well-being and security of our dear nation is a serious business that should not be compromised. We reassured the general public of our unwavering dedication to discharging our statutory responsibility with due diligence and utmost sense of patriotism. We operate an open-door policy to accommodate the support of patriotic Nigerians through sharing of useful information and other forms of information that may require our attention on legitimate trade or our activities generally. Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to stemming the tides of smuggling in Ogun State and warn recalcitrant smugglers or would be smugglers to steer clear of smuggling activities or face the consequences.  Failure to heed these warnings await them gross financial loss and full wrath of the law."

 

 

 

Customs Partners Copyright Commission to Combat Piracy

Customs Partners Copyright Commission to tackle Piracy

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to combat piracy of intellectual and creative property in Nigeria.

This was made known by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, while receiving members of the Commission at the Customs Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.

The CGC noted that the collaboration with NCC would create opportunities for the two parties to establish a significant legacy that will end the menace of piracy in the country.

He explained that the Nigeria Customs Service had concluded plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, enhancing its programs in all aspects through creative activities and training of its staff.

Speaking on the need to organize training for the Service's officers in combating piracy, the CGC said, “The program will introduce officers and men of the Service to new values and expertise that would enhance their capacity and morale to fight piracy.”

The Comptroller-General of Customs conveyed his profound gratitude for this collaboration, underscoring how protecting creative and intellectual property significantly contributes to the country's economic growth.

 Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation and Director-General of the organization, Dr. John Asein, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for its ongoing efforts and emphasized the importance of addressing piracy of intellectual and creative property.

He disclosed, “The idea behind paying this courtesy visit to you, Comptroller-General CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was to congratulate you on your appointment and to extend our hands for collaboration to end piracy.”

The DG further explained that “apart from strengthening the creative skills of officers and men in various sectors, the commission would achieve its mandates by working with the Nigeria Customs Service."

Why FG Embraces PPP model to revitalize Marine and Blue Economy Sector- Oyetola

Why FG Embraces PPP model to revitalize Maritime Sector- Oyetola

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to create avenue for local industry players of the Marine and Blue Economy Sector- to extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs, the minister of the industry, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said the ministry is set to embrace the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to transform the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

The Minister disclosed this on Tuesday at the ministry’s first Stakeholders’ Roundtable meeting held in Lagos on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.

Oyetola said the initiative is not to impede the growth of local industry players but to create more avenue for them to extract more values from the sector.

He explained that the Round Table was convened to bring together players in the sector to discuss and chart a roadmap that will advance the industry’s potential, promote sustainable Blue Economy investments, and ensure global competitiveness within the sector.

To him, the model is a collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight which will bring about a transformative impact on the marine and blue economy as well as boost the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, reinforcing the ministry’s collaborative and forward-looking approach.

Discussions at the Roundtable focused majorly on strengthening Blue Governance; Transforming Port Operations; Enhancing Port Infrastructure; and Promoting Blue Economy Investments.

Speaking further, the Minister stressed the need for  a collaborative effort to brainstorm and devise strategies to leverage marine resources for the betterment of the economy and safety of the planet. 

His words, "We must come up with practicable ways of ensuring that our Inland Rivers, Lakes, and Waterways are well utilised for cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

“This Engagement Forum is crucial to the development of the sector as it offers an opportunity for us all to collectively contribute our perspectives, ideas and offer relevant inputs that can propel the sector to the trajectory of success necessary to support the development of the economy as well as meet the expectations of Mr. President who took the courage to open up Nigeria to focus on the Blue Economy Value Chain.

“The zeal for a better life for Nigerians propelled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recently unveil 8 Presidential Priorities to address critical national challenges. These priorities are to be delivered through 8 focus areas, namely: economic growth, food security, energy and natural resources, infrastructure development, security, healthcare, education, improved governance, and job creation.

“Our Ministry though new, is not resting on its oars and has continued to foster Inter-Agency collaborations and implement initiatives to promote Port efficiency, cargo shipment, maritime security and tap into the resources of the Seabed.

“The ministry’s decision to consider the re-establishment of a National Shipping Line, through a strategic PPP arrangement, is borne out of our desire to capture a substantial share of the estimated $10 billion annual ship charter market within the country."

He added that, “This initiative will not seek to impede the growth of local players but rather to provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs. This would enable our local businesses to better leverage the Carbotage Act, which gives Nigerians the exclusive right to control locally generated seaborne trade.

“Other anticipated outcomes include the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation, reinforcing our collaborative and forward-looking approach”.

The Minister who assured his commitment to bequeathing to Nigerians a better sector than he met it, said he is acquainted with the sector’s challenges, but will deliver more than expected.

He assured that the Stakeholders’ Engagement will be a continuum saying, "since we must normalise this harmonious synergy and work together to ensure that our industry is safe, reliable and sustainable then this will be a continuous process."

 

Customs, AFRITAC West 2 Partner to Enhance Risk Management, facilitate trade

facilitate Trade

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of his commitment to revitalize the Nigeria Customs Service, the Comptroller General of Customs  Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has supported the African Regional Technical Assistance Center (AFRITAC West 2)’s proposal to conduct training sessions for Officers and Men of the Service, focusing on risk management and impact of trade facilitation.

The Comptroller-General gave his consent for the training when he received a delegation from the African Regional Technical Assistance Center, AFRITAC West 2, on Monday, 20 November, 2023, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.

AFRITAC West 2, is a collaboration between the International Monetary Fund (IMF), recipient countries, and various bilateral and multilateral partners, is dedicated to providing technical assistance and training to nations including Cabo Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Addressing the delegation, the CGC expressed his commitment to enhancing the capacity of Customs officers through training.

He emphasized the importance of not limiting this opportunity to Nigeria alone, highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in the global trade landscape and underscoring the vital role of effective risk management.

In response, Eva Jenkner, Director of AFRITAC West 2, commended Customs Boss for his leadership prowess and applauded his proactive approach to revitalizing the Customs Service.

She outlined the purpose of their visit, emphasizing their readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service in training officers and sharing insights into risk management and task policy programs.

Customs Seeks Nigerian Navy's support

 in tackling smuggling on territorial waters

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has strengthened collaboration and sought the support of the Nigeria Navy to maintain its presence in Nigeria's territorial waters against smugglers.

CGC Adeniyi, who visited the Naval Dockyard in Lagos on Thursday, 16 November 2023, stated that the Nigerian Navy has the capacity and knowledge to maintain the NCS fleet of Vessels. 

"We don't need to establish a vessel maintenance unit; it's capital intensive, but we have an agency of government that has the knowledge, that has the capacity and there's the willingness for them to assist us," he said 

To him, Nigeria Customs Service is ready to tap into the capacity that exists in the Naval Dockyard by entering into agreement with the Navy so that it can help manage the maintenance of it's fleets.

"I have seen and marveled by the capacity that exists here in the Naval Dockyard and we believe that we could tap into that capacity and enter into some agreement with you so that you could manage the maintenance of our fleets." He emphasized. 

The CGC stressed that fortifying the NCS' presence in Nigeria's coastal waters will reduce smuggling activities to the barest minimum. 

"If we block the land borders effectively and do not maintain a very strong presence on our territorial waters, smugglers will take advantage, so we also need to fortify and enhance our presence to checkmate those who may want to try smuggling through our waters." He stated. 

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Naval Dockyard Ltd., Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, maintained that the Naval dockyard has a significant role in vessel maintenance, repairs and even Shipbuilding. 

"Naval dockyard is well poised to take advantage of situations like this, and we see the Nigeria Customs Service as a powerful ally of the Nigerian Navy.

"The capacity is here and the excess capacity can be used to support other agencies, the larger maritime community and the shipping world as a whole." He maintained.

Customs CG Bags NIIA Fellowship Award

 ...Affirms Nigeria Customs Transformation With AfCFTA Objectives 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs(NIIA) award by the Director General of the Institute, Professor Eghosa Osaghae.

The CGC, who was a Distinguished Lecturer at the NIIA program organized on Thursday, 16 November 2023, in Lagos, bagged the award after delivering a lecture titled, "Nigeria's Economic Growth and Development: Reforming and Positioning the Customs Service for the African Continental Free Trade and Other Emerging Challenges," 

In his speech, CGC Adewale noted that the Nigeria Customs evolution of embracing technology, fostering trade facilitation, fortifying capabilities for Rules of Origin(ROO), Implementation of Advance Ruling, Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), and engaging with the business community, correlate with the continental melody of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Comptroller stated that while the mandate to generate revenue for the government remains paramount, the evolving landscape demands equal attention to trade facilitation.

To him, "In recognizing the multifaceted role of the NCS, it becomes imperative to manage expectations regarding revenue generation. Striking a balance between facilitating trade and meeting revenue targets requires a distinct approach."

"This involves making informed trade-offs that translate into fostering sustainable economic development, particularly for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. The NCS must navigate these intricacies adeptly to not only meet fiscal objectives but also contribute significantly to the growth and resilience of Nigeria's economic landscape." He emphasized. 

The CGC noted that there is a pressing need to put Africans at the heart of Customs Operations, stressing that the inadequacy of transparent communication channels has contributed to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in trade operations, posing challenges for both customs and the business community. 

"A transformative recommendation is to establish regular consultation platforms that prioritize transparent communication channels for constructive feedback from stakeholders."

"This proactive engagement strategy aims to dismantle historical barriers, ensuring that the customs operations are not only efficient but also reflective of the needs and perspectives of the diverse African business community." He added. 

MMA Customs Records 23% increase in Revenue in 10 months

compared to the revenue collected in the same period under review in 2022

ZAINAB JUNAID

Murtala Muhammad Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has recorded a twenty three percent(23%) increase in Revenue so far this year, as it collected a total of Seventy four billion, two hundred and eighty six million, seven hundred and seven thousand, four hundred and forty three naira, one kobo.(₦ 74, 286, 707, 443.01k) Customs duty and other charges from January to October.

The revenue, in comparison to that collected same period in 2022 which stood at Sixty billion, fifty six million, one hundred and twenty five thousand, eight hundred and twenty three naira twenty nine kobo (₦60, 056, 125, 823.29k), shows a progressive difference of Fourteen billion, two hundred and thirty million, five hundred and eighty one thousand, six hundred and nineteen naira, seventy two kobo (₦14, 230, 581, 619,72k) and a twenty three percent (23%) increase in Revenue collected. With this feat, the Command has so far met 76.34% of it’s annual target.

Comptroller MS Yusuf, Customs Area Controller of the Command disclosed this in a statement signed by Ogagbor Victor, spokesperson for the Command saying that the feat was made possible through the continuous resilience of officers in ensuring that agents were made to do proper declarations and adhere strictly to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws.

In the area of  anti-smuggling activities, Comptroller Yusuf stated that Officers and men of Murtala Muhammed Airport Command are not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade guidelines.

He noted that the Command successfully intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products suspected to be Tramadol tablets.

The shipment according the Comptroller, was intercepted on the suspicion of exceeding the approved threshold by the Federal Government and it correspond to a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Billion, five hundred and fifty six million, eight hundred and two thousand, nine hundred and forty two naira, eighteen kobo (₦ 3,556, 802,942.18k).

“The seizures has been scheduled for handing over today,” he said.

He added that, “In the area of stakeholder’s engagement, the Command has maintained its open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.”