CGC Adewale Reiterates Commitment to Penalize Economic Saboteurs

…as NCS Trains Staff on Geospatial Technology

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of his commitment to intensify Nigeria Customs Service(NCS)’s efficiency, leverage technology to enhance trade and curb smuggling amongst other criminalities, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Wednesday, 1st November 2023, initiated a two-day workshop on GEOSPATIAL techniques for the officers and men of the Service.

The program, according to the CGC, ably represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Sa'idu Galadima, will enlighten the officers to have a practical understanding of border security — which will yield positive results in boosting Nigeria's economy.

He spoke on the CGC's passion for intensifying the Service's efficiency, leveraging technology to enhance trade and curb smuggling amongst other criminalities.

The DCG described him as “a person who extremely supports technology.”

On her part, the Assistant  Comptroller-General of Customs for ICT/Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, said introducing GEOSPATIAL technology training for Customs officers will enable the Service to maximize its war against smuggling.

She said, “Gone are those days when officers carry guns to scout smugglers in the bushes; that's why we deemed it necessary to introduce this geospatial program to equip our staff with requisite experience in checkmating smuggling activities while in their offices.”

According to her, the workshop, if concluded, will enable the Service to detect all the illegal and unapproved routes made by smugglers across the border areas and also deploy intervention to thwart their nefarious activities.

She said, “This training will go a long way in strengthening Customs' unflinching efforts to improve trade in Nigeria, so geospatial doesn't only give insight to our offices to mitigate smuggling through technological moonroof, but also gives accurate and timely intelligence to ensure that anti-smuggling activities are perfectly achieved.”

Onne Customs Generates N246.03bn from January to October 2023

 ...Arrests two in Connection with Pistol and Ammunition, Seizes goods worth N1.2bn DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

Port Harcourt 2 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service Onne, has generated a total of ₦246,025,872,903.80 from January to October 2023, an increase of ₦44,145,889,008.65 from the amount generated in 2022 within the same period under review.

Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Command on Friday, November 3, 2023, to showcase seizures made and also handover two suspects arrested in connection with pistol and ammunition, Customs Area Controller of the Command to Nigerian Police Force, Comptroller Baba Imam disclosed that the Command realized over 38 Billion Naira for the month of October alone, surpassing its monthly revenue target of 28 Billion Naira with an increment of over 10 Billion Naira.

On seizures made, Comptroller Baba revealed that in the course of examining an imported container from United State which was declared to contain household effects and One used vehicle, was found to contain One pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition on the 26th of October 2023.

According to him,“two suspects have been arrested in connection with this importation. The pistol, ammunition as well as the two suspects shall all be handed over to the Nigerian police force shortly after this press briefing, as criminal cases relating to our collaborative functions with other Government agencies are handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.”

Comptroller Baba added that as part of the commitment to reducing the incidences of smuggling to the bearest minimum within its terrain, the Command has also seized  9 containers which worth a total duty paid value of ₦1,162,424,371.00 for violations of extant import prohibition laws.

The goods concealed in the containers  include -  724 bales of used clothing, 1805 pieces of used tyres,   4 Vehicles used in concealment of 76.9kg special cannabis (marijuana), 2070 cartons of Tomatoe paste, and 1578 cartons of Barcadin Cough syrup with codeine (100ml) among others.

Correcting the notion that Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) is always delighted in impounding containers or making seizures, the Command Boss noted that the seizures are done to enforce the laws of the nation and to serve as deterrent to others.

His words, "The Command and indeed the Customs of today has zero tolerance to smuggling and has no cause not to perform, as every encouragement, logistics and other incentives have been given by our amiable Comptroller General of Customs, BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI, MFR, and that has boosted the morale of all officers to be more determined than ever to fight smuggling."

Customs Facilitates Export of 12,438 Containers worth $518.7m in 9 months

Customs Facilitates Export of 12,438 Containers worth $518.7m in 9 months

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya has stated the Command facilitated the export of 12,438 containers with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $518,690,852.93 between January and September 2023.

Comptroller Odusanya disclosed this in Lagos while explaining the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) in the facilitation of exports, adding that Lilypond export command is a one-stop shop for export business.

He explained that the current government policy in Nigeria requires zero duty payment for export and exporters don’t pay export duties, except on special occasions, where goods that were otherwise imported are being re-exported, and in this case, 2.5 percent levy is paid on the current value of the goods with the government’s permission.

Comptroller Odusanya gave a data analysis of exports the Command has facilitated within the year.

He said, “From January to the end of September 2023, the Command has facilitated the export of 12,438 export containers; if you break them down, we have 6524 × 20-foot containers and 5914 × 40-foot containers with a FOB value of $518,690,852.93.”

“For the goods, we have Agricultural produce such as cocoa, cashew, soya, ginger, hibiscus flower(zobo leaves), cotton, sesame seeds, etc., locally manufactured goods like cigarettes, cosmetic items, beverages, etc. Solid minerals such as Aluminium, copper, magnesium, lithium and Zinc.

We have other sundry commodities like foodstuff, personal effects and others.” He explained.

Stakeholders within the export terminal maintained that processing their documents with Customs is an efficient one. Still, they suggested more manpower from other government agencies stationed at the export terminal to ease their clearance processes.

Comrade Augustine Umunnakwe, the Maritime Union Chairman, Lilypond export terminal-Unit, said, “Customs Officers are efficient in terms of their work, but where we have challenges with shipping companies because of less manpower attending to us.”

“Another thing is that, though government agencies are doing their work, in terms of clearance, their representatives should be stationed here to make the work more efficient.” He added.

Abdulsalam Babatunde, the Head of Processing Diamond Star Port and Terminal Limited, on his part, stated that, as an export processing terminal, there is a strong relationship and collaboration with the shipping lines and Government Agencies.

In his words, “We facilitate the processing at the Port, we have our handshake with the major shipping lines and the terminal, we confirm the bookings to ensure that whatever leaves this terminal goes directly to the vessel, we ensure their quality and their quantity.”

“We don’t do it alone. We work with NPA, ETP, and Customs as well and make sure that we do not export anything that has not been duly released by customs.” Babatunde explained.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Ekle, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer at Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Southwest, disclosed that registration for exporters is a seamless process that is done online.

Emmanuel also revealed that the Council supports trade promotion activities and administer export incentives as well as export expansion grant.

 

Nigerian Journalists Remain Endangered Species'- Orok Nsikak

 Nigerian Journalists Remain Endangered Species'- Orok Nsikak

...Orok Bags Award of Recognition

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Editor in Chief, Roamreporters Online, Innocent Nsikak Orok has said that Nigeria Journalists remain endangered species in as much they operate in an environment constituted with oppressive leaders.

Speaking at the 2023 Safety of Journalists Symposium held on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at LCCI Alausa, Lagos State with the theme "Mitigating Online Violence Against Journalists in Nigeria", Orok stressed that journalism profession pride itself as the ‘Fourth Estate of the Realm’ with only his pen as weapon, while others in the ‘Estate’- the Executives, Legislature and Judiciary controls  the instruments of Force, Power of the State.

“In such an unbalanced system and when compared with the characters at the corridors of power, then the pen will surely not be mightier than the sword, because the characters in power have designed strategies, means and ways of attacks, intimidation, frustration and use of State powers to suppress the might of the Pen,” he said.

Making reference to several attacks targeted on journalists globally, Orok said Armed Conflicts Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) recorded 520 attacks against journalists in 2022 as against 460 in 2021.

He also said that the International Press Centre (IPC) recently revealed a data depicting a total of 66 Nigerian journalists and three Media houses suffered various forms of attacks in 2022 in the course of discharging their duties.

In view of the aforementioned, Orok maintained that as trained and practicing media men, journalists must for the purpose of mitigating the threats and violence against them, apply the strategy of what he referred to as 'the famous Eneke, the bird, who learn to fly without perching since the hunter has learnt to shoot without missing.

"In view of several attacks and other odd experiences encountered by journalists, Journalists should endeavour to understand their respective beats/sectors very well before publishing any controversial story, especially when it has to do with figures and data.

"With the season of cloning and falsification of documents, planting and photo shopping of photos and videos, avoid being tricked into reporting stories that are not fact checked," he said.

He concluded appreciating the organisers of the event- the Management and Board of Media Centre for Promotion of Safety Awareness; publishers of Safety and Security Watch;  especially Dr Chinyere.

" Thank you for being able to put up the thought provoking and strategic thinking programme for Journalists as a way to mitigate the dangers of the profession, especially in an era where technology is changing the traditional communication methods as well as bridging the time and distance which were hitherto limiting factors in communication."

 

 

Maritime Cup 2023: Nigeria Customs Football Team Defeats Blueche Lomado 6-1

 to Qualify for Quarter-Finals

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service football team continues to dominate the ongoing Maritime Cup 2023. In a remarkable showdown against Blueche Lomado on Tuesday, 31 October 2023, in Lagos, the NCS team asserted its authority with an impressive 6-1 victory, securing a spot in the quarter-finals and solidifying its status as a powerhouse in Nigerian football.

In a press statement signed by PRO Nigerian Customs Command and Staff College, Superintendent of Customs, Akinwale Fatoki, the game ignited with a spectacular goal in the 15th minute by Superintendent of Customs Peter Tangulu, who later sealed the match with another goal.

"The NCS team continued to exhibit prowess with Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Bamidele Omodara netting a goal in the 48th minute. The momentum didn't stop there, as Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Munkiala Abubakar and SC Buhari Sani contributed goals in the 56th and 68th minutes, respectively."

According to the statement, the victory not only highlights the NCS's football expertise but also secures their place in the Maritime Cup quarter-finals, following their previous win against the Nigerian Navy with a 1-0 score on Thursday, 26 October 2023.

"NCS team is poised to take on the underdogs, Trucks Transit Park (TTP), on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the NPA sports ground, building anticipation as they aim to continue their winning streak.

 "The quarter-finals are scheduled for Monday, 6 November 2023,  where the NCS team will face off against either the winner or runner-up of Group C, promising a fiercely competitive match," it stated.

NIMASA, MTCC Africa Collaborate to Mitigate the Impact of Biofouling

in Developing Countries 

..."the importance of protecting and conserving our seas, oceans and their inhabitants cannot be overemphasized as we are intrinsically linked to them and their wellbeing reflects our own wellbeing too." -Dr Jamoh 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) in collaboration with Maritime Technology Cooperation Center(MTCC) commenced a 3-day management training on Transfer of Environmentally-Sound Technologies (TEST Biofouling) project for partnering Countries in Nigeria.

This initiative is in line with International Maritime Organization(IMO)'s guideline for the Control and Management of Ship's Biofouling. 

While declaring the workshop open in Lagos on Monday October 30, 2023, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh noted that the training on Test Biofouling Project is an initiative of IMO in close partnership with the Maritime Technology Cooperation Center (MTCC) to assist developing countries advance their knowledge about how to facilitate the implementation of the IMO Biofouling Guidelines considering the complexity of biofouling management and the technologies available. 

Speaking on the theme "The Place of Technologies in the Management of Marine Biofouling" Dr Jamoh explained that IMO Guideline for the Control and Management of Ship's Biofouling is an international instrument aimed at addressing and maintaining the efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability of maritime operations as well as prevent the spread of invasive species in our waters. 

On the process by which Biofouling is formed, the NIMASA Boss said ships are at the crux of global trading and they serve as a channel for transportation of harmful non-indigenous Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) with the organisms attaching themselves to the outer surface and niche areas of every ship. 

"The organisms are then translocated from one ecoregion to another. The process by which these organisms attached themselves to the ship and other surfaces is referred to as Biofouling," he said. 

According to him, "Since Nigeria's economy relies heavily on international trade with shipping being a key component of the country's import and export activities, which has inevitably exposed the nation to threats of the IAS transfer into our territorial waters the training becomes a necessity. 

"This training is Paramount as biofouling poses a huge threat to Nigeria's transition to the Blue Economy. It incurs environmental burdens such as low productivity, biodiversity, lower resilience to climate change and economic burdens including financial loss due to low productivity, huge prevention and control costs, in addition to increased operational cost of offshore infrastructures among others."

Dr. Jamoh added that the training will showcase newest technologies and applications which include cost-effective practices and related benefits for the environment and efficiency of shipping. 

Also speaking, the Director, Head, Department of Partnerships and Projects, IMO, Dr. Jose Matheickal in his Google message, commended Nigeria for contributing significantly to IMO's policy development process, and for their active participation in IMO meetings. NIMASA especially for taken the lead in partnering with MTCC Africa for the training on TEST Biofouling in Nigeria.

"I remember my early involvement with Nigeria on Ballast water project in which Nigeria became a lead country and has really acted very faar to put the convention into force. So I'm really hoping that Nigeria will follow the same path when it comes to the biofouling guidelines.

Matheickal urged Nigerians to key in to the biofouling guidelines, saying, "This event is very meaningful as it serves as a platform for information sharing. The event will be a milestone for Nigeria as one of our TEST partnering countries. We have been encouraging more women to participate in the sector and we are very excited to find African Women in Maritime (WIMAFRICA) Nigeria and other women groups emerging in the maritime space.

"I'm sure together we can work to ensure a sustainable maritime industry that supports all the beneficiary countries as well as the rural economy for our future," he said. 

In his goodwill message, Captain Sunday Umoren, the Secretary-General, Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU), affirmed that marine Biofouling increases costs of fueling vessels to shipowners 

He added that aquatic species have good, bad and the ugly side and to maintain a balance in the aquatic environment respective maritime countries need to keep their aquatics. 

Dr Oma Ofodile, Deputy Director, Marine Environment Management Department, NIMASA and MTCC Africa Focal Point, on her part, stressed how NIMASA ensured MTCC mandate is achieved by ensuring Nigeria get enough capacity to reduce biofouling rate.

She noted that the training is a way to close the gap from emision and urged all participant Countries not to be left behind on the IMO call for zero emissions by 2050.

“NIMASA has done a lot to reduce emissions and the training is one of the ways to close the gap of emission from vessels,” Ofodile said.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Director of Marine Environment Management Department, NIMASA, Mr Heaky Dimowo, appreciated the support and relentless efforts of IMO and MTCC towards making the workshop a success and called on all delegates to support the new initiative through active participation throughout the workshop, and afterwards ensures the implementation of what is learnt. 

His words, "I would like to extend our warm welcome to the delegates of the International Maritime Organization, the Maritime Technology Cooperation Center, to Nigeria. 

"The workshop is one of the regional demonstration projects to which the IMO, in collaboration with MGCC, intends to build capacity on the management and mitigation of the environmental risks associated with the transfer of invasive species.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I call on you to support this new initiative through our active participation throughout the workshop, and afterwards by ensuring that we implement what we learn here," he added. 

While Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Malta, Somalia and Djibouti, are among African Countries that participated at the training, other stakeholders in the maritime sector who graced the Occasion include -  Nigerian Alternate Permanent Representative of the IMO, Dr. Abdul Dirusu, President of WIMA Africa, Rollens Macfoy, Commissioner for Lans and Environment, Ebonyi State, Secretary General of the African Shipowners Association, Funmi Folorunso; Fellow Rochelle Carters, the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, represented by OEA Ezele, among others.

Customs: Eastern Marine Command Strengthens Relationship with Stakeholders to Facilitate International Trade in South- South Waterways

 ...Seizes Tusks, Pangolin Scales, Other illegal items worth ₦680.3M DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment to facilitate international trade and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt, held a  productive stakeholders engagement parley with ship owners, agents and key stakeholders from the maritime sector.

The meeting which was held at the Command’s Headquarter, Port Harcourt, was organised by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu to discuss and streamline the process of carrying out proper documentation of temporary importation papers, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime industry in the South-South waterways. 

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, NE Tangwa, ship owners, agents and representatives from various maritime enterprises actively participated in the discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges and valuable insights.

The event served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive engagement, allowing stakeholders to address common issues and propose practical solutions for improving the documentation process of temporary importation papers.

 The stakeholders on their part appreciated the development for such parley has not been held for a long time in the command.

Meanwhile, the Command also made a significant breakthrough in combatting wildlife trafficking by intercepting a substantial quantity of Pangolin scales, Elephant tusks and sacks of used second hand shoes. 

Tangwa disclosed in a statement that the seizures took place in the South-South coastal water-ways along Ibaka-Bakasi beach highlighting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES). 

The operation led by diligent officers of the command, resulted in the confiscation of a pangolin scales and elephant tusks weighing 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second hand shoes with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Six Hundred And Eighty Million, Two Hundred And Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred Naira Only (₦680,290,400.00) which are highly sought-after in illegal international markets.

Speaking on the seizures, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu said the seizure of the pangolins scales and elephant tusks underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking as these heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organize crime and illicit financial flows. 

He noted that Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity. 

The Controller appreciated the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command, emphasizing how the additional resources greatly enhanced the commands ability to patrol and secure the south-south coatsal waterways effectively and combing the beaches effectively. 

He thus reiterated his commitment to provide officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the Nations natural resources/habitats. 

"The Eastern Marine Command under my watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage as this seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers in the area that their activities will not be tolerated and will face severe consequences for their illegal activities if caught. 

"It should be noted that Nigeria customs service is a government agency responsible for facilitating legitimate trade, enforcing customs laws and combating illicit activities, including wildlife trafficking. The Customs Area Controller has reinvigorated and strengthened the patrol teams along the waterways for a 24hours patrol and combing the beaches. This has yielded positive outcomes and leading to the significant seizure the command has just made."

While commending his officers for their dedication and professionalism in executing this operation, the Area Controller enjoined the general public to assist the command with more useful information on the trade of illicit wildlife.

 "The successful seizure of these wildlife products showcased the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies which the Customs Area Controller sought for with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies operating along the waterways of Ibaka-Bakasi beach in curbing the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of smuggling," he said.