Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday held a colourful decoration ceremony for 187 officers recently promoted, drawing officers, family members, friends, and journalists to the Command’s conference hall.

The ceremony, presided over by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, featured the decoration of officers ranging from Deputy Comptrollers to junior ranks. Comptroller Onyeka was assisted by Comptroller Joseph Anani of the PTML Command, Comptroller Istifanus Musa, and other senior officers, with family members also participating.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Onyeka congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them. “To those whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, adding that about 87 percent of officers from the Command who sat for the promotion examination were successful.

The promotion exercise, approved by the Customs Board, saw a total of 3,312 senior officers elevated across various ranks nationwide, from Comptroller of Customs to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II.

Highlighting the Command’s performance, Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that Tin Can Island Command generated over ₦159 billion in August 2025, attributing the feat to the Unified Customs Management System, codenamed *B’Odogwu*. “*B’Odogwu* has come to stay as it has served us all well,” he noted.

In a show of empathy, the CAC encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain hopeful. “I joined the Service in 1991, and some of my squad mates are now Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs while I remain a Comptroller. Yet, I am grateful to God for where I am,” he said.

The event reached its highlight with the decoration of Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumona, followed by other promoted officers. Guests and attendees were later treated to food and refreshments to round off the lively occasion.

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has announced a three-month extension of its flagship savings campaign, the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 promo, now set to run until 30 November 2025. In a bold move to further excite and reward customers, the bank has also increased the total cash rewards from ₦159 million to a record ₦189 million.

The announcement follows overwhelming feedback from customers and prospects who requested more time to participate in the campaign. Originally launched in November 2024 with a nine-month timeline ending in August 2025, the promo has now been extended with full regulatory approval.

Speaking to journalists, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, stated, “Our decision to extend the GAIM 6 campaign is borne out of the feedback we received from our customers and prospects. They asked for more opportunities to benefit from the promo, and we listened. With management and regulatory consent, we’re thrilled to keep the excitement going for another three months.”

As part of the ongoing campaign, Fidelity Bank recently celebrated 20 customers nationwide, each receiving ₦1 million after being selected in the 7th and 8th monthly draws. Winners are chosen through electronic draws supervised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and fairness.
“We are delighted to welcome our newest beneficiaries and commend their loyalty. A million Naira is a life-changing amount, and we encourage them to make the most of it.

One standout feature of GAIM is our financial advisory support at the Fidelity SME Hub, designed to help recipients grow their rewards,” commented Ede on the latest batch of recipients.

With over ₦30 million still up for grabs in the remaining monthly draws, and ₦2 million, ₦5 million, and ₦10 million earmarked for the second runner-up, first runner-up, and grand prize recipient respectively in the final draw, Fidelity Bank is calling on all Nigerians to open and fund their Fidelity Savings Accounts for a chance to be selected.

Through GAIM 6, Fidelity Bank continues to champion financial empowerment, reward customer loyalty, and promote a savings culture across Nigeria — staying true to its mission to help individuals grow, inspire businesses to thrive, and empower economies to prosper.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The Zone ‘A’ Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday decorated 239 senior officers recently elevated to new ranks, in a ceremony held under the leadership of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) M. Babandede.

The promotions, approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, saw 18 officers rise to the prestigious rank of Comptroller, 102 to Deputy Comptroller, and 119 to Assistant Comptroller.

In his address, ACG Babandede commended the officers for their dedication and patriotic service, stressing that the achievement reflected the vision of the Comptroller-General to build a world-class Customs Service through consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.

“Today’s ceremony represents more than just a change in rank. It symbolizes the Service’s confidence in your ability to lead, your proven track record of integrity, and your readiness to shoulder greater responsibilities in service to our nation,” Babandede said.

He reminded the officers that their new positions carried enormous responsibilities, particularly as the Service navigates complex global trade dynamics, evolving security threats, and technological changes.

“Junior officers will look to you for guidance and inspiration. True leadership is measured not by the authority you wield, but by the positive impact you have on others. Mentor younger officers, share your knowledge generously, and create an environment where excellence can flourish,” he added.

The ACG also acknowledged the contributions of the families of the newly promoted officers, noting that their sacrifices had been instrumental in supporting the officers’ careers.

Babandede urged the officers not to see promotion as an end but as a checkpoint in their journey of service. He expressed confidence that with leaders of such calibre, the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to exceed expectations and set new standards of excellence in public service.

Oxfam in Nigeria and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have met with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, to explore deeper collaboration on peace, security, climate justice, and regional integration.

The delegation was led by Mr. John Makina, Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, and Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC.

Speaking during the meeting, Makina described inequality in West Africa as a crisis that demands urgent attention, noting that the region faces greater inequality challenges compared to other African blocs.

He commended ECOWAS for its commitment to humanity, rural integration, and inclusive development, stressing that Oxfam and its partners are ready to work closely with the Commission to tackle inequality, climate justice, and governance issues while deepening collaboration.

Makina further revealed that Oxfam in West Africa, in partnership with CISLAC and other civil society organisations in the region, has developed a strategy document for 2024–2029. The strategy seeks to guide engagement with ECOWAS and secure the Commission’s support in addressing inequality and promoting inclusive development across the region.

On his part, Rafsanjani emphasised that reducing economic inequality in Nigeria is not just a policy option but a necessity for achieving equitable and sustainable growth. He stressed the importance of advancing human rights, promoting social justice, ending poverty, and building what CISLAC describes as a “human economy” one that places people at the centre rather than profit.

He also announced that CISLAC will soon release its 8th Annual SDG 16 Shadow Report at the United Nations General Assembly. The report independently assesses Nigeria’s progress on peace, justice, and strong institutions, serving as an accountability tool for policymakers, development partners, and citizens.

Rafsanjani reaffirmed CISLAC’s support for the ECOWAS Vision 2050, particularly in addressing regional security challenges, tackling political instability, and promoting credible elections that strengthen trust in governance across Africa.

In his remarks, ECOWAS President Dr. Touray welcomed the visit and described it as a strategic engagement, stressing the importance of civil society as partners in driving regional integration, peace, security, and trade among West African nations.

He reiterated the unity of West Africa, noting that “our people are one, and no one can divide us.” He urged civil society organisations to continue sensitising citizens not only about their rights but also about their responsibilities.

Dr. Touray also underscored the growing challenge of disinformation and deep fakes in the region, compounded by gaps in education that make false narratives spread easily. He called for joint efforts by governments, civil society, and the media to counter this trend.

The ECOWAS President further encouraged civil society to intensify advocacy on climate justice, which he said is critical to addressing challenges such as the farmer-herder crisis and other climate-related conflicts. He assured CISLAC and Oxfam of ECOWAS’ readiness to partner on initiatives that advance peace, development, and integration in the region.

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) successfully concluded its 2025 annual Range Classification 2025 held on Monday 15 September 2025 at the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Owode.

The event, which drew officers, and soldiers of the Centre, ended on a high note with the closing ceremony presided over by the Commandant NAFRC Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman.

In his closing address, the Commandant lauded the professionalism, discipline, and team spirit displayed throughout the exercise. He described the event as more than a test of marksmanship.

He said it was a reaffirmation of the bond and operational readiness that defines the military profession.

He said: “The 2025 Range Classification was not just about hitting targets, but about strengthening the spirit that make us a formidable fighting force. To every personnel and support team, who treated safety as sacred and teamwork as non-negotiable I salute you.”

Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman emphasized the importance of continuous operational readiness, urging all staff to carry the discipline and camaraderie of the range into every mission and deployment.

He further noted that the Range Classification aligns with the vision of the Chief of Defence Staff, for the Armed Forces of Nigeria which is to nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, collaborative and capable of meeting its constitutional responsibility in a joint environment. While also ensuring that Armed Forces of Nigerian staff reach the peak of operational readiness, especially in light of Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.

The exercise featured weapon classifications which included the rifle and pistol, with emphasis on live firing, safety protocols, and performance evaluations. Range coaches from the 192 Battalion were applauded for their professionalism in managing the event. Over 320 personnel from the Centre participated in the one-day Range Classification exercise including the Commandant and the deputy Commandant. Some of the officers and soldiers noted the exercise was rewarding and essential for honing weapon handling and marksmanship skills of NAFRC staff.

Speaking during the declaration by all officers and soldiers at the range the Director of Coordination Commodore IP Udoudoh noted that the exercise was a testament to the Commandant’s resolve to champion a Centre that is operationally ready.

He said: “The exercise tested our mental alertness, weapon handling skills, and marksmanship proficiency, all of which are critical for our ongoing security operations across the country.”

Similarly, the Director of Training Brigadier General IO Olatunji Brigadier General Olatunji added that the Centre intends to make the Range Classification bi-annual to allowing more personnel to build confidence in weapon handling, crucial for real-life security engagements.

With the successful conclusion of the NAFRC 2025 Range Classification, the leadership of the Centre has reaffirmed the Centres readiness to confront emerging threats and contribute effectively to national security. The event ended with a renewed sense of pride, discipline, and commitment to duty.

In a bid to enhance the professional growth of officers of the Nigerian Army,
the Department of Military Secretary (Army) conducted a sensitization lecture on Career Planning and Prospects for Nigerian Army Officers in 81 Division Area of Responsibility.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army
The lecture, which was held on 11 September 2025, at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Outer Marina, Victoria Island, Lagos, was aimed at enhancing the professional growth of Nigerian Army officers.

In his welcome remarks, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, the host and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, emphasized the importance of career planning and management in the Nigerian Army. He encouraged officers to leverage the lecture to gain valuable insights into career advancement opportunities and challenges.

The Military Secretary (Army), Major General Everest Okoro, presented a comprehensive lecture covering critical aspects of career development, including career review, performance appraisals, promotions, postings, and professional development. A dynamic interactive session followed, where participants engaged in lively discussions and received expert guidance from the Military Secretary (Army).

The sensitisation lecture further underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to excellence and professionalism, demonstrating its investment in the career development of its officers. Senior officers, including Commanders and Staff Officers from various Nigerian Army formations, schools, and establishments in Lagos, attended the event.

Following recent deployments by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller Joe Anani has assumed duty as new Customs Area Controller for Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML)Command with a promise to keep the lofty records of the command growing.

According to the signed press statement by CSC Abdullahi Abubakar, Customs Public Relations Officer PTML Command, “at a brief ceremony where he took over from the immediate past Controller, Assistant Comptroller General Tenny Mankini Daniyan, the new CAC commended the successes recorded by his predecessor

He described the command and stakeholders as very well organised and promised to build on the various pioneering feats ACG Daniyan achieved

Comptroller Anani listed the successful roll out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu as great milestones that must be improved on

He also called on all customs officers, officials of sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of PTML high

Comptrollerb Anani urged all the stakeholders to stay on the path of compliance as they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times. He also promised to strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling

The CAC who promised to be accessible to all, also sought that everyone should feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.

Comptroller Anani said “While thanking God and the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.

“I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation.

“I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.

“I am aware that this command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment. The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours.

“Compliance, as the key to trade facilitation, is critical for smooth port operations. It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners. Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.

” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money. Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest. Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.

“The CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling will be duly enforced on my watch and I am convinced from my background checks that our stakeholders are on the right track

“Let me use this opportunity to inform you that my office is without a door. I shall be accessible to all physically and virtually in the quest to improve on our duties. Feel free to interact with me and avail me all relevant information needed for my success on this assignment” he concluded

Various stakeholders at the command while welcoming the new CAC also commended the ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployments across various commands

They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.

The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively while urging him to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team

Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.

As part of its commitment to improving lives and supporting communities, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has distributed food items in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of Ondo State.

Speaking during the donation event which took place at Igbokoda, Headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, the Regional Bank Head, Southwest 1, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Folaranmi Jemirin, noted that the Fidelity Food Bank initiative was launched as part of the bank’s commitment to reducing hunger and providing relief for disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.

“We are honored to be in Ondo State to continue this impactful initiative, and we hope that today’s donation brings much-needed relief and comfort to the beneficiaries”. Mr Jemirin said.

In her remarks, the Vice Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mrs. Olurantimi Esejuwon, praised Fidelity Bank for its generosity, particularly towards the aged and people living with disabilities.

“This gesture by Fidelity Bank is a lifeline for many in our communities who are struggling with basic needs. It shows that the bank truly cares about people’s welfare beyond banking services, and we are deeply grateful for their support,” Esejuwon said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Hon. Biyi Poroye, lauded Fidelity Bank for its generosity and encouraged the bank to establish a branch in Ilaje Local Government, citing the region’s vast economic potential.

One of the beneficiaries, Pastor Ikudehinbu Ademola, also expressed gratitude on behalf of the communities.

“We sincerely appreciate Fidelity Bank for remembering us at this time. Many families here will sleep with joy tonight because of this kind gesture. I also appeal to the bank to consider establishing a branch in Ilaje so we can enjoy closer access to their services,” Ademola said.

The Fidelity Food Bank distribution in Ondo State is the most recent of its ongoing outreaches to make a difference in the lives of Nigerians. Previously, through the food bank initiative, the bank provided essential supplies to over 2,000 residents in multiple locations across Anambra State, further reinforcing the bank’s mission of fostering sustainable impact in communities nationwide.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appointed Comptroller Aliyu M. Alkali as the new Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne. He succeeds Mohammed Babandede, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.

The handover ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, was attended by the Zonal Coordinator of Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku of Port Harcourt I Command, as well as representatives of security agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders.

In his valedictory address, ACG Babandede expressed gratitude to officers of the Command, sister agencies, port operators, and freight forwarders for their cooperation during his tenure. He attributed the Command’s achievements to the strong synergy among stakeholders and urged them to extend the same support to his successor.

ACG Kamal Mohammed, in his remarks, praised Babandede for his dedication, vision, and resilience, describing his tenure as one that left “an indelible mark in the annals of the command’s history.” He wished him continued success in his new assignment and assured Comptroller Alkali of the Zone’s support.

“The task before you is both noble and demanding. We implore you to build on the solid legacies left by your predecessor while introducing fresh ideas and innovations that will further advance the mission of the Service,” he told the incoming Area Controller.

In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Alkali pledged to uphold the confidence reposed in him by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He assured stakeholders of his commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, compliance enforcement, and public safety.

“My assignment is to ensure compliance with trade regulations, facilitate legitimate trade, collect revenue for the federal government, and protect public safety. I will consolidate on the foundation laid by ACG Babandede, but I need continuous collaboration from all stakeholders to achieve these goals,” he said.

The ceremony closed with assurances of cooperation and renewed commitment to sustaining the Command’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced progress in its ongoing recruitment exercise, confirming that 286,697 candidates have been shortlisted to participate in the next phase of the process.

The recruitment exercise, which began with an advertisement published on December 27, 2024, declared a total of 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. According to the Service, it received 573,523 applications during the first stage, out of which nearly half were cleared for further screening.

The second phase, scheduled for September 14–21, 2025, will be conducted through an online Computer-Based Test (CBT). The NCS said the decision to adopt a virtual test reflects its commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness.

Candidates are expected to take the test using a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and full-screen display, as mobile phones will not be supported. The system includes facial verification, making neat appearance essential to avoid login challenges.

The Service also warned that the CBT application is highly sensitive to noise, movement, and window switching, stressing that such actions could lead to automatic logout or disqualification.

To aid preparation, the NCS has arranged a mandatory pre-test exercise, to be held two days before the main CBT. Shortlisted candidates will receive separate links for both the pre-test and the main examination. Additionally, candidates applying for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will sit for an extra CBT in the subsequent stage of the recruitment, while this provision will not apply to other cadres.

Reassuring stakeholders, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, stated that the recruitment process will remain strictly merit-driven and transparent.

“Applicants are strongly advised to rely solely on verified official platforms of the Service for authentic updates, as the NCS will neither request any form of payment nor conduct recruitment activities on social media platforms,” he said.

Successful candidates will be notified of the next stages of the exercise through official communication channels.