TheNewsGuru

Tag: Customs

  • Customs intercepts N1.8bn tramadol in Lagos airport

    Customs intercepts N1.8bn tramadol in Lagos airport

    The Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 23 packages of tramadol with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth N1.8 billion between January and March.

    The Customs Area Comptroller, Mohammed Yusuf, at news conference in Lagos on Wednesday said that the pharmaceutical products were imported from India and Pakistan.

    Yusuf listed the seized items to include 22 packets of tramadol (225mg) and 12 packets of tramadol (120mg) tablets.

    According to Yusuf, the above seizures were recorded based on intelligence-driven operations within the airport.

    He added that the tramadol tablets in their custody had been scheduled for handing over to the Commander of Narcotics, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “In the spirit of inter-departmental cooperation, this will further strengthen our collaboration in safeguarding our youths from the use of harmful substances which can endanger their lives and the environments.

    “We shall intensify more efforts in making our communities a safer place for all of us to live,” he said.

    On export, and for the period under review, he said that the command recorded exportation of goods worth N100.93 billion from the country.

    “These exported goods include: non-commercial and commercial foods with a total weight of 653 tonnes and Free On Board (FOB) value of N4.81 billion.

    “The command is working hard to promote export businesses to boost forex earnings for the country,” he said.

    The customs boss noted that the command generated a total sum of N21.4 billion as revenue in the period under review.

    “It is pertinent to note that in the corresponding period of 2022, the command generated N17.5 billion which shows a progressive difference in the sum of N3.8 billion, depicting a 21.97 per cent increase.

    “It is worthy to note that the revenue activities of the command comprise importation and exportation of legitimate goods, goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

    He pointed out that in the area of stakeholder’s engagement, the command had maintained an open-door policy and had resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.

    He appreciated esteemed partners in the clearance value chain for their unwavering support and also encourage them to always brace up to the emerging challenges as they work together to move the nation forward.

    “We appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali(Rtd) and his management team for necessary support to discharge their duties and officers and men of the command for their dedication and commitment to discharging their responsibilities,” he said.

  • Aremu retires as Customs ACG, Okun takes over Zone A

    Aremu retires as Customs ACG, Okun takes over Zone A

    Following the retirement of Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Adeyanju Aremu, a new Zonal Coordinator ACG Festus Okun, has assumed duty as the Coordinator Zone ‘A’.

    This was revealed in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Thursday.

    At a brief ceremony in her office, the retiring ACG thanked the Customs Management, led by retired Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali for the confidence reposed in her with her posting as Zonal Coordinator up till the time of her retirement.

    The outgoing coordinator described Zone ‘A’ as the bedrock and microcosm of the Nigeria Customs Service and charged officers in the zone to work assiduously towards supporting the new Zonal Coordinator to succeed.

    She highlighted the giant strides of the zone in the areas of revenue and anti-smuggling and expressed confidence in the capacity and competence of the new zonal coordinator to take the zone to the next level.

    While thanking the principal officers in the zone, she urged them to ensure that the new zonal coordinator was given all necessary support.

    On his part, Okun thanked his predecessor for the enviable standard which Zone ‘A’ had attained under her regime and promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in setting new standard as a way of continuity.

    He wished the retiring ACG well in her future endeavours.

    Okun was born in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria.

    He obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Sociology from Ondo State University and also obtained Masters in Public Administration from University of Lagos.

    The Technocrat joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1989.

    He has served in various Customs Commands in different capacities such as trained Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Technical Supervisor, Area Project Manager in Lilypond, and Area Project Manager Tincan Island others.

  • Customs warns against fake online recruitment notice

    Customs warns against fake online recruitment notice

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called on Nigerians to disregard recruitment notice circulating online.

    The NCS Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, made the call in Abuja on Friday.

    Maiwada described the notice as fake, noting that the NCS was not recruiting at the moment.

    ”The notice is the handiwork of unscrupulous element and an attempt to defraud Nigerians.

    “The recruitment notice with the link https://recruitmentfile.net/nigeria-customs-recruitment/ is fake and should be disregarded.

    “There are lots of indices to show that the notice is not from Customs, particularly the domain.

    “Our Website is www.customs.gov.ng.We do not use .net, so it is totally fake.

    “Customs is currently not recruiting and if it is doing so, it will be on the official website only,” he said.

    The spokesperson said that those involved in such act should desist, adding that it was evil.

  • ‘We want to take a decision about Nigeria’ – NASS summons CBN Gov, Finance Minister

    ‘We want to take a decision about Nigeria’ – NASS summons CBN Gov, Finance Minister

    The National Assembly has summoned the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to appear before it on Thursday on the state of the award of scanners that had been adjudged not functional.

    The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), retired Col. Hameed Ali is to also appear before the Joint Committee on Customs and Excise.

    The Chairman of the joint committee, Sen. Francis Alimikhena, gave the directive during an investigative hearing on Sunday in Abuja.

    Alimikhena said that the contract was given to Webb Fontaine by the ministry of finance to provide the IT infrastructure for the Nigeria Customs Service for effective scanning activities.

    Not happy with the development, Alimikhena frowned at the absence of the Minister, the CBN Governor, and other stakeholders that are involved.

    He said that the minister of finance, the CG of Customs; the CBN Governor, Webb Fontaine Limited, and other stakeholders must appear before the Committee on Thursday, Sept. 29

    He warned that no representative would be attended to as the issue at stake involved revenue generation to the country.

    Alimikhena said: “We want to see the minister, the CG Customs, the CBN governor, President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

    “We do not want to see any representation; we want to take a decision about Nigeria, this is about the revenue of the country. Webb Fontaine is very important in this matter, they have made serious money in this country.

  • FG rakes in N68bn from beer, cigarettes, others in 6 months

    FG rakes in N68bn from beer, cigarettes, others in 6 months

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected over N68 billion from excise duty on beer, spirits and other alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco for the federal government between January and June.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Deputy Comptroller Timi Bomodi made this known while presenting the half-year report of the service covering.

    The excise duty is levied on the manufacture, sale and consumption of goods that fall under the excise control, which include but are not limited to beer, spirits, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and cigarettes.

    The NCS collected a total revenue of N1.3 trillion into the Federation Account, covering import and excise duty, fees and levies for the period under review.  This represents an increase of N289.4 billion or 28.83 per cent growth rate compared to the N1.003trillion collected in the same period last year.

    While presenting the half-year report of the service for the period, Bomodi also disclosed that the Customs had commenced collections from traders producing carbonated and sugary drinks, which was newly added under schedule five of the Common External Tariff (CET).

    The Service has also said it would soon begin the collection of the new tariff on calls and data recently announced by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

  • FG set to re-open four land borders across the country

    FG set to re-open four land borders across the country

    In a bid to improve bi-lateral relations between Nigeria and nieghbouring countries the federal government of Nigeria has re-opened four more land borders shut in 2019 to curtail smuggling and boost locally made products.

    Idiroko border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State and Ikom border post in Cross River State have all been approved for re-opening.

    This revelation was disclosed in a circular made available by Nigeria Customs Service, signed by Deputy Comptroller-General E. I. Edorhe, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali.

    Tagged ‘Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border posts’ the circular reads:

    “Sequel to the Presidential directive dated December 16, 2020, granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening.

    “Sequel to the Presidential directive dated December 16, 2020, granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening.

    “Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South Zone)

    “Consequently, all Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.”

    The circular, which copied all Assistant Comptrollers-General/Zonal Coordinators, Area Controllers, Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit & Marine Commands, Comptroller, Customs Intelligent Unit, JBPT Sector Coordinators, Strike Force Commanders and Heads of Units, added, “Above is forwarded for your information and compliance.”

  • Dealers of ‘tokunboh’ vehicles threaten shutdown over 15% levy

    Dealers of ‘tokunboh’ vehicles threaten shutdown over 15% levy

    Disturbed by the introduction of 15 per cent National Automobile Commission levy imposed on imported used vehicles by the Nigeria Customs Service, car dealers have threatened to close their stores this week.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls the Federal Government had recently introduced a 15 per cent National Automobile Commission levy on used imported vehicles, a decision which didn’t go down well with clearing agents in the country’s maritime sector.

    The agents argued that the NAC levy is mostly meant for new vehicles, questioning the rationale behind the introduction of the duty on used vehicles.

    In a quick response, the service, in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, Timi Bomodi, said the move was in compliance with the Economic Community of West Africa Common External Tariff.

    The statement read in part, “On Friday the 1st of April 2022, the Nigeria Customs Service migrated from the old version of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2017- 2021) to the new version (2022- 2026). This is in line with World Customs Organization five years review of the nomenclature. The contracting parties are expected to adopt the review based on regional considerations and national economic policy.

    “The nation has adopted all tariff lines with few adjustments in the extant CET. As allowed for in Annex II of the 2022-2026 CET edition, and in line with the Finance Act and the National Automotive policy, NCS has retained a duty rate of 20 per cent for used vehicles as was transmitted by ECOWAS with a NAC levy of 15 per cent. New vehicles will also pay a duty of 20 per cent with a NAC levy of 20 per cent as directed in the Federal Ministry of Finance letter ref. no. HMF BNP/NCS/CET/4/2022 of 7th April 2022.”

    Responding, the Lagos chapter Chairman of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, Metche Nnadiekwe, disclosed that the group would be meeting this week.

    He noted that the outcome of the meeting would determine if the group was going to close their stores or not.

    “How can we continue to run a system like this? This is really bad and until we get things right in this country, we are not going to move forward. We will have a meeting, come up with a strategy and take a position on that. We may stop selling and do some checks and balances because if we are going to sell the ones we have, we are definitely going to buy new ones. The issue is that no one knows the policy they may introduce next week, so, hopefully, before the end of this week, we may stop selling and know what next to do.”

    The AMDON Lagos chair complained that the government was in the habit of not carrying stakeholders along when making certain policies.

    “You know that the Nigeria Customs Service wakes up any time they want and try to introduce something extraordinarily without informing stakeholders.

    “Some people are stakeholders in certain businesses and when you want to introduce certain policies, why don’t you consider them? Can’t you even discuss with them to know how these people are going to be affected? So, it looks as if it is a calculated attempt to deal with certain people. We don’t really know what is going on here and, remember, wherever there is this type of thing, Nigerians will be the ones that suffer it.”

    He said by the time the dealers paid the levy imposed by the NCS, vehicle prices would go so high that many Nigerians would not be able to afford them.

    “So, I don’t know whether it is an attempt to take us out of business or what. We keep wondering what is actually going on. Sometime ago, it was Vehicles Identification Number and now it is this one,” he concluded

  • Customs boss, Hameed Ali not sick, he is on leave – NCS

    Customs boss, Hameed Ali not sick, he is on leave – NCS

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has denied a media report that its Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), slumped on Wednesday and was flown abroad for medical treatment.
    This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, signed by the Deputy Comptroller, Timi Bomodi, NCS Public Relations Officer.
    He said the report was false, as Ali was hale and hearty and that he was on leave.
    “The attention of the NCS has been drawn to an online report stating that the Comptroller General of Customs has slumped and was consequently flown abroad for medical treatment.
    “To put the records straight, Ali is hale and hearty and not ill as reported by the unnamed online media outlet.
    “The CG, who throughout his tenure, has sacrificed his time and energy to drive the reforms agenda of this administration has earned remarkable successes in restructuring and raising unprecedented revenues for the service.
    “We know that some persons are trying to take advantage of his absence resulting from a well earned official leave to stir unnecessary controversy in the polity.
    “This will not distract NCS management from carrying out its brief as it seeks to rebuild a world-class institution worthy of the prayers and support of all Nigerians, ” he said.
    Bomodi reassured all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians that all was well with the Comptroller General, warning that any falsehood would attract legal consequences.
    A media report had claimed that the Comptroller General slumped on Wednesday while praying and that he had been flown abroad in a customs jet for medical attention.
  • VIN crisis: Importers threaten to shutdown Lagos markets

    VIN crisis: Importers threaten to shutdown Lagos markets

    Importers under the aegis of Ndigboamaka Progressive (Market) Association have threatened to shutdown Lagos markets within two days over the implementation of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation policy.

    Dr Jude Okeke, president, Ndigboamaka issued the warning at a media conference in Lagos on Wednesday.

    He said the group took the position because the implementation of VIN valuation policy introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had profound effects on markets, trade and economy.

    He noted that importers who were faced with many issues ranging from terminal and shipping line charges now had to bear the additional burden of the VIN valuation policy.

    He said the extra costs associated with these policies negatively affected the businesses of his members, as they made goods expensive for consumers, the end users.

    According to him, the threat to shutdown the markets is not to hurt any individual or government agencies, but to ensure things are done the right way.

    “We are major importers of various commodities and trading under the name Ndigboamaka Progressive Association, an umbrella body of major market associations in Lagos.

    “Examples of such markets are Alaba International Market, All Markets in Trade Fair Complex, Ladipo Market, Coker building Materials and others.

    “This meeting is to show our distress on what government does as regards policies put out and their negative impact on our businesses.

    “We are saying enough is enough and to make our voice heard, we will be collaborating with the Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS), to discuss how some of our vexatious government policies can be amicably resolved,” he said.

    Okeke said it was unfortunate that policies were introduced without carrying stakeholders along.

    He stated that after deliberation with members, the association decided that the VIN policy should be suspended indefinitely because it was introduced without the knowledge of importers.

    “Members work with bank loans and this is not conducive, and so we will be working with SALS to manage a fund set up by government to cushion our financial pressure in the foreseeable future.

    “The fund will be managed by key players in the maritime sector. No government agencies will interfere with it,” he said.

    Rev. Jonathan Nicole, president, SALS, noted that the alliance with Ndigboamaka was to create an enabling environment for importers to be self sufficient and assist government in revenue generation.

    “SALS have been fighting the battle for importers for the past eight years especially on cost, shipping and terminal charges and all of these problems will be resolved.

    “This new one on VIN should be suspended indefinitely so that goods and vehicles stranded at port will be removed.

    “This morning, I just received information concerning this VIN issue, the Port and Terminal Multiservices Ltd. saying that over 12,000 vehicles are trapped in their terminal and attracting demurrage and shipping line charges.

    “By the time we quantify the amount importers will be loosing, the demurrage is going over N600 million naira. We cannot continue to accommodate such expenses anymore, so they need to discard the policy,” he said.

    Nicole said the insinuation that second hand vehicles were a nuisance was wrong because when imported they are taken to authorised workshops to be certified and issued road worthiness license.

    “This meeting is to tell the Nigerian government that we are not happy and this alliance will continue until government changes their policies and listens to us,” he said.

  • Customs FOU Zone ‘B’ impounds N279m goods in one month – Comptroller

    Customs FOU Zone ‘B’ impounds N279m goods in one month – Comptroller

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘B’ Federal Operations Unit (FOU), has seized 250 parcels of goods amongst other smuggled goods worth N275.989 million between Dec. 22, 2021, and Jan. 27.

    The Controller in charge of the zone, Al-Bashir Hamisu, made this known to newsmen in Kaduna, on Thursday.

    He said that the goods seized were 250 parcels of Indian hemp and 60 pieces of foreign Jack knives, among other smuggled goods.

    Hamisu said that it was among the 109 seizures made within the said period.

    The zone covers the northwestern states of Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, kano, Kebbi states, alongside Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Sokoto and the FCT in the Northcentral zone.

    Hamisu said out of 109 seizures made during the period were 856 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each and that of the total, 316 bags were seized in Sokoto, Katsina and Kwara.

    Other items included 474 kegs of 25 litres each of premium motor spirit, 16 units of used vehicles, 92 bales of foreign second-hand clothing and 14 bales of new foreign textiles.

    Other items impounded by the service, included six units of vehicles as means of conveyance, 44 bags of foreign rice concealed in rice paddy, and 825 cartons of foreign spaghetti and macaroni.

    “72 pieces of foreign used tyres, 20 cartons of foreign cigarettes, 12 kegs of foreign vegetable oil, 45 litres of foreign motor engine oil among other items seized” he added.

    He said that the over 250 parcels of Indian hemp were handed over to the NDLEA representative, Deputy state commandant in charge of operations and intelligence, Kaduna state command, Aliyu Dan Musa.

    According to him, the gesture was part of the synergy between the agency and the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Comptroller Hamisu attributed the success of his officers within the period to the motivation received in the form of 18 new operational vehicles from the NCS management.

    He noted that the vehicles had really upgraded the operational capacity of the zone which enabled them discharge their duties adequately.

    He promised to redouble efforts at ensuring the zone and the nation was free of smuggling for the economic benefit of the country.

    Hamisu further reiterated their commitment to ensure that foreign rice and other related goods were not allow into the country.

    He added that citizens should also support the federal government’s programme for the betterment of Nigeria .