TheNewsGuru

Tag: Customs

  • Customs clarifies duties payable by airlines

    Customs clarifies duties payable by airlines

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says airlines registered in Nigeria and providing commercial air transport services are entitled to duty-free importation of their aircrafts, engines, spare parts and components, purchased or leased.

    Mr Joseph Attah, Public Relations Officer of the service, made the clarification in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Attah explained that Section 39 of the Second Schedule of the Finance Act as amended, did not grant concession on ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Comprehensive Imports Supervision Scheme (CISS).

    According to him, the act grants exemptions to Customs duty and VAT only.

    He said such imports were therefore, still required to pay appropriate charges on ETLS and CISS.

    “The attention of Nigeria Customs Service has been drawn to a deliberate misinformation of the public, regarding payments of Customs duty, VAT and other charges like ETLS and CISS, on imported commercial aircrafts and spare parts.

    “Some sections of the media quoted the Chairman of Air Peace Airline to have stated that NCS is still collecting duty and VAT in defiance of the Federal Government’s Executive Order, on commercial airplanes and spare parts.

    “It was therefore in line with the extant regulations that NCS did not collect duty and VAT on Air Peace recent import of E195-E2, with registration No. 5N-BYE, but restricted itself to the collection of ETLS and CISS which amounted to the sum of N189,000,000.

    “NCS therefore is surprised to read from some national dailies quoting the Chairman of Air Peace, accusing it of defying the Federal Government order, thereby destroying airline business in the country.

    “This attempt at guilt tripping and threatening to shut down as a result of the presumed ‘Service defiance’ of the Federal Government Executive Order, is most unfortunate and does not show proper understanding of the extant regulations governing one’s industry.

    ”This could also be construed as a deliberate attempt to blackmail the Service,” he explained.

    The spokesperson said the thinking that NCS could act in defiance of Federal Government Order, was far-fetched, as the statutory function of NCS was to implement the fiscal policies of government in totality.

    Attah however advised airlines and other industry operators to always engage the appropriate authority for proper clarification and necessary action, rather than resort to self-help.

  • BREAKING: Ex-Customs chief, Dikko Inde is dead

    BREAKING: Ex-Customs chief, Dikko Inde is dead

    Former Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Dikko Inde is dead, according to a report reaching TheNewsGuru.com (TNG).

    TNG reports Dikko Inde was the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service from August 2009 to August 2015.

    A source closed to the deceased family disclosed the demise of the former NCS boss on Thursday.

    Dikko Inde, who joined the Customs in 1988, was born on 11 May 1960 in Musawa town, a Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The cause of Inde’s death is still being verified at the time of filing this report.

    He is survived by a wife and three children: two sons and one daughter.

     

     

    Details shortly…

  • Customs provides update on recruitment exercise

    Customs provides update on recruitment exercise

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to release the names of successful candidates for final screening in the ongoing recruitment exercise.

    This is contained in a statement signed and released by DC Joseph Attah, Public Relations Officer for Comptroller-General of Customs.

    It will be recalled that following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) early 2020, NCS recruitment exercise had to be suspended after the aptitude test.

    “Regrettably, the delay caused anxiety for the applicants, parents/guardians and indeed some members of the public who even went into overdrive with various allegations that tended to question the integrity of the exercise.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, recruitment into Nigeria Customs Service is and will remain strictly based on merit and principle of Federal Character, with every Local Government of the federation appropriately represented.

    “Since the Service does not know when the ravaging COVID-19 will end, Management has decided to forge ahead with the exercise while strictly adhering to the protocols.

    “Already a total of 3,500 successful candidates have been shortlisted and will be published in three (3) national dailies ie Sun, Daily Trust and Nation newspapers on Friday 12th February 2021.

    “In the interest of safety, screening will be held on zonal bases with the dates staggered according to grade levels and time allotted to states.

    “The whole idea is to get the recruitment exercise concluded without exposing the candidate to unnecessary risks. Only shortlisted candidates should go to the screening venue.

    “NCS therefore urges all candidates who will be coming for this screening to study the instructions and abide strictly to avoid instant disqualification and immediate eviction from the venue.

    “NCS calls on the public to be mindful of fraudsters who will see the invitation for screening as another opportunity to distort and misinform desperate job seekers. Any source other than the Service known platforms vis-à-vis www.customs.gov.ng, www.facebook.com/customsng, TV and Radio.

    “Especially those funny sources that will eventually request payment of money should be ignored. NCS recruitment process requires NO monetary payment of any kind.

    “While wishing all the candidates success, we appreciate the patient wait as a result of the covid-19 disruption,” the statement by the service reads.

  • Customs to commence reduction on imported vehicles’ duties next week

    Customs to commence reduction on imported vehicles’ duties next week

    The reduction in the duties on vehicles and tractors from 35 to about 10 per cent may take off next week, the Nigeria Customs Service said on Tuesday.

    Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja, said the management of the service was expecting an official communication from the finance ministry on the matter any moment from now.

    He said the vehicle tariff reduction, as contained in the 2020 Finance Act, was initiated by the NCS to ease the cost of transportation in Nigeria.

    He said, “We are the proponents of the new tariff. I’ve been torn apart by many people criticising it, saying I used my connection to get it done. But it is in the overall interest of Nigeria.

    “Now, it has become a law. We are now waiting for the finance minister to give us a formal conveyance of that Act. Once we receive it, we commence implementation immediately and inform our commands.

    “We are hoping that latest by next week, it will become operational.”

    On the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, Ali said all aspects that concerned the NCS had been adhered to.

    He, however, noted that the service would need certain inputs from the AfCFTA secretariat, such rules of origin, as this should not be left to chambers of commerce alone, adding that the NCS should part of the team.

  • Customs intercept 5,200 live ammunition, bullet proof vehicle during Yuletide — Controller

    Customs intercept 5,200 live ammunition, bullet proof vehicle during Yuletide — Controller

    The Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’, Mr Yusuf Lawal, on Thursday in Owerri displayed 5,200 live ammunition, 1,215 bags of foreign rice and a bullet proof Toyota Landcruser jeep intercepted during 2020 Yuletide.

    The controller said during the exhibition that the seizures were made between Nov. 23 and Dec. 27, 2020.

    Giving a breakdown of the items, Yusuf said the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the live ammunition was N3 million, while the DPV of the foreign rice was N36 million.

    He added that the DPV of the bullet proof Landcruser and other three vehicles seized during the period was N221 million.

    He said 38 ‘Jumbo Bales’ known as used clothes worth N3 million were also intercepted during the period under review.

    On general merchandise, the controller said 204 foreign tin tomatoes, pharmaceutical products and others worth N115 million were intercepted.

    Yusuf disclosed that N7 million was recovered from a Demand Notice (DN) on 3X40ft containers which, he said, was as a result of wrong declaration and transfer of value.

    “The live ammunition was intercepted along Nwezenyi Ikom road in Cross River, while the 1,215 bags of rice were intercepted on Okada road in Edo and the tomatoes and pharmaceuticals were intercepted along Onitsha Enugu expressway.

    “Today, I’m elated to inform you that after reflecting and reviewing our operational modalities toward sustaining our statutory mandate of anti-smuggling operations, we have intercepted various contraband.

    “On assumption of duty, I held series of meetings with my sectional heads, where we unveiled the management mandate which includes blockage of all revenue leakages and amplification of ant-smuggling operations,” he said.

    He noted that the said total amount of DPV and DN of the seizures made during the period was N386 million.

    Yusuf said the activities of smugglers were a great sabotage to Nigerian economy.

    “Considering the level of insecurity in the country, if these live ammunition were not intercepted, the country would have been in trouble.

    “These seizures were made since I took over as the Controller, Federal Operations Zone ‘C’; we will not give up the fight against smuggling in the country,” he said.

    He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for giving them the will power to continue to fight against smuggling and warned smugglers to henceforth stop illegal importation of goods into Nigeria, adding: “The unit is ready to fight them to standstill”.

  • BREAKING: Three killed as Customs, youths clash over smuggled bags of rice in Ogun

    BREAKING: Three killed as Customs, youths clash over smuggled bags of rice in Ogun

    Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday as three persons were feared killed by stray bullets in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The incident happened at the Kikelomo area in Ayetoro early morning on Tuesday.

    The men of Nigeria Customs Service had reportedly stormed the area following a tip-off of smuggling activities.

    The stray bullets were allegedly fired by customs men who stormed the area to evacuate the alleged smuggled bags of rice.

  • Soldier, two others killed as Customs, smugglers clash in Oyo

    Soldier, two others killed as Customs, smugglers clash in Oyo

    A soldier identified as Josiah Peter and two other persons were reportedly killed in a clash between men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and some smugglers in Igbo-Ora town, Oyo state.

    It was gathered that the clash happened between Customs men from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, and smugglers on Friday.

    The Oyo State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi confirmed the story noting that investigations had begun.

    He said, “Information further revealed that smugglers attacked Federal Operation Unit, FOU Customs at Igboora.

    “In a swift response to assist the FOU team, the Border Drill Patrol also came under attack and one Lieutenant of Nigerian Army Josiah Peter was shot and later died. Investigation has commenced, please”.

    Public Relations Officer of NCS in Oyo/Osun command, Kayode Wey, said he could not confirm the story. He said, “Yes, I am aware. I have heard about the story from somebody as well. I can’t give confirmation about anything. You heard it the way I heard it.

    “Even, a journalist has called me about this incident. And they said the same thing. I also don’t know, I don’t have any information. I cannot say anything concerning that matter, because, I don’t have any official statement on that”.

  • [Exclusive] Tramadol: NSA raises alarm over name change to Tafrodol

    [Exclusive] Tramadol: NSA raises alarm over name change to Tafrodol

    …notifies Customs
    …says manufacturers discreetly change name

    …to beat prying eyes of security agencies

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Retd) has raised alarm that manufacturers of Tramadol have discreetly changed its original name of Tramadol to Trafrodol.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) in a letter exclusively obtained reports the ugly development was contained in a letter dated October 30, addressed to the Comptroller of Customs to be at alert.

    In the letter signed by the NSA, entitled : ‘Suspected Name Change of Tramadol’, the NSA said “Intelligence at the disposal of the Office of the National Security Adviser revealed that manufacturers of Tramadol tablets have discreetly started changing the brand name of TRAMADOL to TAFRODOL to evade detection by officials of the relevant Nigeria security agencies.

    Recall that Tramadol was banned by the Federal Government due to its massive abuse by youths to get to ‘cloud 7” and it has serious side effects.

    Read full letter below:

    OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER

    The Comptroller General
    Nigeria Customs Service
    National Headquarter
    Wuse Zone 3
    ABUJA

    30th October 2020

    Dear Sir,

    SUSPECTED CHANGE OF NAME OF TRAMADOL

    Intelligence at the disposal of the Office of the National Security Adviser revealed that manufacturers of Tramadol tablets have discreetly started changing the brand name of TRAMADOL to TAFRODOL to evade detection by officials of the relevant Nigeria security agencies.

    2 In view of the above, the NCS may wish to alert its officials at Nigeria’s points of entry to watch out for this brand of drug coming into the country In this regard you are requested to circulate this information to all the Customs formation and physical examination baser) for the detection and detention of such suspected drugs and the ONSA be notified accordingly.

    3 While thanking you for your continued cooperation, please accept Sir, the assurances of my highest esteem and best regards as always.

    BABAGANA MONGUNO
    Major General (rtd)
    National Security Adviser

  • Hoodlums attack Customs command, injure officers

    Hoodlums attack Customs command, injure officers

    Hoodlums, masquerading as EndSARS protesters, attacked the Kwara Command warehouse of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Ilorin on Saturday with the intention to loot.

    In a resistance put up by Customs officers on duty, 24 of the motorcycles and a tricycle that conveyed the looters to the facility were seized.

    The hoodlums, however, succeeded in setting part of the place on fire.

    Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmed Bello posted on the agency’s communication platform that the hoodlums attacked with guns, machetes, axes, charms and other dangerous weapons.

    The Customs men had to call for reinforcement from the Nigerian Army, he said.

    “All efforts to address the hoodlums to douse the tensed atmosphere at the Command’s gate proved abortive and officers of the Command were left with no option than to respond appropriately to the spontaneous attack unleashed by the hoodlums.

    “Unfortunately, forty minutes of exchange of gunfire led to the serious injury of two of our officers who are now responding to treatment,’’ he stated.

    Bello called on parents, guardians, community and religious leaders and opinion moulders to caution their wards on the dangers of toeing the path of illegality and anarchy.

    “The Command will do everything humanly possible within the ambit of the law to protect government properties and ensure that peace prevail against all odds.

    “It is important to reiterate that officers of the NCS are only implementers of Federal Government’s policies in the overall interest of national growth and development.

    “The hostility by hoodlums and their accomplices will never be a distraction in discharging our statutory responsibilities,’’ he stressed.

  • Another Dubai-bound passenger arrested with 5,342 ATM cards

    Another Dubai-bound passenger arrested with 5,342 ATM cards

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command arrested a Dubai-bound passenger in possession of 5,342 ATM cards at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

    The Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Nasir Ahmed, stated this while handing over the suspect to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday in Kano.

    Ahmed said the suspect was arrested while about to board a Dubai-bound Ethopian Airlines with the ATM cards concealed in two sacks of beans by the personnel of the command at the airport.

    “It can be assumed that the suspect can withdraw up to one million dollars in a day, at the detriment of the national economy.

    “We handed over the suspect, his passport and other travelling documents to the EFCC for further investigations,” Ahmed said.

    Commenting on other activities of the service, Ahmed said the command generated over N2.3 billion revenues in the September.

    While reiterating commitment to check smuggling in the country, the comptroller sought for the support of the media to enhance awareness creation on the ills of smuggling to the nation’s economy.

    Also speaking, Mr Sanusi Aliyu, the Head of the EFCC Zonal Office comprising Kano, Katsina and Jigawa, commended the service for effective surveillance to check crimes and financial crime in the airports and other point of entry in the country.

    Aliyu said the commission would conduct thorough investigation.

    “Investigation is necessary to establish the reasons behind the acts and other persons involved in the acts.

    “The Nigeria Customs Service has been a very good partner of the EFCC in the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country,” he said.

    Aliyu pledged continued partnership with the service to check graft practices in the country.

    Recall that in September the Nigeria Customs arrested a Dubai-bound Nigerian, Abubakar Ishaq at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, with 2,886 ATM cards, concealed in noodles.

    Ishaq also had on him four Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards. The suspect was arrested on 22 August. He was billed to board an Emirates evacuation flight to Dubai.

    He was handed to the Lagos Zone of the EFCC today by the Deputy Comptroller, Enforcement, Abudulmumuni Bako.