SAHCO Inks deal with British Airways,

 Renews Ground Handling Service for five years

ZAINAB JUNAID

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has concluded plan to enter another five year agreement with British Airways as it is fully set to handle the Airline's ground handling service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja respectively.

The decision to renew the contract for the next five years was taken by British Airways after conducting rigorous audits from their international team on all Ground Handling companies in Nigeria and found out SAHCO stand out against all. Having seen the unrivaled service provided by the ground handling company the need to transfer their Ground Handling contract to SAHCO emerged.

Although SAHCO started providing Ground Handling Services to British Airways since 2020 when BA moved her ground handling contract to SAHCO after operating into Nigeria for over 40 years, British Airways confirmed it's confidence in SAHCO with this renewal.

In the deeds of agreement, SAHCO would be providing Passenger Handling Services, Baggage Handling services, Ramp Handling services, Cargo Handling services and Warehousing to British Airways at both the International Airports at Lagos and Abuja.

British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, headquartered at Waterside, Harmondsworth, near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport.

Speaking on the renewal, Basil Agboarumi, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of SAHCO, pledged to continuously deliver quality and improved ground handling services by deploying well trained and equipped staff to all SAHCO’S stations. 

 

With the constant investment in modern Aviation Ground Support equipment contoured with the latest technology, SAHCO has always exceeded all her clients’ expectations.

The Company is confident of her professional teams that are versed in the best of Departure Control systems in the Aviation industry for Passenger Check-in and Boarding, also for Load control systems. In the event of tracking lost or delayed baggage, SAHCO has a team that is skilled in World Tracer and Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS).

 

It is worthy of note that SAHCO is also a recipient of numerous awards- locally and internationally due to its quality service delivery in aviation ground handling operations in Nigeria. The Company is an RA3 and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certified company. These certifications make the company a preferred gateway of import and export enroute all European countries and the world at large. SAHCO is also an International Standard Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001-2015) Certified.  

 

SAHCO, a member of the Airport Services Association (ASA), is an Aviation Ground Handling service provider involved in all the activities that takes place from the arrival of an aircraft to its departure to the delight of its customers and benefit of all stakeholders, utilizing state-of-the-art skills, procedure, equipment and facilities with a devoted workforce. 

 

Compt Shuaibu Wins powerful pen/MAJAN personality of the week

...as MAJAN congratulates him on his decoration by ACG Jibo

ZAINAB JUNAID

Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has clinched MAJAN-Powerful Pen Personality of The Week.

The association gave Compt Shuaibu this special honour after his decoration by the  Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘A’, Lagos, ACG Mohammed Bello Jibo, on Tuesday.

Compt. Shuaibu who is the Area Controller in charge of Ogun 1 Customs Command Idiroko was given this honour for the dint of hard work, tenacity and his Anti- Smuggling drive.

An anti-smuggling guru with unwavering commitment in the service of his fatherland, he is tested, trusted, experienced, reliable, dependable and highly knowledgeable in Customs procedures.

Compt Shuaibu can rightly be described as exceptional Customs officer with proven track record of hard work, tenacity and bravery. Hence, his elevation to the rank of Customs Controller is well deserved.

When it comes to anti-smuggling operations and enforcement duties, he is outstanding. Academically, he is sound. Intellectually, he has the expertise.

A disciplined and thoroughbred Customs officer, academically sound and intellectually top-notch, Controller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu has demonstrated high level of professionalism in handling his statutory functions at all times.

He has served Customs at various capacities, traversing different commands with remarkable performances.

This dependable, intelligent and uncompromising personality was a Staff Officer in the Custom Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’, many years back.

He served in Enforcement Department of
Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone C, Owerri; where he battled economic saboteurs at the hinterland to a standstill. While in Zone C, the news of Shuaibu’s exploits was heard by all and sundry.

From Owerri, he was posted back to FOU Zone ‘A’ where he served as DC Administration for a short period before he was made the Coordinator of Customs Strike Force Zone ‘A’, Lagos.

His impressive performance as Strike Force Coordinator Team A, with spectacular seizures of Pangolin scales and other prohibited items are still on record, despite the scrapping of Customs Strike force by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

Compt Shuaibu was again posted to Ogun – 2 Customs Command, as the Area Controller, where he made excellent performance in revenue collection from excise.

While in Ogun 2 Command, he discovered numerous factories and brought them under excise control.

CGC Adeniyi, a straight forward leader, a Man who believes in appointment by merit saw the potentials, intelligence in Compt Shuaibu and quickly posted him to Ogun 1 Command Idiroko. Kudos to CGC Adeniyi in his wisdom of uncovering great talents in the Service and bringing them to limelight.

Today, with Shuaibu as Area Controller, the story of anti-smuggling drive at a volatile border area like Idiroko is taking a new dimension.

Compt Shuaibu became the first Area Controller to make massive seizures of contraband worth millions of Naira at Ogun 1 Command within just two weeks of assuming office.That exceptional performance made news headlines to the extent that the CGC came from Abuja to address a press conference in Abeokuta.

The man, Compt Shuaibu, his style and rising anti-smuggling profile, appears unstoppable, given his desire to ensure that smuggling within his domain is completely reduced to the barest minimum, if not eradicated completely.

MAJAN observed during his decoration, that Compt. Shuaibu is also a champion even in the domestic front. The beautiful look of his family members that graced his decoration tells the story of a closely knit family.This was evident as Mrs Shuaibu joined ACG Jibo in decorating her husband, a brief but memorable moment captured by the lens of reporters camera.

Apapa Customs Rakes in N1.17 Trillion in 2023, targets above N1.8Tn revenue for 2024

...Decorates 74 promoted Officers

ZAINAB JUNAID

Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba has pledged to surpass N1.8 trillion revenue target which is likely to be assigned to the command this year.

Having successfully exceeded the N1. 172 trillion revenue allocated to the Command in 2023, Comptroller Jaiyeoba confidently affirmed that the Command will surpass revenue target likely to be assigned to it in 2024.

Speaking during the decoration of newly promoted Officers, the CAC noted that 2023 revenue of N1. 172 trillion was the highest in the history of the command but emphasized that the Command is set to exceed the target to be allocated this year.

While congratulating the promoted Officers, Controller Jaiyeoba admonished them to be diligent in the discharge of their duties especially in meeting and surpassing the revenue target to be allocated soon.

The Command is privileged to have six Deputy Comptrollers promoted to full-fledged Comptrollers, 10 Assistant Comptrollers were promoted to Deputy Comptrollers, 31 Chief Superintendent of Customs were promoted to Assistant Comptrollers while 27 Superintendents of Customs were promoted to Chief Superintendent of Customs.

Comptroller Jaiyeoba further lauded the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership qualities especially in the welfarism of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He acknowledged the CGC tenure bringing a new era to the Service as it is the first time Nigeria Customs Service successfully conducted promotion examination and have the results released same year.

The Area Comptroller also advised other officers who are yet to benefit in the promotion to continually put in their best in the discharge of their duties by assuring them that their diligence will yield positive soon.

NCS projects N5.079 Trillion revenue in 2024

   ...set to inaugurate electronic auction (e-auction) platform 

.... generates N3,206 Trillion revenue, seizes 3,806 illicit items worth N16Bn in 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID

In line with government economic objectives for the fiscal year 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service has been allocated a revenue target of NGN5.079 trillion, a move that signifies government's confidence in the Service capabilities and underscores it's important role contributing to the nation's fiscal well-being.

Speaking with journalists at the Service headquarters Abuja, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this adding that numerous strategic initiatives and other operational reforms are anticipated to positively impact the Service's performance in achieving the revenue goal.

According to him, numerous strategic initiatives will help poised the Nigeria Customs Service performance in the coming months and these include - "Introduction of Advanced Ruling system, aligning NCS operations with global best practices and meeting the recommendations of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA). 

"Additionally, inauguration of a Steering Committee on the Implementation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) for Compliant Traders underscores our readiness to transition from Fastrack 2.0 to the AEO concept. Engagements with the international community, such as those with the World Customs Organization (WCO), JICA, and Japan Customs, focused on key areas is expected to lead to the implementation of the Customs Laboratory, adoption of geospatial technology, and the conduct of a Time Release Study. Collaborative efforts with the Customs Administration of the Republic of Benin, the revitalization of zonal structures, and integration of Customs institutions into the administrative framework all contribute to NCS's commitment to efficient service delivery and positive stakeholder relationships. 

"The NCS also responded to changes in legislation, engagement with the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), initiated Corporate Social Responsibility projects, integrated efforts with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), enhanced personnel welfare programs, and introduced the Work-Life Balance (WLB) initiative. In the upcoming week, the NCS is set to inaugurate an electronic auction (e-auction) platform, strategically designed to enhance transparency in the auction process."

The CGC explained that the collective actions signify NCS's dedication to enhancing staff welfare and sustaining optimal performance.

He further noted that as NCS addresses the challenges and opportunities in 2024, the Service is steadfast in its commitment to implementing these strategies and exploring practical approaches to meet the heightened revenue target. 

"This commitment aligns with the NCS's ongoing dedication to efficiency, excellence, and positive contributions to Nigeria's economic landscape," he says. 

Emphasizing the importance of efficiency and transparency,the Customs Boss noted that "NCS will maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards indiscipline and non-compliance in the year 2024. It is imperative for all officers and stakeholders to adhere strictly to established procedures and regulations. 

"Maximum cooperation is expected from every stakeholder in the customs operations. The success of our collective efforts depends on the discipline and commitment of each member. Let this be a year where every action is aligned with the principles of efficiency, transparency, and revenue optimization with overall aim of contributing meaningfully to the economic prosperity of our nation."  

"Show excellent examples in punctuality, timelines and overall discipline"

-Comptroller Yusuf advices newly promoted PTML Officers

 ZAINAB JUNAID 

Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, Customs Area Controller of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command has admonished all newly promoted officers under his watch to grow into their new ranks by showing excellent examples in punctuality, timelines and overall discipline.

Comptroller Yusuf who congratulated all the promoted officers reminded them of the virtue of punctuality being one of the area to achieve productivity.

While commending the officers for their compliant level in keeping the good image of the area as a model port, he added  that being time conscious is a mark of discipline that every officer should uphold. 

He added that being on one's duty posts at all times and when necessary will help in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling. 

Comptroller Yusuf said "I want to urge all promoted officers to grow into their new ranks by showing excellent examples to their subordinates, loyal to the service and respectful to their superiors. 

" Our time release study on cargo clearance is hinged on the word time. Faster cargo clearance for which we have hit a record breaking three hours release of cargo for compliant traders, rely on timeliness. We couldn't have achieved this if we were late comers. 

"Let your resumption time be observed as you have been doing. Keep it up and the sky will be your limit in all you do" 

"Your new rank is not the end. In fact it is the beginning of more tasks. Our Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR believes in results. Say no to giving excuses 

"Stakeholders,customs partnership is in our new law. We at PTML will continue to follow that step. From engagements,challenges are easily identified for solutions to be discovered"the CAC said

For officers still expecting promotion, Comptroller Yusuf advised them  to keep working hard towards it as it will manifest in due time

Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the promoted officers, newly decorated Chief Superintendent of Customs  ME Ojo Ede thanked President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance and Chairman of NCS Board, Mr Wale Edun; the CGC Wale Adeniyi and the Customs Area Controller for their leadership

Speaking on behalf of  stakeholders who witnessed the event, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha Board of Trustee Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) congratulated the officers 

FOU A Convicts 16 offenders for contravening Customs law in 2023- Ejibunu

 …says 136 persons were arrested in South West Zone, made 1,119 seizures worth N10.39Bn in 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID

Comptroller Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service, has revealed that sixteen (16) people were convicted through Federal High Courts in 2023 for committing offences of improper importation, assault of Customs Officers, being in possession of foreign parboiled rice and for being in possession of Pangolin scales meant for export.

He made the disclosure at a press briefing held on Wednesday January 10, 2024, to reveal the scorecards made by FOU in 2023.

Comptroller Ejibunu said a total number of 136 persons were arrested at various points within the Zone's area of responsibility. 

The culprits were suspected to be smugglers, and after due diligence of uncompromising of profiling and investigation, they were charged to court and are at different stages of prosecution.

According to him, "16 people were convicted through the Federal High Courts for committing offences of improper importation, assault of Customs officers, being in possession of foreign parboiled rice and for being in possession of Pangolin scales meant for export.

"Some other smuggling related cases instituted in the courts are at various stages of prosecution and would be followed up diligently. This year 2024, we shall continue, through our legal seat, to follow all pending court cases to logical conclusions."

On seizures made, Comptroller Ejibunu said, "Last year we made 1,119 seizures worth a total duty paid value of N10,395,123,943; comprising of rice, vehicles, marijuana, tramadol, used tyres, poultry products, footwears, petroleum products etc. The most prominent of the seizures is foreign parboiled rice which amounted to 139 trailer loads (83,170 bags of 50kg).

He went further disclosing other seizures made in the period under review to include- 13,706 kegs by 25 litres of PM; 8,372 Kg of Indian Hemps; 2,942 pieces of tyres;2,153 bales of used clothes; 3,095 cartons of frozen poultry; 320 cartons illicit drugs; 15 pieces of bullet proof jackets, 15 pieces of jack knives, and 68 pieces of military camouflage; 450 drums X 106 kg of carbide; 1 X 40 ft and 2 X 20 ft containers found to contain charcoal; 132 units of foreign used vehicles; among others.

He stressed that the report of seizures and arrests made attests to the relentless and uncompromising enforcement deployed by operatives of the Unit in the fight against smuggling in 2023.

According to him, “It is indeed a fallout of the positive energy and selflessness we displayed in the course of our work.

Although, as a unit charged with anti-smuggling function in the South West Zone, overseeing an area with international borders, busiest airport in Nigeria, and the two largest sea ports in the country, FOU Zone A area of responsibility is indeed wide. However, with the morale and logistics support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, we were able to prosecute the fight against smuggling diligently by making seizures, effecting arrests and collecting revenue for government in the course of discharging our functions,” he noted.

On the revenue generated Comptroller Ejibunu said the unit was able to recover a total of N851,719,905.01 as revenue through meticulous document checking.

“We were able to identify shortfalls in duty payments from which demand notices were issued and accurate revenue were recovered. These are revenues that would have been lost by the federal government to the pockets of some uncompliant business men.

“I want to reiterate that our battle to prevent smuggling will be intensified this year as we shall not relent in making seizures, arrests and prosecution of criminals who contravene the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. If they don't desist from their criminal ways, this year will be tougher for them because they will lose their investments and freedom when arrested.

“Let me put on record that we shall lawfully arrest and prosecute any individual involved in the attack of our officers who are discharging their legitimate responsibilities. No attacker of our personnel will be spared from facing the full wrath of the law,” he warned violators.

 

 

 

Customs Boss expresses concern over African trade system slow growth as estimated in the last three to four years

….describes ‘trade initiative’ as important for the administration of countries

…partners AfCFTA Secretariat for enhanced trade facilitation in Africa

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed concerned on how African trade system refuses to grow beyond 14-15 percent, estimated over the last three to four years.

The CGC made this known while confirming the Service’s readiness to partner with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat for enhanced trade facilitation in the African Continent.

He lamented the low trade volume in Africa, saying NCS fully understands the importance of balancing trade facilitation and revenue, pointing out that Africa's share in global trade is around 3–4 percent.

Speaking on Monday, 8 January 2024, when he received members of AfCFTA at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, the CGC expressed immense joy on how AfCFTA started over 10 years ago and the positive projections many international organizations have given about the Continental Free Trade Area.

He said NCS is not unmindful of the benefits that trade presents — economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation because Customs trade plays a role in fostering regional and international bonds."

Speaking further, “The Customs Boss described ‘the Guide Trade Initiative as 'important for the administration of countries' focusing on ways to grow their trade market, adding, "There is a need for collaboration in the verification of goods origin at the port as NCS has been designated the appropriate authority and also collaborate with other government agencies."

He said, "I talk to you about the fact that we are projecting a 2 percent increase in the shower of rejecting over 1 million people out of poverty. And you know, more importantly, N450 billion GDP. So, this all sounds extremely promising."

The CGC said his Administration has taken several measures aimed at generally improving trade facilitation in Nigeria, adding, "We are planning the implementation of a time-release study in the first quarter of this year working with other agencies of government."

Corroborating on the importance of data analytics, the CGC said, "We must invest in data analytics, and we must bring all our officers up to speed on the basic elements or requirements for data analysis. Last December, we made this the subject of our Comptroller General's conference — it was a very big occasion that attracted all our stakeholders, and they were all in accord with us that we need to do a bit more in data analysis."

Addressing the CGC earlier, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene, congratulated the CGC on his appointment and confirmation, expressed excitement to proffer solutions to the issues bedeviling trade in Africa.

He highlighted the importance of cooperation between AfCFTA and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in tackling trade impediments. He conveyed his excitement about jointly finding solutions to the issues affecting trade in Nigeria, emphasizing that AfCFTA is committed to collaborating with the NCS to enhance trade facilitation not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

On the potential impact of their collaboration, Mr. Mene expressed optimism that the synergy between AfCFTA and NCS would significantly improve trade and revenue generation in various African countries, including but not limited to Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Kenya. He underscored the strategic role that effective trade facilitation plays in fostering economic growth and development across the region.

AfCFTA, established to promote intra-African trade and economic integration, sees its partnership with NCS as a crucial step towards realizing its objectives. The collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade.

The Secretary-General's visit marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to harness the economic potential of the African continent through improved trade practices.