Plus Naija

Author: Emmanuel Opara

  • World Food Safety Day: CAPPA Urges Govt to Prioritise Effective Food Policies, Improve Public Health

    World Food Safety Day: CAPPA Urges Govt to Prioritise Effective Food Policies, Improve Public Health

    As the world marks 2024 World Food Safety Day today, with the theme “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected,” Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged governments at all levels to prioritise effective food policies, food security and access in the interest of public health.

    In a statement signed by its Media and Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, the organisation commended the Nigerian government for its initiatives and efforts to improve food accessibility and affordability in the country but noted that food safety remains a critical issue, nonetheless.

    The statement reads further: “Many Nigerians and local farmers are still unable to earn a livelihood from farming and thus improve the food supply chain due to unending armed conflicts and the varied impacts of climate change. This terrible situation has worsened food shortages, hunger pangs, and inflation across the country.

    “Moreso, incidents of food adulteration, contamination, improper labelling, unverified food claims by producers, and victimisation of consumers by big food corporations continue to pose grave dangers to the economy, well-being and nutrition of vulnerable Nigerians.

    “It is in this context that CAPPA reiterates the need for state authorities to enact and implement comprehensive laws and policies across the food and nutrition spectrum, not only to ensure adequate food regulatory oversight but to maintain vigilance that safeguards Nigerians and public health.

    “In particular, the overconsumption of salt and sugar has been linked to the growth of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases worldwide and in Nigeria, causing both economic and social strains.

    “CAPPA urges the government to reverse this negative trend by implementing food strategies and policies that promote access to healthier diets and spur producers to reformulate comestibles for the betterment of public health.

    “Most importantly, we encourage the government to, among other viable measures, increase the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages as well as set mandatory salt limits in food products to protect Nigerians from excessive consumption and tackle the alarming rise of obesity cases and NCDs in the country. These actions, proven effective globally, can help Nigeria bolster national food safety and public wellbeing.

    Above all, we ask Nigerians to be kind to themselves by prioritising their health and eating to live, not to die. People must watch their food consumption patterns, making sure to consciously desist from the excessive consumption of sugar, salt, and fat, which is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases,” the statement concluded.

  • Apapa Customs Eyes N2.3trn With Uncompromising Cargo Examination, Prioritises Non Intrusive Inspection

    Apapa Customs Eyes N2.3trn With Uncompromising Cargo Examination, Prioritises Non Intrusive Inspection

    Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command, has affirmed that the Command is capable of achieving its N2.3 trillion revenue target for 2024 while prioritising modern customs practices like non intrusive inspection and physical examination when necessary

    The CAC asserted that the projected revenue is attainable because of the command’s commitment to trade facilitation and strategic interventions to curb revenue leakages.

    Under Comptroller Olomu’s leadership, the command has applied certain tactics to enhance revenue collection and efficiency, building upon the successes of his predecessor. These efforts have strenghtened the command’s position as a flagship unit of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    To achieve the target, the command has set proactive monthly, weekly, and daily revenue targets of N193 billion, N44 billion, and N8.9 billion, respectively. In the first quarter of 2024, the command surpassed its target with a collection of N489 billion. In April, it generated N182 billion, and in May, N175 billion was collected.

    Although there was a slight drop in revenue collection in May, Comptroller Olomu is confident that the command will be able to generate N200 billion in June, as a result of the interventions in place. He assured that all necessary measures, including strict supervision from the headquarters, are being taken to successfully achieve the target.

    The command has been actively working to seal revenue loopholes and implement interventions that have resulted in increased revenue generation. One of the potent tools deployed is the scanning machine, which is used to facilitate trade for compliant traders and detect duty evasion attempts through scanning and physical examinations.

    Comptroller Olomu acknowledged that globally, most people are reluctant to pay taxes unless compelled to do so. Therefore, it is the command’s responsibility to ensure that appropriate taxes are paid to the government. They continue to implement interventions to seal loopholes and prevent revenue leakages.

    The Controller acknowledged that their diligence in checking declarations and consignments using non-intrusive technology (scanning) and physical examinations has made non-compliant traders uncomfortable. Some of them resort to blackmail and other tactics to compromise and dampen the morale of officers. However, the officers are loyal in carrying out their duties.

    As the command raises queries on suspicious consignments, compliant traders have no reason to fear, as the command prioritizes not just revenue generation but also trade facilitation.

    To hasten cargo delivery, decongest port terminals, and reduce gridlock on the port access road, the command has intensified engagements with barge operators and terminal operators in partnership with other area commands in the corridor. This collaboration aims to convey cargoes on the water, which is faster than transporting them on the roads.

    The command clarified that containers are randomly selected for scanning, making it impossible for officers to influence the process. Non-intrusive inspection (scanning) is a globally recognized technology aimed at preventing duty evasion, a common practice among some Nigerian traders.

    Shedding more light on the essence of scanning and importance of physical examination,Comptroller Olomu said “One thing to note about the issue of delay is part of our SOP.There are limitations the scanners have.There are things the scanners can do and cannot do. We have made this known to the general public.Even the stakeholders are aware.Firstly, the scanners cannot classify items.It can only reveal what those items are and what we deal with is imagery.We don’t deal with pictorial image to describe or interpret those consignments.

    “There are certain items , particularly items like chemical that can fall under their regulations that will require EUC.They could have some kind of radioactive materials in them that would require repositioning to see the material physically instead of just seeing them image wise.Such consignments are the consignments I think the agents are complaining about and we need to check.
    Sometimes, we have heterogenous items .When you have heterogeneous items mixed up with other items that can be classified differently from what the original items are, we will subject them to into physical check even if the description suits the analyst.

    “There are instances when doing the documentation, when studying the document very well, there are things that might not likely fit in with where we are trying to place the heading to be able to maximize the collection of revenue.In such circumstances, those containers would be subjected to physical check but not in all cases.It is just on random and few occasions on those ones we feel that have not given us a correct description.Such containers are alerted either by valuation or query requiring a detailed information about that container.

    There is need for us to subject them to physical check so that verifications and correct information will be imputed for necessary value appraisal.That is just all we do here .

    “Scanning has a SOP .You book, scan, the analyst analyses.The analysts are not robots .They are humans and they are bound to make certain mistakes.They can demand for physical check .It is still within the process of scanning until finally validated and released.That is where the processes ends.As far as you lodge your consignments, until it goes out of customs processes,the container can be determined clear enough .Just passing the preliminary stage of scanning and analysing does not give the cargo a hundred percent for release or deem it perfect for release.It is an operational issue that is subject to review as time goes on” he said

  • Air Peace Announces London Availability Schedule Until March 2025

    Air Peace Announces London Availability Schedule Until March 2025

    West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced the extension of its schedule availability for the Lagos-London-Lagos route, with flights now bookable until March 2025.

    The London route, operated by Air Peace’s luxurious Boeing 777, began on March 30, 2024, and has quickly become popular among both business and leisure travelers. Passengers enjoy premium seating, intercontinental meals, generous luggage allowances, and the distinctive “Flygerian” experience.

    In a recent press release, the airline stated, “We are thrilled to inform the general public and our esteemed customers that they can now book flights for travel up to March 2025 on our London route. This extension is perfect for those planning to travel between Nigeria and London this festive season. With a variety of benefits and packages, Air Peace ensures that passengers will enjoy bespoke comfort and safety.”

    This extended availability aims to provide more options and convenience for passengers, reinforcing Air Peace’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and seamless connectivity.
    Additionally, the recent announcement of summer promo allows passengers in Nigeria to connect to London from all Air Peace domestic destinations, and London passengers to connect to various locations in Nigeria via Lagos.

    Air Peace leads Nigeria’s aviation industry with a current network of 21 domestic routes, 10 regional routes, and 7 international destinations. The airline’s expanding fleet includes over 30 aircraft, including 5 brand new Embraer 195-E2s and a recent firm order for 5 new Embraer 175s.

  • How We Seized 13 Tanker Load of PMS at Seme Border – Bomodi

    How We Seized 13 Tanker Load of PMS at Seme Border – Bomodi

    Comptroller Timi Bomodi, Customs Area Controller of Seme Border told Ismail Aniemu in this interview that he has enlisted full community support in the fight against smuggling.

    The command , according to him ,has been optimistic of success in the fight against fuel smuggling and will give hundred percent support to newly inaugurated special team to curb petroleum products smuggling, codenamed Operation Whirlwind

    Excerpt

    How has the border fared in the first five months of 2024 compared to last year

    The first five months of activities here in Seme has been interesting.We look at activities from the perspective of our core responsibilities which would be first , to facilitate legitimate trade, collect revenue for government and enforcement of fiscal policy.

    When we look at it from those three perspectives, we will see that we are doing quite okay.

    Talking about facilitation of trade, talking about import and export.Here, we have done remarkably well with facilitation of export because there has been a maximum increase in number of goods that have left this country to other neighbouring African countries.

    We have noticed a significant increase in terms of volume, value and diversity of products that have been taken out of the country.In the area of import, we did notice some increment at the time when ECOWAS had a problem with the government in Niger Republic as a result of the coup that took place there.

    When the borders were closed, other traders that ordinarily would have taken that axis to carry out their trade diverted their trade towards this axis and we saw an increase in import.

    We also noticed that once the borders became reopened,those figures started to slide.Just to highlight that Seme Krake joint border post is fully opened.It has been opened for a couple of years now and we have the same capabilities in facilitating import and export as other ports do and by this, I mean sea ports and other borders that are open for trade.

    The only item that cannot be imported through this joint border post is used automobiles and other items that are prohibited by fiscal policy, commodity policy and can’t come in to this axis.

    As I said, we are looking at trade facilitation of which we have done remarkably well.

    We look at revenue generation and this year, we started off with an expected target of about N650,000,000 monthly to be collected but as I mentioned, because of the reopening of the border in Niger, we saw a slight drop in the anticipated revenue and we have been operating at about 85-87 percent of our expected revenue.

    We are also performing beyond what was obtainable for this same period last year.We are doing about 272 percent above what was done for the same period last year which is indeed remarkable.

    It is very high and we are encouraged by those numbers .Our not meeting the target was due to certain reasons and for some of those reasons, we found out that way above the control of the service, we have the issues of exchange rate, heavy levies imposed on transit goods from Benin Republic, high shipping company charges from shipping companies and all of these actually scared potential traders from this axis and the fact that our systems, a lot of what we do between us and Benin Republic is not automated as it happens in the port even though they are significant, we have made gains in harmonizing the IT infrastructure of both Nigeria and Benin Republic customs administration.

    These things have an impact on potential users because their primary concern would be the quick evacuation of their goods from their ports to their warehouses.

    Even though we know we have strategic advantages in terms of proximity to the port in Cotonou, and easy access to the market itself because of the proximity to two major markets in the country: Alaba and Trade fair.

    The concern of traders needs to be addressed, which we have done in Benin axis.We have engaged with them and we tried to tell them that they have a lot to gain if the frequency of trade is increased because of the potential of the market.

    These two markets have significant impact on their own port activities.They have agreed with us and they are also making adjustments to accommodate the needs of the traders that will be coming in.

    For the angle of revenue, we are not doing too badly, we will like to do better hopefully when we adjust for exchange rate, the trade practices of Benin Customs and the shipping companies there.

    We are sure that ultimately, before the end of the year, we will begin to see tremendous increase even in our revenue.

    We talked about our enforcement of fiscal policy. The key component of border operations is the enforcement aspect.We do know that because of the nature of our border, so many entry points need to be manned.

    People take advantage of these well spread out locations to carry out certain illegal activities.We have made tremendous seizures.

    For those that tried to bring in rice illegally, those that tried to take out premium motor spirit ; petrol out of the country, those that import narcotics or marijuana .We have looked at the trend and the kind of methods that these individuals use either on water or on land.

    As they try to adapt to new ways, we also try to figure out new ways of catching them.In these areas we have had huge successes.

    We have also had huge successes in implementing the convention of illicit trade in endangered species, CITES as it is commonly known, we have made huge arrest in the way people attempted to carry birds that are protected under CITES, even tortoise and other kinds of animals that are protected and that is in line with our obligations to international wildlife.

    The protection of certain wildlife and fauna because that is the very foundation of our existence.Protecting the environment, certain species within our ecosystem is also of vital importance because the world is moving towards maintaining ecological stability in ensuring that the ecosystem is preserved in such a way that we as humans can live in harmony with nature and try to cultivate a sustainable environment.

    When we look at these three aspects ,we have done very well in the first five months.We hope to do better as the year progresses.

    The CG recently inaugurated a task force to carry out an operation code named operation whirlwind to curtail the smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria and I know that this border has been up and doing in intercepting such products in the past.What difference has that operation made in your work here? Has there been any kind of rejig and what is the community customs relations looking like under your watch? How is it like in terms of helping with intelligence?

    The communities play a very significant role in ensuring that we carry out our mandate.Indeed, no government agency will be able to function properly without the support of the home communities and that is why as Area Controller here, we have all gone out to engage with known community leaders including the Obas, High Chiefs and notable persons within the community with the view to get them to not only understand the thinking of the government, but for them to buy in to that thinking and then render help where necessary.

    We have seen that come to play at the time when the government required us to stem the exportation of certain grains from the country because we saw that we were beginning to witness grain shortage in the market and this had a significant impact on food security within the country.

    The Nigeria Custom Service needed to step up to see that the export of these items were curtailed but before we did that, we engaged with these communities, we explained the position of government with them, we got their buy in and we were able to get them on our side because they became virtually like our spokesperson.

    They started engaging with their own community dwellers and encouraged them to think alongside us and to cooperate with us in the actions that we were to take at that time.It yielded very good results.

    The stakeholder engagement has been fantastic.They have also provided us with actionable intelligence when necessary.A good number of the seizures we have made were made because of the intelligence we sourced by some of these community dwellers.

    It is quite cordial and it is a symbiotic relationship because here, the Nigeria Customs Service as exemplified by management and has made it a point of duty to make itself available to our community and also make our facilities available to our host communities.

    We have our clinic here which is not just a clinic for Custom Officers but a clinic for all community dwellers.We have a school here too, that is provided for a significant ways by the service, we also have other facilities that our community dwellers benefit from.We have some communities for which we built toilets making it easier for them to carry out their duties .

    In reference to operation whirlwind,that is an operation that has been put in motion by the Comptroller General and carried out by some of our colleagues.We have an obligation to cooperate with them 100 percent but before their coming, we have also not been resting on our oars.

    We have made significant arrests in that area.Just in the last three months alone, we have made arrests of over 12,000 drums carrying about 30 litres each of petrol.It is equivalent to about 8 tanker loads carrying 45 metric tons of PMS and that is a lot.If we add what we have achieved since the beginning of this year, then we are talking about close to about 12 to 13 tanker loads of fuel which is equivalent to about more than two of those per month, which is huge.

    We are not saying we are doing a hundred percent but we are hitting them where it matters most and that is their pockets. With the coming of this operation whirlwind, we know that whatever limitations we have as a Command, they will be able to add their support and if we are doing this,it is possible they can even do two times better even the kind of support they will get.

    We hope to work with them closely to ensure that this particular challenge which is the smuggling of refined petroleum products is completely halted.We are looking forward to that close working relationship.

    Looking at other sister government agencies that operate within this axis, what is the degree of cooperation you get from them? I also want you to answer that with a view to also respond to the multiplicity of other agencies road blocks along this axis.

    At the Seme Krake joint border post, we have customs regarded as the lead agency which is true but here we have full complement of all other government agencies that are allowed to work at the port functioning here.

    The relationship among us is very cordial, we hold regular meetings to discuss our challenges and to profer common solutions to these challenges.

    We are constantly interacting with ourselves.Just as we were talking, the Head of Department of the State Security made an attempt to walk in.

    He is here every morning, we share notes as to issues that border not only on trade but on security and it is so with NAFDAC,NDLEA, SON.All of them are fully represented here .

    Where there is need to come together to solve a particular problem, we do that , but we are all on the same page as to make every trader to abide by trade processes and procedures , to abide by regulations to trade and to simply be compliant .

    We have not had any major conflict among us and we hope to maintain that because we all understand that the chain that we built here among security agencies will only be as strong as the weakest link among us.

    We do not intend to keep any weak link.We want every link to be strong so that the security around this corridor will also be strong.

    We saw too many Immigration and Police checkpoints on the road.How do you think that is affecting.Is it not impeding on trade?

    This is a trend that is common with us here on this side of the border .You don’t see that if you go across to Benin Republic, from Benin Republic to Ghana.

    You won’t see that number of security personnel on the road, mounting road blocks or having checkpoints.It is a problem that is unique to us in Nigeria and it is one that I believe should be tackled at the highest level of government because as Customs, we can only focus on what we do as an organization.

    Other security agencies that you mentioned, have their leadership and we hope that the government talk to their leadership to ensure that there is sanity and decency on this side of the road because that is the impression they give potential traders.

    Anybody coming from outside this country that want to get a feel of what it is like to do business here and comes to see this will be disincentified to do business and that is not what we want.We want to see more people coming here to invest, we want to see a freer flow in trade and if that is to happen, they also need to see if not the total eradication of these checkpoints ,but very few of them on the road.

  • Customs CG Attends Graduation Ceremony of Senior Course 10, Commits to Prioritising Staff Welfare

    Customs CG Attends Graduation Ceremony of Senior Course 10, Commits to Prioritising Staff Welfare

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on 7 June 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, charged officers who partook in rigorous training of Senior Course 10 to continue to consider themselves as ‘good’ ambassadors of the Service, while also embracing the significance of continuous learning to add value to the Service.

    Addressing the graduates, CGC Adeniyi implored them to be more committed and be good ambassadors of the College.

    He said, “It is a great honour and privilege to be back in this prestigious institution and to be part of this graduation ceremony of Senior Course 10 today. It is without a doubt that you have spent six months having rigorous training that will equip you to add value to the Service. I congratulate you for your commitment, which has led us to today’s occasion.”

    He tasked them to put to work all they have learned during their training at the college as the country awaits their positive contributions in maximising the security at the borders, suppressing smuggling and generating revenue.

    CGC Adeniyi equally used the opportunity to assure the college management and members of his unflinching efforts to enhance the welfare of officers and members directing staff – which, according to him, will improve efficiency in the Service.

    On his part, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Kingsley Egwuh, while delivering his opening remarks, congratulated the graduating students and conferred them with the title of Pass Senior Course (PSC).

    ACG Kingsley said, “With permission of the Special Guest of Honour, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, I stand here before you with joy to confer you all with this title, and I want to implore you to practice what you have learned as you go back to your respective Commands.”

    On her part, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies of the College, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted that the students had been duly trained in various fields in accordance with the curriculum of the Senior Course to enhance officers’ skills and abilities with a high level of moral standards.

    “I have no doubts in my mind that considering the quality of training you have received, you all will be good ambassadors of the College and the Service at large – and I wish to implore you to exhibit your competence to your subordinates when you go back to your places of work.” Comptroller Adebakin said.

    Similarly, the management of the college had, on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, hosted a regimental dinner night to honour the graduates of Senior Course 10, where the CGC was represented by DCG Beatrice Nwafor, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge of Excise, Free-Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives.

    Addressing the graduates during the regimental dinner night, DCG Nwafor tasked them to consider the opportunity of attending a month’s course at the college as a means to improve their performance as Customs officers, “You are now as strong as eagles. You are, therefore, expected to keep soaring higher.”

  • Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    The duo of Justice Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Ituseli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City have convicted and sentenced twenty-five (25) internet fraudsters for various jail terms.

    According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the individuals involved were sentenced on Wednesday, 20 and Thursday, March 21, 2024 respectively.

    The convicts include Joshua Osarumwense, Oziegbe Courage, Michael Osawowamen Enofe, Precious Ezomo, Favour Ezomo, Adetokunbor Oghamomwan, Amaize Victor Ohimah, Destiny Okpala, Emmanuel Benjamin and Williams Chinedu Onyeji.

    Others are Michael Ugochukwu Davidson, Favour Victor, Aigbadon Nathaniel, Owas Palmer, Kelvin Aghator, Samuel Endurance, Emmanuel Ogiehor and Oseni Usman.

    Success Bashorun, Hassan Usman, Omoruyi Stanley, Omoruyi Osasu, Festus David Ofuomadega, Omokaro Junior Aisosa and Okolo Oghenenyerhovwo make up the rest of the convicts.

    The law enforcement agency stated that they were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission.

    “That you Favour Ezomo (m) on or about 14th March, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.2006 and punishable under section 1(3)of same Act,” the charge against Favour Ezomo reads as revealed by EFCC.

    Benin Court Sentences 25 Internet Fraudsters to Jail

    The Commission also disclosed that all the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, F. Jirbo, I.K Agwai, A. A. Ibrahim and Salihu Ahmed to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

    It was also revealed that the counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, claiming that they have become remorseful for their actions.

    The trio of Oziegbe, Stanley and Davidson bagged three years imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.00 (two hundred thousand naira) each, while the duo of Ofuomadega and Oghenenyerhovwo got two years imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000 (two hundred thousand naira) each.

    Similarly, the other twenty (20) individuals were sentenced to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.00 (one hundred thousand naira) each.

    The judges ordered that the convicts forfeit their phones, balances in their various bank accounts being instruments and proceeds of crime and a Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 recovered from Ezomo to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    All the convicts were also asked to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour afterwards.

    The convicts’ road to the correctional centre began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer-related fraud.

  • Customs Debunks Allegation of Wrongdoing in E-auction of Overtime, Seized Goods

    Customs Debunks Allegation of Wrongdoing in E-auction of Overtime, Seized Goods

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has rebutted the claims making the rounds about its involvement in an e-auction of overtime and seized goods.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by Customs Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada on Saturday.

    “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is in receipt of a report titled “The Monumental Stealing By The Customs Auction Committee And Their Plans To Dispose-Off Overtime Containers” with great concern. It is disheartening to note the serious allegations regarding the integrity of the ongoing e-auction process designed to provide a level playing ground for all Nigerians.

    “The NCS is a law-abiding government organization dedicated to maintaining the most outstanding levels of accountability and transparency in all its activities and taking any accusations of improper behaviour seriously,” the statement read in part.

    Similarly, NCS denied involvement in fraudulent activities or underhand dealings as regards the e-auctioning of vehicles or other goods.

    “The NCS Auction Committee operates within the confines of the law and adheres strictly to established guidelines and procedures for disposing of seized/overtime goods.”

    Nigeria Customs added: “Regarding the allegation that over 300 vehicles have been auctioned to just one individual via the e-auction window after purported underhand payments, we wish to state that this is entirely false, misguided, and spurious. Furthermore, suggesting that a token sum of N10,000 is collected as duties to the Federal Government on the e-auction window, which has a reserved price of N400, 000 is indeed misleading and misrepresentation of fact.”

    It further disclosed that from the data generated upon completing five successful bidding windows, 13,605 applicants registered in the five windows e-auction portal; 476 vehicles were uploaded, and 462 won.

    “Also, the government realized N556,738,736 as revenue. It begs the question of where the allegations are coming from.”

    The Service reiterated its commitment to remain transparent, accountable and always adhere to the rule of law in all activities.

    It also urged members of the public to join the Service with the common goal of promoting an inclusive system that is fair to all Nigerians irrespective of their status.

  • Comptroller Ojike Assumes Kebbi Customs Command Leadership

    Comptroller Ojike Assumes Kebbi Customs Command Leadership

    Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike has taken over as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Kebbi Command following the end of Comptroller Husseini Bello Ahmed’s reign.

    This was made known in a statement released by the Spokesperson of Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Tajudeen Salisu on Friday.

    “Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command welcomes Comptroller Iheanacho Ernest Ojike as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC). The grand occasion took place at the Command conference room on Thursday, 15 February 2024.

    “The new sheriff in town, while bidding farewell to the outgoing Comptroller warned smugglers that Kebbi is no more a breeding ground for smuggling activities. He further stated that officers under his watch must be patriotic and disciplined,” it stated.

    The outgoing Comptroller, Husseini Bello Ahmed extended gratitude to God for the successes he attained during his career and stay in Kebbi.

    He also thanked the management, men of the Command, state government and other sister agencies for their constant support – and urged them to give the necessary support to the incoming Comptroller.

  • COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

    COWA President Kikelomo Unveils Vision to Empower 100,000 Women, Combat Drug Abuse

    President of Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi has unveiled an initiative that will help to empower 100,000 women in the fight against drug abuse.

    Mrs. Adeniyi made this known while giving a speech at the relaunch of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in Abuja on Thursday.

    The event witnessed the presence of members, stakeholders, government officials, business moguls, and diplomats – and was centred around the importance of the association.

    According to the wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, it is an avenue to support the Federal Government in empowering women, mitigate drug abuse and job creation.

    She also asked for the support of the country’s First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Bola Tinubu so as to improve the general well-being of women in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Adeniyi stated that the association has launched a pilot program to empower 1,200 women, adding that the plan is to assist over 100,000 women, thereby making them to be impactful in their various families.

    She revealed COWA’s readiness to kick-start a fully-equipped ultra-modern Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja, where members will undertake vocational training for empowerment.

    The President of COWA added: “The association aims to provide food and other humanitarian support to about 100,000 less privileged individuals across the country before the end of 2024.”

    Mrs. Adeniyi stressed that the relaunch of the association offers an opportunity to bring their activities to the forefront and will help in raising funds from corporate organizations and spirited Nigerians for the implementation of their programs and activities.

    She continued: “COWA plans to establish Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools across major border communities and even within cities and towns to offer decent, qualitative, and affordable education to the children and wards of serving and retired Customs Officers.

    “The schools will reduce the financial burden of Customs officers who pay exorbitant fees to educate their children. It will also enable us to instill in our children high moral values associated with the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “COWA has been established with a clear aim to touch lives in a meaningful and impactful manner, and our primary drive is to build relationships, partnerships, and friendships that support the nurturing of healthy communities to alleviate poverty, create jobs, and support the economic empowerment of our members through initiatives that promote prosperity and economic opportunities.”

    She lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their support and commitment to improving the welfare of Customs officers.

    Mrs. Adeniyi also disclosed that plans are being made to provide suitable accommodations to officers and their families.

    Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who was also present at the gathering expressed delight towards the advancement made by the association.

    Comptroller Adeniyi heaped praises on her wife and the rest of the team for their tremendous works that have resulted in COWA’s rise.

    He revealed that NCS has placed women in strategic and vital positions across various units and commands, stressing that it is a significant achievement in attaining gender balance.

    CG Adeniyi further stated: “We appreciate our wives whose support encourages us to maintain our stance in fighting against smuggling and sources of strength, especially during challenging times. We are fully committed to supporting them in their work whenever and wherever necessary.

    “The service is supporting COWA in building schools, supporting widows, and conducting medical outreach programs in our border communities. This initiative significantly enhances our corporate social responsibility program and demonstrates our holistic approach to community engagement.”

    “Given the substantial impact of COWA’s work, we wholeheartedly support the revival and relaunch of their activities. Confidently, we will continue to contribute positively to our organization and the community.”

  • JUST IN: NDLEA Nabs Insurgents’ Drug Supplier, Pregnant Woman, 22 Other Suspects for Trafficking

    JUST IN: NDLEA Nabs Insurgents’ Drug Supplier, Pregnant Woman, 22 Other Suspects for Trafficking

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a total of 24 suspected drug traffickers and dealers during major interdictions in eight states across the country.

    Amongst those apprehended are; a 42-year-old man taking thousands of concealed opioid pills to insurgents’ enclave in Banki area of Borno State, a six-month-pregnant lady, a mother of three children and three other women.

    Their arrests led to the seizure of over 7,609 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in Borno, Nasarawa, Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, Ondo, Edo, and Lagos State.

    This was contained a statement made available to Thelensng by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi on Sunday.

    He said: “The bulk of the seizures was made in Nasarawa state where NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Sunday 4th February intercepted a truck marked Lagos JJJ 64 YC conveying 367 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 4,037 kilograms from Akure, Ondo state to be delivered at Shabu area of Lafia, the state capital.

    “Three suspects: Shuaibu Yahaya Liman, 35; Monday Audu, 33, and Linus Samuel, 42 have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

    “The following day Monday 5th February, operatives in Abuja, FCT arrested the duo of Jibrin Shuaibu, 23, and Prosper Innih, 17, with 169 bags and 80 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 1,961.5kgs concealed in a truck with registration number Ogun WDE 557 XC.

    “The truck was intercepted during a stop and search operation along Abaji – Abuja highway on their way from Uzeba to Dei-Dei, FCT”.

    In another operation by NDLEA operatives in Abuja on Tuesday 6th February 6, a suspect, Abdulhameed Dauda, 27, was arrested with 89kgs of the same psychoactive substance loaded into his truck in Owo, Ondo State to be delivered at Gwagwalada in FCT.

    On the same day, operatives also intercepted another driver, Hassan Ade, 30, transporting 696.5kgs of the same substance loaded in Idoani, Ondo State state to be delivered at Gwagwalada and Dei-Dei in FCT.

    A follow up operation led to the arrest of a mother of three children, Mrs. Joy Chukwuka, 42, linked with the consignment.

    In Ondo State, apart from the seizure of 633.5kgs of cannabis at Eleyere, Ogbese in Akure North LGA, NDLEA operatives also recovered 59 jumbo bags of same substance loaded in a truck marked GAD 287 XA heading to Northern part of the country.

    According to Babafemi, detergents were sprayed on the cannabis bags ostensibly to suppress the odour of the psychoactive weed, while 192 packs of table water were loaded on top to conceal the illicit consignment.

    He added that not less than 187kgs of same substance were seized by operatives at Sapele road, Benin, Edo State, while in Kano, NDLEA officers on Monday February 5, arrested 58-year-old Bashir Attahir in Bachirawa area of the state with 216,000 pills of tramadol 250mg.

    “Another suspect, Ejike Moses Nmenme, 47, was nabbed the following day Tuesday 6th Feb with 25,190 capsules of tramadol and different quantities of rohypnol and codeine syrup along Emir road, Sabon Gari area of the city while the duo of Yusuf Abdullahi Musa, 35, and Yusuf Musa, 28, were nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa, with 1,000 ampoules of tramadol injection on
    Thursday 8th February.

    ‘In Borno state, a 42-year-old suspected supplier of illicit drugs to insurgents in Banki, a border region between Nigeria and Cameroon, Ahmad Mohammed was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday 9th February at Bama check point.

    “When his luggage was searched 20,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from him while on his way to deliver the opioid consignment in the border town.

    “A six-month pregnant woman, Amarachi Akaolisa, 25, and another lady, Ifeoma Iheanyi, 21, were among six suspects arrested for dealing in illicit substances in Oraifite and Umuni-Evili, Aguleri, Anambra state.

    “Others nabbed include: Okwuchukwu Chukwuka; Onyedika Ngwu; Ekene Hyginus and Nzomiwu Ikechukwu. Recovered from them were over 6 kilograms of cannabis, tramadol, diazepam and codeine syrup in raids conducted NDLEA operatives between Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th Feb in parts of the state.

    “In Lagos, two ladies: Boluwatife Adebayo and Omolade Fola Adebayo were among suspects arrested during raids in parts of the state on Saturday 20th February.

    “While Ogah Sunday Adole and Boluwatife Adebayo were arrested at Agidingbi, Ikeja, in connection with 220grams of cannabis, 10.6 litres of codeine syrup, and other psychotropic substances, Omolade Fola Adebayo was nabbed at Ijesha with various quantities of cannabis, codeine syrup, rohypnol and molly”, the statement further read.

    The anti-narcotic agency’s spokesperson disclosed that Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities.

    Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture on Drug Use and Mental Health for students and staff of Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State; Owode Senior Secondary School, Owode Yewa, Ogun State, and Federal Science and Technical College, Awka, Anambra State.

    Others are Yusad Secondary School, Gashua, Yobe State; and African Church Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun State, as well as WADA advocacy visit to HRM Ochi’Idoma, Agaba Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John at his palace in Otukpo, Benue State and the Emir of Rano, HRH Amb. Muhammed Kabiru Inuwa in Kano State.

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the efforts of the Nasarawa, FCT, Ondo, Kano, Borno, Edo, Anambra and Lagos Commands of the Agency for jobs well done in the past week.

    He urged them and their compatriots across the country to always strive to surpass past feats in their drug supply and drug demand reduction efforts.