Category: Maritime Sector

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made N1,904,459, 390.77 revenue between January 23 and September 8, 2023, which represents 97.2% of N1,960,000,000 allotted target for the year. This shows an increase of 51.98% from the N885,543,098.11 made in the corresponding period for 2022.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, who made this known while briefing Maritime Reporters on the activities of his Command for the period under review in Badagry today, said the achievement was a result of painstaking efforts made in partnership with stakeholders.

You may recall that in its anti-smuggling efforts, the Command made a headline seizures of fake six million US dollars equivalent to N2.7 billion naira. This is in addition to other notable seizures recorded between January and August 2023.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) for items seized for the period of January to September 8 2023 is 1,827, 362, 619. 00.

They include: 6,569 of 50kg bags of rice equivalent to 16 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice with a DPV of N312,242, 064.93k; 13,835 x 30 liters Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) equivalent to 415,050 liters or 13 petroleum tankers with Duty Paid Value of 738,276, 461k and 15,389 of general merchandise goods.

Hard Drugs and Narcotics: 41 parcels of Cannabis Sativa; 4,900 Tablets 225mg of Tramadol Tamol-X; 3,600 Tablets 225mg Tramadol Royal 225; 157 Tablets of Heineken Ecstacy, and 864 Packs of Cigarette.

Similarly, operatives of the Command acting on credible intelligence intercepted 1,364 of 30 liters jerrycans of PMS equivalent to 40,800 litres over one tanker load with a DPV of N24,663,355 at the early hours of Friday, September 8, along the Badagry Coast.

According to the Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, Seme Command advantageously lies on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor (ALCO) which connects Lagos-Cotonou-Lomé-Accra-Abidjan, but noted that the region is yet to maximise this advantage.

He said: “The significance of the corridor as an economic, cultural and political platform for regional integration of West Africa cannot be over emphasised.

With a population of over 350 million people, the corridor and Command accounts for about 70 per cent of the transit traffic in the ECOWAS sub-region”

“The route is also a component of the Lagos-Kano-Jibiya (LAKAJI) corridor which extends from Lagos through Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Kastina states in Nigeria. The LAKAJI corridor compliments the trade route from Abidjan through Cotonou to Niamey and even to Libya and Egypt.

Nnadi stated that the Seme Area Command is the platform for the sustenance of the regional integration expected to be driven through the ECOWAS Protocol on the free movement of persons, goods, and services, the implementation of the various trade policies of the sub-region and the continent especially the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the emerging African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“The objective of the ETLS and AfCFTA is to liberalise trade by abolishing customs duties and fees on imports and exports and the elimination of non-tariff barriers among member states. It is intended to achieve unhindered market access to the countries of the sub-region. Seme Area Command has worked assiduously to ensure that the region optimises this expectation.

“Among the trade blocks in Africa, the ECOWAS region has a population of 428.6 million people and ranks second in Africa after East Africa region with a population of 474.9 million people. It is expected that the potential inherent in this advantageous position will be translated to increased trade among countries of the ECOWAS subregion especially between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin with a combined population of nearly 250 million people.

“Sadly, ECOWAS ranks fourth at 10 per cent when it comes to trade within the African Continent. Southern African Development Community (SADC) with a population of 69.2 million people ranks first in trading among themselves at 32.12 percent, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) at 20.32 per cent, and Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) at 16.59 per cent.

“This is an indication that the ECOWAS region is yet to maximize the gains of ETLS. Again, this underscores the level of our limited preparedness for the African Continental Fre Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Several factors have been adjudged to hamper trade (between Nigeria and her proximate neighbour) within the sub-region especially transit trade across the countries and along the corridor. There have been several complaints by operators against the closure of the borders, the non-adherence to transit agreements signed under the ECOWAS, World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariff”.

“Upon my assumption of duty on the 23 of January, 2023, I pledged to adopt new strategies to boost trade while enforcing the nation’s anti-smuggling laws along the Abidjan Lagos Corridor (ALCO) in line with the ECOWAS protocols on free movement of goods and persons.

“I also promised along with officers and men to encourage compliant traders along the corridor bearing in mind the challenges of the JBP as one that is still recovering from the effects of the border closure. We have kept faith with that as will be explained in due course.

‘It is important to note that the Nigeria 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures by the Federal Ministry of Finance lifted the ban on export of goods imported into Nigeria hitherto prohibited under item 8 Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff. It is hoped that our stakeholders take full advantage of this gesture while our brothers from other countries in the sub-region particularly the Republic of Benin will reciprocate this gesture where there are existing trade barriers.

“It is gratifying to note that the CGC and the government of both countries and the stakeholders are all on the same page regarding the need to improve our relationship with a view to maximize the opportunities offered by the proximity of our two countries to the border and develop trade along the corridor”.

The anti-smuggling czar disclosed that in line with the Service’s dictate of encouraging its personnels, the Officers and Men of the Command that were involved in the seizures of fake $6,000,000 currency, 15 fake international passports and 10 Driver’s license, and that of Donkey skins in January have been commended by the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

He presented the commendation and congratulatory letters from the Command to the beneficiaries today.

Comptroller Nnadi appreciated the CGC for his support to the Command, as well as the Seme Badagry Community for their cooperation and to officers and men of the Command for their gallantry and patriotism.

The Ag. Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Thursday, 7th August 2023, performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the massive construction of Customs Service Zone B Headquarters.

The extraordinary edifice of 25 hectares of land situated in the Mando area of Kaduna State is part of CGC’s unalloyed commitment to improve the welfare and efficiency of the Service.

Speaking at the ceremony, the CGC described the initiative as a magnificent project that will pave the way to establishing a solid and efficient infrastructure to drive the activities of the Service.

“I am glad to be here this morning, and as previously stated, this is the second project site I will be visiting – and it is my wish that this site will be put to a difference in remarkable readiness and preparations.”

According to him, redefining the Nigeria Customs Service has been his priority since he assumed duty as the Ag. Comptroller-General of the Service, “to continue from where my immediate predecessor stopped – to fast-track a more robust implementation of a good project for the Service.”

The Customs Boss, who said that the to-be-completed Zone B Headquarters is one of the ongoing projects that the Service started across the federation, assured the construction company of his support to ensure it is delivered in good time.

He also told the Chairman of CCECC Nigeria Limited that once the project is delivered on time and in good shape, it will open ways for them to get more opportunities from the Service.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Chinese-owned construction company, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Jason Zhang, commended the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for entrusting them with the responsibility to construct the Zone B Headquarters.

He said the construction will serve as a landmark project for the Service, adding that “your presence today emphasizes the significance of this occasion – and I want to assure you of our esteem commitment to deliver this project properly.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after laying the project’s foundation, the CGC said the Headquarters will be more of a cantonment that entails everything the Service needs for optimal Customs operation in Zone B and other places across the Federation.

The site at mando consists of Nigeria Customs Service Zone B Headquarters, Auditorium, Residential Accommodation for the ACG, Comptrollers then block of flats for DCs, ACs, CSC and other ranks.

Other facilities include Farmers Market, shopping mall, religious buildings, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, roads and drainage.

I’m not one given to sycophancy or vain praise, but in the last few months, working for and walking with the highly revered Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has expanded my worldview on certain life issues and rejigged my commitment to humanity more than ever before.

Calling him a great man alone doesn’t encapsulate the essence of his being in its entirety. Without any attempt at exaggeration, it is safe to term him an “angel” among men.

When meeting him for the first time, it is easy to underestimate him. His quiet mien, unassuming disposition, respectful worldview, genuine genuflection and accommodating spirit are not characteristics you find among politicians, respectfully speaking, albeit Mu’azu Jaji Sambo is all shade good.

Watching him tuck his legs under his frame on a prayer mat in utter reverence and piety to his maker, or watching him bask in the air of conviviality among his kin and acquaintances, it is easy to label him as just any person, but a careful look at him through the lenses of a wise soul dawns upon one that he is greatness and mastery packed into a person.

The verisimilitude of his essence exudes grace, his persona is endearing, his laughter is infectious, his concerns are sincere, his people skills are top-notch, his cerebral acuity is unique, his fatherly mien is large, his experience is vast, his philosophies are deep, his soul is beautiful, and above all, his type is rare.

When you are around him, you can’t help but notice his distinct cerebral acuity. Chai, Alhaji Sambo, is brilliant and vast.

A voracious reader and a methodical fellow. Nothing is in a rush. Never!
The exuberance of youth beclouding me is always enveloped with his calmness, genuine smiles and fatherly mien. He always has a superior perspective.

His people’s spirit is unique. He always seeks out the good in others. Philanthropist generalissimo. He believes in people, no matter their creed or clime; as long as you draw breath, you will be heard.

His humility is infectious; he doesn’t believe in titles or appellations. No Engineer, No Honourable, nothing. Just call me Mu’azu, that’s all. It was tough at the initial stage, but he didn’t care. Call me Muazu, he says.

Mu’azu Jaji Sambo is impeccably neat. His clothes are all well-ironed, you can’t but notice him in the crowd. His babariga sits comfortably on his square shoulder, and his carriage is so endearing. His graceful walk step is a talk for another day.

His assumption as the 43rd Honourable Minister of Transportation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will forever shape the history of our transportation sector as a country.

On assuming office, he decided to go after the proverbial low-hanging fruits that will positively impact the maritime landscape in a short time – 9 months. He took a thorough assessment of projects in all parastatals under the ministry, made a list of deliverables, and put in the will and resources to achieve them.

Without knowing the proponents behind the Badagry Seaport, reading through the memorandum and being convinced that it would further boost shipping activities in Nigeria, he presented it to the Federal Executive Council at his maiden appearance and got immediate approval.

He fast-tracked the realization of bringing shipping closer to the hinterlands of Nigeria through the established policy of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs). To this end, the inland dry ports of Dala in Kano, Kano state and Funtua in Katsina state were declared as ports of origin and final destination, following the completion of all necessary infrastructure at the two locations.

Within his short time as well, the Lekki Deep Sea Port was commissioned by the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. He also got the approval for the Development of the Ilaje Deep seaport in Ondo State, Snake Island in Lagos and the Burutu Port in Delta State. These ports are to be executed through Public -public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements and will enhance the activities of this chamber in the long run.

Subsequently, against all odds, he got the Presidential approval to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund. In the same vein, he got approval for a cargo tracking scheme for all imports and exports across all borders and seas. The Electronic Cargo tracking note which is an official marine waiver certificate document required by several African countries to effectively control and manage import/export traffic has come to stay. This scheme will block revenue leakages and provide transparency in cargo invoicing. The implementation of this scheme will abet the problem of under-declaration, concealment and wrong classification of cargo.

Furthermore, his appointment as the Taraba State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council in conducting an effective message-driven campaign leading to the Tinubu/Shettima ticket’s victory in the 2023 presidential election was worthy of commendation.

He delivered on his mandate, against all odds. I make bold to say, that MJS spent the bulk of his funds in ensuring Taraba State delivers on its mandate for the presidential Election. He won’t rest on his oars, working with his kinsmen and the enviable structure he has put in place, across all wards and polling units, ensuring he delivers on his mandate. Immediately after the vote casting, he instructed that a situation room be opened and all election results be collated in real-time, and transmitted to the Central APC Monitoring room in real-time.

He won’t bat his eyelids but was alert all through in ensuring he doesn’t fail his principals. I remember vividly, that he stood for hours on a stretch, analysing results, comparing notes with polling unit officers and seeking the views of critical stakeholders to ensure they were within the purview of their mandate. He was a proponent of politics of no bitterness.

The victory of the party was not negotiable and this surpasses personal interest.

He believes in teamwork across all strata.

A lot to say about the good man, Mu’azu, but this day is unique, being his birthday, at the right time we will give voice to our thoughts and make known the indelible marks made by this distinguished Nigerian.

As you Celebrate Another year of Excellence in good health and a heart filled with kindness, we pray that the Almighty God will continue to reward you.

Your exemplary leadership is worthy of emulation, your vision for nation-building, team spirit and elevating the lives of many through sincerity, diligence, passion and hard work is what we all admire.

May the Almighty God Keep Safe from Harm.

Baba Nana!
Tafida Beka!
A jolly good fellow
A fine Gentleman
Philanthropist Generalissimo
A team Player
An active listener
A team Player,
An Epitome of Simplicity and Humility
A detrabalised Nigerian
An illustrious son of Muri
CON kena!

Happy Birthday good sir.

Sam Idiagbonya
SA M&P to MJS

In response to the statutory retirement of some management members of Nigeria Customs, the Acting Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has approved key appointments and redeployment within the service to ensure operational efficiency.

Consequently, Comptrollers Florence Nanu Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu have been appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller Generals Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Zonal Coordinator Zone B, respectively.

Some of the Comptrollers redeployed to various Customs formations include Compt. Jaiyeoba Jide from Oyo/Osun Area Command to Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi from Seme to Tin-Can Island Port, Compt. Timi Bomodi from KLT to Seme, Compt. Ahmed Abe from PCA Zone ‘C’ to Kaduna Area Command and Compt. Babandede Mohammad from Lilypond Export Command to Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

Others are Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana from Investigation Headquarters to Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Compt. Martina Tilleygyado from Non-Intrusive Inspection to KLT Area Command, Compt. Oloyode Adekunle from Tin-Can Island Port to Import &/Export Headquarters while Compt. Zanna Chiroma will be leaving Import & Export for PCA Zone ‘C, among many others.

According to the press release by CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, Customs
National Public Relations Officer, ” The Acting Comptroller-General congratulated the newly appointed/redeployed officers and charged them to put more effort into achieving the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation.

The Customs operatives of Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) Zone ‘A’ have arrested 12 suspects in connection with smuggling of 6,911 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice equivalent to over 11 trucks, 345kg of Indian Hemp and other contraband goods valued at N813million in the month of August.

The acting Controller of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, who disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, said a total of 91 seizures were made within the review period.

He listed other seized items to include 486 cartons of frozen poultry products,368 pieces of used tyres, 13 used vehicles (Tokunbo vehicles) and 32 cartons of expired batteries Others are 1 X 40 ft container FTC one used Toyota Corolla, 49 pieces of car rims, 552 pieces of car used tyres, 205 pieces of used truck tyres and 32 pieces of motorcycle tyres, 292 bales of used clothes and 13,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

Ejibunu said his Unit also intercepted 394 cartons of codeine syrup within the review period adding that the sum of N81,449,373.38 was also recovered through documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have been short-paid.

According to him “The attention of the public is hereby drawn to the dangers posed by the importation of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) because of its effect on criminal minded people and our youths.

“In the same manner, the importation of foreign parboiled rice and poultry products is an adversary to the economy of the local farmers. Smuggling of prohibited items such as used shoes, illicit drugs, used clothes and used tyres are giving serious health concerns.

“On our part, we shall continue to partner with well-meaning citizens by soliciting for timely and useful information to curb smuggling. While we advise members of the public to be guided by the Import and Export Prohibition Lists for compliance.

These seizures recorded within the month of August 2023, have a cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of N813,058,345 “It is sad to note that some Nigerians would pay all duties and levies payable to the Customs authorities of other countries they import from, while they make conscious efforts to evade such payments into the federal government coffers.

“I am using this medium to thank all patriotic Nigerians that provided useful information that led to some arrests, and also the compliant traders and importers for complying with the extant laws. While the recalcitrant ones are advised to stop because it is a crime.”

FOU Zone ‘A’ Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the additional logistics supply of two trucks for the evacuation of seizures and a towing truck, which he said has eased the operations of the unit.

In response to the statutory retirement of some management members of Nigeria Customs, the Acting Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has approved key appointments and redeployment within the service to ensure operational efficiency.

Consequently, Comptrollers Florence Nanu Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu have been appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller Generals Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Zonal Coordinator Zone B, respectively.

Some of the Comptrollers redeployed to various Customs formations include Compt. Jaiyeoba Jide from Oyo/Osun Area Command to Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi from Seme to Tin-Can Island Port, Compt. Timi Bomodi from KLT to Seme, Compt. Ahmed Abe from PCA Zone ‘C’ to Kaduna Area Command and Compt. Babandede Mohammad from Lilypond Export Command to Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

Others are Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana from Investigation Headquarters to Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Compt. Martina Tilleygyado from Non-Intrusive Inspection to KLT Area Command, Compt. Oloyode Adekunle from Tin-Can Island Port to Import &/Export Headquarters while Compt. Zanna Chiroma will be leaving Import & Export for PCA Zone ‘C, among many others.

According to the press release by CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, Customs
National Public Relations Officer, ” The Acting Comptroller-General congratulated the newly appointed/redeployed officers and charged them to put more effort into achieving the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation.

Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria-APFFLON has expressed sadness over incessant attacks on men and Officers of the Nigeria Customs by smugglers.

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service at Kebbi Command were on the 26th of August, brutally attacked by smugglers resulting to the death of two officers while others escaped death by the whiskers in a similar attack in Katsina.

In a statement issued by the Kebbi Command Public Relations Officer of the Service, Mubarak Mustapha, the attack on the operatives led to the death of two officers.

In a related development, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna, Isah Suleiman, said that Customs operatives who were on legitimate patrol duties to Dankama Area of Katsina State were also attacked.

Reacting to the development, APFFLON, through its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, expressed sadness over the incessant attacks on Customs operatives. Ogunojemite urged the Federal Government to deploy technology in the fight against smuggling.

Ogunojemite, during a media chat at APFFLON Secretariat, Ikeja, vihemently condemned what he described as avoidable loss of officers manning Nigerian borders, saying that if adequate security measures were in place, most of the crimes committed on daily basis would have been curbed drastically.

According to Ogunojemite, “it is quite unfortunate that the Nigeria Customs keep losing its personnel in series of attacks at border points. Men and officers that have families and loved once like every other Nigerian lose their precious lives as a result of ambushment and armed attacks by smugglers.

The world has continued to evolve as technology is being deployed in the fight against crimes. The Federal Government should do all it could to stop minimize this worrisome trend.”

“It’s high time smugglers who brutally attack and kill officers and men of the NCS started facing capital punishment.”

“The Federal Government should invest heavily in technology, the fight against crimes requires a whole lot, countries are deploying Artificial intelligence (AI) to curb crimes.”

“A robust relationship between the Joint Force Border Patrol heads and border Communities is very key as intelligence gathering remains one of the most efficient measures in frustrating the activities of smugglers and curbing other security crimes.”

“The Management of Nigeria Customs must take its insurance policy very seriously. Personnel who die in active service or sustain physical or bodily injuries at their duty posts should be adequately taken care of. They must not be abandoned to their fate, they must not be deprived of their rights and privileges while their families are left to suffer”.

“For one to put his life in the line in service to motherland is a show of patriotism and absolute loyalty. Those who take up these huge tasks must be adequately equipped and taken care good care of”, Ogunojemite stated.