Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The CLEEN Foundation organized a one-day workshop themed “Citizens’ Engagement on Policing Reforms and Accountability of Justice Sector Actors.” The event, held at the Innocent Chukwuma House in Ojodu, Lagos, brought together key stakeholders to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s policing framework.

The workshop, part of CLEEN Foundation’s MacArthur Foundation project, aimed to foster dialogue between citizens, law enforcement personnel, and justice sector actors. Discussions focused on identifying gaps in the current policing system, improving professional conduct, and ensuring the implementation of reforms passed into law over the past decade.

During the workshop, participants highlighted the significance of engaging citizens in the policing reform process. They stressed the need for collaboration between security agencies and the communities they serve to promote transparency and accountability. The forum revealed that despite the passage of key legislative measures like the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015) and the Police Act amendment (2020), challenges such as poor implementation, lack of public awareness, and unprofessional conduct by security personnel persist.

Stakeholders from the South-South, North-West, and North-Central-East regions shared insights on regional policing issues. In the South-South, key challenges included poor welfare for security personnel and a lack of citizen oversight in policing institutions. The Delta State Security Trust Fund and local policing groups were cited as examples of progress in community policing. Recommendations included capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement officers and improved welfare packages to boost morale.

In the North-West, discussions centered on the unethical conduct of security personnel and the wide communication gap between law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. Stakeholders called for the promotion of ethical behavior, enhanced recruitment processes, and more proactive policing efforts, particularly in Sokoto, where overcrowding in correctional facilities was a pressing concern.

The North-Central-East region also echoed concerns about the vetting of police recruits and the need for joint police-community recruitment efforts to ensure professionalism.

In his remarks, CLEEN Foundation Program Director Mr. Salaudeen Hashim emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address these issues, urging that reforms be implemented not only in law but also in practice. A key outcome of the workshop was the development of a “Charter of Demand” by participants, which outlines specific recommendations to address the identified challenges.

The event concluded with a policy brief presentation summarizing the workshop’s findings and recommendations. CLEEN Foundation aims to continue facilitating dialogue between citizens, security agencies, and justice sector actors to build public trust, improve law enforcement operations, and ensure that the justice system serves the community effectively.

The workshop is part of CLEEN Foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accountability, professionalism, and transparency in Nigeria’s policing and justice systems.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command, has intercepted a large consignment of illicit drugs valued at N1.1 billion. The smuggled drugs, hidden in four 40-foot containers, included 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin cough syrup, all packaged in 2,174 cartons. The containers were seized from two different terminals under the command—three from APM Terminals and one from Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed that the seizures were a direct result of the service’s zero tolerance for smuggling. “On October 11, 2024, during a joint examination, our officers discovered 34,800 bottles of prohibited CSP cough syrup inside a 40-foot container. The shipment, which had expired, was hidden in 174 cartons, each containing 200 bottles,” Olomu said.

Further inspections revealed more concealed shipments. Another container was found to contain 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup. Two additional containers, said to contain essential goods and kitchen wares, were discovered to have 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup and 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup, respectively. A total of 83 loose bottles were also found.

Olomu reiterated the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while strictly enforcing anti-smuggling mandates. He issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that the Apapa Command will continue to rely on intelligence, technology, and officer expertise to thwart all illegal importation attempts.

Codeine abuse has long been associated with severe health risks, including nausea, drowsiness, and erratic behavior. The federal government banned the importation of codeine cough syrup in 2018 due to widespread abuse, particularly among young people. The controller emphasized that such substances contribute to criminal activities and societal degradation.

Comptroller Olomu confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling attempt.

The seizure underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service to safeguard the country from the harmful effects of drug abuse and illicit trade.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B Kaduna, took center stage in the fight against climate change during a 3-day retreat organized in collaboration with the Red Cross Kaduna North Division. The retreat, held from October 6 to 9, 2024, at the National Teachers Institute (NTI), Kaduna, was themed “Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in Our Community.”

Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the FOU Zone B Kaduna presented a critical paper on the role of the NCS in mitigating climate change on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. His presentation emphasized the pivotal role the NCS can play as a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, supporting renewable energy initiatives, promoting sustainable trade practices, and combating wildlife trafficking as vital measures to address the global climate crisis.

In his address, Comptroller Shuaibu reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to contributing to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation strategies. He emphasized that combating climate change requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.

The retreat drew attention to the severe impacts of climate change on Nigeria, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing occurrences of extreme weather events. Discussions focused on innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, including sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy adoption, and the implementation of eco-friendly policies.

Comptroller Shuaibu also outlined the challenges Nigeria faces in combating climate change, including the lack of effective climate change policies and legislation, inadequate institutional frameworks, dependence on fossil fuels, deforestation, land degradation, and limited public awareness of climate issues.

The event concluded with a tree-planting exercise on October 9, symbolizing the participants’ commitment to environmental sustainability. This activity underscored the collective resolve of both the NCS and the Red Cross to continue championing climate change mitigation efforts.

The collaboration between the NCS, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna, and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address climate change. Their joint efforts highlight the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship in addressing the urgent challenge of climate change.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu has said that his vision is to make NASENI the number one innovation and technology transfer Agency in the country.

Mr. Halilu who stated this yesterday as he marked one year in office, recounted his achievements in his first year in office as Chief Executive of the Agency, saying he made a promise in 2023 that he was going to take NASENI products from the shelves to the market. “One year after, it is a case of a promise made and kept”, he said.

“I made promises of increased activities and market ready technology profile for NASENI on my assumption of office. I made a promise of what we were going to do and the projects that we were going to embark on, and today the products are here for you all to see. This is just one year for me; and this is just another opportunity to say that we are going to do more. We are going to have a better NASENI, focusing on the socio-economic development of our nation, Nigeria and the fulfilment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government” he said.

While stating that he would do more to have a better NASENI, he said not less than 36 products from NASENI are already in the market. “We are not necessarily in the retail market for now, only in the corporate market. We want to have a showroom where people can walk in and buy in retail and we are in the process of setting that up soon”, he remarked.

The EVC of NASENI further noted that all the products of the Agency developed in the last one year are products of collaborations with strategic partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with local content inputs in them. “We collaborate, we do technology transfer, we domesticate and commercialize together,” he added.

The Agency has in the past one year, since the assumption of office of Halilu as CEO, introduced about 36 market-ready products and are already in the market. The products include Solar Irrigation pumps, electric cars (EV), Android Smartphone, Solar Home System, Smart Prepaid Meters, Power Stove, Hatchbox, Pick-Up vehicle, Power Storage,  Car Battery, Laptop, CCTV, Solar Street Lamp, Solar Wall Light, Electric Tricycle, Mobile Science kit, among others. 

A Unity Bank customer, Mr. Amadi Chinmenem Gift Chike, has emerged as the latest winner of One Million Naira in the ongoing Cash Rewards Promo by Unity Bank Plc and CashToken Rewards Africa. CashToken Rewards Africa is a Cash-Reward-as-a-Service company that rewards customers for their patronage and loyalty.

Mr. Amadi, a customer from Unity Bank’s Aba Road Branch, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, won the cash prize after completing qualifying transactions on Unity Bank’s digital banking channels including Unifi, *7799#, and on his Unity Bank-issued Verve card. Through these transactions, he received CashTokens, which entered him into the weekly national consumer draw, where he was selected as the lucky winner of the N1 million prize.

The grand prize winner, Mr. Amadi is the second customer to claim the N1 million grand prize in the rewards promo, which commenced in November 2023. Since the launch, Unity Bank customers have collectively won over N6 million in cash rewards.

Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards promo offers guaranteed instant cash rewards and life-changing opportunities for loyal customers who transact on any of the Bank’s electronic payment platforms, including the Unifi mobile banking application and the *7799# USSD platform. Every card transaction earns customers CashTokens, which qualify them for the weekly national consumer draw, with prizes ranging from N5,000 to N100 million.

Presenting the cheque to the winner in Port Harcourt, Unity Bank’s Regional Manager for Port Harcourt/Uyo Region, Mr. Etop Ikpe, congratulated the winner and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to building a sustainable loyalty platform for customer engagement and satisfaction.

He said, “We are happy to see another one of our loyal customers win a substantial cash prize through the Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards Promo. This initiative aligns with our mission to reward customer loyalty while providing a seamless and rewarding banking experience. As we continue to innovate and enhance our digital banking platforms, we are committed to creating more opportunities for our customers to benefit from their relationship with Unity Bank.”

In his reaction, an elated Mr. Amadi said, “This is a reward for my steadfastness. I have been banking with Unity Bank for a long time and I am really happy to win the cash prize. I commend the bank for the initiative and Unity Bank has always come through in keeping their promises both in terms of service delivery and meeting expectations of customers.”

Also commenting on the development, Simi Adeoye, Chief Business Development Officer for CashToken Rewards Africa, added: “We are proud to partner with Unity Bank in bringing life-changing opportunities to their customers through our Cash-Reward-as-a-Service model. We aim to make every transaction meaningful by turning regular banking activities into chances for customers to win significant rewards. We congratulate Mr. Amadi on his win, and we look forward to creating more millionaires as the promo continues. Mr. Amadi just like other beneficiaries can easily cash out his win by dialling *6700#, following the prompt and transferring his wins directly to his Unity Bank account.”