Author: Lucy Nyambi.

Superintendent of Customs Akpevwe Ogboru, a dedicated officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Nigerian woman to embark on a remarkable journey through 12 African countries on a motorcycle, covering an impressive distance of over 8,000 kilometers.

Commencing her expedition from Lagos on November 10, 2023, Ogboru navigated her way through Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo, ultimately arriving at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Expressing her passion for travel, Ogboru shared, “It’s been an awesome journey. Africa and indeed, West Africa are great places. And I’ve come to realize that we’re all the same people. I think we’re using the same manual; it’s just the language and ethnic diversity, but everything is just the same.”

Commenting on security, she added, “Security is still the same thing; you just have to be security conscious, but it’s not as bad as they portray it, you know.” Ogboru encouraged women to pursue their dreams relentlessly, urging them not to be deterred by fears.

The Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, expressed delight at Ogboru’s courage and passion during her extraordinary journey. He emphasized the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to foster a work-life balance for the officers and men of the service.

“The current management led by the CGC encourages a work-life balance; in other words, you work, but also balance it with some kind of activity that adds value to your life,” stated Comptroller Bomodi. “She’s the poster person for the Nigeria Customs Service. What she has achieved today no woman in Nigeria has been able to achieve it, and we are very proud of her success. She’s also portraying the image of the Nigeria Customs Service, and that means that there’s something positive that we are doing,” he concluded.

Author: Abass Quadri.

The Nigeria Customs Service, in conjunction with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), convened with maritime stakeholders to pinpoint obstacles affecting cargo clearance and propose sustainable solutions for a seamless and efficient delivery of services.

The meeting presided over by Comptroller Suleiman Chiroma at Apapa Area Command on Friday, 1 December, 2023, aimed to address challenges hindering the smooth flow of cargo clearance processes.

Comptroller Suleiman Chiroma emphasized the commitment of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to seek assistance and make concerted efforts for a streamlined cargo clearance process.

“The team has spent the past week evaluating various seaports, airports, and Customs processes. This meeting with our stakeholders is crucial to achieving a smooth and efficient trade facilitation process.” Comptroller Chiroma noted.

IMF representative Kenneth Head highlighted the significance of automation and the single window system in improving cargo clearance. The Customs Area Controller for Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, reiterated the service’s commitment to achieving a 48-hour clearance process.

Jaiyeoba stated, “Cargo clearance is a chain that requires every stakeholder to play their role diligently. We have identified the challenges and are actively working to address necessary gaps.”

Stakeholders at the meeting expressed concerns regarding delays and bottlenecks in the clearance processes. Gerald Mbamala, representing Bonded Terminal Owners, called for the welfare of officers in the Apapa environs, emphasizing the need for conducive accommodation, upgraded equipment for cargo handling, and improved access roads to the port.

Tunji Igbaugba, representing APM Terminal, suggested using API interaction to notify agents once their cargoes are cleared. He emphasized that this approach would reduce physical interaction and eliminate the paper processes involved in clearance.

Author: Muhammad Bashir.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has appointed Comptroller Kamal Mohammed as the Board Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN) Limited.

NCBN, one of the four companies owned by the Nigeria Customs Service, is a broadcasting institution that disseminates information about the Service through conventional and digital media platforms.

Comptroller Kamal Mohammed’s appointment was approved and announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Thursday, November 30, 2023, during the inauguration of the four Service’s companies at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the CGC, this appointment reflects the commitment of the Customs’ Management Team to promoting a vibrant Customs administration through media and propagating its activities and mandates.

The Comptroller-General then urged Comptroller Kamal to live up to the expectations of the Management Team, stating, “I wish to charge you and your members further to ensure the effective management of this company and be dogged in the discharge of your duties and responsibilities.”

The board comprises Esther James Komo as Secretary, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada as a Member, and two directors from the Ministry of Finance Incorporated: Udechukwu Osakwe and Sabo Muhammad.

NCBN was inaugurated by the Comptroller-General alongside Customs Service Technical & Hanger Services Limited, Nigeria Customs Service Training & Hotels Limited, and Nigeria Customs Service Hospital Limited.