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Category: Nigeria News

  • Nigeria Customs Commits to Relationship with Stakeholders in 2024

    Nigeria Customs Commits to Relationship with Stakeholders in 2024

    The Nigeria Customs Service has committed to fostering substantially improved relationships with compliant stakeholders in 2024.

    The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi made this commitment on Friday, January 26, 2024, during the International Customs Day Celebration at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event had in attendance the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,
    Representative of the Honourable Minister of Trade, Investment and Industries, Chief Executives of Nigerian Ports Authority,
    NIMASA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, among other stakeholders.

    Speaking at the Conference, the CGC noted that choosing the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Customs, Engaging Traditional and New Partners with a Purpose,’ aligns with the service core objectives, as outlined in the three-point agenda of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration.

    According to him, the agenda has been the guiding principle,
    “Providing a framework for our actions over the past seven months, steering our customs activities under my administration.”

    He expressed the NCS’s commitment to fostering substantially improved relationships with compliant stakeholders in the new year.

    He said, “This year, we commit to fostering a substantially improved relationship with all of you, our stakeholders,
    especially those who respect our rules. We recognize that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.

    “Those who remain compliant and abide by the rules can anticipate a more streamlined and supportive collaboration.”

    Stating further, the CGC announced the launch of a Time Release Study in February 2024, “this is a comprehensive exercise aimed at optimizing our processes and reducing the time it takes for goods to be released in our ports and border stations.

    “This study is a scientific and strategic move towards enhancing our operations and I call upon the cooperation of all our partners, particularly those of you already organized under the framework of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, to actively participate in this endeavor.”

    In his keynote address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised the importance of collaboration in facilitating trade and improving revenue generation.

    “In this era of increased interdependence, Customs and its stakeholders must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of initiatives that will help unlock the immense potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation, ” he stressed.

    He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for streamlining its cargo clearance process.

    “At this juncture, let me commend the leadership of customs for agreeing to abandon the physical examination of cargoes at our ports and prioritizing the use of scanners. This development would not only increase revenue, but it will ensure ports efficiency and competitiveness. And it will reduce drastically the cargo turnaround time,” he stated.

    The Minister assured of his ministry’s support for collaborative engagements with stakeholders in the international trade community, aiming for a more sustainable use of Ocean and Coastal Resources for Economic Growth.

    The event also witnessed special recognition of internal and external stakeholders through awards made by the World Customs Organization Headquarters.

    Notable among recipients is the Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Caretaker group of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN) for rendering exceptional service to the International Customs Community, as well as officers and men of the service, who have, through their works and commitments, exemplified the spirit of collaboration and unity.

  • Delta Gov. setup panel of Inquiry, suspends commissioner, other officers in Agric Ministry

    Delta Gov. setup panel of Inquiry, suspends commissioner, other officers in Agric Ministry

    The Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon Elder Oborevwori has constituted a seven man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the Ministry.

    According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, that consequent upon the interim report of the committee and in other to have an unimpeded access to information during the period of the investigations, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has approved the immediate suspension of Hon. Omoun Perekebena Perez, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, while Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Engr. Oki Preowei Yintareke, Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, Chief Accountant are to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules.

    The statement further added that the government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias.

  • Customs CG To Partner Public Account Committee, Assures Transperency

    Customs CG To Partner Public Account Committee, Assures Transperency

    The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has promised to promote transparency in its financial statements for efficient auditing of accounts.

    The CGC made this known during an appearance before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Abuja.

    According to the CGC, NCS has been using integrated technology to collect revenue for over 20 years, and more than 20 commercial banks are involved in the process.

    He mentioned that the service entered into a contract with these banks and was granted access to a technology platform that allowed them to collect the payments. He further stated that the fund is remitted directly by the banks to the federation accounts.

    Further speaking, the Comptroller General promised to collaborate closely with the Committee, saying, “Compliance is something we take seriously, and we will ensure that if there are any grey areas that need our service to foster efficiency, I am happy to mention that my team and I are prepared and will in the most transparent manner, present statements to the committee.”

    The Chairman of the Public Account Committee (PAC), Bamidele Salami, advised that NCS always provide an audited statement of accounts and adhere to all legal requirements.

  • 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.