Author: Dodo Elias Denen

In a bid to accelerate national economic growth, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) under the framework of the National Export Strategy (NES) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration. Both agencies aim to streamline export procedures, enhance trade facilitation, and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder non-oil exports.

National President Professor Adeola Adenikinju led a delegation comprising members of the Governing Council and the FCT Chapter Chairman on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adawale Adeniyi, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 13 August 2025.

Emphasising the need for stronger collaboration to advance Nigeria’s development agenda, the CGC said, “While the NES provides evidence-based economic research and policy recommendations, the NCS plays a pivotal role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the enforcement of fiscal policies that directly shape the economy.”

He underscored the importance of aligning economic research with the operational realities at Nigeria’s borders to foster policy efficiency and enhance the nation’s trade competitiveness.

Professor Adenikinju formally invited the CGC to participate in the forthcoming conference, noting that his insights would be invaluable to deliberations on economic transformation. He highlighted that Customs’ unique access to data on trade patterns, revenue trends, and cross-border economic activity positions it as a crucial partner in shaping sound economic policies.

The NES President also announced the Comptroller-General’s nomination for the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award (DPSNES), one of the Society’s highest honours. The nomination recognises his leadership in modernising Customs operations, boosting revenue collection, and implementing innovative trade facilitation measures that have strengthened Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.

According to the NES, the award celebrates public servants whose work has tangibly advanced the nation’s economic development objectives. The Comptroller-General’s nomination, they said, reflects the transformative impact of ongoing reforms under the current Customs leadership.

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a significant leap in revenue collection and compliance for the first half of 2025, alongside notable anti-smuggling achievements.

Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, August 15, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Eghosa Joy Edelduok, said the Command collected ₦89.2 billion between January and June 2025, compared to ₦54.8 billion recorded in the same period in 2024. The increase of ₦34.3 billion represents a 63 percent growth.

Comptroller Edelduok attributed the performance to focused reforms, targeted enforcement, and practical compliance strategies aimed at protecting the national economy and securing borders under the Command’s jurisdiction.

On enforcement activities, she disclosed that the Command intercepted two 40-foot containers laden with expired pharmaceutical products valued at ₦130 million. The seized items, which contravened the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other import laws, are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

Reiterating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on infractions, Edelduok said the seizures underscored its commitment to safeguarding public health while maintaining transparency, accountability, and professionalism.

She commended the officers and men of the Command for their diligence and discipline, while also appreciating stakeholders, partner agencies, and the media for their continued cooperation and support.

The Customs Area Controller further expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for providing strategic guidance and an enabling environment for operational success.

Edelduok assured that the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command would continue to drive compliance, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and deliver on its statutory mandate in line with the Service’s broader goals of national security, economic growth, and service excellence.

The Nigerian Navy Military School Ikot Ntuen Under the leadership of The Commandant Captain OB Oko celebrated excellence and determination on Friday 15 August 2025, with a grand Speech and Prize Giving Day ceremony. The event honored outstanding young sailors and staff who have demonstrated remarkable academic and military prowess.

The ceremony was graced by The chairman of the Institution’s governing board and Chief of Administration (COA) Naval Headquarters, who served as the special guest of honor, Rear Admiral GSM Aligwe, Other notable attendees included Director of Naval Education, Captain CO Dick-Ubi, senior officers, professors, and prominent state dignitaries.

In his address, The Chief of Administration and Special Guest of honour, Rear Admiral GSM Aligwe, encouraged the young sailors to embrace challenges and persevere in pursuit of their dreams, commending the Commandant Captain OB Oko and the school’s staff on their outstanding achievements. Professor Udosen Alice Effong, the guest lecturer, delivered a compelling lecture titled “Determination as a Key to Success in Both Life and Career,” urging the young sailors to remain resolute in their pursuit of excellence.

Highlights of the ceremony included award Presentations to deserving young sailors, officers, and civilian staff in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Parent-Instructor Association (PIA) also made a special presentation to The Commandant Captain OB Oko, acknowledging his tireless efforts and commitment to the school’s success.

A cultural dance display by the Young Sailors and launch of the 3rd edition of the Nigerian Navy Military School Magazine (The Young Sailors Magazine)
The ceremony concluded with group photographs, capturing the joy and sense of accomplishment that filled the event.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral MG Oamen, has paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghae, at the Institute’s Lagos headquarters, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in maritime security, foreign policy, and strategic research.

During the August 14, 2025 meeting, Rear Admiral Oamen underscored the Navy’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting that naval operations are closely linked to the country’s foreign policy objectives. He stressed the importance of protecting maritime trade routes and promoting regional stability, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.

Professor Osaghae commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to national security and emphasised the value of knowledge sharing, collaborative research, and strategic dialogue between the NIIA and the Navy. He said such cooperation was critical in addressing evolving maritime threats and shaping informed policy decisions.

Both sides explored potential areas of partnership, including academic research, policy development, and joint participation in regional maritime security forums. The visit ended with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photograph, signalling their shared commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation in the interest of national and regional security.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched its Reputation Management Campaign in Zone ‘B’, Kaduna, marking another major step in a nationwide drive to strengthen institutional integrity, build public trust, and improve service delivery.

The campaign flag-off took place on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’ auditorium in Kawo, Kaduna State. The event brought together representatives from commands across the zone and featured train-the-trainer sessions to equip key officers with the skills to embed the principles of reputation management across all formations in Zone ‘B’.

In his remarks, Customs Area Controller for FOU Zone ‘B’, Comptroller Aliyu Alkalia, thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi and the Management Team for initiating the Guide, calling it “a significant milestone in the journey to enhance service delivery and project the positive image of the organisation.”

“Reputation is everything in the Service. It is the foundation for building trust and distinguishing the Nigeria Customs Service. Our conduct as officers directly shapes the Service’s image, and the seven golden rules serve as our compass for promoting transparency, accountability, and professionalism,” Alkalia said.

Delivering the keynote address, Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Adekunle Oloyede represented by Comptroller Ofonime Ido stressed that a strong reputation underpins operational success and fosters public cooperation.

“As representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are ambassadors of our organisation. Our behaviour and conduct directly affect how the public perceives us,” he noted.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of consistent communication and professionalism in sustaining the Service’s credibility.

The train-the-trainer sessions provided practical strategies for instilling the Guide’s principles at command and unit levels, ensuring uniform adoption across the Service.

Closing the ceremony, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Sambo Adamu reaffirmed Zone ‘B’ officers’ commitment to fully uphold the Reputation Management Guide in all engagements.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has convened a high-level stakeholders’ engagement meeting to address emerging issues affecting the maritime industry and cargo clearance processes and ensure seamless trade facilitation.

Speaking at the forum held on Monday, 11 August 2025, at Apapa Area Command, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, restated that the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B’Odogwu, remains a firm and irreversible policy direction.

“On B’Odogwu, there is no going back. We have to forge ahead with what we have started. We know there will be issues, which is why, before now, we met with some authorised banks, and that engagement has yielded positive results”, Adeniyi said.

The CGC stressed the Service’s readiness to maintain open communication with stakeholders. “It’s our intent to always listen to you patiently, so we have brought everyone together today as equal partners in this project,” he added.

The Comptroller General disclosed that some challenges have already been resolved through joint efforts, while work continues on others. He also raised concern over recent attempts to compromise the Service’s digital infrastructure.

“Just over the weekend, there were reports of individuals trying to infiltrate our system. There were several attempts, and the whole idea was to render our system inefficient. I want to remind you that such nefarious acts constitute economic sabotage, which we will not spare. On our part, we will continue to strengthen our system firewalls to prevent future downtimes”, he said.

The engagement concluded with an interactive session, during which stakeholders shared their perspectives and concerns on maritime sector operations, with a collective resolve to work towards efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance.

The Niger State government has vowed to commence sanctioning and prosecuting Boat operators who refused to adhere to the usage of life jackets

The Commissioner of Transport Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta who led a high delegation to Guni in Munya Local Government area to condole with the families of the victims of boat mishap which occurred in Zumba made this known during the visit.

The Commissioner revealed that her Ministry provided one hundred and fifty life jackets to Guni boat operators before the incident and expressed her dismay as to why the passengers who lost their lives in the mishap refused to use them. She appealed to traditional leaders and especially the association of boat operators to ensure its usage as government will not take it lightly with anyone caught disobeying the rule.

In their separate condolence messages on behalf of the Governor, the Commissioner of Lands and Survey Maurice Magaji and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Mairo Mohammed Mann urged members of the community to accept the irreparable loss as a destiny but stressed the need for the community leaders to ensure proper supervision of passengers wearing life jackets and the removal of undergrowth to prevent future occurrence. The duo assured of Umaru Mohammed Bago’s commitment in saving lives and properties of the people but call for collaboration from all stakeholders in achieving that objective.

The families of the thirteen people who lost their lives in the mishap were availed two hundred thousand naira, 50kg of rice and maize each while fifty additional life jackets were also given to the association of boat operators in the area.

The Nigerian Army (NA) has continued to consolidate its operational successes across the country neutralizing three terrorists, the surrender of 25 family members of ISWAP/JAS fighters, the arrest of 17 criminal suspects, and the recovery of assorted weapons and equipment in recent coordinated operations.

On 11 August 2025, troops of 202 Battalion in Bama LGA, Borno State, received 25 ISWAP/JAS family members, comprising 12 adult females and 13 children, who surrendered from Zalmari, Gazuwa, and Alafa villages. The surrendered persons are undergoing further profiling by 21 Special Armoured Brigade.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the same day, troops of 233 Battalion in conjunction with the Civilian JTF conducted an ambush along Sassawa–Kaburu in Damaturu LGA, Yobe State, making contact with terrorists, neutralizing one, and recovering an AK-47 rifle. In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 repelled a planned terrorist attack on FOB Galadi in Shinkafi LGA, neutralizing one terrorist and seizing a mobile phone.

Also on 12 August, acting on intelligence from a rescued kidnap victim, troops stormed Gremasa Mountain in Shanga LGA, Kebbi State, arresting eight suspected kidnappers. In Plateau State, Sector 4 Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested five suspected pipeline vandals at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi LGA, recovering government-owned pipes and handing the suspects over to the NSCDC for further action. In Taraba State, Sector 3 FOB Wukari, under Operation WHIRL STROKE, apprehended two suspected kidnap collaborators with incriminating items, including POS machines, ATM cards, and cash.

On 13 August, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade launched an offensive against an IPOB/ESN camp at Ndeji Community, a border area between Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. One criminal was neutralized, and troops recovered a pistol with ammunition, cartridges, radios, IED components, mobile phones, and other items. Two planted IEDs were safely destroyed by the EOD team.

These sustained operations underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and properties of the citizens while ensuring safety of farmers in a bid to support the federal government initiative towards boosting farming activities for food security. The NA will continue to maintain relentless pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored across all regions.

The Nigerian Army wishes to confirm that a minor explosion and subsequent fire outbreak occurred earlier today at Ilese Barracks, Ijebu-Ode.

Specifically, in the early hours of today, 14 August 2025, a localized explosion occurred within one of the storage buildings of the 42 Engineers Brigade Counter Improvised Explosive Device Squadron leading to a limited fire outbreak. Swift intervention by troops of the 12 Field Engineer Regiment, working closely with the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service, ensured that the fire was quickly contained.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, no lives were lost, and no injuries were sustained. The structural damage was confined to the affected building and some stored materials. A detailed assessment is currently underway to determine the extent of material loss.

We urge residents of Ilese and the adjoining communities to remain calm and go about their normal activities. The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has commenced a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and to prevent a recurrence.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all its personnel as well the members of neighbouring communities.

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted contraband goods worth over ₦3.14 billion and arrested 13 suspects in a series of anti-smuggling operations across the South-West.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Comptroller of FOU Zone A said the seizures were made over the past three weeks through intensified surveillance and intelligence-led enforcement in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states.

The seized items include 4,068 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 22 used vehicles — among them two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks — 12,125 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 770 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil.

The unit also intercepted eight containers loaded with misdeclared goods or items aimed at evading duty payment. The consignments, seized at different locations, contained used shoes, auto spare parts, used tyres, vehicles, furniture, and alcoholic beverages.

“These seizures were recorded at strategic points including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, Imeko-Afon, the Ondo/Ekiti axis, Shaki, Iseyin, and the Lagos metropolis,” the Comptroller stated.

Of the 13 suspects apprehended, some have been released on administrative bail while others have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. The confiscated Cannabis Sativa will be transferred to the appropriate authorities.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at ₦3,144,680,000.00, while additional revenue of ₦47,834,397.29 was recovered between July 18 and August 12 through Demand Notices issued on under-declared imports.

The Comptroller reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks, enforcing compliance with trade regulations, and safeguarding the national economy. “We will continue to strike a balance between trade facilitation and national security, ensuring that legitimate traders are not unduly hindered,” he said.

He commended the dedication of operatives and urged members of the public to report suspicious activities that could undermine Nigeria’s economic stability.