Category: Maritime Sector

In its relentless pursuit of enhancing the operational effectiveness of the personnel within the Nigeria Customs Service through consistent training and skill development, the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College graduated 50 Officers from Junior Course 16.

The ceremony, held at the distinguished Ahmed Makarfi Hall within the college’s renowned Conference Theater, was honored by the presence of the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ag. CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

In his address to the graduating officers, Ag. CGC Adeniyi extended his congratulations and reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to elevating the professionalism of Customs Officers through continuous training and the cultivation of their capacities.

“I congratulate you for attaining this level of finishing your course, having shown your commitment and competence in dealing with Customs rules,” he said

The Special Guest of Honor further remarked, “I hereby urge you to make good use of what you have been taught and continue to be good ambassadors of the Service as you leave this college.”

He encouraged them to uphold positive connections with members of their host communities, simultaneously playing a role in revenue generation and strengthening border security.

The head of Customs, while sharing positive news with the faculty members, also gave the graduates assurance that the knowledge and skills acquired in the college should be highly valued.

The College Commandant, ACG Kingsley Chukwu Egwu, who spoke to the graduates earlier, urged them to apply the knowledge gained during their college training. He emphasized that the nation looks forward to their constructive input in combating smuggling, boosting revenue, and facilitating lawful trade.
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The Commandant said, “It is with great honour and privilege to be part of this graduation ceremony of Junior Course 16, 2023. It is without a doubt that you have spent three months having rigorous training. I congratulate you for your tenacity and commitment, which has led us to today’s occasion.”

“I want to urge you, the graduands, to build up your competence and capacity in discharging your official duty as trained Customs officers, having undergone this training at the college. I do not doubt that you are now well equipped and ready to serve the Nigeria Customs Service well.”

As part of the event’s lineup, a ceremony was held where Certificates and Awards were presented. Among these honors was the recognition of the best overall student of Junior Course 16. The curriculum of the courses undertaken by the Officers covers a wide range of topics, including service writing, public speaking, time management, and many others.

Before the Graduation Ceremony, the College arranged a formal pre-graduation dinner for the students on Wednesday. The Special Guest of Honour for the occasion was DCG Al-Bashir Hamisu, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic, Research and Policy, representing the Ag. CGC.

During the dinner, the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs (Ag. CGC) addressed the students, expressing confidence in the high-quality training they had received. The Ag. CGC emphasized that he believed the students would become excellent representatives of the College and the broader Customs Service. He encouraged them to demonstrate their competence and skills to their subordinates upon their return to their respective workplaces.

The Junior Course serves as a fundamental pillar of the Service’s training approach, designed to familiarize the organization’s operatives with effective policies and ethical standards related to Customs work. This intensive three-month program is conducted at the College.

In a recent development, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has firmly refuted claims made by Femi Falana, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), regarding the acquisition of properties in the United Kingdom under the agency’s current administration.

The allegations surfaced during Femi Falana’s appearance on the Sunrise program on Channels Television.

However, NIMASA, in a statement issued in response, categorically denies any veracity in these allegations. According to the agency, there is no foundation to the claim that NIMASA has procured any properties in England, as asserted by Femi Falana.

To put the matter to rest, NIMASA emphasized that it has not acquired any property abroad, including in England, for over three decades.

The agency’s leadership underscores their commitment to transparent and ethical practices, assuring the public that any such acquisitions are thoroughly vetted and adherent to all regulations.

While NIMASA holds the utmost respect for Femi Falana’s perspectives on public affairs, the agency has formally requested that he reconsider his statement and withdraw the unsubstantiated assertion. As a platform to promote accuracy and responsible discourse, NIMASA also seizes this opportunity to remind both Femi Falana and the general public about the significance of verifying facts prior to disseminating information.

In light of these developments, the public is encouraged to dismiss the allegations made by Femi Falana, SAN, regarding NIMASA’s purported property acquisitions in the UK.

The agency remains committed to its mission of ensuring maritime safety and adhering to the highest standards of integrity in its operations.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and selecting Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to oversee its operations.

Jamoh lauded the creation of this “long-awaited ministry,” emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance the implementation of the President’s plans and initiatives. He conveyed his belief in the maritime sector’s substantial capacity to provide ample opportunities for the country’s youth. In light of this, he encouraged young individuals to actively explore the prospects within the Nigerian maritime industry.

He said, “I want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and appointing Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to man its affairs. There are new opportunities around us, and I’m glad Nigeria, with the creation of this ministry, will explore the concept of the blue economy.

“The blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. Blue Economy Activities include Maritime shipping, Fishing & aquaculture, Coastal tourism, Renewable energy, Water desalination, Undersea cabling, Seabed extractive industries & deep sea mining, Marine genetic resources, and Biotechnology.”

“Honestly, this ministry is long overdue, more importantly, to support the diversification of the economy. Efficient management and sustainable exploitation of the marine resources in our seas and oceans, no doubt, provide a veritable tool for Economic Growth.” Jamoh said.

In a significant step towards bolstering food security and strengthening inter-agency collaboration, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ei Ogalla, has handed over six Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Riverine Boats today.

The boats, manufactured by Naval Dockyard Limited, were commissioned for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Amidst a gathering of dignitaries and officials from both the Navy and the Ministry, Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed his immense pleasure in presenting the GRP Riverine Boats, highlighting their vital role in reaching out to remote riverine communities.

The communities are essential pillars of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, and the boats will play a crucial role in monitoring and supporting agricultural activities.

According to Ogalla, “this is predicated on the NN’s constitution mandate to assist other agencies of government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to enforce fishery laws.

Similarly, the Nigerian Navy synergizes with the Ministry in curbing national security threats such as the activities of Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) within the maritime domain. In this regard, the construction of these boats for the Ministry is reflective of the collaboration between both institutions in consonance with the NN mandates.”

The event marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Vice Admiral Ogalla recalled the history of collaboration between the two institutions, which began with joint patrols to enforce fishery and environmental protection laws. This history of shared interests and values has culminated in the construction of these boats, solidifying the commitment to food and environmental security in Nigeria.

The Chief of the Naval Staff emphasized that the creation of these boats showcases not only the cooperative spirit between government entities but also the strides made by the Nigerian Navy and Naval Dockyard Limited in fostering indigenous ship design and construction, promoting local content, and enhancing self-reliance in the maritime sector.

“In similar vein, the manufacture of the boats represents the initial strides of the Nigerian Navy and the Naval Dockyard Limited in particular in developing indigenous ship design and construction as well as local content towards promoting self-reliance in the maritime sector.

“To this end, the 6 x GRP Boats is part of the first steps the Nigerian Navy made towards indigenizing ship construction and maintenance, typifying a transformation that has led to building naval vessels, local capacity and self-reliance in the country.

“It is noteworthy that the boats were conceptualized, designed and built to suit the requirements of the Ministry as well as the environment in which they are to operate. Hence, the vessels are primarily tailored to effectively serve the Ministry’s needs in reaching the coastal maritime communities, providing the requisite support and assistance towards boosting agricultural and food production in Nigeria,” he said.

These GRP boats are the initial steps towards building a self-reliant naval vessel construction industry within Nigeria. Crafted with precision to meet the Ministry of Agriculture’s specific needs and the unique demands of the coastal environment, these boats are poised to make a lasting impact on coastal communities. They will enable the Ministry to provide much-needed support to local farmers, enhancing agricultural productivity and ultimately advancing food security.

Vice Admiral Ogalla concluded by underscoring the significance of collaboration between government agencies in realizing broader societal goals.

He urged other ministries to draw inspiration from the fruitful partnership between the Navy and the Ministry of Agriculture, fostering synergy that contributes to national security and prosperity.

He added, “Finally, this occasion is particularly symbolic as it underscores the strength and importance of collaboration between government agencies, in this case, the Ministry of Defence and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in implementing policies and programmes of the central government to ensure the overall prosperity of society.

“Hence, the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Navy and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture could be imbibed, emulated and nurtured, enabling the agencies of government to work together seamlessly towards enhancing national security in Nigeria.

“I therefore assure the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as other ministries of the Nigerian Navy’s commitment and willingness to partner with relevant institutions to provide services for the collective good of the Nigerian society.”

The ceremony closed with gratitude extended to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for recognizing the Nigerian Navy as a worthy partner in building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has called for a collaborative alliance between Customs agency and the government of Oyo state to combat smuggling effectively.

He made this during his visit to the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Adebayo Lawal, on the 14th of August, 2023, in the city of Ibadan within Oyo State.

Highlighting the objective behind his visit, the Acting CGC emphasized that the act of smuggling poses a significant threat to national security. Therefore, it should be a topic of utmost concern for all levels of government.

He said, “It is important for us to call on the state government to partner with us in this fight against smuggling, particularly around the border areas.”

“We believe that the time has come for us to work closely with each other, strengthen our partnership, and understand ourselves better so that we will know that we are working towards a shared goal of national development and security”, he added.

In reply, the Deputy Governor advised officers to employ discretion when pursuing smugglers and to prioritize their focus on criminals involved in the trafficking of weapons and ammunition.

“More attention must be paid to criminals who import arms and ammunition. If you’re able to catch criminals attempting to import arms and ammunition into the country for illegal purposes, that will save more lives”, he said.

Likewise, with the aim of nurturing the relationship between the Customs Community, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs (Ag. CGC) undertook a visit to the residence of His Royal Majesty, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, who holds the title of Olubadan of Ibadan.

During this visit, the Ag. CGC paid his respects and sought the enduring support of the monarch in fulfilling the mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Furthermore, the Customs Chief also made a trip to the Oyo/Osun Area Command, where he was warmly welcomed by the Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.

Addressing the assembled officers and personnel of the Command, the Acting CGC emphasized the importance of maintaining responsibility in handling their weapons while executing enforcement duties.

“Be reminded that under our SOP, these weapons are only meant to be used for self-defence when you come under attack”, he noted.

“Never must we hear stories about you chasing smugglers into high residential areas or in the market”, he warned.
The Acting Controller General of Customs (Ag. CGC) received sincere gratitude from Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Area Controller, for his visit and steadfast backing.

“This visit is particularly significant, and it symbolises not only the dedication and commitment of the Ag. CGC to his duties, but also his unwavering support for our command”, he said.

“His visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have undoubtedly set a new benchmark for the entire Customs Community”.

While engaging with stakeholders, the Ag. CGC affirmed the management’s readiness to partner with stakeholders.

“We have a new Customs Management committed to forging a solid partnership with you. We will walk along with you as you progress in our development, modernisation and engagement.

“We will like to bring you on board and make you part of our moving forward”. He concluded

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has highlighted seizures made through commendable efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in curbing illicit drug trade and smuggling activities within the country. He made this known at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos today.

The briefing shed light on recent successful interceptions and seizures made by the NCS in its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Nigerian citizens and securing the nation’s borders.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Adeniyi noted that the NCS intercepted a shipment of codeine syrup, a controlled substance that has been widely abused among the youth.

The concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup, according to him, was discovered along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, leading to renewed concerns over the adverse societal effects stemming from the misuse and distribution of such substances.

Adeniyi highlighted the collaborative approach with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other government bodies to address this pressing issue and protect future generations from the dangers of addiction and its associated consequences.

He said, “As part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking. Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.”

Speaking further, Adeniyi drew attention to the persistent challenge posed by smugglers, particularly in the cases of rice and premium motor spirit (PMS) while noting that the smuggling of rice has undermined national revenue and food security, adding that efforts to smuggle PMS across the border have persisted despite economic challenges.

He said the NCS remains resolute in its endeavors to counter these activities. Several successful operations resulted in the seizure of 4,252 bags of foreign parboiled rice across various locations, and 5,600 liters of PMS were intercepted at the Oja-odan axis in Ogun State.

“Smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromise our revenue and sabotage our food security.

Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border. They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by officers of NCS. The following seizures of both items were recorded. A total of 4, 252 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg each) at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to takeout these strategic resource through Oja-odan axis in Ogun State,” he noted.

He added that the NCS’s commitment to stringent law enforcement is demonstrated through the array of recent seizures, encompassing various illicit goods. These include 291 bales of second-hand clothing, 57 sacks and 4 jumbo sacks of used shoes, 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 190 pieces of rugs, 5 units of vehicles, and 170 pieces of used tires. These successful interceptions underscore the NCS’s unwavering stance on maintaining the rule of law and protecting citizens’ interests.

“Other items seized in the last 2 weeks include: 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing, 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes, 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products, 190 Pieces of Rugs, 5 Units of Vehicles and 170 pieces of used tyres,” Adeniyi noted.

Adeniyi highlighted the NCS’s proactive approach to enhancing road safety by addressing a hidden threat—smuggled used tires. He explained that the smuggling of these tires compromises their quality and safety, which could lead to accidents, endangering the lives of drivers and passengers alike.

According to him, “The 340 pieces of used tyres seized within the first two weeks of August 2023 by this unit is not only limited to the implementation of import prohibition lists but also a giant stride to mitigate auto crashes caused by smuggled used tyres. These tyres are squeezed, compressed and tucked into themselves for ease of concealment, thereby causing them to crack. They are oftentimes expired, their rigidity and strength compromised. Drivers could experience a blowout or sudden rupture as the steel wire meant to keep the tyres in shape has been disorganised in the course of smuggling.”

Adeniyi urged the public to recognize the far-reaching impacts of smuggling and drug abuse and to support the NCS’s mission.

He emphasized that these harmful activities affect the nation’s prosperity and the well-being of its citizens. Citizens were called upon to provide information that aids the NCS’s efforts in curbing smuggling and apprehending suspects.

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has initiated the revitalization of corporate social responsibility programs within the NCS.

The initiative aims to give back to the society that has supported the Service in fulfilling its primary objectives.

On Monday, the Acting CGC reached out to Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo State—a charitable orphanage dedicated to social development.

He emphasized that the service holds the responsibility to provide support and aid to the communities in which they operate and carry out their duties.

Recognizing Dorian Home’s strong foundation, dedication, and enthusiasm, he highlighted its potential to effectively pursue its goals.

“We’ve seen that this place has capacity for almost a thousand kids, so they need to feed them, they need to clothe them, and they need to provide them medicaments.

“So in any of these areas periodically, we would be looking at our stores, and we would be sending off those kind of items that can assist them to achieve the objectives for which this kind of homes are set up”, he added.

Continuing his official tour of zone ‘A’, the head of Customs proceeded to the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command where he was warmly welcomed by the Area Controller, Comptroller Beatrice Eboka.

One of the key activities during his visit was the inauguration and thorough examination of the recently refurbished housing facilities designated for the command’s officers and personnel.

During his speech to the dedicated officers and personnel of the Command, the Acting CGC urged them to maintain a high level of diligence in their operational activities and record-keeping while emphasizing on diligence which is vital to ensure that goods intended for export adhere to international quality standards.

“You have a role to ensure that the products shipped out of this place meet international standards”, he noted.

“You must not do anything to delay the processes, ensure that they do not stay too long in your hands, documentation must be done in good time so that the products do not get bad before they’re shipped out of the country”, he added.

The Ag. CGC also visited the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Alade Toyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi CFR, The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure, to pledge his loyalty and commitment to the service to continue to be a responsible Government Agency.

“Customs will continue to be a responsible government agency, respecting the laws of the land and maintaining a very good relationship where we operate.”

The king expressed gratitude to the Acting CG for his visit and extended congratulations on his appointment. Also, he offered heartfelt prayers for a prosperous and fruitful term ahead.

In a resounding display of dedication and effectiveness, the Kebbi Customs Command has announced a remarkable revenue accomplishment for the month of July.

With an unwavering commitment to its revenue generation mandate, the Command surpassed expectations by amassing an impressive total of ₦99,282,547, a staggering 113% of its monthly revenue target.

This was disclosed by the Command’s Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo at a briefing earlier today.

Despite the challenges posed by recent events, including the border closure due to the situation in neighboring Niger Republic, the Command demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and collaboration.

Through sustained cooperation with relevant units, security agencies at border stations, and proactive engagement with stakeholders and border communities, the Command’s revenue generation efforts yielded exceptional results.

In addition to this notable achievement, the Kebbi Customs Command continues to combat smuggling, a crucial aspect of enhancing revenue generation.

The Command’s vigilant officers and personnel effectively thwarted illegal activities, leading to the seizure of various items. These confiscations include 138 packs of tramadol (225mg), 81 tablets of Cannibis Sativa, a used Toyota Camry 2007 Model used for smuggling, 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and 40 bags of rice (25 kg each), 88 bales of second-hand clothing, 4,200 liters of PMS, 525 liters of diesel, 37 kegs of vegetable oil, and more. The total Duty Paid Value of these seized items is valued at ₦51,499,314.

Particularly noteworthy among the seizures is the interception of cannabis sativa and hard drugs with a combined value of ₦22,132,077. This critical achievement reinforces the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating harmful substances from the community and protecting the well-being of its citizens.

Recognizing the broader context of regional developments, the Kebbi Customs Command responsibly adhered to ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic by closing the border for both import and export activities.

The Command also proactively engaged with neighboring communities through sensitization and orientation visits, fostering understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.

The Command’s recent visit to Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area, held on August 5th, 2023, further underscored its dedication to diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution. This strategic visit aimed to ensure full compliance with border closure sanctions, while also extending empathy and support to the affected communities and stakeholders that rely on Kamba as a vital import/export hub.

The Kebbi Customs Command’s exceptional revenue achievement for July, coupled with its relentless efforts in combating smuggling and maintaining regional cooperation, exemplifies its unwavering commitment to fostering economic stability and security.

Through collaboration and proactive measures, the Command continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests and upholding the welfare of its citizens.

According to him, “In the area of revenue generation, the Command has turned the wheel of focus towards it because it is one of the key pillars upon which Nigeria Customs Service is built.

The Command, in its effort to surpass its last month’s achievement which was affected by festive activities, has devised various means of revenue generation revival.

Though, the Coup d’état in our neighbouring Niger Republic and subsequent border closure of our border with the affected West African country has sharply affected our revenue generation drive, the Command still managed to rake in a whooping sum of ninety-nine million, two hundred and eighty-two thousand, five hundred and forty-seven naira (₦99,282,547) in the month of July alone, which is 113% of our monthly revenue target.

“This remarkable achievement is as a result of sustained synergy with relevant units and other security agencies at border stations as well as routine meetings with relevant stakeholders and border communities, encouraging and orientating them on smooth flow of customs procedures using conventional media and other social media platforms. We are poised to sustain such tempo.

“It is a well-known fact that higher revenue generation is achieved with increase in suppression of smuggling. The Command’s officers and men are on high alert and their morale is high, thus leading to the twenty-eight (28) seizures recorded within the period under review which are listed here under:

“138 packs of tramaking/tramadol (225mg); 81 tablet size of Cannibis Sativa; Used Toyota Camry 2007 Model as means of conveyance; 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each and 40 bags of rice of 25 kg each; 88 bales of second hands clothing; 4,200 liters of PMS and 525 liters of diesel; 37 kegs of vegetable oil, among others.

“The Duty Paid Value of the seized items is fifty-one million, four hundred and ninety-nine thousand, three hundred and fourteen naira (₦51,499,314).

“You may not fail to observe that notable among the seizures are cannabis sativa and hard drugs worth twenty-two million, one hundred and thirty-two thousand, seventy-seven naira (₦22, 132, 077) which will be handed over to NDLEA shortly after this briefing. The seizure of such drugs is in line with the vow we made during our previous press briefing that we are determined to rid Kebbi State of drug inflow and all items capable of causing harm to Nigerians.”