'Cultivate the habit of continuous learning'-

...CGC Adeniyi urges Customs Graduates 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

 The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has emphasized the significance of embracing continuous learning for the recently graduated officers from Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17.

 

CGC dewale who represented the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Sa'idu Galadima, in charge of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), on 8 December 2023 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Abuja,  highlighted the importance of professionalism and integrity, urging the graduates to uphold high standards in their service. 

He also encouraged them to use the opportunities in their various commands and take calculated risks.

Also speaking, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada praised the graduates for their dedication towards the betterment of the service and the nation. 

Expressing satisfaction with their 100% success rate, he emphasized diverse training areas, including academic standards, proficiency, and weapon handling.

He said, "All graduates should give their careers a purposeful meaning, shun all vices against growth and development, and uphold the motto of the Nigeria Customs Service, which is Justice and Honesty."

The Commandant revealed ongoing projects, including replacing dilapidated chairs in the college hall and installing solar panels.

ACG Egwu, while praising the graduates, expressed optimism that the acquired training would enhance their performance. He thanked CGC Adeniyi and his Management Team for their unwavering support, including approving an African Study Tour to Gambia, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tunisia.

Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Comptroller  Oluyomi Adebakin, on his part, stated that the curriculum of the Senior and Junior courses aims to develop human capacity and establish a more effective and efficient Customs allocation. She highlighted the dedication to enhancing officers' skills and abilities with a high level of moral standards.

The Special Guest of Honor, Senator Isah Echocho, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, highlighted the global economic challenges and stressed the importance of positively impacting society. He expressed hope that the graduates' ability to advance in technological advancements would contribute to elevating Nigeria's economy.

Similarly, The college hosted a regimental dinner night to honor the graduates of Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17. The evening celebrated academic achievements and underscored the disciplined ethos of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Amidst the regimental splendor, the night served as a reminder of the service's proud heritage and the graduates' responsibility to carry forward the torch of discipline and tradition. The structured rituals and ceremonial aura encapsulated the ethos of the Nigeria Customs Service, providing a fitting culmination to the accomplishments of Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17.

The evening concluded with a sense of accomplishment and pride, marking not only the end of academic pursuits but also the beginning of a journey for these graduates to carry forward the values of the Nigeria Customs Service with honor and dedication.

Nigeria Customs Service Management elevates 357 Junior Officers

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of the commitment to boost the morale of Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, management of the Service under the leadership of Comptroller Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has approved the promotion of 357 Men of the service from the ranks of Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Inspector of Customs (IC) level. 

National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller General of Customs, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, November 9, 2023, saying this significant decision was ratified during the 7th Management meeting of 2023, chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi MFR, on December 1, 2023.

According to him, the comprehensive promotion list encompasses both the General Duty(GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel who excelled in the 2023 promotion exercise. The breakdown of promoted officers is as follows: AIC to IC (246) GD, AIC to IC (37) SS, CAI to AIC (39) GD, CAI to AIC (27) SS, CAII to CAI (7) SS, CAIII to CAII (1) GD.

This strategic advancement mirrors the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General, emphasising motivation, recognising excellence, and rewarding diligence within the service.

While extending hearty cheers to the newly promoted Officers, the Comptroller General urges them to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation.

NAGAFF 24yrs Anniversary: Founder tasks freight forwarders on the quest for knowledge

 …as Ag. Registrar CRFFN commends NAGAFF Academy for human capacity building 

ZAINAB JUNAID

One of the core visions of the founder, sustainer, nurturer and mentor of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam was for all freight forwarders to receive professional training so as to gain more confident in handling operations at Ports.

As he stated that the quest for knowledge and wisdom is never an ending one, Dr. Boniface urged forwarders to be more proactive in their search for professional knowledge and upskill themselves in order to contribute to the human capacity building of the Nigerian workforce.

Speaking at NAGAFF 24 years anniversary and award celebration held on Friday at Rockview Hotels in Lagos, the NAGAFF founder stressed that for enhanced productivity in the system to be achieved, every member must have formal education. “Learning has no limit, you will be more confident to handle your operations when you have knowledge. But without it, you will just be wandering about,” he said.

He further urged the freight forwarders to strengthen ties with government in area of  achieving it’s objective as he noted that government cannot achieve it’s mandate alone but with positive collaboration with Freight Forwarders and in order to move the nation forward, collectivity and togetherness should be encouraged.

Also speaking at the occasion, Acting Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mrs Chinyere Uromta in her goodwill message commended NAGAFF academy for the upskill of over 2000 youths which has helped impacted in human capital development.

She said, “Over 2000 graduates have emerged from NAGAFF academy, NAGAFF mandate is in line with the mandate of the Council, that is why NAGAFF Academy is commendable. We need to get it right this time in the Port, bring about enhanced productivity in the force level and mitigate cost and also ensure that we engaged in sensitization programs, we need to bring stakeholders closer and also I will enjoined management of the association not to relent in their efforts of setting things right in the Ports.”

cross section of guests at NAGAFF 24years anniversary & award celebration 

In his welcome address, National President of the Association, Forwarder Ezisi Emmanuel Tochukwo opined that for Nigerian Ports to remain competitive in attracting more cargo flow in the region, government agencies have to check the inefficiencies in the ports and customs operations.

High Chief Tochukwu charged relevant government agencies like Nigeria Port Authority(NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Shippers Council(NSC) among others to make Nigerian Ports more efficient and competitive with global standards especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA).

To him, “the agencies need to do checks and balances on the Poor quality of services at the port which is key to operational efficiency; arbitrary hike in duty and terminal charge which indirectly affects port operational efficiency; illegal activities of non-state actors within and around the port terminals; how proliferation of agencies contribute to cargo clearing delays; Challenges faced by Truck Drivers in accessing terminal gate and loading among other problems faced by port users.”

Speaking on how the association has immensely contributed to the Country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) since it’s inception, Forwarder Tochukwu stressed that the presence of NAGAFF members’ business operations within and around the port areas has added value to the livelihood of the immediate community through employment and job creation and has enhanced growth in the national economy by facilitating international trade flows through ports across the nation.

He added that the journey of the past 24years has seen NAGAFF grow from its meagre number of persons to over 10,000 registered members.

“Having successfully sustained professional freight forwarding practice for the past 24 years, we are currently working on digitalizing the records of NAGAFF members’ nationwide with an automated database,” he disclosed.

The ceremony was also graced by Comptroller Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service; Barrister Bello Hassan, former Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Nigeria Shippers Council; Acting Registrar CRFFN, Mrs Chinyere Uromta; Dr. Farinto Kayode Collins, MD /CEO Wealthy Honey Investment Ng. Ltd; Captain John T. Okakpu, Chairman and Coordinator, Nigeria Agro Export Setup Committee among others.

'Good Public Relations doesn't happen by accident, it's earned through thoughtful planning'

CSC Maiwada, wins 'Spokesperson of the Year' award

...Credits Success to CGC's Motivation,  Teamwork

'Good Public Relations doesn't happen by accident, it's earned through thoughtful planning' as the ability of deploying new techniques which requires creative thinking of the highest order has earned Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service the prestigious "Spokesperson of the year" award.

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The award was given by Spokesperson's Digest, a division of Image Merchant Public Relations at an event held in Abuja.

In an exclusive post-award interview with NCBN Correspondents, Maiwada disclosed that the accolade did not only acknowledged his dedication but also inspires him to elevate his contributions further. "My motivation comes from a deep passion for my work and the unwavering support of my dedicated team," he stated emphatically.

Known for his dynamic leadership style, Maiwada attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of his staff, saying "Today's recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of my team, serving as a motivating force to strive for excellence.”

Beyond the immediate team, Maiwada expressed gratitude for the motivational guidance he receives from the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management Team. He highlighted his belief in extracting the best from his work, adding, “I believe in getting the best out of my work, and this passion, combined with the support of my team and the guidance from my elders, has been the driving force behind my success.”

The National PRO was recognized not just for his professional acumen but also for his commitment to mentorship.

He urged organizers to continue appreciating the dedication and enthusiasm of media practitioners and agencies.

He emphasized the need to sustain a culture of recognition for those making significant contributions in their respective fields.

Maiwada extended heartfelt appreciation to the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Headquarters Adeogun Alajogun, who represented the CGC at the event for his unwavering support, acknowledging his pivotal role in his accomplishments as the direct supervisor of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit.

The ceremony not only celebrated an individual's achievement but also highlighted the collaborative spirit and dedication within the Nigeria Customs Service, reinforcing their commitment to excellence in public relations.

Oyetola urges Maritime Journalists to be patriotic and realistic when setting agenda for agencies

….as League's President Tasks FG on quick payment of CVFF

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola has called on Maritime Editors and writers to be more patriotic and realistic when setting agenda for agencies at policy making level in order to jointly achieve a common goal.

Honourable Oyetola made the call on Thursday at the 25th anniversary of the League of Maritime Editors(LOME) held in Lagos saying the ministry has been enjoying symbiotic relationship with Maritime Editors and writers but will challenge them to be realistic when setting agenda for those at the policy making level.

Oyetola who was represented by the Director, Press, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olujimi Oyetomi said the Ministry has seek various steps to involve all necessary agencies under the ministry to key into the mandate of harnessing Nigeria’s potential in marine and Blue Economy.

“Even though I am a pioneering minister for the sector, the ministry is committed to work with all stakeholders to exploit the potentials of the marine and Blue Economy with regards to job creation, social development, increase contribution to national growth and economic development,” he said.

Also speaking, the League’s President, Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha appealed to the President to deploy political will of ensuring that the oft routine talk about the rehabilitation of collapsed critical port infrastructure receives urgent attention.

Okorocha who salute the visionary outlook of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for unbundling the transportation ministry and establishing the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, also enjoined the President to provide the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola and his ministry, needed impetus to actualize the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, established since 2003.

“To jump start a new lease of life for the capacity development of our indigenous shipowners, and to enable Nigeria participate meaningfully in our seaborne trade; especially with the proposed commencement of the implementation policy of the blue economy, government need to bring to an end, the unending rat race of the CVFF disbursement,” he said.

He stressed how the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and it’s leadership, has genuinely struggled, especially under the present administration to disburse the CVFF in its commitment to grow local capacity building, but was disrupted within the field of political play.

“In view of this, I appeal to Mr. President to use his good office to prevail on the relevant authorities to respond to the needs of our industry as there can be no better time than now. We are aware of His Excellency’s important pioneering task of positioing the new ministry into achieving industry specific growth projections, we want to assure you Sir, that the League and Maritime media in general will work with you and your ministry, and agencies under your purview. Kindly be more sector specific in your programmes and to crave depth as you pursue the implementation of the blue economy by engaging and partnering with stakeholders as at when necessary, to avoid creating gaps,” he said.

 

 

PTML Customs Generates N234b, Surpasses November 2022 Revenue By N20.9b

 ... As Comptroller Yusuf Congratulates Grimaldi on Berthing of 'MV Great Lagos'

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has collected a total of N234,340,789,594 as revenue as at November 30,2023 thus surpassing the November 2022 collection of N213,405,461,873 by N20,935,327,721 which represents a 9.8% increase. 

Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, Customs Area Controller(CAC) of the Command, who disclosed this shortly after a reception ceremony for 'MV Great Lagos, a Grimaldi owned Roll on Roll off(RoRo) vessel, expressed optimism in meeting the 2023 total revenue target of the command. 

The CAC said PTML officers are fully deployed to work optimally in line with the assurances they gave to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, when he visited the command two months ago. 

He restated that compliance and transparency are key to faster cargo clearance at all times as customs officers are fully mobilised to conduct joint examination from 9am to 4pm with sister government agencies to avoid the delays associated with seperate examinations by the individual agencies. 

To him, the command is a model in many areas including a record breaking three hour RoRo cargo clearance time where there is hundred percent compliance. 

He added that the feat is sustainable and has contributed to the achievement of adequate terminal space devoid of congestion in PTML. 

Speaking on the visit of 'MV Great Lagos', a ship with space to carry 2500 vehicles and 2000 containers, 2500 general cargo and equipments, the CAC noted that the development shows the capacity of the command to receive and process increased number of imported cargoes

He thus congratulated the Grimaldi Group for the feat, and advised all port users and stakeholders to be compliant at all times as a way to enjoy the lawful benefits of trade facilitation and ease of doing business. 

His words, "Since my arrival, I have been saying a lot of things about the advantages of being compliant. Once you are compliant, you won't experience any delay in cargo clearance. When you declare exactly what you have, and when you pay exactly what you are supposed to pay as your duties we won't delay you. The fastest we have done so far in terms of time release is about 3 hours.When a consignee or a declarant declares exactly what he has, examination is quickly conducted and release is quickly done. Within 3 hours, your cargoes are out.We don't have any cause to hold on to any cargo as long as the compliance level is 100 percent.

"The most important thing, as I always say, is compliance and transparency.When you talk about the harmonization of process, standardization of process, simplification of process, all these entails that there must be transparency. Once there is transparency, it makes our job easier and the issue of interventions, infractions will be limited and the time release will be so fast.The moment the time release is fast, it attracts more businesses in line with World Customs Organisation tenets which all customs administration are trying to key into." 

Hassan Bello, Uromta, Nnadi, Others to attend NAGAFF 24th Anniversary

Hassan Bello, Uromta, Nnadi, Others to attend NAGAFF 24th Anniversary 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Eminent personalities in the Maritime industry among whom are-Barrister Hassan Bello(OON) former Executive Secretary of  Nigerian Shippers' Council(NSC), the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Bello Koko; Mrs Chinyere Uromta, Registrar Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN), Comptroller Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Comptroller, Tincan Island Port and AIGP Mohammed Ari Ali, AIG Zone 2 Lagos, are all set to attend National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF) 24th anniversary slated for Friday, 8th December, 2023.

The event which has its theme as "AGRO ALLIED PRODUCTS: BEDROCK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT" will hold at Rockview Hotels Apapa, Lagos.  

In a release made available to journalists by the Chairman Planning Committee, Chief Chris Agbowodikeizu and the National Publicity Secretary of NAGAFF, Fwdr. C.C. Iwegbuna Omenma(FISEN), the event will feature presentation of awards to deserving personalities in the Maritime Industry and beyond including some Agency heads. 

According to the release, the guest speaker for the ceremony is Captain John T. Okakpu-(Chairman and Coordinator Nigeria Agro Export Setup Committee. A committee approved by Fmr. President Muhammadu Buhari and domiciled at Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, Host and Custodian National Technical Work Group (NTWG) Nigeria, NAQS (Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services).

"The event will also be graced by notable  personalities in the Maritime Industry including Dr Boniface Aniebonam, Founder of NAGAFF/NNPP,  Prince(Dr) Adewale Adeyanju, President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN), Fmr. National Vice/Acting President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent(ANLCA), Dr Farinto Kayode, Presidents of Sister Freight Forwarding Associations, captains of the Industry among others.

The chairman of the occasion is Barrister Hassan Bello(OON) former Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers' Council while Special Guests of honour include, the MD Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Chinyere Uromta, Registrar Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) , Comptroller Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Comptroller, Tincan Island Port and AIGP Mohammed Ari Ali, AIG Zone 2 Lagos," the communique partly read.