Adewale Sets to Unlock full Potentials of Customs Practices

 

NCS Acting CG, Drives Innovative Projects for Enhanced Customs Efficiency

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of the vision to redefine and unlock the full potentials of customs practices in the country, the newly appointed Acting Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, has advocated for the exploration of AI-driven solutions, which includes Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions like ChatGPT and advanced geo-spatial intelligence approaches such as GEOINT.

The technologies, according to a release made available to Journslists on Sunday by the National Public Relations Officer to the Comptroller General of Customs, ABDULLAHI MAIWADA, present immense potentials that will enhance communication, decision-making processes, and enforcement operations within Customs. 

While leveraging a global Customs Community platform, the Acting CG engaged in topical discussions that will help achieve this goal. 

The appointment of Acting CG Adewale Adeniyi, was announced on Monday, 19 June 2023, while he was attending the Policy Commission and Council meetings of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels, Belgium. 

Additionally, the NCS has already established a GEOINT unit, leveraging geospatial data, mapping techniques, and satellite imagery to gain valuable insights for customs operations. Collaborative engagements are already underway to operationalise the use of GEOINT to enhance the efficiency of NCS enforcement operations and contribute to overall efficiency. These advancements underline the NCS's proactive approach toward embracing cutting-edge technologies. 

The Acting CG further engaged in strategic discussions with partners such as the WCO, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Customs Administration. The discussions aim to garner support for the establishment of a customs Laboratory, a significant milestone in enhancing customs operations and trade facilitation across Nigeria. 

Amidst the current landscape of evolving global trade dynamics, the NCS Laboratory will provide comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling, and non-compliant imports, thereby bolstering revenue generation and ensuring the protection of public health and safety. With its advanced analytical capabilities, the laboratory is expected to deliver precise identification, verification, and classification of goods, enabling efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making, while fostering an environment of trust and credibility within Nigeria's trade ecosystem, marking a transformative step towards achieving seamless customs operations, trade competitiveness, and national economic growth in line with the vision of the President Tinubu Led Administration. 

Furthermore, Acting CG Adeniyi’s engagements extended to fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on crucial areas such as conducting a Time Release Study (TRS), implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, leadership, and management development. These discussions underscore his commitment to comprehensive improvements and his inclination to adopt innovative solutions across various customs domains, ultimately enhancing customs operations.

The outcome of the council meeting witnessed the election of Ian Saunders of the United States as the new Secretary General of the WCO, an important position that sets the direction for customs practices worldwide. This election highlights the significance of the council meeting and the influential role the NCS played in shaping the future of customs operations on a global scale.

Under the leadership of the Acting CG, the Nigeria Customs Service is embarking on an exciting journey towards enhanced customs efficiency. Through international collaborations, engagement with the WCO, exploration of AI-driven solutions, and strategic discussions, the NCS is pioneering innovative projects that will shape the future of customs practices in Nigeria. With a strong emphasis on technology and international partnerships, the NCS is well-positioned to make substantial advancements in customs operations, ultimately benefiting trade facilitation, security, and operational effectiveness.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Emerges Acting CG of NCS

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Appoints Wale Adeniyi as acting CG of NCS, Dissolves Boards of all Government Parastatals, Agencies and Government-owned Companies

ZAINAB JUNAID

Following the recent termination of appointment of all Service Chiefs and that of Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col(rtd) Hameed Ali, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Deputy Comptroller General of Customs ( DCG), Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Acting Comptroller General of the Service. 

This was contained in a statement signed by Willie Bassey, Director of Information for the Secretary to the Government of the FEDERATION made available to journalists recently. 

With over 30 years experience in custom service, Adeniyi Bashir Adewale, prior to his new appointment, was the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, and was conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Muhammad Buhari in October 2022.

He has also won Comptroller-General of Customs Award for seizure of $8,065,612 million cash at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, January 2020.

Acting CG Bashir Adewale has strong command of customs regulations, laws, and procedures as well as ability to navigate and adapt to changing policies and regulations.

In a related development, Willie Bassey also disclosed that the President has approved the immediate dissolution of the Governing Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies in the exercise of its Constitutional Powers and in the Public interest.

Willie said the dissolution does not, however, affect Boards, Commissions and Councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

To him, "In view of the development and until such a time new boards are constituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies are directed to refer matters requiring the attention of their Boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their respective supervisory Ministries and Offices.

"Permanent Secretaries are directed, also, to route such correspondences to Mr President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Consequently, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to ensure compliance to the provision of this directive which took effect from Friday 16th June, 2023.

"Permanent Secretaries are particularly directed to inform the Chief Executive Officers of the affected Agencies under the supervision of their respective Ministries/Offices for immediate compliance," the statement reads.

The exit of my mentor.

 *Ray Ugochukwu*  :

*Oh, my PEN refused to write* !!!

By Udeme MAJAN MEMBER 

"Because ZAINAB JUNAID can't just think straight with the news of your death MR RAY UGOCHUKWU,, don't know what to WRITE,, UDEME u still tried to put sth down, so make I publish ur stuff" 

... Oga Ray, today, June 1, 2023, is the day my PEN refused to write because of you !

... My thoughts refused to flow because of your exit !

...My mind refused to think straight because of the sadness that engulfed me !

...My brain refused to calm because of the restlessness this sad news brought !

...My eyes are staring at the sky, looking at Jehovah God, the Father of tender mercy for comfort !

...Oga Ray, you left us without a word !

...Oh, Oga Ray, you took away your fountain of knowledge, your intelligence and wisdom  !

...Oga Ray, you will forever remain unforgettable !

...Ray Ugochukwu, the President of all presidents !

...Oga Ray, I know you are sleeping and will soon wake !

*Adam & Eve* :

If Adam and Eve had been remorseful after they sinned in the garden of Eden, may be Jehovah God would have shown us mercy from sickness and death.

 

... Our first Parents, Adam and Eve, were unrepentant. Their  disobedience brought us this deep grief th

MAJAN Roundtable: MWUN

MAJAN Roundtable: MWUN President Tasks in-coming Government on more Ports and Access Road Development

... Debunks Creation of Maritime Ministry idea

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to achieve greater productivity in the industry and have more suitable access roads at Ports' Corridors, the President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ( MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju has urged the in-coming administration to make development of more Ports and maintenance of its corridors across the country a paramount project that must be achieved in his tenure.

MWUN President made this call while fielding questions with journalists at a roundtable discussion organised by Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) at the association's secretariat, Apapa, Lagos.

Comrade Adeyanju expressed ill feelings towards the dilapidated state of some Ports and thier access roads across the country and reiterated the need for the in-coming government to look into resolving the appaling issues.

According to him, "The in-coming government should give attention to Warri, Calabar and other Ports, instead of focusing only on Lagos ports, when other Ports can also be upgraded to boost growth in the industry. Government need to put the Ports’ access roads in good shape as seen in other countries. For instance, the access road to TinCan Island Port has been taken over by artisans, food vendors are now cooking on the roads, with other commercial activities taking place there. If you go to TinCan Port in the evening, you will even see pupils in their uniforms playing on the major road. This is not the only place. The road leading to Onne Port is nothing to reckon with. We are hopeful that the new administration will address these salient issues.”

On matters relating to creation of Maritime Ministry, Prince Adeyanju who is also the National Vice President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) debunked the idea of creating a ministry but  emphasized more on how management inefficiency has become woe of maritime sector and the need to address the issue urgently.

"It is not the creation of a Maritime Ministry that is important for the sector to do. What is important is management efficiency. We must ensure that the right people are put in the right positions. Also, developments of Ports must be done across the country, not just developing Lagos Port alone, but Warri and Onne Ports too should also be considered. We forget about Ports in other parts of the country. This is also crucial, as it will ease the stress and pressure on the Lagos Port," he said.

He however appraised the outstanding performance of the Director General of Nigeria Maritime Adminstration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh, whom he sees as maritime professional that rose from grassroot to the peak level having understood the industry well and was able to give it what it deserved.

“Dr.Jamoh has performed creditably well. He has brought so many innovations and has greatly improved the Maritime industry, government should endeavour to make sure subsequent appointment into maritime agencies is done from the industry.Industry professionals should be appointed and not just anyone.” he said.

Casualization of Dockworkers

While speaking on casualization of dockworkers, Comrade Adewale expressed satisfaction over the development so far despite not achieving all goals yet but confirmed that there has been an upward review of dockworkers salaries by Nigeria Port Authority (NPA).

To him, "the dockworkers were treated like orphans and without any hope. But today the Maritime Workers Union, under his leadership, has completely changed the narrative. In any place in the world, casuals have no home, and  this is the case we have been making over the years. Before now there was nothing like pension or gratuity,but with new trends in the ports now, which is favourable to the dockworkers, we can see peace in the ports. Because we have collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with their employers, midwife's by Nigerian Ports Authority NPA and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, who are the regulating agencies monitoring the Dockworkers activities in the ports

"In other to address the issue of casuals, the Union reached agreement with relevant operators and agreed on three modes of operations that takes care of all categories of dockworkers.

"The three modes of operations that have taken care of this virus called casuals are permanent employment within the rank and file of the Dockworkers.There is what we call ,payment by tonnage .This means that the tonnage the vessel brought would be shared amongst all the people that worked on board that vessel. And that depends on the volume .The Union equally  fights for their terminal benefits ,and their pension.So all the dockworkers in the ports today are pensionable and they are entitled to their terminal benefits: pension and gratuity. Infact 

International Oil Companies

On the issue of the International Oil Companies ( IOCs),The MWUN President noted that there has been remarkable improvement in their compliance level, stressing that the IoCs have penchant for disregarding and undermining government directives.He vowed that the Union will longer condole the  recalcitrant attitude of the IOCs.

His words, "It is unfortunate that the IOCs  who are here to invest in our resources are not obeying laws and directives given by government. Otherwise how can seven days directive  by government to the IOCs for compliance take many years to be effected? We are not going to take that anymore. The disregard for government directives must stop," he said.

However, the roundtable discussion took another phase with the presentation of prestigious Maritime Labour Icon Award by MAJAN President, Mr Ray Ugochukwu, to Prince Adewale Adeyanju.

The award according to Mr Ray Ugochukwu was for his leadership role as President General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and he described Comrade Adeyanju as a reputable Maritime Labour icon, who has through hard work and doggedness, successfully liberated Maritime workers from oppression by their employers.

NAWOJ, FHI360/ALIVE & THRIVE

NAWOJ, FHI 360/Alive &Thrive Collaborate to Enhance Credibility Reporting of Young Child Nutrition

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the vision to promote Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in Lagos State, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter in collaboration with FHI 360/Alive &Thrive project have tasked media practitioners on motivational and inspirational human interest stories that can move readers to cause action behaviour change.

The duo made the call at a media parley jointly organised by the two groups recently to discuss issues salient to MIYCN in Lagos.

They reiterated the need to make positive difference in promoting accurate reportage on MIYCN and also strengthen story credibility with adequate data.

While speaking at the roundtable, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos Council, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, urged journalists in the health sector to extend their health reporting to rural areas and orientates them more on implications of having nutrition deficiency.

Mr. Adeleye enjoined the upcoming health reporters to emulate experts in the health industry who are journalists and have risen to peak positions in the health sector. 

According to him, "Journalists in the health sector should try to emulate the likes of Moji Makanjuola, Mr Bukky Ponle, current MD of News Agency of Nigeria, who are professionals in health reporting and others who have made their marks in health reporting. it is when we have health reporters rising to the peak level in their beat or sector they covered that we can say the best has been achieved. Also, each medium should try to create Health Agenda Desk as done in News Agency of Nigeria which will make health reporting to be more effective and appreciable in the system."

Chairperson, NAWOJ, Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Adeola Ekine said the initiative was meant to improve reporting of maternal nutrition. 

She added that, "The round table which is an annual event will help promote health status of mothers and thier children. The more we have journalists covering health sector, the more health issues affecting children and their mothers will be identified and likely solutions will be provided."

On the current role of media in MIYCN in Lagos (Opportunities, Challenges, and way forward), Vice Chairperson, NAWOJ, Lagos State, Mrs Bunmi Yekini, during an interactive session, advised Health media professionals to over look the challenges currently faced in reporting crucial issues in the sector especially the non responding attitude of government parastatals to appalling issues and concentrate more on Networking among themsleves, and also create awareness through diverse means  to boost their nutritional benefits reportage.

However, while delivering a paper titled "Accelerating the Scale of MIYCN in Nigeria", Patience Ada Agada, Program/Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant/ Alive & Thrive Nigeria, explained that MIYCN is saddled with the responsibilities of meeting the 2025 World  Health Assembly targets for nutrition enroute to the 2030 SDGs, provides a practical framework for supporting the Government of Nigeria towards building resilience and accelerating reduction in nutritional vulnerabilities for women and children. 

To her, this can be achieved through improving the delivery and expanding the coverage of MIYCN interventions and how it has contribute to reducing maternal newborn and child mortality and morbidity rate.

"Since 2016, the initiative has worked with government, local communities and other key stakeholders in Nigeria to improve IYCF behaviors, services and outcomes. The initiative in Nigeria is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and it has so far reached out to Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Yobe Borno, Bauchi and Lagos State respectively," She said. 

Also Speaking on 'Positioning MIYCN on the National Agenda- the role of Media', Mrs Olawunmi Ajayi, State Coordinator, Alive& Thrive Project, Opined that Media is a powerful platform for driving social change and are major influences whose words, writings and actions impact day to day activities, at such they play major roles in Disseminating health issues to the public.

She stressed that Media should be interested in knowing and also factcheck how optimal breastfeeding practices in Nigeria helps curtail different issues and also disseminate this information to the general public. 

"With optimal breastfeeding, 103,742 child death is prevented with 10 million cases of childhood Diarrhea and pneumonia prevented; cost of breastmilk substitute is eliminated, about $38 million (#11 billion) is also saved for engaging exclusive breast feeding," She analysed. 

Reps Order CBN to Remove First Bank from Nigeria Custom's Portal

Reps Order Removal of First Bank from Nigeria Custom's Portal Over alleged #100billion 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Strong indications have emerged that different containers would be trapped at various sea ports across the country following the orders given by House of Representative Committee on Customs to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to delist First Bank of Nigeria, FBN, from Nigeria Customs Service Portal.

First Bank Nigeria Plc has been accused of failing to remit over #100billion it collected on behalf of Federal Government of Nigeria on Export Proceeds for Nigerian Exports Promotion Council, (NEPC) thereafter banned from subsequent collection of import duty revenue.

While speaking with journalists, acting president of the Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto, affirmed that currently, clearing agents have been unable to clear cargoes from the port because Customs would henceforth not accept duty payment on PAAR or Form ‘M’ opened under First Bank.

Dr Farinto explained that First Bank collected over N100billion on behalf of Federal Government of Nigeria on the issue of National Export Promotion Council, but the money was not remitted, the House Committee on Customs discovered this development and decided to write CBN to yank First Bank off the system.

"What they ought to have done is to let stakeholders know what was happening, so that anyone having a backlog of jobs can clear them and stop their form M

“This was the same thing that happened to GT Bank last year, but this time around, we are taking this matter before the EFCC.

“The clearing agents are currently stuck, they cannot clear their consignment, demurrage is accruing on cargoes at port. If you make your declaration, if it is first bank PAAR or Form ‘M’, the job cannot proceed until the bank is reconnected back by CBN.

“So, for now, we are directing importers and their agents not to open Form’M’ with first bank for now. We are on top of the situation appealing to the government to give us a little time to clear the backlog," he added. 

“First Bank should be ready for us this time around, we are dragging them before EFCC or ICPC, let it be established that a financial crime has been committed, so that going forward, we would not be having recurrence of such issue

“Don’t forget that last year, GTB Bank did the same thing and went scot-free, nothing happened, no sanctions, is that a healthy situation? In a country where we claim to be fighting corruption.

“I share everybody’s pain, but they must not make any transactions in regards to import duty payment for now so that they would not be stucked,” Dr.Farinto maintained.

Maritime Workers Union Mourn, as Muritala Kaffo Dies at 66

Maritime Workers Union Mourn, as Muritala Kaffo Dies at 66

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Wednesday, lost its Zonal Vice President, Comrade (Alhaji) Muritala Kaffo, fondly called Oscar at age 66.

A statement signed by the Union’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, disclosed that Comrade Kaffo died just a day after he had reported to the office.

“The sad incident occurred on Wednesday, 17th of May, 2023. Comrade Kaffo, before his exit, was a devoted Muslim, married with children and aged 66. He was an indigene of Lagos Island, Lagos State. An agile dockworker, popularly known as “Oscar” and was seen at his place of work on Tuesday, 16th of May, 2022 without any sign of illness″. He was a Unit Chairman and also functioned as District Chairman, Apapa 1; a Zonal Vice President, and lately, a Zonal Coordinator.

“We also recall that he was a very loyal Comrade to the core for the Union and was one of the frontliners of the “Group 999” during the revolution that engulfed the dockworkers and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria as at the time.

“The late Muritala was a jolly good fellow who made many friends around and outside the Union. He built bridges of friendship across board and was a man who had the fear of God. Little wonder he was that friendly, kind, lovable and cherished amongst his colleagues in the Dock Labour sector,

“Comrade Kaffo will be greatly missed by his numerous friends, colleagues, allies, comrades of all categories and will be fondly remembered by his good deeds," the statement reads .

Meanwhile, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has described the fallen comrade as a dogged fighter for justice and one who sacrificed his all for the good of the Union.He recounted how his struggle and sacrifice under the ‘Group 999’ had helped in retaining peace in the union

His words, "Oscar stood and fought off the stubborn group that tried to hijack the national Secretariat of the Union. It was his struggle and sacrifice that had led to the current peace prevailing in the Union presently. I pray Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal repose and strengthen the family at this trying moment."