Nigeria Customs to Revive Customs Consultation Forum

 ... to Launch Full Scale Authorised Economic Operator Programme

 ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to fill the vacuum created in the operations of the already established Fast Track 2.0 system which was launched by the Nigeria Customs Service six months ago, the service is set to launch a full scale authorised economic operator programme which will built on the foundation already established by the Fast Track system.

The Ag. CGC of the service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said this while engaging stakeholders, Customs Officials and Journalists at Oyo Area Command of the Service on Monday stating that the efficiencies and missing gaps created in the operations of the Fast Track system have been studied, reviews and corrections have been made on it and the Service is set to launch the AEO.

CGC Adewale disclosed that steering committee that will midwive the beginning of the AEO has been setup, working groups that will be saddled with the responsibilities of the day to day running of the AEO will also be constituted soon.

According to him, "The Service has been assured of cooperation and support from the World Customs Organisation and international partners who are interested in facilitating trade in Nigeria. Electronic transmission of Customs Document has been backed by law. Manifest declaration, payments among other customs activities are now backed by the law."

He assured the stakeholders present at Oyo/Osun command that seperate mechanism has been created under new customs law which will act as a machinery for resolution of dispute.

In his words, "The new customs acts open up new initiatives that customs can drive to champion the course of trade facilitations. Under the new law, new mechanism has been opened for resolution of dispute of classifications, evaluation on HS issues that are related with customs procedures."

He enjoined the stakeholders to continue to cooperate with customs as this will make regulation of international trade to change for better in the days ahead.

The stakeholders(manufacturers)who were represented by Adegoke Joseph, Plant Manager, Nigeria Bottling Company; Isaac Isreal of SevenUp Bottling Company; Danjuma Donny Kelly of Nigerian Breweries and Edward Omojumi of BAT respectively, on their parts, commended the Ag CGC for his commitment towards achieving and enhancing Trade Facilitation in the country and promised a continuous collaboration with Nigerian Customs Service to collectively achieve this goal.

They expressed satisfaction with the existing collaboration and cooperation between them and the service especially in the payment and collection of the indirect tax levied on the production and consumption of their goods but also use the opportunity to relay the challenges they faced in the course of discharging their activities.

Omojuwon Edward of BAT stressed that Excise policy and the issue of illicit trade have been a major factor affecting the revenue of manufacturers in Nigeria and called on the Service to continue to deploy policy that will alleviate illicit trading which will inturn improve production activities of the manufacturers and revenue for both NCS and manufacturers respectively.

The CGC in his response to the afore shortcomings, reiterated that regular consultation and collaboration with manufacturers will be his cardinal objective in discharging his mandate and to also ensure stakeholders problems are being resolved amicably without delays.

To him, "We are committed to strengthening partnership with stakeholders as Excise traders are expected to be National heroes of our country. We are aware of the challenges and the circumstances at which they produce their products and still pay their excise duty despite difficulty faced. Partnership with them should be cherished. We must periodically open doors for consultations with them, get to understand their problems, which should be paramount to us. The totality at which they increase the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) inspired me to be more committed in strengthening partnership with them. We will continue to work with you as we make progress in our development and modernization in our achievements and make you part of our records. If your company folds up, its going to have adverse effect on excise duties and unemployment will hike in the society but if you succeed and have turnover in millions through multiplier effect, we will see your positive impact in area of employment and excise payment. So we will continue to partner with you to enhance your productivity and also improve trade in the economy."

However, in a related development, CGC Adewale noted that the Service's record of National Council Trade facilitation would be the anchor for advancing number of initiatives related to trade facilitation in the country as Customs Service is set to host the committee that is domiciled in the ministry of Industry Trade and Investment.

"We want to give the committee a new life. I have had engagement with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, NACCIMA. We are going to host the next meeting with the committee and we are planning to host a retreat of all members of the committee along with customs. This is to know vital things that can be deployed to facilitate trade better than its being done before.

"Seconodly we want to resuscitate customs consultation committee, a platform where stakeholders, private sectors and customs will come together to discuss ailing issues. This used to exists 15-20 years ago. Where i was part of those who initiated it back then but successive heads of customs have not paid desired attention to the existence and the workings of this committees. We have met and planned to resuscitate this forum, so that we can periodically interact to find solutions to pending issues," he maintained.

Bauchi: Zone D Customs intercepts Contrabands Worth N1.1BN

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Federal Operations Unit, (FOU), Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS,) Bauchi said it impounded contraband goods worth N1.1 billion between January to August 2023.

Acting Controller of the Zone Mr. Joseph Adelaja disclosed this on Wednesday adding that the unit is saddled with the responsibility of enforcing customs laws, implementing Government Fiscal policies and suppression of smuggling within the Zone.

Adelaja explained that for the period under review, the unit has made a total of 88 seizures.

“With cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all the seized items stands at One Billion, One Hundred and Seventy Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Thirty Three Naira Only (N1,178,821,033).

"The unit has intercepted contrabands that include 9-sacks of Pangolin Scales and Claws weighing 396.4kg.

"Two Live birds (African Crowned Crane, one live Antelope Gazelle. One piece of Lion bone and a plastic container of lion fat.

"Others are 88 cartons of insecticides. 342 Packs of foreign candy,190 cartons of flavored powdered drinks,23- sacks of used shoes, 1800-Bags of sugar 50 kg each,343- bags of fertilizer, UREA/NPK.

"The Contrabands include 328 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled,66 cartons of foreign Soap,50 cartons of foreign spaghetti.

" Others are 54 Jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil 25 liters each, 3 units used imported vehicles,11 vehicles as means of conveyance and 174,585-liters of petroleum products," he said.

The acting Controller explained that the seizures were possible due to robust information gathering and credible intelligence sharing by other customs units and resilient patrol officers of the unit.

He further enjoined citizens to provide credible information to the service to curb the menace of these unscrupulous smugglers who are bent on crippling the economy of the great nation and warned that anyone caught in the act will be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.

We Will do Everything to Ensure Your Businesses Prosper

 - Ag. CGC Assures Excise Traders, FTZ Enterprises in Ogun State

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Monday, 7 July 2023, assured stakeholders of his commitment to ensuring their businesses prosper. 

He made this known in Abeokuta, the headquarters of Ogun II Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service when he visited the command as part of his familiarisation visit. 

While engaging with Excise Traders and Free Trade Zone Operators in Ogun State, the Ag. CGC said that their operations are a priority to the service. 

In his words, "I have made it a deliberate policy to put your operations at the cornerstone of our activities". 

"My understanding is that you are critical stakeholders for us, it is through your activities that we can report our own activities, and it is, therefore, in our interest that we do everything to ensure that your companies and businesses prosper", he added. 

"It is not all the time that Customs Officers are overzealous in implementation of the law; most of the time, they keep in their mind the basic objectives behind these entities", he noted. 

"It is the intention of the government through enterprises to boost foreign exchange for Nigeria and its economy, create jobs for Nigerians, and of course, to enhance Nigeria's economic development, and this is why a number of concessions, a number of waivers have been granted to free zone operators", he emphasised. 

The stakeholders congratulated the Customs Boss on his appointment while also raising issues of concern on the operations of the Free Trade Zones and factories under excise control.

In response, the Ag. CGC revealed that a Committee has been set up to address issues of concern. 

"I have set up a committee consisting of representatives of enterprises, The Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Oil and Gas Authority, working with representatives from my Office to look into all the areas of concern". 

While appreciating the Ag. CGC, for his visit, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shauibu, highlighted some Command achievements. 

"At our level, since we came in, we have brought in about 18 factories under excise control", he said. 

The Ag. CGC charged Officers of the command to understand the importance of their operations and activities to Nigeria's economic development.

He rounded off his visit with a tour of facilities at the Command.

Ag. CG Bashir Inspects Proposed Customs Training College,

Government Warehouse, on 100 Hectares in Abeokuta

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has on Monday, 7th August 2023, inspected the proposed 100 hectares of Customs Training College, Federal Operations Unit Zone 'A' Headquarters, Government Warehouse and Agro International Airport at Iperu-ilishan Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking at the site, the Ag. CGC expressed delight at the progress made so far while pledging commitment to be a responsible neighbour to the government of Ogun state. 

In his words, "We are happy that we are going to be your neighbours, and I can commit to you that we are going to be very responsible neighbours; we are going to operate in a way that will make Ogun state proud". 

He urged the contractors to work within the time frame of the contract period as the project is going to be very strategic to the future of Customs operations. 

"As we try to get our process right, as we try to bring innovation, we now need outstanding infrastructural support to drive these operations".

"We are going to be very strict with the contract period; we cannot afford the airport to take off too far away before we start here, so we want some kind of development to be happening side by side; I believe that our presence here will add value to the airport just like we believe that the airport will also add value to us".

The Ogun State Commissioner of Works,  Engr. Ade Akinsanya highlighted the accessibility of the area and the expected period for completion of Agro International Cargo Airport. 

"The target for us to get this project ready is the end of the year. The runway is completely done, the control tower is about 90%, and all the equipment needed is completely procured". 

"In terms of capacity, there is enough room to grow, right now we have a warehouse under construction with a terminal building where you will be able to help us man, so things are taking shape and the governor is really pushing up to get everything done by the end of the year. 

The Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, in the company of the commissioner, the project manager, as well as his management team, took a tour of the proposed Customs project site and the Agro Cargo International Airport under construction.

FOU, Western Marine, Sector 2 Border Drill

made 5 Arrests, 25,195 Seizures worth ₦650 Million DPV in six Days

ZAINAB JUNAID

Western Marine Command, Federal Operations Units (FOU) and the Sector 2 border drill operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service have made significant seizures in recent times as they successfully arrested 5 suspects in connection with 25,195 parcels suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and India hemp translating to a Duty Paid Value of Six Hundred and Fifty million naira (₦650M).

This was disclosed by the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on Monday while inspecting seizures made at Ogun 11 command, Abeokuta .

According to him, "Officers of the Federal Operatives of Zone A intercepted 14,015 parcels of india hemp weighing 7728kg translating to Duty Paid Value (DPV) ₦618, 240,000, (Six Hundred and Eighteen million, two hundred and forty thousand naira) discharged from a boat at the creeks around Aja and Ijebu Ode Area. A total of 3 suspects and the items were handed over to Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on August 2, 2023 and are currently undergoing investigations.

"On Thursday August 3rd at about 04:00 hrs; a joint patrol team of officers intercepted a wooden boat with 2 Yamaha outboard engines (40 horsepower) each containing 103 sacks containing 8240 loaves of substance suspected to be  Cannabis Sativa weighing 3811kg at a Duty Paid Value of Over ₦32,192,000.00 (Thirty two Million, One Hundred and Ninety Two Thousand). These items are currently warehoused in western marine base in Lagos.

"On 7th of August, on Monday at about 03:15hrs, credible intelligence led to a seizure 2, 940 parcels of same items around Sokoto- Ijoun road, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. The items were ingeniously concealed with hip of pineapple fruits in a vehicle with chasis number 2FA23000006141966. Two suspects have been arrested in line with this. Hakeem Olatunde (Driver), Abdul Nurudeen Adedeji (Passenger) have been arrested and taken into custody for further investigation," he said.

But despite the continuous seizures made by government enforcement agencies in relation to cannabis sativa which is the main source of psycho active drugs used by Nigerian youths, there is still an alarming increase in the abuse of it within Nigeria Society.

The continous orientation given to the general public on the adverse effect of the so called Marijuana/India hemp hardly has positive impact on the youths for they have refused to abstain from it or could the intrigues behind its continuous smuggling into the country by perpetrators be to impair Nigeria's future generations? 

CGC Adewale confirmed that smugglers of the cannabis sativa are using ingenious means to force proliferation of trade in Nigeria through various illicit means. 

"They use concealment through land borders and smuggling through the air routes. The creative consequent techniques employed by traffikers present a significant challenge in the fight against the menace of india hemp smuggling in the country.

" The abuse of these drugs has far reaching consequences to our society, particularly on the youths. It's usage can lead to impaired cubitive function, addiction and negative impact on mental health and general well being of its users. The armful effect of these substance on its users cannot be over stated. It poses a significant challenge to public health and safety as well as to our social economic development," he said.

Having recognised the gravity of how the menace has afftected the society at large, the new generation especially, the CGC pledged to partner relevant agencies to address the concerning trends through robust measures combatting proliferations and trade in Nigeria.

To him, "We are committed to fulfilling our social contract with Nigerians, ensuring their social wellbeing by intercepting illicit drugs and other harmful substances. We are doing this in partner with appropriate agencies responsible to fight this illicit act. Nigerian Customs Service remain steadfast in the delivery of its statutory mandate and protecting the nation. Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been very supportive and we are ready to increase our efficiency and redouble our strength in fighting this menace".

On his part, Controller, Joint Border Drill operatives, M. N. USMAN, while fielding questions with journalists at Abeokuta, noted that the seizures were made along Ijoun road and believed the actual origin of the items seized are from Benin Republic. However, he said further investigations on the items will give accuracy on their source. "Though, not an easy task but our collaboration with sister agencies, couple with our personal techniques deployed, led to the success of these seizures." 

Usman advised Nigerian youths to yield to the orientation given on the negative impact of the Cannbis Sativa and ensure they desist from its usage.

Ag. Customs CG Adewale Visits Idiroko,

Solicits Support of Border Community Leaders to enhance National Security

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of continous effort to enhance national security, the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has solicited the support of Idiroko Border communities and their leaders, as this is paramount to the success of the customs service operation.

This was disclosed in a statement made available today by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, stating that the CGC visit to Idiroko is in continuation of his familiarizationtour to Area Commands and Units in Zone A.

He quoted the CGC as emphasizing on how the role of the border community is vital to help security agencies in the discharge of their duties as regards national security. 

CGC  Adewale said on Sunday, 6th of August, 2023, when he visited the Royal palaces of Oba John Olakunle Ojo, the Oniko of Iko Idiroko Kingdom, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Adelakun Olaniyan, the Onikpokia of Ikpokia Kingdom, as well as the palace of Oba Kehinde Adeboye Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Oba of Ilaro Kingdom, that members of this community, like all other border communities in Nigeria, have a significant role in helping our Security Agencies in the discharge of their role as regards national security. 

"Idiroko is very strategic to our operations; all borders around Idiroko represent a strategic gateway to not just trade and economic development of Nigeria but also for National security management.

"I will request you, as a community, to continue to support the government. "We have a new administration that has shown that it will listen to people, a new administration that has demonstrated that when policies are not working, we are ready to review it.

"Because of that commitment, I want to charge members of this community to channel your reactions appropriately to government, and as a responsible government, I believe that they will listen to you and make amendments where necessary", he said.

The community leaders appreciated the Ag. CGC for his visit and for pledging to improve Customs Community Relations in Border Areas. They also raised concerns on issues affecting their livelihood.

The Customs Boss, in response, charged them to channel their reactions appropriately to the government as the new administration would grant a listening ear and also noted that recruitment policies will be revisited to ensure that more people from the border communities get slots into Nigeria Customs Service. 

"One fair commitment will like to give to you is that we will do better in recruitment with people in border communities in the Nigeria Customs Service because we believe that they are stakeholders, and customs community relationship is stronger when you know that you have your sons and daughters in the Nigeria Customs Service", he revealed. 

"We are also not unmindful of the fact that where we have this kind of critical operations, we should also be talking about the kind of corporate social responsibility programs that we are going to be doing in places like this", he added.

The CGC also visited Ogun I Area Command at Idiroko, where he was received by the Area Controller, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde, representatives of Sister Agencies and the Republic of Benin Customs Administration as well as stakeholders.

He reiterated the need for all Agencies to remain focused and committed towards the ideal of national and regional security. 

"For us in Customs and indeed all other members of the Security Agencies, our task in this part of the country is critical. We have a collective mandate to ensure and enhance national security", he said. 

"We see every criminal as an enemy of the state first and foremost before you begin to talk about our mandate of smuggling, human and drug trafficking, and all of that'', he emphasized. 

Customs CG, Adewale Visits ex-ACG Bagiwa,

Late Dikko Inde’s Family In Katsina

ZAINAB JUNAID

On Friday, 4th August 2023, Ag. Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, wrapped up his first official visits to Ilela and Jibia borders to inspect the full implementation of the recent ‘Border Closure Policy’ at the two stations with a visit to the Veteran Customs Officer,  ACG Lawan Bagiwa (rtd), at his residence in Katsina town.

Speaking to the ex-ACG Bagiwa, Ag. Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR said that he decided to visit him out of respect and in view of his meritorious service to his fatherland.   

“We feel very proud to have you after your retirement, and you are still doing this for the service of our fatherland. We pray that God will give you long life and good health so that you continue to render your support to the Service.” CGC Adeniyi said.

The Ag. CGC extolled ex-ACG Bagiwa for distinguishing himself while serving as Customs Officer between 1965 to 1999 when he retired as one of the then Management Staff. 

Responding, the retired Assistant Comptroller General, Bagiwa Lawal, appreciated Ag. CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for stopping by to greet him out of respect and congratulated him on his appointment, “We are indeed very grateful to have you at the helm of affairs of the Nigeria Customs Service. I want to use this opportunity, on behalf of the retired and serving officers and men of the Service, to congratulate you on your appointment.”

Retired ACG Bagiwa told the CGC that he never turned a blind eye to Customs right from 1965, when he joined the Service, to 1999, when he retired and consequently after his retirement.

“You are fortunate to have Mr Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of this Service because he is a seasoned Customs Officer; he is a Customs Officer to the core – and I have the privilege to be one of the officers to have brought him up. Adeniyi is one of our good sons; we are proud of him.” Ex-ACG Bagiwa vouched.

The Ag. CGC then proceeded to the residence of former Comptroller General of the Service, Late Abdullahi Dikko Inde, to greet his family, specifically the elderly mother of the late former Customs Boss. The session was blessed with special prayers to the late former Comptroller General of Customs. 

The Late Dikko Inde’s family expressed their delight in receiving the CGC at their home and prayed that his tenure would be bright and hitch-free.