Sporadic Shooting: Ogun 1 Customs Defends Viral Video,

says action on Defense moves

ZAINAB JUNAID

Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has defended the viral video depicting sporadic shootings by operatives of its Command, saying action was on defense moves.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Supretendent of Customs(SC)Ahmed Bukoye Oloyede, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday December 19, 2023, saying operatives of the Command while evacuating some smuggled goods from two faulty vehicles used as means of conveyance, came under attack by hoodlums who were suspected to have been mobilized by the smugglers of the unwholesome goods and had to retaliate in order to protect but safeguard themselves.

According to the statement, “On Saturday, 16th of December, 2023, along the Lanfewa/Enu gada axis of Ogun State, the operatives of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, operatives of the Command while evacuating some smuggled goods from 2 faulty vehicles used as means of conveyance, came under attack by hoodlums who were suspected to have been mobilized by the smugglers of the unwholesome goods.

“The seriousness of the attack and the threat to officers' lives led to a call for reinforcement. During the melee that ensued at about 0715 hours of that day, our operatives repelled the attack to safeguard their lives. They left the scene with the secured seizure and prevented the hoodlums from further attack till they finally exited the area. The seizure was successfully conveyed to the Government Warehouse at Customs House, Abeokuta, without any casualty.

I would like to state emphatically that the Command under the leadership of the Ag. Customs Area Controller Ahmadu Shuaibu values the lives of its host communities and frowns at the arbitrary use of firearms. However, in situations with a severe threat to life, the rules of engagement must be evoked for self-protection.

“The Command regrets the compelling and unfortunate situation that might have put the residents of the said axis and the general public in fear. While carrying out our lawful duty, we shall not renege in our effort to ensure the safety of the good people of Ogun State. Our operatives shall continue to operate within the ambit of the law and in conformity with the rules of engagement.

“It is pertinent to inform you that the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 frowns at obstruction, molestation, or assaults of officers on lawful duty, with the infliction of punishment on offenders such as conviction to a fine of five million Naira, and imprisonment for 5 years or both. Also, Section 226 of the NCSA empowers Customs operatives to carry out patrols freely, which applies to our anti-smuggling operations in Ogun State,” the statement partly read.

 

Customs, Stakeholders Strategize on enhancing service delivery,

 Clearance Processes in Ports across the Country 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Comptroller-General of Customs,  Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, held a roundtable interactive session with maritime and excise stakeholders to devise a lasting solution to issues facing clearance processes in ports across the Country.

The meeting, which was part of activities in the just concluded CGC's Conference, 2023 was held last Friday.

It was attended by senior serving and retired Customs Officers, Terminal Operators, Freight Forwarders, Licensed Customs Agents, and Representatives of Excise Stakeholders, among others, to create a platform for interaction and identify the way forward to better Customs operations.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi clarified that concerns such as multiple alerts, frequent downtime of CPC, numerous checkpoints, and difficulty accessing ports, among others, have been established in previous meetings as the next phase is to set time-bound solutions.

In his words, “Issues have been openly discussed. The main ones facing cargo clearance will be addressed by collaborating with key stakeholders on building a framework for the way forward to these outlined hurdles."

"There will be a commitment to the creation and implementation of new policies that are in line with decisions that are taken today, and these approaches will be timebound to ensure we achieve the wanted objective soon," he said.

A panel was set up encompassing representatives of stakeholders and the Nigeria Customs Service to address the concerns hindering effective port operations and achieve cumulative recommendations, which will be carried out by 1st quarter of 2024.

Comptroller Dera Nnadi, who was part of the panelists, encouraged port users and stakeholders to optimize weekend operations; he also encouraged the use of barge without making it a commercial process.

Stakeholders appreciated the CGC for bringing back the Services' Annual Conference while expressing readiness to always work with Customs.

The President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Tochukwu Ezeisi, said, for the first time in years, freight forwarders are happy because "our issues are being discussed and decisions are taken immediately.”

“CGC Adewale has shown seriousness in achieving his three-point agenda by bringing back this Conference, which is an avenue to listen to stakeholders, and we are ready to always work with the Service.” He added.

Alhaji Kazeem Isa Adua, the Deputy President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), stated, "The CGC has done well in organizing this Conference and with the positive body language seen today. We should expect smooth and optimized clearance process soon”.

Ejiro & Kevwe win AMJON 'Young Entertainers Award'

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of the vision to encouraging and promoting young talents, Ejiro and kevwe Sese Atina have been awarded the prestigious 'Young Entertainers Award' at the just concluded Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) 2023 annual Conference and Awards.

The award is coming barely a month the duo performed at the Indian festival called Diwali aboard a Motor Tanker vessel in Lagos.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the duo commended organisers of the event saying they are people with eyes for young talents.

According to Kevwe, the nature of their music attracts mostly the elites as the jazz music is for the matured minds.

Kevwe further enjoined stakeholders from the maritime industry to continue supporting them either by advice or musical exposure.

"I Thank God for making this award to happen. I also want to thank my jazz fans for the support.

"I want to thank the two unions that made us to explore the maritime industry in the area of entertainment which I believe paved the way for this award.

"I want to also thank my father and mother for their immense support towards ensuring that we prosper in the musical journey," he said.

On his part, Ejiro thanked organizers of the award for honouring them adding that the appreciation will not be complete without commending their parents.

The event which was held on Thursday, December 14, 2023 in Lagos also honoured eleven other distinguished personalities and marine company for their immense contributions to nation building.

The AMJON event had three paper presentations from government agencies from the maritime industry, even as stakeholders commended organisers of the event for honouring recipients cut across diverse industries.

Nigeria Customs Service Pledges to Integrate Streamline Operations

  to Meet International Standard 

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to integrate and streamline it's operations to international standards, the Nigeria Customs Service has pledged to deploy meticulous data management to improve security, trade and positively engaged it's stakeholders.

The Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Comptroller-General of Customs (CGG's) Conference on Thursday, 14 December, 2023, adding that the Service constantly strives for performance in all its engagements. 

He said, "Our commitment to using meticulous data management to improve security and trade and positively engage with its stakeholders is actively on and running." 

In his keynote address, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, ably represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, stressed the importance of data. 

He said, "Every part of the world is a dependency on data and every day, we are reminded of the expanding volume of data upon which our decisions must be rooted. Data is the light".

President Tinubu assured that the Country is on the right track to establish a robust public service system that upholds data integrity. 

"I assure you that the President remains resolute in his belief that Nigeria is unequivocally on track, not only to accumulate terabytes of factual service but also to establish a robust public service system that upholds data integrity at its core". 

"Our ambition extends beyond accumulation. It extends to transformation; We aspire to position Nigeria as the prepared destination for all stakeholders involved in export and import activities overseen by the Nigeria Customs Service," he poised 

On his part, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured of the State Government's commitment to continue to provide a conducive environment for the Service to thrive.

At a panel discussion, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, underscored the NCS' Public Relations approach to data analytics for effective reputation management. 

He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to an innovative and data-driven Public Relations approach, which "marks a paradigm shift in the realm of reputation management."

"By connecting the dots between communication strategies and the pulse of public sentiment, NCS exemplifies the foresight required to navigate the intricate dance between perception and reality." He stated. 

The event had in attendance the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu GCFR, represented by the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Manneseh Jatau a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, as well as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, Representatives of Government Agencies, Captains of Industry, among others. 

A gala night was later organised to wrap up the activities in line with the CGC's commitment to ensure a work-life balance. 

The event featured a beauty walk by senior female Officers as well as comedy and musical performances.

CGC 2023 Conference: Oba Adeyeye advocates special economic zone for Lagos State

....as CG Adeniyi reveals that 70 percent of Customs monthly revenue is generated from Lagos

...Deputy Gov. Jatau urges retired Officers to support CG for the success of the Service

ZAINAB JUNAID

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi(Ojaja11), has advocated a special economic status for Lagos State given its contribution to the nation’s economy through revenue generation and development impact.

Oba Adeyeye made this call on Thursday December 14, 2023, during the Comptroller General of Customs Annual Conference at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, stressing that if 70 percent revenue generated by Nigeria Customs comes from Lagos State, then the Service should impact positively back to the state.

He emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to make Lagos State a better place and also praised the commitment of the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for adding value to President Tinubu administration eight point agenda.

His words “Thank God for new CG’s life for all the transformative agenda, innovation and forward looking leadership role he has been playing in Customs Service since he assumed office. How he motivated the entire Officers of Customs and how he infuses great ideas into what he is doing. The results speak for itself and the throne of Oduduwa will bless him more. COWA members are also appreciated for supporting their spouses in achieving their set targets.

“On behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu who has spoken with me spiritually, I will like to emphasize that why can’t you make Lagos a special economic zone? If 70 percent of the revenue generated by Customs comes from Lagos, then make sure in everything you do, look at how you will give back into where you are getting from. Please continue to champion it at the Federal level on how to make Lagos State a special economic zone, special economic territory for the lives of Lagosians to be better. Let’s work towards making Lagos a better place,” he advised.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, earlier in his speech had revealed that 70 percent of the Service monthly revenue is generated from Lagos State. 

While speaking on the theme 'Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs Operations', he said Lagos accommodates 40 percent of Customs Commands in the Country and in turn generated 70 percent of its monthly revenue.

To him, "Lagos accommodates 40 percent of our commands, thus contributing to over 70 percent of our monthly revenue. It is not just a location on the map, it is a linchpin for Nigeria Customs Service; depicting the integral role in the economic narrative of our great nation. 

"And as we navigate through the agenda of today, we hope that the synergy of Lagos and Customs inspire us to enhance operations and contribute significantly to the economic property of Nigeria," Adeniyi had disclosed.

Also speaking at the conference, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, explained that CGC Conference is always an avenue for appraisal based on the Service's contribution to the society.

"Nigeria Customs is assessed based on what the society feels and CGC Conference is expected to be an open place where the Customs will get it's feedback mechanism. No organisation survives without feedback. It is this response that let you know your status in front of your clients," he said.

Deputy Governor Jatau who is also a retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, urged his fellow retired colleagues not to abandon the Service but to continue rendering support to the new Comptroller General of Customs.

To him, "The retired Officers have worked for the Service for 35 years, you are product of Nigeria Customs Service.  Always keep in touch. For the serving Officers, let me assure you that having seen your Comptroller General, a resilience, adaptive leader, which is the characteristic of an organization, just as COWA is helping them, kindly render all the services you can to make the service move forward. Do all you can to make sure customs succeed," he advised.

 

 

AMJON 2023: Stakeholders task FG on critical measures to sustain viable transborder trade for national economic growth

AMJON 2023: Stakeholders task FG on  critical measures to sustain viable transborder trade for national economic growth

ZAINAB JUNAID

Stakeholders have kicked against the woes of Nigeria's mono cultural economy and called for urgent Panacea by the Federal Government to steer the country away from its critical state.

Speaking at the 5^th edition of Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria(AMJON) Annual Conference and Awards held at Rockview Hotel, Lagos, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, they maintained that the huge infrastructural deficit causing set back should be urgently addressed.

President of the Association, Paul Ogbuokiri expressed concern over the poor state of the Country’s mono-cultural economy which needs urgent attention of the Federal Government to steer the country away from its crisis state.

In his welcome address, he emphasized that Nigeria’s Balance of Trade year in year out has always been unfavorable, saying "our crude oil has become encumbered as a large portion goes into payment of debts and we are left with little or no foreign exchange to finance our imports."

“When economists listed the dangers of a mono economy, it sounded like a song meant mainly for entertainment; even with the occasional fall of the price of crude oil in the international market which usually shocks our economy whenever it happens. But we normally forget once the price goes up again and things normalize. As such, beyond sloganeering, we have never seemed to bother ourselves with the fact that our Balance of Trade year in year out has been unfavorable to us.

“Now the shock has become permanent because our crude oil has become encumbered, a large portion of it now goes into payment of debts acquired and squandered by politicians, while the other portion is being stolen by powerful people; we are therefore left with little or no foreign exchange to finance our necessary and unnecessary imports.

Amjon President added that though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR hit the ground running with different strategies and appointments in order to rectify the woes of the economy since he assumed office, there is still need to re-strategize more on full local production for our consumption as done in the 70s and 80s.

“As we strongly believe that trade in non-oil exports holds the key to Nigeria’s economic survival, particularly with regard to intra-African trade. With platforms like Economic Community of West Africa States-ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the recent deal between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin Republic. We believe that discussions should center on trans-border trade between our country and its neighbours with the view to identifying any encumbrance that could hamper trade now or in the future. When we focus more on our local produce for consumption, we can sell the excess to other countries for our forex needs,” he said.

Also speaking on 'The Role of Customs Brokers in Sustaining a Viable Trans Border Trade for National Economic Growth',  Barrister Ikechukwu Ukadike, a Maritime Lawyer ably representing Mr Iju Anthony, a Maritime Consultant and Pioneer Chairman, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), suggested that the Federal Government should consider giving a percentage of the Customs Revenue to customs brokers inorder to enhance their productivity.

Nwabunike emphasized that the method will bring a win-win situation for government and the brokers as more revenue would be collected.

“It will also reduce the stress of deploying risk management tools like post clearance audits, alerts and Demand Notices (DN) to prevent revenue loss," he said.

He made the suggestion against the backdrop of the comment made by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on proposed six trillion revenue target for 2024.

"For 2024, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service recently said the service aims to collect six trillion naira for government.

"Out of this projected  collection, 4trillion naira will likely be made through customs brokers".

"Giving them a percentage will solidify their stake and  would enhance their productivity as their benefits would be dependent on what they made for the government" he concluded.

However, the event was also graced with award presentation ceremony to most outstanding stakeholders in the industry, among whom are -HRH Eze, Dr. Oliver Chinedu Ohanweh, who was presented with the 2023 Excellent Leadership Award; Comrade Akinola Oladele Bodunde; Jibril Dardau, GM NIWA Corporate Affairs; Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA); Ubong Essien, Dean, School of Eloquence; Barrister Olabisi Adetola;

 

 

 

African Women's Basketball: Nigeria Customs Defeats University de Douglas 57-46

...Dominates AWBL Zone III Qualifiers with Convincing Victories

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigeria Customs Service basketball club demonstrated their prowess, securing a commendable 57-46 victory over Universite de Douala in a thrilling African Women's Basketball League 2023 Zone III Qualification match held in Alexandria, Egypt.

Under the guidance of Coach Abdulrahman Mohamed, the Nigeria team seized control early, clinching the first and second quarters (12-11, 20-8) to establish a commanding 13-point lead at halftime.

Team Captain and 2023 Afrobasket winner, D’Tigress player delivered a stellar performance, recording a double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds, along with 4 assists, 4 steals, and three blocks, finishing with an impressive efficiency rating of 32. Olaoluwatomi Taiwo contributed 14 points and 4 rebounds.

Customs showcased their dominance on the boards, outrebounding their opponents 62-42 and displaying superior teamwork with a 19-7 advantage in assists.

Next up, Nigeria Customs will face off against Kenya Port Authority on Wednesday in a highly anticipated showdown.

In a separate development at the MO Arena, Abuja, the Nigeria Customs Women's Basketball Club triumphed over the MFM Basketball Club of Lagos in a closely contested match, securing victory with a final score of 55-49.

Captain Nkem Akarawe's outstanding performance, including a back-to-back double of 16 rebounds and 15 points, was pivotal in their success. Despite a resilient effort from MFM in the first quarter, Nigeria Customs maintained their composure to emerge victorious.

Speaking after the match, Captain Nkem Akarawe commended CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR for supporting the club, acknowledging the challenges faced, and expressing gratitude for his unwavering support.