Customs FOU 'C' Intercepts Contrabands, Explosives Raw Materials, Worth ₦1.6bn DPV

...Arrests 9 Suspects in two months 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ’C’ has seized cannabis sativa, raw materials for production of explosive devices, as well as other contraband with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,648,494,571.00) only. 

In a statement signed by spokesperson of the Unit, Jerry Attah, on Monday, the Zone has also arrested nine (9) suspects in connection with the seizures between July 25 and September 23rd 2023.

The Acting Controller of the Unit, DC Kayode Kolade, was reported to have frowned at the spate of smuggling in the Zone while addressing newsmen at the Government Warehouse, Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo state, on Monday. 

He disclosed that having observed some infractions, the sum of Fifty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy One Naira  (54,244,571.00) was recovered from demand notices, making a cumulative sum of One Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,634,794,571.00) within the months under review.

Items seized include 417 sacks of cannabis sativa also known as Indian hemp weighing 9,194k; 627 compressed parcels of same Indian hemp 1kg each totaling 627kg; 9 sacks 50kg each of explosives’ raw materials; 1,329 bags, 50kg each of smuggled foreign parboiled rice ; 5 cartons of DSP Cough Syrup with codeine 100mg containing 1000 bottles ; 1 unit of armored Bullion Van; 761 jumbo bales of second hand clothing ; 883 cartons of various unregistered/expired medicaments including tramadol; 100 cartons of various wines; 5,737 pieces of used pneumatic tyres ; 335 cartons of smuggled foreign tomato paste; 300 cartons of foreign spaghetti. 

Comptroller Kolade explained that based on prompt intelligence and sting operation, the rice seized was intercepted along Calabar/Akwa Ibom axis and okada/benin expressway, the 417 sacks and 627 parcels of Indian hemp were intercepted at Okada-Benin and Ewu-Auchi Expressway respectively while 761 Jumbo bales of used clothing mostly concealed in trucks and buses were intercepted along Umeikaa/Aba Road and Okada-Benin road.  

“The 5 cartons of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and 883 cartons of unregistered medicaments were intercepted along Benin/Asaba/Onitsha Expressway. The armored Bullion Van without customs documents and End User Certificate was intercepted along Okada/Benin Expressway. 100 cartons of wine and 335 tomatoes paste were intercepted along Ewu/Ibilo axis, 5,737 pieces of used pneumatic tyres were also intercepted along Cross River waterside and Okada-Benin Expressway," he said.

He further expressed worry over the smuggling of explosives even as the country continued grappling with the challenges associated with insecurity and called on smugglers to desist forthwith in the interest of humanity or have the law to contend with. 

“More worrisome is the interception of 9 sacks 50kg each of explosive materials (fertilizer , device cables  and superpower 90 chemicals). We all know the security implication if these explosives components get to their destination unchecked. It may interest you to know that Superpower 90 is designed for priming applications and as a column explosive in surface and underground mining and general blasting. The high detonation velocity and the robust nature of Superpower 90 make it an ideal primer for the initiation of column charge. Let us not just imagine if dynamites and landmines are detonated using these items “, he said. 

Comptroller Kolade however, seized the opportunity to congratulate the Ag. Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR on his appointment to oversee the affairs of the service describing it as “well deserved considering his pedigree, dedication and commitment to the service”. 

“We will all make sure he succeeds as his leadership style has started yielding positive results in our operations. I thank the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts so far in providing needed incentives and necessary logistics that aided our performance. To my dear colleagues, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police, I must commend your prompt intelligence sharing, resilience and tenacity that brought about this stride “, he added.  

He further enjoined journalists to endeavour to join the Nigeria Customs Service in the advocacy campaign against the hazard of smuggling to the Nation’s Economy, and to all well-meaning Nigerians to support the service with necessary intelligence and information that could assist the Service nip in the bud smuggling in the interest of our fatherland.

The Comptroller however warned all economic saboteurs who plan to use the ember period for their nefarious acts to have a rethink as the Service will make sure they count their losses adding that “no amount of distraction will stop us from carrying out our statutory responsibilities not even in the face of attacks we encountered this month by some sponsored elements”. 

Customs Flags off 'Work-Life Balance Initiative'

as Ag CGC Leads Officers On 5 Kilometers Marathon Exercise

ZAINAB JUNAID

As one of his strategic approach to enhance physical and mental fitness of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has led officers and men of the Service, including Members of the Management Team, Representatives of Military and Paramilitary Institutions, to a marathon route march.

The trekking exercise, themed “Work-Life Balance: Balancing For A Better Tomorrow”, commenced in the early hours of Saturday, 23 September 2023, from Customs Headquarters Wuse Zone 3 to the newly built Customs House in Maitama Area, in Abuja - the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking after the marathon route march, the Ag. CGC posited that the exercise was aimed at keeping officers physically and mentally fit to enable them face their constitutional duties effectively, emphasizing that “we have gathered here to launch a transformative initiative that reflects the core values of our beloved Service — the Work-Life Balance Initiative.”

He explained that the physical exercise attests to the Customs' commitment to consolidate key areas of national development, knotting ties with stakeholders and embracing technological innovations.

“As officers and men, we come under lots of pressure to fulfil various obligations, and most of the time, these pressures come from our workplaces — emanating from the nature of our tasks, which are usually physically and mentally demanding; thus, the exercise will help reduce such pressure for us and enhance our productivity at work,” he said.

To him,"the Nigeria Customs Service had, over the past 15 years, established 32 clinics and medical centres all over the country to take care of the officers' health, but as we embark on this journey, it is vital to understand the essence of this initiative and why we need to flag it off."

CGC Adewale also urged the officers to always engaged themselves in extra curricular activities such as jogging, mountain hiking, dancing, among other activities and to embrace to embrace the work-life balance initiative as it will continue to improve their health and also contribute to enhancing the efficiency of the Service.

The Customs Chief also explaimed how the exercise will facilitate the unity and love between Customs officers across the federation, saying that “participating in this brisk walking exercise fosters friendship and unity and sense of shared purpose amongst us.”

The brisk walking exercise was attended by Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs in charge of different Units, Assistant Comptroller-Generals, and all Comptrollers down to Assistant of Customs III. Other participants who graced the ‘Walk-Life Balance’ exercise were from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Nigerian Correctional Center, Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Nigeria Army.

Ag. Customs CG Tasks New Recruits on Professionalism in Weapon Handling

Ag. Customs CG Tasks New Recruits on Professionalism in Weapon Handling

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has charged the newly recruited officers to imbibe the culture of handling their firearms properly as they wrap up their regimental training.

He made this call on Thursday, 21st September 2023, during the Passing Out Parade (POP) for 956 General Duty Junior Personnel who completed their Basic Course 1/2023 at Customs Training College, Goron Dutse, Kano.

The CGC, who congratulated the new officers on their POP, urged them to be good ambassadors of the Service, by protecting its integrity and reputation while discharging their constitutional duties.

He charged them to showcase a sense of professionalism in weapons handling and eschew misuse of firearms while also improving their human relations, adding that “the era of filing rampant cases of the shooting of innocent Nigerians has passed. Treat everyone with absolute respect and fairness.”

He, however, assured Nigerians that the Service will not relent in taking stiffer action on any officer who fails to respect the rights of the citizens, adding that “you are expected to serve your nation with diligence, be presentable discipline-wise and in appearance, while also maintaining the highest level of integrity at all times.

“Upholding these values is not just a duty but also a necessity. Therefore, always be smart in appearance, for it reflects the pride you take in your role as customs officers. Be the embodiment of excellence and service in every aspect of your conduct.”

He says, “The Service has strong expectations of you to contribute in revenue generation and the fight against smuggling - while also practising what you learned to counter their illegal businesses.”

The CGC, who was pleased with the display of tactical approaches by the recruits, clearly told them, “It is upon your shoulders that the responsibility of meeting the aspirations of our great nation rests. I want you to be mindful that your recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service was merit-based.

“You are expected to serve your nation with diligence, discipline, and the highest level of integrity at all times. Upholding these values is not just a duty but a necessity. Always be smart in appearance, for it reflects the pride you take in your role as customs officers. Be the embodiment of excellence and service in every aspect of your conduct.

“In the course of your careers, you will be exposed to further training in various areas, including regimentation and weapon handling. I emphasize the need to study the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) diligently and take them seriously. These SOPs are your guide to ensuring effective customs operations.”

Speaking on how the Service has gone far in using advanced technology in carrying out its duties, the Acting Comptroller-General said, “We are living in extraordinary times where technology plays a pivotal role in customs operations. As you join the Customs Service at this juncture, your role in this digital era is crucial.”

He urged them to develop a deep understanding of technological advancements and leverage them to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, who later granted interviews to journalists, called on Nigerians to support the investment policies that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements, expressing hope that it will end economic sabotage and smuggling in the country.

He said, “When you look at some of the policies that he has taken in terms of making businesses thrive, bringing in investors and things like that—so when you have investors, and we have these efforts to rebuild our economy, then there would be no room for smugglers or those who want to sabotage us.”

The Customs boss maintained that the fight against smugglers and their nefarious activities remains the business of all patriotic Nigerians, adding that he has been visiting border communities across the country with a view to discussing with them on collaborative efforts to end smuggling in the country.

He, however, saluted the efforts of General Duty Officers on the parade, saying, “We had a very beautiful parade - which shows that they are well-trained. It shows their capacity to handle situations. It shows comportment. It shows physical endurance. It also demonstrates resilience.”

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Customs Training College, Comptroller Rasheed Adahunse, said, “These Junior Officers graduating today were found suitable in learning and character. It is pertinent to state that this Basic Course 1/2023 commenced on the 22nd of March, 2023, and the skills displayed by the graduands were mastered within this short period along with academic activities.

“The training Courses covered topics on Enforcement, Revenue, Valuation, Export and Import Procedures, Passenger Selection, Parcel Post, Administration, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Civil Relations and many other courses, to mention but a few. Examinations were conducted to ascertain their level of assimilation and were also graded.”

The Commandant, who described the regimentation of the 2023 General Duty Staff as a successful one added that “to master the drills and excel in academic activities within six months is an excellent achievement on the part of the committed and dedicated trainers as well as the graduands.

“I would like to show my sincere gratitude to the Ag. CGC for creating time to attend this great occasion despite his tight schedules and for providing all the necessary approvals in good time, leading to the success of this exercise.” He concluded.

Nigeria Customs Collaborates with UN-Habitat to fight Smuggling

Nigeria Customs Collaborates with UN-Habitat to fight Smuggling

ZAINAB JUNAID

In what seems to be a shinning light at the end of a dark tunnel for smugglers who have refused to desist from their nefarious activities now has a bleaking hope as the anti-smuggling activities of the Nigeria Customs Service has been backed up by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN—Habitat.

The Customs was given the assurance of collaboration by the UN agency, when Ambassadors of the UN- Habitat led by Dr. Raymond Edoh, visited Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

Ag. CGC who was delighted with this development, told the representatives of the agency that under his watch, the Service will implement every necessary action against saboteurs of Nigeria's economy to cripple their ‘illegitimate’ business of smuggling.

He said, “On behalf of the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service, I wish to inform you that we will partner with you in this campaign, and we will grant you all forms of support you may need to carry out this campaign — and I want to assign one of our amiable DCGs, Abba Kura, to work with you closely.”

He appreciated how they travelled from afar to intimate the Nigeria Customs Service of their campaign against smuggling, which, according to him, the Nigeria Customs Service has already started yielding positive results in suppressing the menace of smuggling.

The CGC also welcomed Dr Raymond's offer to engage officers and men of the Service in capacity—building to enhance their understanding of digital literacy skills, adding that the Service has already started embracing technology to advance its work by introducing related courses to officers.

The CGC appreciated the collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service and UN—Habitat and believes that the collaboration signifies a commitment to tackling smuggling and enhancing trade facilitation in the nation, setting the stage for a more prosperous future.

The CGC said, “What we're trying to do is to raise a modern Customs Service through partnering with stakeholders to achieve our goals because we value partnership, and I am happy that you extended your hands of collaboration to work with us.”

He also appreciated their promise to train officers and men of the Service in digital literacy skills, assuring that the Service will continue to prioritize proficiency in the fight against smuggling through technological approach.

He underscored the importance of digital skills, promising that the relevant Service department will enhance trade facilitation.

On his part, the Director of UN—Habitat, Dr. Raymond Edoh, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reposing the responsibility of heading the Nigeria Customs Service on the Acting Comptroller-General, describing him as “a competent Customs officer who knows the terrain and masters the job.”

According to him, they decided to visit the Ag. CGC at the Customs Headquarters to express their interest in partnering with the Service.

He appreciated the Service for being a “gatekeeper of the country” that protects citizens against border threats, stressing that his organization will collaborate with NCS to mitigate the smuggling of illicit goods and train officers and men of Customs on digital literacy skills and certification.

UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and promote viable urban development and adequate shelter for all.

Customs to Synergise with ANLCA in Eradicating Threats Against Revenue Collection

Customs to Synergise with ANLCA in Eradicating Threats Against Revenue Collection

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has urged the newly elected National Executive Committee(NECOM) of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) to consider their peculiar privilege in sustaining peace amongst themselves as this will enable the Service to synergise with them to eradicate threats against revenue collection and national security.

The CGC made this call on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023, adding that the Service will maintain its position of consulting relevant stakeholders to enable its administration to succeed.

The newly elected executives were led by their National President, Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, BOT chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha and members of Customs Consultative Council (CCC) led by Aare Hakeem Olarenwaju to Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

CGC Adewale urged them to consider their peculiar privilege in sustaining peace amongst them, which, according to him, will encourage the Service to take them as vital partners.

"I want to use this opportunity to rekindle the good understanding and peace between yourselves so that we will be able to synergize in eradicating threats against revenue collection and national security.” He said.

He said “the ball is now in the coat of the executive, new management committee and, of course, the board members. I urge you to swing into action and start work because there is much to do to bring sanity and professionalism to the industry.”

He added that the Nigeria Customs Service now shares the challenge of consolidating the recent victory with the association - which will clear the way for innovations in the automation of procedures and benefit authorised economic operators.

The Acting Comptroller-General told the new leaders of ANLCA that the Nigeria Customs Service is willing to collaborate with them to ensure the successful facilitation of trade, adding, “We are going to hold a meeting with Customs Agents to ensure that we bring the required sanity into our operations.”

On his part, Mr. Hakeem Olanrewaju, the Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee who led the delegation, said they were at the Corporate Headquarter of the Customs to present the newly elected National Executive Council of ANLCA to the Ag. CGC.

Mr Olanrewaju, who congratulated the Ag. CGC, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assured the CGC that the Association had been put back on the rail after having a long time of experiencing hot fracas, adding that “with the intervention of the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents has embraced a collaborative peace.”

He also recalled how the Nigeria Customs Service, under the stewardship of Ag. CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi approved the establishment of a Customs Consultative Committee to broker peace in the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents. 

Also speaking, the newly elected president of the association, Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, appreciated the Ag CGC for taking the bull by the horns to engineer the peace deal between the faction of the association, affirming that his team have already swung into action to move the association forward.

Nwokeoji described the Ag. CGC as the sole competent officer to lead the Service rightly, saying “your appointment is timely and most deserving that our dear country needs the most for economic and development growth.”

He, however, extolled the Ag. CGC's style of leadership as one that accommodates and understands issues at stake and promptly proffers solutions to them, adding "In that regard, we wish to inform you that we count on you; we know your antecedent, and we hope you will count on us too, to achieve your objectives."

Compt. Jaiyeoba hands over Baton to Oramalugo

Oyo/Osun Customs Gets new Area Controller

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Comptroller Ben Oramalugo has officially taken over the leadership of Oyo/Osun Area Command from Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba who is now the Area Controller of Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS). 

Speaking at a brief handing over ceremony held at the Command’s conference room in Ibadan, on Monday 18th September 2023, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, who steered the activities of the Command from February 2022 to September 2023, congratulated the incoming Customs Area Controller on his posting to the Oyo/Osun Area Command and gave account of his stewardship while in office as Oyo CAC. 

He disclosed that the Command under his leadership surpassed its revenue target for the year 2022 as it successfully generated the sum of ₦47,408,251,086.73 revenue and made various seizures of uncustom goods worth a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 308,282,459.00 between the period of January and September 2023. 

Comptroller Jaiyeoba appreciated officers and Men of the Command for their cooperation, display of professionalism and resilience, as it contributed greatly to the achievement of the Command's set objectives.

He urged all Command officers to maintain the status qou of team work; perform their duties within the scope of the laws guiding the Service and extend the same cooperation he received to his successor.

The incoming Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, in his address, appreciated Almighty God for life and the solemn occasion of the handing over.

He promised to uphold the core duties of Customs officers, which includes - Revenue generation, Trade facilitation and Suppression of Smuggling; and further urged all officers to extend to him the same support given to his predecessor, to enable the Command achieve set objectives and attain greater heights.

The new CAC appreciated his predecessor, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba for the extensive work done and laudable achievements during his tenure at Oyo/Osun Area Command, and promised to follow his footsteps. 

Compt Shuaib Takes Over mantle of leadership at Ogun 1 Area Command

as Command records 1479 seizures worth ₦6.6bn DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

Following the redeployment of Area Controllers and Heads of Units by the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on the 6th of September, 2023, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde has handed over the mantle of leadership of Ogun 1 Area Command to Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Ahmadu Bello Shuaib as the new Area Controller.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Compt. Shuaib pledged to diligently discharge his duty and uphold the policy thrust of the CGC.

He said the new position is a call to higher responsibilty but stressed that as a team player he will sustain his principle of team work.

The new CAC called on all officers and Men of the Command to deploy the principle of team work and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement in the discharge of their duty which must be in accordance with Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

He also read riot act to smugglers and their accomplice for their nefarious activities as it will not be condoned on any ground and anyone caught in the act, shall be brought to book," he says. 

Compt. Shuaib, who has had over 30 years of experience in Customs Administration covering Strategic, Enforcement and Operational responsibilities, further assured business community and critical stakeholders within the environs of open door policy, in order to sustain and strengthen the existing relationship with the Command.

The outgoing CAC, Comptroller Makinde who is expected to take up another responsibility at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, gave account of his stewardship as the Area Controller of the Command inline with the service mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation.

He noted that since his assumption of duty on the 9th of February, 2023, the Command was able to record 1, 479 seizures comprising 1,245 rounds of live ammunitions, 72,989 bags of foreign parboiled Rice of 50kg each(which is an equivalent of 122 Trucks load), 907 bales & 236 sacks of Secondhand clothing, 394 sacks & 2,678 wraps of Cannabis Sativa and 655,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit(an equivalent of 20 Tankers load), among others, equivalent to a Duty Paid Value of ₦6,604,107,655.92.

Compt. Makinde attributed his success to unflinching support derived from the service headquarters, concerned efforts of the officers and Men of the Command, and robust synergy maintained with critical stakeholders within the border area.

He thus urged officers and Men of the Command to endeavour to redouble their efforts by giving Compt. Shuaib's administration maximum support and cooperation needed to sustain the performance tempo of the Command.