Author: Abra Iruoghene.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, received a customised generator and a bus on behalf of the Service from the Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project (TMP), Saleh Ahmadu, on 5 July 2024, at the Project Management Office domiciled at the
Nigeria Customs Service Management Quarters in Abuja.

CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation to TMP for the equipment presented to the Service. He said, “On behalf of all officers and men, I appreciate this gesture that TMP has done for us through the presentation of the 250KVA generator and the 13-seater 2024 Toyota Hiace bus.”

Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is aware of TMP’s efforts in providing tools and equipment needed to drive the modernisation program. He said, “We know that computers alone will not work by themselves; they will not effect the desired modernisation that we need.”

He added, “It will require human input, and the working environment of these elements is very important as well as those tools. So, we therefore appreciate these efforts you put in place to help us enhance the working environment and also improve the welfare of these officers.”

Furthermore, he applauded the Trade Modernization Project for being a worthy and dependable partner in their modernisation drive. He noted that the equipment delivered would be put to good use to bring added value to NCS operations.

Additionally, Adeniyi encouraged the officers, from the rank of Assistant Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller, undergoing special training by the TMP in preparation for the management duties of the Service, to be attentive and acquire the necessary knowledge to discharge their responsibilities and take up the task ahead of them professionally.

Mr Saleh Ahmadu, the Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project (TMP), who handed over the equipment, said the bus was for the effective movement of personnel between the headquarters and the TMP office, while the generator was for constant power supply to the management quarters of the NCS. He acknowledged the CG for his continuous support and collaboration.

Author: Ruth Akata.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, had on Monday, 27 May 2024, received in audience the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) led by Habu Gumel at the service’s Headquarters in Abuja.

According to Gumel, the meeting with the CGC aimed at portraying opportunities and scholarships for young athletes to showcase their skills and talents.

The CGC, while addressing the delegation from the Nigeria Olympic Committee, recognises the importance and worth of the committee and its role in promoting the Olympic spirit both nationally and internationally. He further acknowledged their contributions to fostering a collaborative and supportive sports community.

Customs Boss emphasised Nigeria Customs Service as an organisation that takes sports very seriously because of the values it instils, particularly self-discipline, saying, “Sports can serve as a powerful tool for promoting discipline and teamwork, essential qualities for success in any organisation, especially in the paramilitary”.

He added that fitness is paramount, not only in sports but also in paramilitary organisations like the NCS. “Being physically fit enhances performance, resilience, and overall health, which are all crucial for carrying out duties effectively. It is not difficult for service members to identify as members of the sports fraternity in different forms”.

“As a responsive organisation, we believe that sports management is about talent management, identifying talents, nurturing them, giving them the right exposure because they do not only represent and win but also bring values to the community that produces them”, he added.

Speaking earlier, the NOC President, Habu Gumel, expressed his gratitude, counted it a great privilege to be part of the delegation and applauded the NCS’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with the international Olympic community to ensure that talents are identified in Nigeria, qualified persons are being prepared, trained and pushed on the global grounds.

The NOC boss said, “The National Olympic Committee for Nigeria is responsible for coordinating and supporting Nigerian competitors in the Olympic Games. It is also the body responsible for Nigeria’s representation at the Commonwealth Games.”

Author: Cynthia Idowu.

The Nigeria Customs Service is not only known for its doggedness in fighting smuggling and generating revenue for the federal government, the service has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in sport at the ongoing 37th Women’s African Volleyball Club in Cairo, Egypt.

The Customs Volleyball Women’s Team defeated its opponent, Saint Denis Olympique, by 3 – 0 to imprint its first win at the ongoing championship on Saturday, 27th of April, 2024.

The team who came out strong displayed the anti-smuggling doggedness with a lead in the first set of the game with a 25 – 21 score, sending shivers down the opponent’s spine.

Coach Pricillia Agera led the team, who displayed good skill and dominance with a nail-biting scoreline of 29-27 to clinge victory and secure a place in the annals of volleyball history.

Coach Priscilla Agera hailed the players for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, recognising the challenges they had overcome to achieve victory on the court.

In her words, “Despite the obstacles we’ve faced, you’ve shown the world what it truly means to be a team. Your resilience, your determination, it’s what sets you apart.”

Agera also commended the unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his steadfast commitment to ensuring the team’s participation in the championship and his instrumentality to their success, providing them with the resources and support they needed to compete at the highest level.

She said, “I appreciate CGC for taking a bold step to allow the team to fly the flag of the nation in this championship.

“I also want to give kudos to the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for his approval in ensuring the team returns, not forgetting the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, for his relentless support for volleyball”.

Nigeria Customs Service will face Mayo Kane Evolution on Sunday in their third match after losing to Kenya Pipeline in their first game on Friday.

Recall that the basketball team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) secured a spot among the top three teams at the recently concluded tournament held at the Indoor Hall of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.