Apapa Command generates N135bn in October 2023

 ...makes N11.3bn outstanding daily collection

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a landmark revenue collection feat with the generation of N11.3bn on November 22, 2023 thus surpasssing the existing highest daily collection record of N10bn which was  achieved on August 3, 2023.

In a statement signed by the Command's Public Relations Officer, CSC Abubakar Usman, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba described the collection as a fallout of teamwork, system audit ,compliance and zero compromise, but further urged officers of the command to sustain the tempo of hard work.

Comptroller Jaiyeoba said the command has been more focused on its mandate and collected N135bn for the month of October, which presently is the highest monthly collection in its history.

According to the CAC, the recent daily and monthly revenue collection achievements should be a motivation for officers to do more to justify the confidence invested in the service by the Federal Government and meet the expectations of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, in the areas of maximum revenue collection, legitimate trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling. 

The CAC also urged members of the Apapa port community like importers, licensed customs agents, chandlers, haulage operators, and freight forwarders to see compliance and obedience to laws as part of their civic responsibility as citizens. 

He reiterated that his office is open for dialogue and suggestions on ways to improve customs service delivery and achieve federal government objectives. 

Comptroller Jaiyeoba lauded various federal government agencies for their cooperation while describing customs relationship with them as excellent all geared towards realizing government goals. 

"We are very optimistic about meeting our target for the year. Even though, from the initial part of the year, it was not what was expected but from what we have been recording in the last 2 months , I am very optimistic that we will be able to get there".

"I keep telling some of my surbodinates, who want to be discouraged, that it is not over until it is over.I believe it is achievable.What we need is the willpower and the willpower is there. I know that by the end of the year, we will have cause to celebrate."

"My counsel to sister agencies is that they stick to their standard operating  procedures, and I want to put on record that other security agencies  have been cooperating with us."

"The issue is just with these non-governmental organizations, and we will continue to tell them let's play the game by the rules. Whether you are an agent or licensed chandler,  there is a condition for your license.The condition for every operator is spelt out. If we all play according to the rules of the game, there will be less friction, and we will be able to achieve a secured port environment. "

"I keep telling people that we are working  because the port is secured .The onus is not only on any of us, but all of us. We should all be able to do what we need to do to secure the port. An agent can discover that some of their counterparts are doing things that can undermine the security of the port. They  should let us know so that we will address it right from the beginning before it causes a problem to everyone, " the statement read partly.

MAJAN: New Executives Emerge Six Months after Rays Demise

…. Jerry Aguigbo elected as new President 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Six months after the demise of the pragmatic and charismatic leader of Maritime Journalist Association of Nigeria(MAJAN), Mr. Ray Ugochukwu, the association has dissolved existing cabinet and elected new executive members to over see the affairs of the association.

Jerry Aguigbo emerged new President of the association after successfully passing through rigorous screening and also unopposed in the election conducted at the association’s secretariat on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Other members of the executives are Mr Ranmilowo Ojalumo of factual Nigeria- Vice President;  Udeme Clement- Secretary; Frank Odinukaeze premium News Daily- PRO; Silas Onuoha-Financial Secretary; Love Oyedokun- Treasurer, Okezie Nnadi- Provost

The oath of office was administered on the newly elected by Mr. Ebenezer William of Maritime Connect former reporter with business and Maritime West Africa Magazine.

Speaking shortly after being sworn in , Jerry Aguigbo promised to take the association to the next level and also deploy what he learnt from the former president Mr Ray Ugochukwu who passed on six months ago.

Having gone through tutelage from the former president of MAJAN, MR. Ray Ugochukwu, the newly elected president, Jerry Aguigbo promised to bring to bear  what he learnt from Mr Ray Ugochukwu.

He thanked all those that participated in the election and promised to deliver more and hope for successful completion of the four  years tenure.

Aguigbo further urged members to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties and assured members of the association ‘s support at all times.

CG Adewale Pledges to strengthen Nigeria's reputation globally as he chairs NRMG committee

...set to promote the culture of 'reputation consciousness'

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of a renewed commitment and deliberate effort to strengthening Nigeria's reputation globally, the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has pledged to contribute his quota in addressing critical reputational challenges that have affected Nigeria as a country. 

Adewale made the pledge at the inauguration of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) committee held on Thursday 23 November 2023, in Abuja.

NRMG is an initiative established by the leadership of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Commending the leadership of NIPR for this initiative, Adeniyi said the idea is coming at the time leaders are deliberating on how to revamp the country's image. 

According to him, “For the current leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), which I am a proud Fellow, let me commend you for sustaining this vision and escalating it to this level. I urge you to continue to accord priority attention and seriousness to this Committee to achieve the set goals. The success of this initiative will give a major boost to the relevance of the Institute; hence, no efforts should be spared.” 

He said, “Reputation plays a key role in every aspect of human endeavour and any individual, organization, state or nation that wants to be taken seriously and be on top among peers must make deliberate effort to promote the culture of “reputation consciousness”. 

“Unfortunately, the society, especially, many African nations have not recognized the power of reputation in turning their economies around. Though intangible in nature, reputation if properly understood, effectively planned, efficiently harnessed and well deployed, will position any country for greater value, global relevance and remarkable competitiveness.

“this great idea of NRMG is a product of an Institute whose mandate revolves around reputation building and management. More importantly, the project, which is designed to deliver value to the country will be driven by competent and reputable industry experts. From the Committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR), I see a well conceived initiative with the potentials of advancing the course of our nation.”

He however, bemoaned the poor global perception rate of Nigeria and how it has negatively impacted the nation’s economy but stressed that NMRG initiative will help yield the right results.

Adeniyi later gave his consent to serve as the Chairman, NIPR Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) Committee, saying he is responsive of the enormous value the project will add to Nigeria as a whole.

His words,”May I assure the Institute and our stakeholders across the nation that I will do my best to ensure that the objectives of this important initiative are achieved. 

“May I also use this medium to call on the governments at all levels, organizations, individuals and other stakeholders involved in Nigeria project to give reputation matters priority attention, as every reputational error from individuals, organizations or government distorts development, affects our global outlook and rating, thus retards progress.

“On behalf of my team (members of the Committee), I accept this responsibility to serve as the Chairman, NIPR Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) Committee because I know the enormous value this project will add to our country, Nigeria.

“I also commend the Council of the NIPR under the leadership of the President, Dr. Ike Neliaku for the giant strides recorded within the first three months in office. I am quite impressed and wishing you all the best as you handle the affairs of the Institute,” He concluded.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

ZAINAB JUNAID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Customs Partners Copyright Commission to Combat Piracy

Customs Partners Copyright Commission to tackle Piracy

ZAINAB JUNAID 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why FG Embraces PPP model to revitalize Maritime Sector- Oyetola

ZAINAB JUNAID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

facilitate Trade

ZAINAB JUNAID

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

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

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

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

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

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

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