Customs Boss Considers Establishing Customs Polo Club

...as Officers emerge Victorious in Tournament

"The tournament was organized to celebrate army remembrance Day"-Major-General Adamu 

"Officers' fitness and health status will translate to the performance of the Service in areas of revenue generation, facilitating trade, and suppressing smuggling,"- CG Adeniyi 

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ZAINAB JUNAID

The Comptroller-General of Customs  (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has stated that he will continually support and encourage Officers and Men of the Service who show interest in sports activities as part of his efforts to maintain Customs' dominance in the sports circle.

The CGC made this disclosure on Sunday, January 15, 2024, when he attended the Polo Tournament between Customs Players and the Nigeria Army, along with the unveiling of the Nigeria Customs Service's Polo Shirt at the Nigeria Army Polo Resort in Abuja.

He reiterated, “We will consider officers who have expressed interest in the Polo game here to be the nucleus of our team — and we will give similar encouragement to other Officers to engage in the game.”

Commending the NCS' representatives at the match, CGC Bashir Adeniyi said, “I am quite impressed with what I have seen, and this will mark the beginning of the resurgence of Polo Games development in Customs.

In reference to the outstanding performance of the NCS Players during the tournament, CGC Bashir Adeniyi urged Officers and Men of the Service to maintain their fitness and watch their health, as it will translate to the performance of the Service in the areas of revenue generation, facilitating trade, and suppressing smuggling.

He said, “Our job is a very serious one: generating revenue, facilitating trade, fighting against smuggling — and these are serious callings. It requires us to be physically and mentally fit, as doing so will help maintain a delicate balance between the requirements of our work and the need to stay fit.”

Also, the Chairman of the Nigerian Army Polo Association (NAPA), Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, said the main idea behind organizing the tournament was to celebrate Army Remembrance Day and to honor CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

“We are organizing the game to remember our fallen heroes, those who spent their lives in the cause of defending our country. Additionally, we organized this match to celebrate our Armed Forces and appreciate the sacrifice that they have made,” Major General Laka said.

He urged other security agencies to follow suit and imbibe the culture of engaging their staff in Polo activities, as the Nigeria Customs Service does. He added, “The easiest way to do that is to invite the big men to come and appreciate their players like CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.”

Major-General Laka, who recalled how Polo game was first introduced to Nigeria by Colonial Masters in the 60s, expressed happiness that the Nigeria Customs Service has now considered establishing its own club.

The maiden match, which ended with several chukkas, showcased the prowess of the Nigeria Customs Players who emerged victorious. Following their impressive performance, the players were honored with major trophies in a ceremony concluding the tournament. Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, the Chairman of Nigerian Army Polo Association, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Voice of Nigeria, Jibril Baba Ndace, and Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge Headquarters Olaniyi Alajogun, among others, presented the well-deserved awards.

Chief Superintendent of Customs, Jamilu Haruna Funtua, and Superintendent of Customs Aminu Labaran Kago, representing NCS at the tournament, expressed gratitude to the CGC for gracing their match. They maintained that his presence throughout the game served as a morale booster, promising to redouble their efforts to enhance their performance in upcoming matches and bring more trophies to the Service.

Oyetola, Alkali, Adeniyi, Okhiria Converge to strengthen

operational efficiency in Nigeria Seaports 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, with the mandate of championing and prioritizing cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.

As part of the vision to actualize initiatives that would not only open up Nigerian Ports but also foster seamless cooperation and trade facilitation, a pivotal strategic meeting was held at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Monday, 15 January 2024, by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR; Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria (Virtual Attendee) respectively.

The key focal point of discussion at the meeting was the strategic integration of the Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology (NIIT) to bolster operational efficiency in Nigerian Seaports.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of NIIT in actively decongesting ports, the meeting entrusted the Comptroller General of Customs with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods.

In a joint press release signed by the ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and Nigeria Customs Service-Ismail Omipidan, Media Aide to HM, Marine, and Blue Economy, and Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs, the meeting prioritize more on cargo scanning over Physical Examination; Repair and Utilization of Scanners.

According to the release, Immediate action was endorsed to rectify and optimize all existing scanners at prominent ports such as Apapa, Tincan Island, Onne, and PTML.

 Simultaneously, the existing mobile scanners will be strategically deployed to facilitate expeditious cargo inspections.

"Rail Freight to Inland Containers Depot/Dry Ports- The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) pledged continued commitment to freight cargoes to Inland container depots/dry ports, a strategic move to alleviate congestion at major ports. Plans were unveiled for the efficient evacuation of containers from Port Harcourt to Aba, with future extensions envisaged for Onne Port.

"Bypassing Fixed Scanner during Rail Track Construction- Against the backdrop of rail track construction, the NRC concurred on a pragmatic approach by agreeing to bypass the fixed scanner at Apapa. This ensures the unhindered progression of scanning process during crucial infrastructure development.

"Public-Private Partnerships for Scanning Installation and Maintenance: The meeting advocated for exploring Public-Private Partnerships to oversee the installation and maintenance of scanning technology. This collaborative model aims to sustain efficiency and foster innovation in cargo inspection processes. 

"The collaborative synergy witnessed in this meeting underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian government to cultivate a conducive and efficient trade environment. The anticipated implementation of these resolutions is poised to positively impact port decongestion, trade facilitation, and overall operational efficiency and competitiveness," the statement read.

Comptroller Shuaibu Urges newly promoted Officers to be more conscientious in their duties

The Command was privileged to have newly promoted 3 Comptrollers of Customs including the Customs Area Controller, 9 Assistant Comptrollers, 16 Chiefs Superintendent including the Command spokesperson, among others.

ZAINAB JUNAID

Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has urged newly promoted Officers of the Command to be more conscientious and proactive in the discharge of their duties.

While decorating the newly promoted Officers on Thursday January 11, 2023, Comptroller Shuaibu who was ably represented by the Deputy Comptroller, enjoined the officers to redouble their efforts and see their promotion as a call to higher responsibility.

The Area Controller expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the opportunity given the Command to partake and also excel in the promotion exercise.

Comptroller Shuaibu also appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and the Customs Board for finding the promoted officers worthy of promotion.

He advised the Officers  saying, “Your promotion is a privilege, many of you sat for the promotion examination but not all got promoted. You have to live up to expectations , to whom much is given much is expected.”

According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, who was also among newly promoted Officers to Chief Superintendent of Customs level, CSC Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, the atmosphere at the Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko, took a different dimension as the newly promoted officers were decorated and celebrated by their fellow colleagues, families and friends.

“The newly promoted Comptroller AA Abdulkadir and former Deputy Comptroller Valuation of the Command, who graced the occasion , advised the promoted officers to do things differently from their usual ways such as dressing, communication and level of performance, among others. He also charged them to expect higher responsibilities and more tasks ahead.

“At the occasion, 4 Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSCs), 3 Superintendent of Customs (SCs), 7 Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSCs), 3 Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASCs I ) and 2 Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCs II) were decorated with their new ranks.

“The Command is blessed with the promotion of 3 Comptrollers of Customs including the Customs Area Controller, 9 Assistant Comptrollers, 16 Chiefs Superintendent including the Command spokesperson, among others,” the statement partly read.

 

SAHCO Inks deal with British Airways,

 Renews Ground Handling Service for five years

ZAINAB JUNAID

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has concluded plan to enter another five year agreement with British Airways as it is fully set to handle the Airline's ground handling service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja respectively.

The decision to renew the contract for the next five years was taken by British Airways after conducting rigorous audits from their international team on all Ground Handling companies in Nigeria and found out SAHCO stand out against all. Having seen the unrivaled service provided by the ground handling company the need to transfer their Ground Handling contract to SAHCO emerged.

Although SAHCO started providing Ground Handling Services to British Airways since 2020 when BA moved her ground handling contract to SAHCO after operating into Nigeria for over 40 years, British Airways confirmed it's confidence in SAHCO with this renewal.

In the deeds of agreement, SAHCO would be providing Passenger Handling Services, Baggage Handling services, Ramp Handling services, Cargo Handling services and Warehousing to British Airways at both the International Airports at Lagos and Abuja.

British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, headquartered at Waterside, Harmondsworth, near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport.

Speaking on the renewal, Basil Agboarumi, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of SAHCO, pledged to continuously deliver quality and improved ground handling services by deploying well trained and equipped staff to all SAHCO’S stations. 

 

With the constant investment in modern Aviation Ground Support equipment contoured with the latest technology, SAHCO has always exceeded all her clients’ expectations.

The Company is confident of her professional teams that are versed in the best of Departure Control systems in the Aviation industry for Passenger Check-in and Boarding, also for Load control systems. In the event of tracking lost or delayed baggage, SAHCO has a team that is skilled in World Tracer and Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS).

 

It is worthy of note that SAHCO is also a recipient of numerous awards- locally and internationally due to its quality service delivery in aviation ground handling operations in Nigeria. The Company is an RA3 and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certified company. These certifications make the company a preferred gateway of import and export enroute all European countries and the world at large. SAHCO is also an International Standard Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001-2015) Certified.  

 

SAHCO, a member of the Airport Services Association (ASA), is an Aviation Ground Handling service provider involved in all the activities that takes place from the arrival of an aircraft to its departure to the delight of its customers and benefit of all stakeholders, utilizing state-of-the-art skills, procedure, equipment and facilities with a devoted workforce. 

 

Compt Shuaibu Wins powerful pen/MAJAN personality of the week

...as MAJAN congratulates him on his decoration by ACG Jibo

ZAINAB JUNAID

Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu has clinched MAJAN-Powerful Pen Personality of The Week.

The association gave Compt Shuaibu this special honour after his decoration by the  Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘A’, Lagos, ACG Mohammed Bello Jibo, on Tuesday.

Compt. Shuaibu who is the Area Controller in charge of Ogun 1 Customs Command Idiroko was given this honour for the dint of hard work, tenacity and his Anti- Smuggling drive.

An anti-smuggling guru with unwavering commitment in the service of his fatherland, he is tested, trusted, experienced, reliable, dependable and highly knowledgeable in Customs procedures.

Compt Shuaibu can rightly be described as exceptional Customs officer with proven track record of hard work, tenacity and bravery. Hence, his elevation to the rank of Customs Controller is well deserved.

When it comes to anti-smuggling operations and enforcement duties, he is outstanding. Academically, he is sound. Intellectually, he has the expertise.

A disciplined and thoroughbred Customs officer, academically sound and intellectually top-notch, Controller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu has demonstrated high level of professionalism in handling his statutory functions at all times.

He has served Customs at various capacities, traversing different commands with remarkable performances.

This dependable, intelligent and uncompromising personality was a Staff Officer in the Custom Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’, many years back.

He served in Enforcement Department of
Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone C, Owerri; where he battled economic saboteurs at the hinterland to a standstill. While in Zone C, the news of Shuaibu’s exploits was heard by all and sundry.

From Owerri, he was posted back to FOU Zone ‘A’ where he served as DC Administration for a short period before he was made the Coordinator of Customs Strike Force Zone ‘A’, Lagos.

His impressive performance as Strike Force Coordinator Team A, with spectacular seizures of Pangolin scales and other prohibited items are still on record, despite the scrapping of Customs Strike force by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

Compt Shuaibu was again posted to Ogun – 2 Customs Command, as the Area Controller, where he made excellent performance in revenue collection from excise.

While in Ogun 2 Command, he discovered numerous factories and brought them under excise control.

CGC Adeniyi, a straight forward leader, a Man who believes in appointment by merit saw the potentials, intelligence in Compt Shuaibu and quickly posted him to Ogun 1 Command Idiroko. Kudos to CGC Adeniyi in his wisdom of uncovering great talents in the Service and bringing them to limelight.

Today, with Shuaibu as Area Controller, the story of anti-smuggling drive at a volatile border area like Idiroko is taking a new dimension.

Compt Shuaibu became the first Area Controller to make massive seizures of contraband worth millions of Naira at Ogun 1 Command within just two weeks of assuming office.That exceptional performance made news headlines to the extent that the CGC came from Abuja to address a press conference in Abeokuta.

The man, Compt Shuaibu, his style and rising anti-smuggling profile, appears unstoppable, given his desire to ensure that smuggling within his domain is completely reduced to the barest minimum, if not eradicated completely.

MAJAN observed during his decoration, that Compt. Shuaibu is also a champion even in the domestic front. The beautiful look of his family members that graced his decoration tells the story of a closely knit family.This was evident as Mrs Shuaibu joined ACG Jibo in decorating her husband, a brief but memorable moment captured by the lens of reporters camera.

Apapa Customs Rakes in N1.17 Trillion in 2023, targets above N1.8Tn revenue for 2024

...Decorates 74 promoted Officers

ZAINAB JUNAID

Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba has pledged to surpass N1.8 trillion revenue target which is likely to be assigned to the command this year.

Having successfully exceeded the N1. 172 trillion revenue allocated to the Command in 2023, Comptroller Jaiyeoba confidently affirmed that the Command will surpass revenue target likely to be assigned to it in 2024.

Speaking during the decoration of newly promoted Officers, the CAC noted that 2023 revenue of N1. 172 trillion was the highest in the history of the command but emphasized that the Command is set to exceed the target to be allocated this year.

While congratulating the promoted Officers, Controller Jaiyeoba admonished them to be diligent in the discharge of their duties especially in meeting and surpassing the revenue target to be allocated soon.

The Command is privileged to have six Deputy Comptrollers promoted to full-fledged Comptrollers, 10 Assistant Comptrollers were promoted to Deputy Comptrollers, 31 Chief Superintendent of Customs were promoted to Assistant Comptrollers while 27 Superintendents of Customs were promoted to Chief Superintendent of Customs.

Comptroller Jaiyeoba further lauded the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership qualities especially in the welfarism of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He acknowledged the CGC tenure bringing a new era to the Service as it is the first time Nigeria Customs Service successfully conducted promotion examination and have the results released same year.

The Area Comptroller also advised other officers who are yet to benefit in the promotion to continually put in their best in the discharge of their duties by assuring them that their diligence will yield positive soon.

NCS projects N5.079 Trillion revenue in 2024

   ...set to inaugurate electronic auction (e-auction) platform 

.... generates N3,206 Trillion revenue, seizes 3,806 illicit items worth N16Bn in 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID

In line with government economic objectives for the fiscal year 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service has been allocated a revenue target of NGN5.079 trillion, a move that signifies government's confidence in the Service capabilities and underscores it's important role contributing to the nation's fiscal well-being.

Speaking with journalists at the Service headquarters Abuja, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this adding that numerous strategic initiatives and other operational reforms are anticipated to positively impact the Service's performance in achieving the revenue goal.

According to him, numerous strategic initiatives will help poised the Nigeria Customs Service performance in the coming months and these include - "Introduction of Advanced Ruling system, aligning NCS operations with global best practices and meeting the recommendations of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA). 

"Additionally, inauguration of a Steering Committee on the Implementation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) for Compliant Traders underscores our readiness to transition from Fastrack 2.0 to the AEO concept. Engagements with the international community, such as those with the World Customs Organization (WCO), JICA, and Japan Customs, focused on key areas is expected to lead to the implementation of the Customs Laboratory, adoption of geospatial technology, and the conduct of a Time Release Study. Collaborative efforts with the Customs Administration of the Republic of Benin, the revitalization of zonal structures, and integration of Customs institutions into the administrative framework all contribute to NCS's commitment to efficient service delivery and positive stakeholder relationships. 

"The NCS also responded to changes in legislation, engagement with the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), initiated Corporate Social Responsibility projects, integrated efforts with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), enhanced personnel welfare programs, and introduced the Work-Life Balance (WLB) initiative. In the upcoming week, the NCS is set to inaugurate an electronic auction (e-auction) platform, strategically designed to enhance transparency in the auction process."

The CGC explained that the collective actions signify NCS's dedication to enhancing staff welfare and sustaining optimal performance.

He further noted that as NCS addresses the challenges and opportunities in 2024, the Service is steadfast in its commitment to implementing these strategies and exploring practical approaches to meet the heightened revenue target. 

"This commitment aligns with the NCS's ongoing dedication to efficiency, excellence, and positive contributions to Nigeria's economic landscape," he says. 

Emphasizing the importance of efficiency and transparency,the Customs Boss noted that "NCS will maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards indiscipline and non-compliance in the year 2024. It is imperative for all officers and stakeholders to adhere strictly to established procedures and regulations. 

"Maximum cooperation is expected from every stakeholder in the customs operations. The success of our collective efforts depends on the discipline and commitment of each member. Let this be a year where every action is aligned with the principles of efficiency, transparency, and revenue optimization with overall aim of contributing meaningfully to the economic prosperity of our nation."