Category: Nigeria News

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.

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.

January 27, 2024
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.

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.

January 27, 2024
US Interested in Doing Business in Nigeria – Says Blinken

U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken has reiterated America’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s economy.

President Bola Tinubu held bilateral talks with the visiting Blinken, who lauded bold economic reforms embarked upon by the President since he assumed office.

Addressing newsmen in company of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar after the bilateral meeting with President Tinubu, the US Secretary of State while welcoming the President’s bold reforms to unify the currency and end fuel subsidy stressed the need to remove impediment to capital repatriation.

Bliken, who is on an African nations tour, said that American entrepreneurs and companies were eager to partner with and invest in Nigeria, especially in the tech sector.

In his remarks, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the bilateral talks also discussed issues such as food security, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and security in the subregion, noting that the discussions were fruitful.

Blinken was received at the forecourt of President Tinubu’s office at about 6.55pm on Tuesday.

Top government officials on hand to receive him were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

January 27, 2024
Governor Makinde Boosts Security Agencies with Provision of Operational Vehicles

In a bid to elevate security measures, Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde has provided the security agencies in the state with over 100 operational vehicles.

The governor made this known on his X, formerly Twitter account on Wednesday, adding that the vehicles are provided with communication devices.

“This morning, we handed over 100 operational vehicles equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies in Oyo State including the Police, ‘Operation Burst,’ DSS, Correctional Service and Oyo Amotekun.

“We also presented vehicles to the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA),” he stated.

Governor Makinde assured the security agencies in the state that his administration will continue to support them with the equipment they need to do their jobs, stressing that their welfare will always be prioritised.

He also thanked them for their contributions towards securing the state.

January 13, 2024
Mambilla Power Plant: EFCC Arraigns Olu Agunloye for $6bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 arraigned a former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye before Justice J.O Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.

He was arraigned on seven count charges bordering on fraudulent award of contract and official corruption.

One of the count reads: “That you, Olu Agunloye, whilst being the Minister of Power and Steel on or about the 22nd of May, 2003 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court awarded a contract, titled “Construction of 3,960mw Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on a Build, Operate and Transfer Basis” to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited without any budgetary provision, approval and cash backing and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

Another count reads: “That you, Olu Agunloye, on or about the 10th of August, 2019 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, corruptly received the sum of Three Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N3,600,000.00) through your Guaranty Trust Bank account no.0022530926 from Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) and Leno Adesanya for having conveyed the “approval of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the construction of the 3,960 megawatts Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station” in favour of SPTCL which you did whilst serving as the Minister of Power and Steel without the approval of the Federal Executive Council contrary to and punishable under Section 8(1)(a) and (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges when they were read to them.

Thereafter, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, prayed the court for a trial date and to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, Adola Adedipe, SAN, informed the court that he has filed a bail application for the defendant and prayed the court to grant him bail and commit him to the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre and set Thursday, January 11, 2024 for hearing on the bail application.

January 13, 2024
Borno: Governor Zulum Signs N358.7bn 2024 Budget

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has assented to the 2024 appropriation bill of N358,732,146,000.00 passed by Borno State House of Assembly with an adjustment amounting to N18.1 billion.

With the increase in the budget size, the revised capital expenditure now stands at over N208.4b while the revised recurrent expenditure is N150.4b.

The revised appropriation bill was presented by the speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, to the governor at the council chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Zulum charged heads of agencies and members of the state executive council to comply strictly with the provisions of the appropriation bill while presenting their memos for approval.

The governor also commended the leadership and members of Borno State House of Assembly for approving the budget on time.

“We have to commend the leadership of the House of Assembly, we also have to commend the maturity of the house,” Zulum said.

Zulum also expressed his optimism regarding the potential impact of the appropriation bill, emphasizing that with capital expenditure standing at N208.7b, it is designed to provide dividends of democracy to the people of Borno State.

Earlier, the speaker of Borno State House of Assembly commended the governor for the quality projects he has executed across the state in the last five years.

The speaker noted that the upward review of the appropriation bill was to capture some areas of critical significance to the lives of the people.

The speaker was accompanied by his deputy, Engr Abdullahi Askira, and other principal officers of Borno State House of Assembly.

January 13, 2024
Tinubu appoints new executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, approved the appointment of new Executive Directors in two agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

For Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) the president appointed Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet as Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Engr. Olalekan Badmus as Executive Director, Marine & Operations and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar as Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services.

For Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), he appointed Mr. Jibril Abba as Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, Mr. Chudi Offodile as Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi as Executive Director, Operations.

According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, the President approved the appointments with the firm belief, after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees would expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine & Blue Economy sector to the nation’s GDP while evolving the Nigerian economy into a labour-intensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunity for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

January 10, 2024
Safety Signatures Boss, Gregg Joins Alfadarai To Open Civil Defense Office In Lagos

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Safety Signatures Limited, Dr. Cynthia Gregg, one of the leading private security outfit joined the outgoing Lagos State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Commandant of Corps Usman Alfadarai to declare open the Public Relations Officer’s office in the state.

The aforementioned, seasoned, security doyen and expert known for her for collaborative impacts and supports within the Private and public security industry as well as humanitarian circle also pledged, to play a formidable role in ensuring the image of the Corps is promoted, in the state as that remained one of her vision for the service.

The Commandants of Corps Usman Alfadarai and Adedotun Keshinro, were thrilled, by her love for the Corps and they therefore, seized the opportunity to extol her and called on well meaning people in the state to be partners in progress with such efforts as displayed by Dr Cynthia Gregg.

The CEO/MD of Safety Signatures Limited, made it clear in her remarks during the commissioning that the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer in Lagos has contributed immensely, to the elevation of the Corps’ name in the state and across the federation, without any iota of doubt and as such to encourage such brilliant performances one has to ensure physical, structural and human capacity upgrade and more attention given to the Public Relations Officer and the entire unit for more excellent results.

“Hardwork and patience is being rewarded and celebrated today,” she says.

January 10, 2024
Tinubu’s New Year Message Lacks Time Frame For Economic Recovery – Oghenesivbe

Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communication to Delta State Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that President Ahmed Tinubu’s new Year message to Nigerians was devoid of hope, transparency and time frame for economy recovery.

He noted that removal of fuel subsidy and liberalization of the forex market were the two key drivers of hardship and high inflation rate in the country, which Mr President knowingly triggered, and that his new year address ought to have focused on strategies put in place by his administration to crash inflation and pump price of petrol.

Oghenesivbe while reviewing President Tinubu’s speech with Elder Statesman Akin Fatunke on MiTv live show on Tuesday via DSTV Channel 255, further posited that the vague nature of Mr President’s message to Nigerians had increased the level of hopelessness and overflowing tears for the ordinary citizens who majorly bear the brunt of the nation’s economy woes occasioned by unrealistic anti people economic policies of APC national government.

He averred that national defence, internal security, job creation, macro economic stability, poverty reduction, investment environment stabilization, human capital development, humanitarian services, agriculture, social welfare and/or security which formed the basis of the N28.7 trillion budged signed into law by President Tinubu, ought to have receive prime attention in the speech by way of setting time frame to achieve results for Nigerians.

Oghenesivbe who is also a full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, further stated that for foreign investors to be favourably disposed to invest substantially in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration must urgently end the wave of internal insecurity, and to also do the needful to stabilize power supply for industries to thrive, as well as solve the vexed problems of massive corruption at the corridors of power in APC national government.

He faulted President Tinubu for not deeming it necessary to mention the recent unlawful killings in Plateau State, and for not personally visiting the victims and families of the bereaved, saying that it was old fashioned for Mr President to send his Vice on such a critical mission that requires his personal attention and solidarity.

And on the political crisis in River State, Oghenesivbe said former governor Nyesom Wike, ought to know that Governor Similanayi Fubara now cut the shots as incumbent governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and her structures in River State, pointing out that it was not the practice for past governors to claim ownership of the party structure, rather the incumbent governor controls the party structure in trust for the party, leaders and all members.

He said Wike’s claim that he had to support President Tinubu to bring power to the South does not hold waters, adding that after Atiku Abubakar emerged as PDP Presidential candidate, Wike schemed to become Atiku’s Vice Presidential candidate, which obviously nullified his claim and clamour for a southern President.

“Mr President’s address to the nation on new Year day was vague, deceitful, hopeless and a mere academic exercise.

“He ought to briefly tell Nigerians the strategies his administration had put in place to end the dwindling value of the Naira, and to explain how the Port Harcourt and Dangote Refineries would crash the pump price of fuel, so that Nigerians can better appreciate his efforts in that direction, if any.

“President Tinubu should have done well in his speech by briefly articulating his Macro economic reforms and how it will set a new dawn in upscaling our national economic fortunes.

“He did not also explain strategies for job creation and how many of our unemployed youth would benefit from the N28.7 trillion budget. It was a vague speech altogether.

“Mr President deliberately avoided the serial massacre which took place recently in Plateau State. Nigerians social contract with Mr President cannot be overemphasized. He didn’t do well by not vising plateau state to sympathize with the bereaved and victims of the unlawful killings.

“PDP has been vindicated as Tinubu who once said that Fuel Subsidy was a scam to now agree he removed it. In fact, President Mohammadu Buhari paid the highest subsidy ever after demonstrating against what he called nonexistent of petrol subsidy.

“Coming to power by deceit is now glaring. Nigerians now prefer the PDP. Life was better and enjoyable during PDP government at the centre. Nigerians are pained that PDP missed the golden opportunity of coming to power in 2023.

“As a party, PDP will bounce back in 2027. The mistakes of 2023 will not again rear it’s ugly head as we strategize to take over power from APC in 2027.

“As for Rivers State, Former governor Weysom Wike should know that God gives power. He wants to completely crash PDP in Rivers State, but governor Fubara is resisting.

“We are praying for Fubara and God will secure Rivers for PDP and for the good people of the state who voted Fubara as governor,” Oghenesivbe said.

January 10, 2024
Oborevwori commits to completion, continuity of projects for sustainable devt

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said his administration would ensure completion of all ongoing projects while also initiating new ones for the sustainable development of the state.

Governor Oborevwori disclosed this during inspection of construction of storm drainage channel from Owa-Alero and its environs through Owa-Alizomor and Owa-Ofie to link Iyi-Amah stream in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor who was conducted round the site by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafiogho and Project Consultant Mr John Onwualu, expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, adding that his administration has zero tolerance for project abandonment.

He said: “For the past few days we have been going round to inspect projects. We are taking advantage of the dry season to know how many projects that will be completed.

“We are here to see what they have done because you cannot know the extent of work just from the paper work. I am very impressed seeing what they have done.

“It is to discharge water from Owa-Alero to Iyi-Ama stream. They have assured us that the job will be completed in the next four months.

“I am satisfied with the work done so far by the contractor, CCECC. What is going on here is the same thing going on in Warri. The other phase of the Warri storm drainage project will soon commence.

“The only way to cure the flood water problems here, is to build this storm water drainage and that’s what we are doing here.

“The major work of about 75% have been done already. The remaining 25% will be completed by April like the contractor”.

January 10, 2024