MAJAN Commends COWA on Laudable achievements in 2023

...says COWA will become a cynosure in 2024

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has said that Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) will certainly become a cynosure in the maritime industry in 2024.

The reason being that, as year 2023 over with many memorable occasions, one group in the maritime industry that comes to mind on impactful leadership is COWA

The Association resuscitated just four months ago, after over seven years of inactivity, made tremendous impacts on poverty alleviation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), visits to orphanages, giving succour to widows, who are the most vulnerable in the society and a promise to invest in education sector.

MAJAN as an Association observed that the programmes of COWA, especially in poverty alleviation and its plans to invest in education aligned perfectly with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in trying to rejuvenate the nation’s economy to improve the living condition of Nigerians.

Within a very short period, the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi and her team moved valiantly, bringing back the pride of COWA and making its presence visible in various Customs Commands across Nigeria. Their unwavering commitment in humanitarian work was pragmatically demonstrated at various places they visited.

MAJAN captured the giant strides by COWA, its outstanding moments and unforgettable achievements in 2023, in details as follows.

In September 2023, COWA began raising financial support for late Customs officers’ families. The association, led by its cheerful, amiable and pretty looking National President, visited Ogun 1 Customs Command at Idiroko. That visit attracted encomiums and commendations by all in attendance, as COWA gave out souvenirs, which included food items to eleven (11) wives of Customs officers, who lost their husbands in active service.

Speaking on that well organised occasion, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi said”I am appealing for financial support for these programmes from our husbands and heads of households. We assure them of prudence and accountability in managing the resources”.

The visit was a laudable initiative, as beneficiaries of COWA’s smiled home with their gifts.

On September 15, 2023, COWA led by Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi and the then Chairman, Seme chapter, Mrs Chinaelo Dera Nnadi also showcased another landmark event by COWA, with the handing over of the refurbished Seme Customs hospital, the installation of 15 Solar powered street light, the refurbishment of the Seme Customs Sentry post and the planting of Coconut trees around the barracks. The indefatigable COWA leadership did not stop there, they embarked on a medical outreach to Zango Communities and other villages at Seme in furtherance of their CSR.

In November 2023; COWA, Onne Area 11 Command commissioned Secretariat, Canteen and unisex Salon. Those were not all. The association also donated food items to widows at the Command, a gesture applauded by officers and maritime stakeholders at the Command.

That giant stride was part of COWA’s efforts to improve the welfare of officers’ Wives at Port Harcourt Area 11 Customs Command, Onne Rivers State.

Speaking at that special occasion, Mrs Adeniyi, stressed that COWA will continue to embark on projects, which will impact positively on humanity, in order to assist the less privileged in the society.

Stakeholders, who commended COWA included the Managing Director and Chairman, Odest Bonded Terminal, Mr. Chidera Oganuzor. His words: “COWA is certainly a good development to give officers’ wives a sense of belonging and help them.

He also commended COWA for the donations and gifts presented to the beneficiaries.

Speaking further, Mrs Adeniyi disclosed plans to empower about 1,200 Customs officers’ Wives with skills acquisition, for them to be financially stable by 2024.

Her words: “The Association is working on starting COWA Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools to enable us provide qualitative and affordable education for our children. This will reduce the financial burden on Customs officers, who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children in private schools.

“Our focus in this regard is to provide educational support and scholarships to children through payment of school fees, as well as vocational empowerment of the bereaved Wives to make them self-reliant.

On December 9, 2023, Mrs Adeniyi again championed a groundbreaking initiative with mental health awareness. The programme, which was really impressive titled; ‘Healthy Wife, Wealthy Life’ featuring physical fitness, road walk, mental health talk, medical checkup and networking opportunities.

Commending the impressive turnout, Mrs. Adeniyi informed that COWA would organise quarterly medical checkups for blood pressure and sugar tests

Speaking further, She described COWA members as domestic engineers, advising them to be purposeful, not only in maintaining the families but also in managing family, businesses and extended domestic affairs, giving their spouses needed support to excel in their statutory responsibilities.

Another outstanding feat recorded by COWA was at the just concluded Comptroller General of Customs Conference. The elegant looking President of COWA and her team graced the Customs conference held at the Continental Hotel Lagos.

The presence of COWA President became a cynosure recognised and highly honoured by the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The words of Ooni of Ife; “I am highly impressed by the presence of Mrs Adeniyi and his members. You are indeed a pillar of great support to your husband.

“Your husband is performing very well as the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service within a very short time because of your support”.

COWA also extended the association’s Corporate Social Responsibility to different Orphanages in Lagos where its visited. These included SOS and Heart of Gold Orphanages

Mrs Adeniyi, who went with her team distributed relief materials to the children, giving them a sense of belonging and showing love.

Customs Zone B Seizes goods worth N4Bn DPV in 2023,

...an 100% increase of seizures made in 2022

...Hands over four suspects arrested in connection with 71 seizures to DSS Kaduna in December

ZAINAB JUNAID

Federal Operations Unit(FOU) Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized hard drugs and other assorted goods at various intervals, worth about Four Billion Naira (N4 billion) in Duty Paid Value(DPV) from 1st January to 31st December, 2023, depicting 100% increase in seizures made in 2022, that is, #2,345,155,577.38.

Comptroller DALHA WADA CHEDI, Comptroller of the Unit, disclosed this at a breifing held on Thursday January 4, 2024 at the units headquarters, Kaduna, to showcase seizures made in the last month of 2023.

Comptroller Dahla said this feat is an indication that the operatives of the Unit have up-the-ante in the fight against smuggling in the Zone.

The Unit also handed over four suspects arrested in connection with 71 items seized to the State Director, Department of State Security (DSS) Kaduna State Command on Wednesday 27 December 2023 for further investigation and possible prosecution in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration and having obtained necessary approval from the Comptroller-General of Customs.

According to the Comptroller, the total of Seventy-One (71) seizures of 12 different items were intercepted at various locations in the Zone, which are of grave implications to the health and safety of Nigerians.

“I must also say that the extent of seizures we were able to make during the period is a fulfillment of our pledge that the Unit will ensure full compliance with the FGN directives on closure of all land borders with Niger republic. 

“Remarkably among the 71 seized items was the arrest made on the 15th December, 2023 at about 1400hrs, the operatives of the Unit arrested a container truck based on credible intelligence along Lokoja-Abuja expressway suspected to be conveying prohibited items. After a 100% physical examination, Thirty-Seven Bales and Four (4) Rolls of Nigeria Police Camouflage Uniforms alongside other different items were discovered in the truck. Four (4) suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.

“Considering the nature of the items and its possibility of being utilized for nefarious activities by unscrupulous elements, the seized police camouflage uniforms, 4 suspects together with the means of conveyance were all handed over to the State Director, Department of State Security (DSS) Kaduna State Command on Wednesday 27 December 2023 for further investigation and possible prosecution in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration and having obtained necessary approval from the Comptroller-General of Customs.

“It is also pertinent to let you know that the seizures were made in different parts of the Zone with the Duty Paid Value of Four hundred and Six Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Four Thousand, Ninety-One Naira, Thirty-Four Kobo (₦406,924,091.34) only.

“The breakdown showed that, due to the positive use of credible intelligence by the FOU, Zone B operatives, Eight (8) used vehicles as well as Two (2) Means of Conveyance were impounded during the period," he explained.

Comptroller Wada Chedi further revealed that constant patrol of the Unit operatives, resulted to the seizures of 195 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), which would have made their ways into the markets, and consumed by the people, despite the hazards, some of such imported grains posed to health. 

"Various strategies deployed by the operatives also led to interception and seizure of 877 Jerry-cans (25 litres each) of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS)," he said.

However, in line with the extant laws and guidelines as directed by the Customs Headquarters, the PMS that were seized have been auctioned and the proceeds remitted to the coffers of the Federal Government.

Other seizures made during the period include; 240 bales of  Foreign Second Hand  Clothing, 10 Jerry-cans of Foreign  Refined Vegetable  Oil (25 litres each), 415 Cartons of Foreign Spaghetti, Macaroni and Couscous, 349 Cartons of  Foreign New Shoes (Unisex), 500mg of 3,400 Sachets of Foreign  Amoxicillin and 35 Cartons of Foreign Flame Lighters.

"It is instructive to note that the recognition of the renewed effort of the operatives of the Unit led to the Customs Headquarters, giving the Unit a Letter of Commendation earlier in 2023. This development, I must say has contributed to the boosting of the morale of the Officers and Men of the Unit," the Comptroller explained.

 

At this juncture, let me on behalf of all the Officers and Men of the Unit; reiterate my commitment at enforcing the Federal Government Fiscal policies in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as our operatives are battle-ready to carry out our mandate effectively. I also need to assure the citizenry through you, members of the Media, that the operatives of the Unit in this New Year are poised like never before, to foil all attempts by smugglers at importing any prohibited goods into its area of jurisdiction as well as recover all underpaid duties into the government’s coffers.

 

Customs CG Decorates 2 ACGs, Comptrollers, Others

In a momentous event held on Thursday, 4 January 2024, at the Customs Corporate Headquarters Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, decorated newly appointed Assistant Comptrollers-General (ACGs), Comptrollers, and other senior officers.

The ceremony took place shortly after the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the appointment of ACG Florence Nano Ogar-Modey, ACG Queen Ogbudu and the promotion of 2,209 senior officers, 

The occasion, attended by the NCS Management Team and family members of the celebrants, marked a historic moment in the service.

Addressing the newly decorated officers, the CGC emphasized that the 2023 promotion exercise was based on outstanding performance and merit.

He charged all officers and personnel to redouble their efforts, assuring them that dedication and commitment to duty would not go unnoticed and unrewarded.

“While some of you received regular promotions today, there are others who earned special promotions due to their exceptional performance and commitment to promoting the Service,” stated the CGC.

He assured that such dedicated officers would be duly recognized and rewarded by the Management Team.

The CGC's call on the celebrants aligns with his ongoing efforts to achieve his 3-point agenda: Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, all in support of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Manthra.

Among those newly promoted to the rank of Comptroller are TM Daniyan, F Fajana, N Isyaku, MV Umana, AC Nwobi, F Abdulquadir, HK Ejibunu, FM Ojiofor, IN Aliyu, MD Malah, EO Oshoba, JK Oladeji, E Luka, AP Daruaku, FM Ojeifor, IN Nwokorie, EJ Harrison, and others.

Recall that the breakdown of promotions includes:

- Inspector of Customs (IC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) - 348

- ASC II to ASC I - 321

- ASC I to Deputy Superintendent of Customs II (DSC) - 355

- DSC to Superintendent of Customs (SC) - 207

- SC to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) - 500

- CSC to Assistant Comptroller (AC) - 333

- AC to Deputy Comptroller (DC) - 78

- DC to Customs Comptroller (CC) - 67

In his congratulatory message, the CGC urged the newly appointed and promoted officers to redouble their efforts in executing critical roles, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Queen Obudu, expressed deep appreciation in her vote of thanks, reassuring unwavering belief that the capabilities of the officers meet up to expectations.

MWUN threatens to shutdown Seaports Operations nationwide January 9,

over non compliance of stevedoring extant laws by IOCs, Stevedoring Contractors

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, has threatened to shut down operations in all the nations seaports, jetties, and oil & gas platforms on Tuesday, January 9,2023, over continuous refusal of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Stevedoring Contractors to comply with the Stevedoring extant laws. 

Several attempts to call them to order yielded no positive results as written letters, press releases, ultimatums, marine notices; given by NIMASA and several ministerial orders to this effect were serially ignored by the management of NPA, the most recent was dated June 13, 2023 with ref.no. MWUN/MD/NPA/SC/U/1.23.

According to the Union's Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, there is need for total compliance of IOC's  to the stevedoring regulations in line with the communiques signed by all the relevant stakeholders in the sector

He explained that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as master stevedore and industry regulator is wholly saddled with the responsibility of granting operational licences to stevedoring companies to provide stevedoring services for designated IOCs in Nigeria. 

To him, "The NPA also have the enduring duty to use its oversight and regulatory authority to ensure respect for law and regulations in the dealings of the International Oil Companies (IOCs), who make use of the services of the stevedoring companies; and by extension, Members of Maritime Workers Union as Workers in  (IOCs) employ. 

However, he continued, "it's saddening that the NPA have abdicated its sole responsibility by allowing the IOCs to run an unimaginable riot without control in the sector.

"As a responsible social partner and a Union which operates strictly in line with extant regulations, MWUN have since 2018 severally brought to the NPA's attention the refusal of the IOCs to honour the provisions of the extant  stevedoring regulations and the continued violation of the remittance of Union Cheque-off dues in line with the extant stevedoring regulations.  

"As a bridge of the extant stevedoring laws stated, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, will on the 9th Tuesday, 2024 shut down the seaports nationwide after the expiration of the three (3)  work days already given to NPA commencing from the 4th of January, 2024," he said.

MAJAN faults FG on N8.2trn for debt Servicing in 2024

...says debt Servicing killing Nigeria's economy.

...says Blue Economy solution to debt overhang.

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Maritime Journalists Association (MAJAN) has expressed displeasure on the huge amount of money budgeted for debt servicing in 2024 budget, saying debt servicing is killing the nation’s economy

President Bola Tinubu had earlier  presented the sum of N27.5 trillion to the national assembly as the 2024 budget, with N8.2 trillion budgeted for debt servicing.

The president on Monday January 1, 2024 signed the budget into law after it was passed by the national assembly. It statement on Tuesday January 2, 2024, MAJAN commended President Tinubu for signing the 2024 budget benchmark of N28.7 trillion into law.

The Association also applauded the two arms of the National Assembly for immediate passage of the 2024 appropriation bill, though it was increased from N27.5 trillion initially proposed by President Tinubu to N28.7 trillion that was eventually signed into law.

The association viewed the amount stated in the budget that the nation is spending on debt servicing as outrageous, lamenting that debt servicing is killing the nation’s economy. MAJAN therefore called on President Tinubu to focus more on harnessing the potentials abound in blue economy, in order to generate more internal revenue and curtail excessive borrowings.

MAJAN as an Association, made these comments after analysing the key estimates of the budget as a group.

The Association believes strongly that  the Federal Government can cut down on foreign loans if it looks inward, invests more in blue economy to stimulate income flow for the country, now and in the long-run.

“A whopping sum of N8.2trn allocated for debt servicing alone is enough to build infrastructure across the country.  This is the time for President Tinubu to focus on blue economy for economic sustainability. We can’t go on borrowing and spending so much to service the debt”, MAJAN advised.

The Association stressed that the President has taken a bold step in creating a ministry of blue economy; but more pragmatic measures should be taken to walk the talk and achieve results within the shortest possible time.

In the budget analysis, the sum of N10 trillion is approved for capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure takes N8.8 trillion; debt services takes a huge sum of N8.2 trillion, while  N1.7 trillion goes into statutory transfers.

Increase in the budget amount reflected extra N1.2 trillion from what was proposed previously.

Also, the President harped on more funding for the Judiciary to promote justice in the system. As such, the statutory transfer for the Judiciary was increased from N165billion to N342, to enhance efficiency at all times.

The association said “beyond all these, it is also the considered view of MAJAN that the issue of unemployment should take the front burner. We believe that by creating jobs and providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, would also help in curtailing foreign borrowings and help build a robust economy.

“Government should do more on strengthening infrastructures. Attention should be given to provision of regular power supply, which has caused most companies in Nigeria to either lock shop or relocate to other countries where there is steady power supply. The cost of doing business is Nigeria has greatly increased thus, resulting in so many companies relocating and some downsizing their workforce, and this further puts a strain on the already terrible job market.

“The road network in the country should be tackled. The cost of transporting goods and services from one location to another is very exorbitant. All these are contributory factors to inflation and high cost of commodities in the country.

“Therefore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should in the spirit of renewed hope agenda, ensure that the 2024 budget takes cognizance of the aforementioned issues by making sure that the implementation of the budget is done with utmost sincerity and integrity. This, in our view, is the right path to renewed hope”.

Nigeria Customs to relaunch NCBN

 as CSC Maiwada Visits  Station for Revitalization Plans 

ZAINAB JUNAID

As plans unfold for the revitalization of Nigeria Customs Service Broadcasting Network, NCBN, the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the broadcasting network did not only signal a promising future for enhanced communication and information dissemination on matters crucial to the nation's economy, but will help promote business opportunities, increase security awareness in Nigeria and will also create more job opportunities for Nigerians.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024 officially visited the station to discuss plans for the revitalization of the media outfit under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

CSC Maiwada who doubles as Director  NCBN and also pioneer Liaison Officer for the station in the early stages of its establishment in 2020 was warmly welcomed by the Managing Director of NCBN, Jamilu Yusuf, at the network's Head Office in Guzape, Abuja.

Maiwada confirmed that the Service has made comprehensive arrangements to revive NCBN to its full potential.

While expressing optimism about the prospects of the re-establishment of the media outfit, he stressed the importance of having a standard broadcast station that specializes in reporting on commerce, trade, and national economic issues.

“We are back, and this time around, we are going to get it right, and we'll make sure that the station will succeed, contributing to a broader reach in specialized broadcasting.” declared CSC Maiwada.

He also emphasized the commitment of the Service to strengthen its relationship with Nigerians, noting that the objective is to disseminate accurate information about the Service. 

He said there is a connection between these efforts and CGC Bashir Adeniyi's initiatives to facilitate trade, suppress smuggling, and generate more revenue for infrastructural development within the nation.

Responding to this development, Managing Director Jamilu Yusuf expressed gratitude for the visit, describing it as timely and long-awaited. 

He emphasized the significance of the visit in assessing the preparedness of NCBN for its relaunch. Mr. Yusuf reiterated the network's commitment to providing quality broadcasting that aligns with national economic interests.

The Managing Director also expressed his pleasure in taking the PRO and his team on a sight tour to all the offices in the station. 

This tour provided valuable insights on the current state of the facilities and gave room for discussions on areas that require attention as part of the network's re-establishment process.

Olikutunyi extols CG Adewale for reviving CG annual Conference

…Urges him to continue training and retraining new and inherited Customs Officers 

“We have the law no doubt about that, but human resource is another major problem we currently faced.”

ZAINAB JUNAID

Prince Aderemi Olikutunyi, Chief Executive Officer, Adlad Group, has commended Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for successfully reviving CG annual Conference in December 2023.

The annual Conference which before 2023, was last held 2012 in Katsina under the then Comptroller General Dikko Inde Abdullahi has always contributed greatly to the Service as it is an avenue for appraisal based on Nigeria Customs Service’s contribution to the society.

Just as the Service is being assessed based on what the society feels at the annual conference anytime it’s being held, the CG annual Conference is expected to be an open place where Customs will use as it's feedback mechanism.

In a chat with our reporter, Prince Olikutunyi extolled the CGC for hitting the ground running immediately he assumed duty as the Comptroller General of Customs mid 2023; for deploying officers to the right Posts and for promoting Senior Officers that are due, late last year.

He however bemoaned lackadaisical attitude of some Customs Officers assigned to man freight forwarders issues as it has not been encouraging, thus called for training and retraining of new and inherited Officers by the CGC.

According to him, “We have the law no doubt about that, but human resources is another problem. The Maritime sector generally suffers lots of setbacks which is because government made it so, but coming down to your question, the CG annual Conference 2023 was a success and I appreciate Comptroller General Adeniyi for the recent promotion given to some Senior Officers but he needs to engage both the new and inherited Officers more, especially in area of training and retraining them. It will be too early to assess him using other parameters but my area of concern is for him to engage the Officers in trainings needed to move the Service forward and to achieve mutual collaboration between them and freight forwarders."