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Tag: Customs

  • 2024 budget: Reps reject CBN, Customs representatives, demand heads’ appearance

    2024 budget: Reps reject CBN, Customs representatives, demand heads’ appearance

    The House of Representatives has rejected representatives of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service insisting they appear personally person to defend their 2024 budget proposal.

    Also, the representatives of Federal Inland Revenue Service were rejected by the House Committee on Appropriation.

    Rep. Abubakar Bitch, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, said on Friday in Abuja at the committee’s budget defence session that the heads of the agencies were duly invited for the interactive session.

    According to him, the revenue-generating agencies must generate money because, without money, there is no magic President Bola Tinubu will perform to ensure the full performance of the budget.

    Bitchi said: “The objective of this engagement is, among others, to provide highlights on some key issues in relation to the preparation, enactment, and implementation of the 2024 budget.”

    He said this includes strategies for addressing rising inflation, reducing the burden of Nigeria’s debt profile, sector budgetary allocations, and the dynamics of budget releases.

    Others, according to him, are economic diversification strategies, revenue generation forecasts, and other useful information that will facilitate the enactment of the bill and effective implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2024.

    He said there were concerns about addressing the infrastructure gap in the country, eliminating poverty, and generally achieving the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Bitchi said there was need to ensure that all loose ends to revenue were tied, adding that this could have a gross impact on government’s ability to implement the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

    “While the revised MTEF (Medium Term Expenditure Framework) and FSP (Fiscal Strategy Paper) showed that revenue-generating efforts by the present administration are already yielding fruit, more needs to be done.

    “This is to ensure that government-owned enterprises optimize their revenue-generating potential”, he said.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, said the interactive session represented a beckon of light to shed light on the budget.

    “Mr. President is ambitious, and he is very clear that Nigeria is not where it is; the revenue we collect is about 10 per cent, and the president has directed that we raise it to 18 per cent.”

    “We understand that the lawmakers are interested in how money is spent. You are also interested in how you can cooperate with the executive to ensure we take Nigeria to a greater height’’, he said.

    Bagudu said the 2024 proposal had increased spending, which included infrastructure and education, among others, adding that the budget appropriation had a proposal for $100 billion for the Sustainable Agriculture Fund.

    According to him, the Federal Government also wants to ensure that the nation’s manufacturing sector will worry less about demand than production.

    He therefore, said that: “all of us must work together to ensure we interrogate the revenue-generating agencies.

    “We need a budget that can be trusted. We don’t have the money; we are looking for the money, so that is why we need to interrogate the revenue-generating agencies’’.

  • How female customs officer travelled 12 African countries on bike

    How female customs officer travelled 12 African countries on bike

    An officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Superintendent of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru has become the first Nigerian woman to embark on a remarkable journey through 12 African countries on a motorbike.

    Etching her name in history in the process, Ogboru covered an impressive distance of over 8,000 kilometers travelling through the 12 African countries on her motorcycle.

    Commencing her expedition from Lagos on November 10, 2023, Ogboru navigated her way through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, ultimately arriving at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

    Expressing her passion for travel, Ogboru shared, “It’s been an awesome journey. Africa and indeed, West Africa are great places. And I’ve come to realize that we’re all the same people. I think we’re using the same manual; it’s just the language and ethnic diversity, but everything is just the same.”

    Commenting on security, she added, “Security is still the same thing; you just have to be security conscious, but it’s not as bad as they portray it, you know.” Ogboru encouraged women to pursue their dreams relentlessly, urging them not to be deterred by fears.

    The Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, expressed delight at Ogboru’s courage and passion during her extraordinary journey. He emphasized the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to foster a work-life balance for the officers and men of the service.

    “The current management led by the CGC encourages a work-life balance; in other words, you work, but also balance it with some kind of activity that adds value to your life,” stated Comptroller Bomodi.

    “She’s the poster person for the Nigeria Customs Service. What she has achieved today no woman in Nigeria has been able to achieve it, and we are very proud of her success. She’s also portraying the image of the Nigeria Customs Service, and that means that there’s something positive that we are doing,” he concluded.

  • Customs hands over $54,330 tramadol bribe money to EFCC

    Customs hands over $54,330 tramadol bribe money to EFCC

    The Tincan Island Port (TCIP) command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 54,330 dollars tramadol bribe money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, disclosed this at the handing over of the money to the EFCC Zonal Commander, Mr Michael Wetkas, in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Nnadi also reiterated the zero compromise for corruption stance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

    According to Nnadi, the tramadol were falsely declared as electrical appliances valued over N856 million with a view to concealing them while the cash were offered to compromise the customs officers.

    The controller said the act was in clear violation of Section 233 of Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 and commended the officers who stood their grounds to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security.

    He further called for continuous compliance on the part of port users and reminded them that the NCS with the collaboration of sister agencies like the EFCC would continue to frustrate criminal activities in the port.

    Nnadi lauded the officers, who under whose  watch, the seizure was achieved and described them  as  good ambassadors  of the NCS.

    “The two suspects arrested in connection with the two containers are currently being investigated by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control for possible prosecution,” he said.

    Wetkas while receiving  the cash,  described the feat as a victory for the country and to all the security agencies.

    He specifically celebrated the officers of the NCS that achieved it.

    Wetkas also lauded the the comptroller general for the letter of commendation in appreciation of the six customs officers who refused to bow to pressure and inducement from the owners of the illicit drugs.

    He promised continued collaboration between the EFCC, NCS and sister agencies.

    According to him, the era of working without collaboration is gone as the agencies now work closer.

  • How Nigeria can enhance foreign exchange earnings – Customs CG

    How Nigeria can enhance foreign exchange earnings – Customs CG

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says the African Continental Free Trade Agreement(AfCFTA) stands as a golden opportunity for Nigeria to significantly enhance its foreign exchange earnings.

    The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi, said this at the Distinguished Lecture Series organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), on Thursday, In Lagos.

    The lecture had the theme: “Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development: Reforming and Positioning the Nigeria Customs Services for the AfCFTA and other Emerging Challenges.”

    According to Adeniyi, the expansive marketplace created by AfCFTA can serve as a catalyst for increased trade, attracting diverse businesses and stimulating economic growth.

    He said Nigeria, with her rich array of sectors from agriculture to technology, had the potential to capitalise on this opportunity by strategically positioning herself within the continental trade framework.

    The CG said that Nigeria should focus on targeted sector-specific initiatives, invest in infrastructure to facilitate seamless trade, and actively engage in cross-border collaborations to solidify its position as a key player in the African trade landscape.

    He said this could be worked on by establishing task forces or committees dedicated to each key sector to identify opportunities, address challenges, and formulate tailored plans for growth within the AfCFTA framework.

    Adeniyi also stressed that the success of AfCFTA is hinged on the crucial factor of policy alignment, necessitating Nigeria’s commitment to crafting policies that synergised with continental objectives.

    “This policy harmony must extend to infrastructure development, balancing the trade facilitation mandate of the NCS with revenue generation expectations.

    “In navigating this balancing act, the NCS must engage Africans at the heart of its operations, fostering a collaborative dialogue through transparent communication channels.

    “The crescendo towards economic brilliance requires prioritising infrastructure development, continuous policy adaptation, and stakeholder engagement.

    “As we delve into the intricacies of Nigeria’s economic growth, development, and the dance of trade, remember that behind every policy and every customs checkpoint, there’s a story,” he said.

    According to Adeniyi, while the delay in ratifying AfCFTA may be considered a setback, it provides Nigeria with a crucial moment for strategic recalibration.

    This, he said involves meticulous planning and implementation of measures that align with AfCFTA objectives.

    “Nigeria should view this delay as an opportunity to strengthen its readiness, focusing on resolving challenges, streamlining regulatory processes, and enhancing the ease of doing business.

    “To kickstart this recalibration, it is recommended that Nigeria conducts a comprehensive review of existing policies, identifying areas that require adjustment to align with AfCFTA standards,” he said.

    Speaking on the importance of policy alignment, Adeniyi said the success of AfCFTA intricately depended on the alignment of Nigeria’s fiscal policies with its foreign policies.

    He said that a harmonised policy framework would create an environment conducive to trade, attracting investments and facilitating the seamless flow of goods and services.

    “To accomplish this, Nigeria should establish a continuous feedback mechanism between fiscal policymakers, foreign affairs representatives, and NCS,” he said.

    He, however, said the inadequacy in infrastructure posed a substantial threat to the seamless and timely movement of goods, potentially resulting in detrimental trade delays.

    “The focus should centre on the modernidation of entry points, the implementation of cutting-edge technology infrastructure, and the creation of an environment conducive to expeditious trade operations,” Adeniyi noted.

    Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General, NIIA, said the institute was set up to promote the understanding of international affairs, especially complexities that made those affairs not easily intelligible to the ordinary people.

    “Beginning today, the NIIA will have as part of its repertoire and its intellectual foundations, the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment.

    “Together with the NCS, the NIIA will now establish a senior executive force for senior officers of the NCS to ensure that they provide the leadership that Africa is waiting for to drive the AfCFTA,” he said.

    Chairperson of the lecture, Erelu Dosumu Abiola, said the AfCFTA was a game changer, noting that to position the NCS as a catalyst for economic development, a journey of reforms must be embarked on.

    She said this included embracing technology for streamline processes, investing in human capital and enhancing collaboration with other stakeholders, adding that challenges of corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and others cannot be overlooked.

    “Each hurdle demands strategic and immediate response by fostering a culture of integrity and unity, investing in infrastructure, supporting no mainstream sectors and collaborating with international partners.”

  • Suspected Boko Haram insurgents storm Customs office in Yobe, kill operative

    Suspected Boko Haram insurgents storm Customs office in Yobe, kill operative

    Gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram insurgents have reportedly attacked an office of the Nigeria Customs Service in a town in  Geidam LGA, Yobe State, killing one operative, Usman Gombe.

    It was gathered that the insurgents stormed the Customs office along Maine Soroa Road in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover around 10:00 pm on Saturday and started shooting.

     

    “They struck when they were sure the Customs officers had retired home. Panicked by the rain of bullets, the officers scampered for safety; some escaped through the gate, while others scaled the fence.

    “Unfortunately, one of the officers, Usman Gombe, was shot dead while attempting to climb the fence,” a security source told newsmen.

    According to him,  the assailants also burnt down the Customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the office building.

    “This is the second time the Boko Haram insurgents are killing Customs officers. Last month, an officer, Babalola, and his junior officer were abducted and later killed by the insurgents,” the source said.

    Residents of the town disclosed that the activities of Boko Haram insurgents on the outskirts of Geidam had increased in recent times.

    “They collect taxes from farmers and herdsmen a few kilometres from the town, and nobody is doing anything.

    “Instead, the security operatives have relocated over 17 checkpoints into the town where they also taxed traders that brought goods through the same route. We are in difficult condition in this town,” one of the traders alleged.

  • How Customs exceeded monthly revenue target in July, August

    How Customs exceeded monthly revenue target in July, August

    Acting Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi has disclosed the service exceeded its revenue target for the months of July and August.

    Adeniyi, who spoke while presenting the scorecard for his 100 days in office on Thursday in Abuja, said that the NCS generated N307 billion in July and N343 billion in August

    “One of our early achievements has been a remarkable boost in monthly revenue collection.

    “We have witnessed a substantial increase, with an average monthly collection of 202 billion in the first half of the year that concluded in June, surging to an impressive 343 billion in August.

    “This outstanding growth amounts to a remarkable 70.13 per cent increase in revenue collection.

    “I am delighted to announce that we have consistently exceeded the monthly target collection, marking a remarkable departure from previous performances,” he said.

    He said that the ongoing revenue recovery review activities had contributed an additional eight billion Naira during the period.

    “This underlines our commitment to revenue generation. Subject to unforeseen circumstances, our aim is to sustain and even expand this momentum until the end of the year.

    “This commitment is driven by our resolve to minimise the deviation from the target, especially in light of the substantial shortfalls recorded during the first half of the year,” Adeniyi said.

    He said that the NCS had recorded appreciable results in its ongoing battle against smuggling

    “We have successfully intercepted various contraband items, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, substandard pharmaceuticals and other prohibited goods that pose grave risks to our citizens.

    “These seizures accompanied by the apprehension of 62 suspects undergoing legal procedures, underscore our commitment to tackling smuggling and safeguarding our communities.

    “Notably, a significant surge in impactful seizures, especially involving arms, ammunition, and drugs, has occurred in the past two months, reinforcing our resolve to combat these illegal activities,” he said.

    He said that NCS had forged stronger alliances and fostered an environment of trust and cooperation among stakeholders in the public and private sectors., as well as international partners.

    The acting CG said that NCS was at the verge of introducing multiple cutting-edge solutions to support the enforcement strategies, starting with the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to put vehicle smugglers out of business for good.

    “As we reflect on the achievements of the first 100 days in office and the journey we have embarked upon, it is essential to look ahead with a clear vision for the future.

    “The next phase builds upon the foundation we have laid, and it is characterised by unwavering dedication to our policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration, and innovative solutions.

    “Looking forward, we envision a service that is not only the most efficient and service-driven government organ but also a pivotal driver of national economic growth and border security.

    “There are also challenges we face but we are working hard to overcome it and get a better result,” he said.

    According to him, the NCS plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade and economic growth and equally serves as a bridge connecting the nation to the global marketplace.

    He expressed commitment to aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on economic growth and development.

  • Customs confiscates contraband worth N164.8m in Kebbi

    Customs confiscates contraband worth N164.8m in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, says it has seized contraband worth N164.8 million in the state.

    Dr Ben Oramalugo, the Area Controller of NCS in the state, said this at a press conference on the achievements of the command on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi.

    He said, ”We directed our officers to intensify surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of the state, having had credible intelligence on the impending activities of smugglers.

    “The following items were, therefore, seized during the period; 371 parcels of cannabis sativa, otherwise called Indian hemp, intercepted at Kawara water side, in Suru Local Government Area.

    “We also seized 98 packs of diazepam,10 sacks of snuff, 1,080 pieces of donkey skin, 37 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 300 litres of PMS, 16 bales of second hand clothing and used Toyota Corolla as means of conveyance, among others.”

    The area comptroller pegged the duty paid value of the seized items at N164.8 million.

    On illegal drugs, he said the command had handed over cannabis sativa and hard drugs worth N94.8 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “The seizure of such drugs is in line with the vow we made and our determination to rid the state of drug inflow and all items capable of causing harm to Nigerians,” he said.

    Alhaji Sulaiman Usman, the NDLEA Commander who received the drugs, thanked the NCS for its efforts in curtailing the menace of illegal importation of drugs and anti-smuggling activities in the state.

    “This is in line with the untiring effort and drive of our Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, in combatting the menace of drug abuse and smuggling in the country,” he said.

    He also condoled the command over the killing of two of its personnel on Aug. 24, by suspected bandits.

    Also, Alhaji Abdul-Razak Bashir, the state Commandant of Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, who received the seized donkey skin, lauded the customs for their sustained fight against smuggling of endangered species.

  • Customs, Rocks and Air Warriors win big on day one of NBBF Zenith Women’s League

    Customs, Rocks and Air Warriors win big on day one of NBBF Zenith Women’s League

    Air Warriors, Plateau Rocks and Nigeria Customs were big winners of the Savannah Conference play-offs of the NBBF Zenith Women’s League which started on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital, North Central of Nigeria.
    Air Warriors started their quest to reach the national final with a 66-48 points win over Nigeria Army Ladies, home girls Plateau Rocks had a 19 points margin victory over their neighbours Nasarawa Amazon’s 63-44 points.
    Nigeria Customs were in a class of their own as they took Kada Angels of Kaduna to the clearers 73-32, a 40 points blow out which was the biggest margin of win on Match Day 1 of the Savannah Conference play-offs.
    On Wednesday, three games will be on the cart, Kada Angels that was badly beaten on Day 1 by Customs have a date to keep with Nasarawa Amazons that lost to Rocks on Tuesday. It’s the first game of the day.
    Customs meets Air Warriors in the second game by 2pm while Plateau Rocks will step on the court against Nigeria Army Ladies by 4pm to close the day’s proceedings.
  • Auto crash: Customs officer dies along Lagos-Badagry Expressway

    Auto crash: Customs officer dies along Lagos-Badagry Expressway

    A senior officer with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under Federal Operation Unit Zone A, Ikeja, on Friday died in a fatal auto crash along Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    Mr. Williams Manga, Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, told NAN in Badagry that the accident occured in Elijah Bus Stop, Araromi-Ale, Oko-Afo, at about 11.20.a.m.

    Manga said the customs officer was coming from Lagos in his Toyota Camry car with registration number YAB 74 DD when he rammed into a coming Mark Truck with registration number MEK 631 XB.

    He said the customs officer who was on high speed wrongfully overtake and collided with the coming truck.

    “The unit was informed at 11.25.a.m. and we got to the scene of the auto crash at exactly 11.35.a.m.

    “The customs officer had already given up the ghost when we got to the scene.

    “With the help of customs personnel and soldiers around, we removed the body of the victim from the car and deposited it at the General Hospital in Badagry.

    “The accident was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking by the victim,” he said

    Manga urged motorists not to exceed speed limits and to always have routine vehicle checks, for prompt detection and replacement of faults.

    Contacted, Dr Olatunde Bakare, the Medical Director, General Hospital, Badagry, said the customs officer was brought in dead.

    He confirmed that his corpse had been deposited in the hospital mortuary.

    According to reports, no fewer than 15 persons include a 4-month old child were on July 9, crushed to death while 8 others sustained injuries in a fatal accident along the same Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

  • Customs closes border, says not at war with Niger Republic

    Customs closes border, says not at war with Niger Republic

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says the closure of Nigeria borders with Niger Republic is not a declaration of war between the two countries as speculated.

    Mr Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS acting Comptroller General, made the assertion while addressing Illela border community of Sokoto State on Friday.

    Adeniyi, who was at the Illela border to ascertain the level of compliance, clarified that what is happening in Nigeria is also happening in other states of West Africa that shares same border with Niger Republic.

    “My mission here is to restate the directives of President Bola Tinubu, been not only the Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but also Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    “As we are aware one of the Chairman’s responsibility is to promote trade between members of ECOWAS.

    “But we all know that trade cannot happen in an environment where there is no peace.

    “So the intention of government is to ensure that we leverage perfectly on the nexus between trade and security,” he said.

    The acting comptroller general added that the situation happening in Niger Republic is such that trade cannot strive.

    “This development initiated the ECOWAS Heads of States decision to seize trade with our neighbours, the Republic of Niger.

    “However, there are other measures that are ongoing, the diplomatic front, there are engagement going on with the authority of Niger to ensure the crisis is peacefully resolved,” he added.

    Adeniyi further stated that the action is not only restricted to Illela border but all other areas where the Niger Republic is bordering the country.

    “So what we are saying is that the closure will be a temporary thing until we have final resolution of the crisis in Niger Republic.

    “But certainly we are not at war with Niger Republic and no such declaration has been made,” he said.

    On his remarks Alhaji Buhari Tukur, the District Head of Illela, appreciated the customs chief.

    Tukur, represented by Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, assured that the community would continue to remain law abiding and respect government policies.