Category: Maritime Sector

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ogun State for recent seizures of 1179 kilograms of hard drugs, used tyres, and various prohibited goods in September. 

Adeniyi expressed his appreciation during a press briefing today, highlighting the NCS’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria. He also underscored the significance of the recent successful operations in Ogun State, which targeted illicit trade and road safety.

While addressing the issue of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, also known as Tokunbo tyres, the CGC emphasized that many of these tyres have exceeded their recommended lifespan, posing a grave risk to motorists. He also noted that good-quality pneumatic tyres are safe for four years from their manufacturing date and should not be used on Nigerian highways beyond this period.

Reflecting on a previous press conference held on August 7, 2023, Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from harmful substances, particularly the rise in Cannabis Sativa abuse in Nigeria. He highlighted the various tactics employed by smugglers, including land border crossings, creek routes, and air smuggling. The NCS remains dedicated to ensuring the well-being of Nigerians.

The Acting Comptroller General then provided details of the recent successful seizures by the Ogun 1 Area Command which include:

“The Ogun 1 Area Command intercepted 1,436 used Pneumatic tyres, 53 sacks, and 569 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, totaling 1,179 kilograms between September 18 and September 30, 2023. Additionally, they confiscated 3,149 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 32 vehicles used for conveyance, and various other items. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to an impressive N241,977,943.00.

“These operations took place across multiple locations in Ogun State, including Papa/Ajegunle, Ilaro road, Imasayi/Joga road, Ijebu Ode axis, and Odogbolu bush path along Ijebu Ode road.

The Customs Boss reiterated the NCS’s commitment to its mission and the safety and well-being of all Nigerians. He applauded the Nigeria Customs Service in Ogun State for their dedication and successful operations, contributing to building a safer and stronger Nigeria. 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun 1 Command in Idiroko has revealed that the N1.51 billion lost to smuggling between January and October 2023 could have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth if it had been directed toward legitimate trade.

Speaking at a symposium organized by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), themed “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects on Border Communities & National Security,” on Monday, the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the severe consequences of smuggling on the nation’s socioeconomic well-being and security.

Shuaibu who was represented by Mr. Charles Ogunesan, Deputy Comptroller of Administration at the Idiroko Border, stated that smuggling hampers economic development, disrupts social well-being, and poses threats to national security. He called for a collective effort to curb smuggling, highlighting the sacrifices made by customs officers and the tragic loss of life among local communities.

He stated, “Over the years, the Command had recorded series of horrible and unwanted experiences in our line of lawful duties. We have lost officers to death and permanent disability while our dear communities had lost their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling. It is high time we say no to smuggling considering the dangers inherent in it. It retards our economic development, hampers our social well-being, and endangers our national security.”

Shuaibu emphasized that the primary mandate of the Ogun State Customs is to generate revenue, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and secure the nation’s borders.

He stressed that the security and development of Nigeria are collective responsibilities.

The keynote speaker, Barr. Kehinde Bamiwola, urged the government to reduce customs duties and tariffs on goods not locally produced in the country to mitigate smuggling.

He cautioned that a country with more imports than exports would suffer from a high debt profile.

“Smuggling kills or destroys local industries and the domestic economy. Smuggling creates unhealthy competition for local industries outside the doctrine of comparative cost advantage… To the border communities, smuggling discourages education, industrialization, legitimate trade, and agricultural development.”

Bamiwola recommended government support for local production through agricultural loans, grants, subventions, and exemption of customs duty on farming equipment and machinery. He also called for a reduction in customs duties and tariffs on goods not produced locally.

The symposium shed light on the significant economic and security challenges posed by smuggling at the Idiroko Border. It called for a comprehensive approach involving government reforms and community awareness to combat smuggling and foster legitimate economic growth in Nigeria.

In its relentless effort to combat smuggling within its jurisdiction, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C,’ has successfully intercepted a significant haul of illicit goods.

This includes cannabis sativa, materials used in the production of explosive devices, and various other contraband items, collectively valued at an impressive One Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,648,494,571.00).

During the period from July 25th to September 23rd, 2023, the Zone apprehended nine suspects in connection with these seizures. Acting Comptroller, DC Kayode Kolade, conveyed this information to the press at the Government Warehouse in Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo state.

Kolade expressed his dismay at the rampant smuggling activities within the Zone. However, he proudly reported that the customs unit had successfully recovered an additional Fifty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N54,244,571.00) through demand notices issued for detected violations. This brings the cumulative sum of recoveries to an impressive One Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-One Naira (N1,634,794,571.00) for the months under review.

In addition to the significant drug seizures, which included 417 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 9,194kg, 627 compressed parcels of the same cannabis sativa weighing 1kg each, and 9 sacks of explosive raw materials weighing 50kg each, the customs unit also confiscated a range of other illicit products.

These included 1,329 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg, 5 cartons of DSP Cough Syrup with codeine 100mg containing 1000 bottles, 1 armored Bullion Van, 761 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, 883 cartons of various unregistered/expired medicaments, including tramadol, 100 cartons of various wines, 5,737 used pneumatic tires, 335 cartons of smuggled foreign tomato paste, and 300 cartons of foreign spaghetti.

“Based on prompt intelligence and sting operation, the rice was intercepted along Calabar/Akwa Ibom axis and okada/benin expressway, the 417 sacks and 627 parcels of Indian hemp were intercepted at Okada-Benin and Ewu-Auchi Expressway respectively. 761 Jumbo bales of used clothing mostly concealed in trucks and buses were intercepted along Umeikaa/Aba Road and Okada-Benin road.

“The 5 cartons of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and 883 cartons of unregistered medicaments were intercepted along Benin/Asaba/Onitsha Expressway.

The armored Bullion Van without customs documents and End User Certificate was intercepted along Okada/Benin Expressway. 100 cartons of wine and 335 tomatoes paste were intercepted along Ewu/Ibilo axis, 5,737 pieces of used pneumatic tyres were also intercepted along Cross River waterside and Okada-Benin Expressway,“ he said.

He continued to voice concern about the illicit transportation of explosives, especially while the nation was still dealing with the pervasive issues of insecurity.

He urged smugglers to immediately cease their activities for the greater good of humanity, warning that they would face legal consequences if they persisted.

“More worrisome is the interception of 9 sacks 50kg each of explosive materials (fertilizer , device cables and superpower90 chemicals). We all know the security implication if these explosives components get to their destination unchecked. It may interest you to know that Superpower 90 is designed for priming applications and as a column explosive in surface and underground mining and general blasting. The high detonation velocity and the robust nature of Superpower 90 make it an ideal primer for the initiation of column charge. Let’s us not just imagine if dynamites and landmines are detonated using these items,” he said.

He also extended his congratulations to Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who had been appointed as the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service. He praised the appointment as “highly deserved,” citing Adeniyi’s exceptional background, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment to the service.

“We will all make sure he succeeds as his leadership style has started yielding positive results in our operations. I thank the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts so far in providing needed incentives and necessary logistics that aided our performance. To my dear colleagues, Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police, I must commend your prompt intelligence sharing, resilience and tenacity that brought about this stride “, he added.

He urged journalists to enlist in the Nigeria Customs Service’s advocacy campaign against the detrimental impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

He also called upon all patriotic Nigerians to provide the service with vital intelligence and information that could help eradicate smuggling for the greater good of our homeland.

Furthermore, the Comptroller issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in economic sabotage, who intend to exploit the upcoming period for their unlawful activities.

He cautioned them to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that the Service would ensure they face substantial losses.

He asserted, “No amount of disruption will deter us from fulfilling our statutory obligations, not even the recent attacks orchestrated by some sponsored individuals earlier this month.”
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Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu, took over the mantle of leadership from Comptroller Bamidele Makinde as the new Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service.

Shu’aibu was one of the Customs Comptrollers who were redeployed by the Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) on 6th of September, 2023. With over 30 years experience in Customs Administration covering Strategic, Enforcement and operational responsibilities.

DC Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu, the New Customs Area Controller Ogun 1 Command, is a native of Zungeru in Niger State. Born on December 24th, 1965, in Niger, he has a distinguished background in Customs Service.

Until his redeployment, DC Shu’aibu served in different capacities and worked in all the six geo-political Zones of the country. Before his recent posting, he has diligently served in the following Area Commands: Borno/Yobe Command, Lillypond, Imo/Abia, Enforcement Headquarters Abuja, FOU ‘A’ as Staff officer General, A pioneer Staff of Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), FOU Zone ‘C’ as OC Operation, FOU Zone ‘A’ as DC Admin, Coordinator CGC Strike Force Zone ‘A’ Lagos, DC Tin-Can Island Port Command, then most recently Ag. CAC Ogun II Command, Abeokuta Ogun State.

He was enlisted into Nigeria Customs Service as a Cadet in the year 1991 and was later commissioned as Assistant Superintendent of Customs after the Completion of Basic Training at the Customs Training College Ikeja, Lagos.

He has attended many professional courses which includes the following: Advance Law Enforcement Course in Gaborone, Batswana; Law Enforcement Academy Roswell in USA, amongst others.

“My Superior and good brother, Comptroller Makinde fii uni pse(+) Distinguished Heads of Agencies Our Security Counterpart from Igolo, Republic of Benin Secretary General Inter-Border Forums Members of the Command’s Management Team, it is my pleasure to be in your midst this morning, for this auspicious occasion of handing over and taking over ceremony, sequel to my posting to Ogun 1 Area Command by the Ag Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm finipr psc(+).

“The posting is seen as a call to higher responsibility and I thank the Ag CGC for finding me worthy for the deployment. I shall discharge my duties diligently and uphold the policy thrust of the CGC. I will like to appreciate my boss and every one of you here present for the warm reception accorded to me.”

“Permit me to state that, I am highly impressed with the presence of some of our critical stakeholders within and outside the country, indeed, this is an evidence of cordial working relationship. Let me congratulate my boss and good brother, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde mini psc(+) on his successful tour of duty with laudable achievements.

“I am not surprise by his impeccable performance considering the fact that, you are an articulate and result oriented leader. Sir, I assure you of continuity and sustaining your performance tempo. Thank you for garnering support for my administration and wishing me well. I wish you success in your new endeavour.

“Going forward, I will like state that, I am a team player and believe so much in a team work. I urge all Officers and Men of Ogun 1 Area Command to work as a team adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and discharge their duty in conformity with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023.

“However, let me sound a note of warning to smugglers and their accomplice, their nefarious activities will not be condoned, and anyone caught in the act, shall be brought to book.

“May I use this medium to assure the business community and our critical stakeholders, that the new administration will operate an open door policy, and strengthen the existing relationship with the Command”, he declared.

Before now, the Outgone Controller, Comptroller Makinde Bamidele disclosed that for his duration of seventeen months, the command raked in a total of N225, 009,835.50 in revenue collection.

He said, “From the inception of my tenure in office (9th of February, 2022) to date, which is about 17 months, the Command have recorded some laudable achievements. For emphasis, during this period, the Command generated a total sum of N225, 009,835.50 as revenue.

‘Interestingly, out of the revenue target of N136,532,168.22 set for the Command for the year 2023, we have generated the sum of N127,122,058.00 which is about 91% of the target, 3 months and some days to the end of the year.

“Within the 17 months in office, the Command also recorded about 1,479 seizures comprising 1,245 rounds of live Ammunition, 72,989 bugs of foreign parboiled Rice of 50kg each (which is an equivalent of 122 Trucks load), 907 bales & 236 sacks of Secondhand clothing, 394 sacks & 2,678 wraps of Cannabis Sativa and 655,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (an equivalent of 20 Tankers load), among others, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6, 604,107,655.92.”

Rallying support for his successor, Makinde said, “May I call on officers to redouble their effort and give the incoming administration maximum support and cooperation to sustain the performance tempo of the Command. In a similar vein, I wish to solicit the unflinching support of our critical stakeholders for the new Area Controller.”

He is very happily married and blessed with children. His hobbies includes: reading, sport, and adventure. He possess deep understanding of the complex and constantly evolving international trade landscape.

The CAC seeks synergy amongst sister agencies as well as stakeholders collaborations of the border communities in Ogun State.

Shu’aibu stressed that there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence as that is the only way to engender a virile economic development of any country.

The new CAC has demonstrated excellent communication and leadership skills responsible for leading teams of Customs Officials, working closely with stakeholders.

Shu’aibu is a team player and he understands the dynamite of his environment.

This is evident in effective risk management strategies, guidance and support developed and implemented for his teams to ensure that all customs procedures are followed accurately and efficiently. He is dedicated to promoting trade and economic growth while ensuring compliance with all extant laws and regulations.

Shu’aibu is known to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. He is also committed to continuously improving his knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the ever-changing customs landscape.

Speaking shortly after a brief taking over ceremony, Shu’aibu thanked officers of the Command for the warm reception he received on arrival.

He further expressed his innermost desire for the officers to support him in taking the Command to greater heights. He appealed for unity among officers in the course of discharging their official duties.

He encouraged officers and men to utilize their physical and intellectual capacities by making positive contributions towards achieving deserve results.

Comptroller Shu’aibu said his Area Command will key into the mandate given to it by the CGC.

The CAC on behalf of the Officers and Men of Ogun 1 Command thanked the Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) for the opportunity to serve and pledged his unwavering commitment to the fight against smuggling.

The Customs Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has lauded Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), on his 65th birthday.

In a congratulatory message disseminated earlier today, the newly appointed Tin-Can Island Customs boss described Aniebonam as the “moral compass of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”

“This is a special occasion to celebrate the ‘Ozo Ebubechukwu’ of Umuawulu, Anambra State, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam,” Comptroller Nnadi said. “You are a philanthropist, motivational speaker, prolific writer, conscientious counselor, a worthy role model par excellence, an empowerment giant, and more. I celebrate you, Sir.”

“This birthday celebration is a golden opportunity for you to reflect on your role in the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry over the years,” the Comptroller continued. “While you reflect on the good times and noteworthy accomplishments, it is also important that you appreciate your good legacies and ensure that they are sustained by your mentees and followers.”

Comptroller Nnadi, however, emphasized that the Tin Can Island Command expects the NAGAFF Founder to rally his leaders and members in lending a hand of support as Customs seeks to generate over 48 percent of its annual target in the next 3 months.

“I’m using this opportunity to beckon on you as the cerebral NAGAFF Founder and a dynamic leader, to inspire your executives and members towards playing a strategic role in discouraging smuggling and ensuring a boost in revenue generation of Customs, and by extension, revenue boost for the nation,” Comptroller Nnadi said. “This is what Nigeria needs at such a time as this.”

According to Comptroller Nnadi, there are not many personalities as influential as Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in the nation’s maritime space, yet the NAGAFF founder remains so humble, accessible, and generous.

The Customs anti-smuggling czar, Nnadi, also thanked the veteran freight forwarder for gracing his recent handover ceremony when he took leadership reigns as the Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command on Wednesday.

Dr. Aniebonam is a passionate National political party leader who founded the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), an in-depth scholar, a community leader, a devout Christian, an empowerment giant, a sports fan, and Patron of NAGAFF Football Club.

Dr.Aniebonam is also a supporter of free expression and the role of the media in informing, educating, and entertaining. He is a patron of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), the Financial Correspondents of Nigeria (FICAN), and the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), among others.

The new Customs Controller of Tin-Can Island Port command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni has taken up his new role at the command.

Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, while delivering his maiden address yesterday on the occasion of his official assumption of duty as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tincan Island Port Command expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and outlined his vision for the command.

Addressing the gathering, Comptroller Nnadi extended his appreciation to all present for welcoming him back to Tin-Can Island Port Command, where he assumes the role of the 20th Customs Area Controller since the command’s inception in 1977.

He noted that it is always a pleasure to be part of the maritime industry and that he is eager to continue the ongoing reforms, both from his personal perspective and on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Recognizing the dynamic nature of the maritime industry, Comptroller Nnadi stressed the importance of stakeholders working together to find solutions to individual and collective needs.

He emphasized the need for proactive leadership and urged all stakeholders to lead from the front.

Comptroller Nnadi outlined the key performance indicators for the Nigeria Customs Service, which include revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and service delivery (facilitation of trade). These indicators, he noted, are essential in measuring the agency’s performance and will remain relevant until Nigeria achieves full economic development.

The Comptroller acknowledged the challenging task ahead, with the command’s revenue target exceeding 801 billion Naira and standing at 52 percent completion with only three months left in the year 2023.

The Tin-Can Port boss expressed confidence in achieving the remaining 48 percent of the revenue target, despite the challenges posed by the floating exchange rate affecting importers and exporters.

Regarding security, Comptroller Nnadi emphasized the Customs Command’s role in securing the nation by intervening against economic saboteurs and those who import illicit goods that contribute to insecurity in the country.

He commended the outgoing Controller and the command’s officers for their recent seizure of two containers of tramadol, reaffirming the commitment to combating the importation of illicit and unapproved drugs.

In his words: “The concept of regional trade integration is pursuant to the new world order which encourages cooperation between independent countries within a region or sub region as the case may be to speed up economic and social development through removal of barriers in trade and movement of persons which may impede free movement of goods and services within a particular region.

“This strategic agenda between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin is in line with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and would aid smooth transitioning into the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”

The CAC highlighted the recent agreement between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin to develop frameworks for clearing Nigeria-bound goods in Benin Ports and vice versa.

He called for improved business processes and increased efficiency in service delivery to remain competitive with other ports in the subregion.

Comptroller Nnadi called for the cooperation of shipping companies, terminal operators, and other government agencies in the command’s efforts to rebrand and improve service delivery.

He stressed the importance of respecting various mandates and avoiding interference in revenue-related transactions, except where it falls within their regulatory functions.

Nnadi assured that he would maintain an open-door policy for seamless trade while remaining resolute in his commitment to prevent activities that compromise the service’s mandates.

He concluded by urging everyone to offer solutions rather than assign blame for the challenges facing the maritime industry.

Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, assumes the role of Customs Area Controller at Tincan Island Port Command with a determination to lead the command toward greater efficiency and effectiveness.