Plus Naija

Author: Emmanuel Opara

  • Western Marine Commandseize 4000 parcels of Indian hemp

    Western Marine Commandseize 4000 parcels of Indian hemp

    Western Marine Customs Intercepts Over 4000 Parcels Of Indian Hemp Some sacks of cannabis sativa seized by Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted 51 sacks containing 4,070 parcels of Cannabis Sativa in January 2024.

    The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, revealed this in a press statement disseminated on Tuesday, stressing that the Command would intensify efforts to purge the Western waterways of the offensive activities of smuggling.

    Joint Patrol Team of the Command received credible intelligence of the movement of a wooden Boat around the Moba Seashore axis of the Command suspected of transporting offending goods.

    After a hot pursuit of the identified Boat by our officers, the smugglers dived into the Creek, abandoning the Boat fully loaded with the goods

    According to a statement released by the image maker of the command, SC Magaji Mailafiya, stated that the wooden Boat powered by Two (2) 40 horsepower (HP) engines was towed back to the Command HQ at Ibafon Apapa. After careful examination, it was found to contain 4,070 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1785kg.” Recall that in 2023, Western Marine Command made five significant seizures of Cannabis Sativa, totaling 14,920 parcels of the dangerous drugs; the 5 seizures were part of the 48 incidents of seizures recorded by the Command in 2023 resulting in a total Duty Paid Value of N1,470,397,255.00 for the year 2023. Comptroller Salefu, however, promised to give officers of the Command the needed impetus and motivation to perform their anti-smuggling responsibilities in 2024.

    Western Marine Command is poised more than ever to improve its performance in 2024 for a better and prosperous year, even as it warns Nigerians to desist from smuggling

  • Customs CG Provides Strategies to meet 2024 Revenue Target

    Customs CG Provides Strategies to meet 2024 Revenue Target

    The Nigeria Customs Service has briefed the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) on its various activities, procedures, and measures aimed at increasing revenue generation, fiscal efficiency, and blocking revenue leakages.

    Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made this known during a presentation on Wednesday, 24 January 2024, at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission office in Abuja. He emphasized the need to build trust when collaborating with other government agencies to achieve objectives.

    The CGC, pleading for support from the commission and other agencies, revealed that since his appointment in 2023, the service has taken significant steps in revenue recovery and addressing areas of possible revenue leakages.

    He disclosed that there are agencies with legal provisions to stay at the port, and the NCS is actively collaborating with them to streamline processes, ensuring their presence doesn’t hinder trade facilitation.

    However, he clarified that the goal is not to assign blame but to reduce the time and cost of conducting business in ports. “Looking at the target of 5.1 trillion naira, every naira and kobo we can collect, block, remit is very important,” he emphasized.

    “In two weeks, a Time Release Study will be conducted in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and other international partners to obtain a scientific study of clearing cargoes from the port.”

    The CGC also announced the upcoming launch of a revenue recovery exercise initiated in 2023, which recovered over 17 billion naira within four months. He assured that the service would implement lessons learned from the beginning of 2024, particularly strengthening the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit.

    Addressing challenges, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade Caroline Niagwan outlined issues contributing to the 2023 shortfall.
    In her paper presentation, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ekanem Asuquo highlighted NCS’s core functions, the legal framework, and the need to calculate import duties accurately for proper payments.

    The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Alhaji Bello Shehu, emphasized the Commission’s role in monitoring NCS activities. He sought NCS support to recover funds, improve revenue mobilization, block leakages, and advise the administration on measures to increase revenue generation for the Federation.

    In collaboration with the Service, Alhaji Shehu expressed the Commission’s desire to investigate and recover unremitted funds, enhance training and manpower development, reduce non-compliant waivers, and participate in programs promoting revenue mobilization, such as retreats and workshops.

  • Deltans Jubilate As Construction Of Fly-over Begins In Warri, Effurun

    Deltans Jubilate As Construction Of Fly-over Begins In Warri, Effurun

    Residents and motorists plying the busy Warri and Effurun roads have expressed joy with the mobilisation to site of Julius Berger to commence the construction of flyover bridges and road expansion works in the twin metropolis of Delta State.

    The construction giant on Monday mobilised to DSC Roundabout to commence the construction of the three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and ancillary road expansion projects as part of the plans of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for the infrastructure development and urban renewal of Warri, Uvwie and environs.

    A supervising engineer from the State Ministry of Works, Emmanuel Oghorodje who was on ground to ensure the smoothness of the operation informed that the contractor has completed the planning and demarcation of the roads before mobilising to site and expressed confidence that with the commitment of Governor Oborevwori to ensuring the speedy completion of the projects, the company will deliver as scheduled.

    He assured that measures have been put in place to reduce traffic jam on the road while the construction works are on, and urged road users to follow instructions and obey the traffic officers.

    Many of the motorists lauded Governor Oborevwori for the landmark projects and called for its speedy completion, just as many of the traders in the area were full of praises for the Governor, noting that when completed the projects will boost economic activities in the metropolis.

    It would be recalled that on October 18, 2023, the Delta Government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc signed a N78 billion contract for the construction of three flyovers, a cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and ancillary road expansion projects in the oil-rich Warri and Effurun metropolis, regarded as the economic nerve centre of Delta State.

  • Senator Enoh Extols Tobi Amusan’s hstoric achievement in Astana

    Senator Enoh Extols Tobi Amusan’s hstoric achievement in Astana

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh extends warm congratulations to Tobi Amusan for her extraordinary accomplishment in setting a new African women’s indoor record in the 60-meter hurdles at the Astana Indoor Meet in Kazakhstan.

    Tobi Amusan’s outstanding performance at the meet showcased not only her exceptional athleticism but also her unwavering dedication to the sport. Clocking an impressive 7.77 seconds, Amusan not only secured victory but also etched her name in history by erasing the longstanding record of 7.82 seconds set by Glory Alozie in 1999.

    Senator John Owan Enoh expressed his admiration for Tobi Amusan’s remarkable achievement, stating, “Tobi Amusan has demonstrated the epitome of true athleticism, and we are immensely proud of her. Her dedication and commitment to her craft are an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the continent. Tobi’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but a historic moment for Nigerian and African sports.”

    The Minister highlighted the significance of Amusan’s achievement in the context of Nigerian and African sports. “Tobi’s success is a testament to her hard work, and the talent that exists within our nation. Her accomplishment resonates not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa, reinforcing our position on the global sports stage,” he added.

    Senator John Owan Enoh concluded by expressing confidence in Amusan’s future successes. “This is just the beginning for Tobi. I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great milestones in her career, and we eagerly anticipate her future endeavors,” he remarked.

  • Breaking News: IGP Orders Posting Of CPs To Units, Dept.

    Breaking News: IGP Orders Posting Of CPs To Units, Dept.

    The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the posting of Commissioners of Police to various commands and units.

    According to the signal of the postings CP Sunday Olukayode is now CP Printing, CP Mohammed Dahiru is now CP Admin D-TD FHQ Duji, Abuja, CP Patrick Adedeji Atayero now CP EOD, CP Illiyasu Yahaya Kwarbai now CP Admin Airwing, CP Bello Mohammed Sani now CP FPM FHQ, Abuja and CP Dankambo Faling Morris now CP DICT.

    Also affected by the posting are: CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba now CP R&P FHQ Abuja, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh now CP PAP Eastern Port PH, CP Simon Udofia Akpanudom now CP Anti-Fraud FCID, Abuja, CP Haruna Olufemi now CP DOPs FHQ Abuja, CP Rose Chollom Dung now CP Welfare, CP Obono Nnagwe Itam now CP G.I. FHQ Annex Kaduna and CP Adekunle Ismail Olusokan now CCR.

    Also in the postings are: CP Olatokunbo Maxwell now CP CANNIE K9, CP Jude M. Azuka now CP X-Squad FCID Abuja, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo is now CP 5.1.5, CP Ibitoye Rufus Olajide now CP FCID Annex Lagos and CP Abel Jungnap Miri now cp Info Communications and Tech. FHQ Abuja.

    The posting according to the signal is with immediate effect

  • NPF Partners INL to train SIS Commanders, Tactical Operatives to Combat Insecurity

    NPF Partners INL to train SIS Commanders, Tactical Operatives to Combat Insecurity

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the United States of America, has jointly inaugurated a specialized tactical operational training programme for Commanders of the newly launched Special Intervention Squad (SIS).

    The specialized training according to the IGP aims to designed to prepare the trainees for the challenges associated with their new responsibility of taking up the lead positions in combating the scourge of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, terrorism and other evolving challenges of crime confronting our society.

    The SIS is designed to anticipate, respond spontaneously and manage crisis situation which is pivotal to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians while guaranteeing the supremacy of the state and the rule of law thus protecting the integrity of our nation.

    This is in alignment with the commitment of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to enhancing the capabilities of the SIS personnel and ensuring the utmost professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
    The IGP while noting that since the launch of the FCT-SIS, 139 kidnapping and armed robbery suspects have been arrested with the interception of 3 major suppliers of arms amongst other achievements, expressed his sincere gratitude to the INL, which volunteered to train the officers of the SIS, for their invaluable partnership and support in the development and implementation of the training Programme as well as their commitment to fostering international cooperation and sharing best practices in law enforcement through fruitful collaboration.

    In his remarks, Mr. Jason Smith, Director Narcotics at the US Embassy, representing the US Ambassador, reiterated the commitment of the US Government in supporting the NPF to sustain the SIS and actualize its mandate of bequeathing more secure society for Nigerians.

    The Inspector General of Police, while commending the US Government, emphasizes his anticipation that the specialized training for Commanders will significantly contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Special Intervention Squad in carrying out their vital mission to safeguard all citizens and uphold the rule of law within the country

  • Oborevwori’s Media Aide Pays Enrolment Fees For Indigent Students

    Oborevwori’s Media Aide Pays Enrolment Fees For Indigent Students

    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon has paid West African Examination Council, WAEC enrolment fees for all indigent students of Erhavwen Secondary School, Ekrerhavwen-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

    Making the payment on Tuesday in Ekrerhavwen-Agbarho when he visited the school, Sir Ahon said the gesture, was in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda for all Deltans.

    According to him, “we are here to assist indigent students of this school to pay for their WAEC enrolment fees in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori for all Deltans.

    “We are here to support them to make sure that non of them is left behind in their educational pursuit.

    “Education is key to the development of any community and once our children are educated they will be able to contribute their quota to the development of the community in the future”.

    He appealed to the Principal and staff to dedicate their time to teach and guide the students to be of good conduct and avoid social vices that may hinder their education and goal in life.

    Responding, the School Principal, Mrs Patience Ekakitie commended the Governor’s spokesman for his kind gesture, adding that the students would justify the gesture by doing well in their exams and focused.

    Also speaking, a teacher in the school and trustee of the Ekrerhavwen-Agbarho community, Mr Sunday Damatie lauded Sir Ahon for his humanitarian works in the community and appealed to the Governor’s spokesman to use his good office to get the state government to fence the school to avoid the encroachment of the land.

    “As an illustrious son of Ekrerhavwen community, we appreciate your kind gesture of humanitarian service in this community and beyond and it is our prayer that God will continue to elevate you to render more services to mankind,” Damatie said.

  • Tinubu’s Administration Owes Nigerians Explanation for NNPC $3.3bn Emergency Loan – Atiku Says

    Tinubu’s Administration Owes Nigerians Explanation for NNPC $3.3bn Emergency Loan – Atiku Says

    Flag-bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Atiku Abubakar has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration owes Nigerians explanation for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) $3.3 billion emergency loan.

    Mr. Atiku made this known on his X, formerly Twitter account on Thursday, stressing that the deal is supposed to be handled by the African Export-Import Bank.

    “In what appears to be a landmark economic decision of the Bola Tinubu-led administration, the Federal Government last year, precisely on August 16, 2023 through the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) secured a $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan, which according to the NNPC, was to help give support to the Naira and stabilize the Foreign Exchange market.

    “The curious thing about this transaction is that up till now, the Federal Government continues to keep mum about it, and the only information available to the public on the mega deal is coming only through unofficial sources from the NNPC. The deal is supposed to be a crude-for-cash loan arranged by the African Export-Import Bank,” he stated.

    According to him, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Project Gazelle Funding Limited initiated the deal and it was incorporated in the Bahamas.

    “The SPV is the borrower while the NNPC is the sponsor, with an agreement to pay with crude oil to the SPV in order to liquidate the loan at an interest rate that is a little over 12 per cent.

    “What is even more confounding about this deal is why the Federal Government would register a company in the Bahamas, knowing full well the recent scandal of the Paradise Papers that involved that country.”

    The former Vice President also stated that the current Barrels Produced Daily (BPD) in Nigeria is 1.38 million and “according to the Project Gazelle deal, Nigeria is to supply 90,000 Barrels of its daily production, starting from 2024 till it is up to 164.25 million barrels for the repayment of the loan.

    “Now, this is where the details get disturbing because Nigeria’s benchmark for the sale of crude per barrel in 2024 is $77.96. A simple multiplication of that figure by 164.25 will give us a whooping $12bn. It is on this note that we are calling on the Federal Government to speak up on this shady deal.

    “It is inconceivable that the Federal Government will lead the country to take a loan of $3.3b with an interest rate that is not more than 12 percent, but with estimated repayment amounting to $12bn. That is a humongous differential of about $7b between what is in the details of the deal on paper and what indeed is the reality.”

    He asked the Federal Government to provide details on the deal so as to keep the citizens abreast of what is happening in the sector.

  • NDLEA, Customs Synergy a Strong Warning to Drug Cartels, Marwa, Adeniyi Announce

    NDLEA, Customs Synergy a Strong Warning to Drug Cartels, Marwa, Adeniyi Announce

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi have lauded the synergy between both agencies in discharging their duties.

    Gen. Marwa and Mr. Adeniyi disclosed that the partnership is a strong warning to drug cartels that are yet to desist from criminal activities.

    This was made known in a statement issued by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi after the heads of both agencies spoke at the Tin Can Seaport in Lagos on Thursday.

    Prior to their speech, Mr. Adeniyi led his team to turn in the illicit drugs seized during joint examination by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies of containers the anti-narcotic agency had been tracking based on credible intelligence from international partners.

    The NDLEA boss, who was represented by Femi Babafemi disclosed that the “handing over of seized illicit drugs in custody of the Nigeria Customs Service is a development that speaks volumes about the hard work and diligence of security agencies tasked with securing the territory of our country. The seizure is a testament that, just like the airports, the sea ports are also secured.

    “That we are here today doing this is a testament to the cooperation we received from the Nigeria Customs Service. This level of cooperation between NDLEA and Customs, as well as other security agencies and port stakeholders, is a strong signal to drug cartels that our ports and indeed Nigeria, will not be a haven for their criminal business. The synergy between Customs and NDLEA would further ensure the closing of other loopholes that criminal elements may have capitalised on in the past years to smuggle illicit items into our country.”

    He also thanked the leadership, men and officers of the Customs for the joint efforts between both agencies beyond the Tin Can Port in advancing the interest of the country.

    NDLEA, Customs Synergy a Strong Warning to Drug Cartels, Marwa, Adeniyi Announce

    His words: “I will also seize this opportunity to commend the officers and men of the Tin Can Command of NDLEA and other special units, including our K-9 unit, involved in the processes leading to these seizures, for their steadfastness since we received intelligence weeks ago from our international partners on the containers from which these drugs were recovered as they departed the port of loading.

    “The command and other units had diligently tracked the movement of the containers up to the time of their landing in our port. In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, NDLEA never hesitated to share intelligence with the Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and also requested that the command ensure the containers were pinned down for 100 percent examination.”

    Similarly, Marwa promised that NDLEA, Nigeria Customs and other security organisations remain committed to ensuring that the country’s territorial integrity is protected.

    Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adeniyi in his remarks stated that the collaborative efforts with the NDLEA have proven effective in pooling resources and intelligence to safeguard the nation’s borders.

    “In recognition of the threats and the collaborative nature of criminal activities, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has steadfastly prioritized strategic partnerships with stakeholders over the past seven months. This deliberate focus aims to harness the specialized expertise of our partners in a manner that enhances our capability to fulfil our core mandates,” he said.

    Comptroller Adeniyi further stated: “Just as criminals find strength in collaboration, government agencies must equally appreciate the advantages of working collectively to fulfil their statutory responsibilities. It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between the NCS and the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have consistently yielded positive results.

    “This collaborative synergy exemplifies the effectiveness of pooling resources and intelligence, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by illegal substances.”

    According to the statement, the items that were consigned are; 65 packets of Colorado, a strain of cannabis weighing 32.5kg seized from 1X40FT Container No. UACU 534833/6 imported from Canada; 17 parcels of cocaine weighing 16.690kg; 151 parcels of Colorado weighing 107kg; some precursor chemicals among others seized from 1x40ft Container No. MSCU 458177/0 imported from Durban South Africa.

    Others are 40 packets of cocaine weighing 39.7kg; 1026 packets of Colorado weighing 688.2kg seized from 40ft container No. THRU 796807/1 imported from Durban South Africa and 226 packets of Colorado weighing 128kg seized from 40ft container No. MEDU 785276/3 imported from Durban South Africa.

  • Rules of Origin: Customs Partners WCO, GIZ Others to Equip Officers

    Rules of Origin: Customs Partners WCO, GIZ Others to Equip Officers

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has partnered with World Customs Organization (WCO) and other agencies to train officers on Rules of Origin.

    NCS earmarked the practice in order to achieve border security and trade facilitation by involving its personnel in various empowerment activities.

    This was made known by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada.

    The announcement kick-started the inauguration of a 5-day workshop on ‘Rules of Origin,’ which was jointly facilitated by the Alliance for Trade Facilitation, GIZ, and the WCO.

    CGC Adeniyi, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Abdullahi Musa, received WCO experts in Nigeria to improve officers’ expertise in trade facilitation, thereby authorizing their participation in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

    Speaking on behalf of the Customs boss, DCG Musa emphasized the CGC’s commitment to work with development partners for capacity building – and stressed the importance of the workshop in strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service.

    His words: “So far, the Nigeria Customs Service has been designated the competent authority for issuing Certificates of Origin. Over the next five days, 25 officers will undergo intensive training on the Rules of Origin.

    “I declare this workshop open on behalf of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

    Meanwhile, the lead origin expert for the WCO, Mette Azzam, disclosed that the training workshop is an avenue for quality collaboration between customs administration, WCO, and GIZ.

    Azzam pointed out the increasing importance of knowledge on Rules of Origin worldwide, especially the proliferation of Free Trade Agreements.

    She also explained that determining the value of goods wrongly could lead to duty payments, and further stated the impact of Rules of Origin on revenue.

    Rules of Origin: Customs Partners WCO, GIZ Others to Equip Officers

    The WCO expert elucidated the need to correctly determine the preferential value of goods to avoid incorrect duty payments.

    Similarly, the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Strategy, Research, and Policy, ACG Ibrahim Alfa, encouraged the participants to make valuable use of the training and stressed its importance in enhancing the Service’s efficiency in revenue generation.

    ACG Alfa also mentioned the importance of correctly determining the preferential value of goods to avoid erroneous duty payments.

    He reiterated the workshop’s focus on promoting the Service’s efficiency in revenue generation – and urged participants to utilize the knowledge presented, so as to be abreast of the evolving landscape of international trade agreements.

    According to Customs, the 5-day workshop is scheduled to empower 25 officers through intensive training, discussions, and assessments on the Rules of Origin.