…As Comptroller Awe Reaffirms CGC’s Dedication to Recognition

Author: Abass Quadri

Comptroller Michael Awe, in charge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Cargo (MMIAC) Command, has recognised four officers for their excellent performance in executing their duties.

The officers were honoured during a parade at the Command on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.

Addressing the Officers and men of the Command, the CAC stated that the recognition, which will be done monthly or quarterly, is part of the CGC’s commitment to rewarding hardworking officers.

“There are four officers here, each representing one month from May to August 2024, who will be given letters of recognition today. The letters have reached the Office of the Zonal Coordinator, and he will send them to headquarters,” the CAC said.

Regarding the Command’s revenue generation efforts, Comptroller Awe noted that more than N16 billion has been collected so far. He appreciated the senior officers for their support, acknowledging that this success could not have been achieved alone.

The recognised officers include CSC Itinu Jimoh, CSC Moses Aboki, SC Jidda Aliyu, and IC Sanni Mohammed.

The officers expressed their excitement and gratitude to the CAC for recognising their efforts.

According to CSC Aboki, “The CAC has assured us that we do not need to harbour any fears. Henceforth, we will conduct more thorough examinations, as it is through this that we can detect illicit or underpaid items.”

The parade concluded with a free eye test provided by Poise Eye Care Limited.

Author: Muhammad Bashir.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, says Security Agencies in Nigeria have, in August 2024, made significant strides in safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerians.

During a joint press briefing held at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja, CSC Maiwada presented an overview of the efforts made by various agencies, including counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling operations, law enforcement, and financial crime prevention.

He noted that the Defence Headquarters had neutralised no fewer than 1,166 suspected terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected criminals, and rescued 721 hostages during the month under review. In addition, over 391 weapons were recovered, and several terrorist leaders were eliminated.

“The strategy of dismantling these terror groups by targeting their leadership, commanders, and collaborators is significantly diminishing their capacity to carry out major offensives. Additionally, the military recovered 391 weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft activities worth over N5 billion.” He highlighted further.

In the area of maritime security, the Nigerian Navy dismantled 15 illegal refinery sites, while law enforcement agencies arrested 873 suspects linked to various criminal activities. He stated.

CSC Maiwada stated “Notably, a massive refinery site with a capacity of 2 million litres per day was dismantled along the Ogoloma-Bakana waterways in Rivers State. These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production reaching 1.658 million barrels per day, reinforcing the Navy’s role in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.”

He also used the medium to commend the Nigeria Police Force for successfully foiling plots aimed at destabilising the government and apprehending multiple armed robbers, adding that “The Nigeria Police Force had, during the nationwide ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ protest, arrested a total of 873 individuals across several states in connection with various criminal activities such as armed robbery, arson, and vandalism.”

Highlighting the achievements of the Nigerian Customs Service, CSC Maiwada disclosed that the agency generated revenue of ₦475.6 billion and seized contraband worth ₦975 million, adding that “the Nigerian Correctional Service made progress in reducing prison overcrowding by releasing 257 inmates.”

According to him, other agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), also recorded significant advances in anti-corruption, drug enforcement, and human trafficking cases, with numerous arrests and recoveries.

Author: Abass Quadri.

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Apapa Command on Monday, 29 July 2024, in Lagos, held a sensitisation program on the dangers of Hepatitis, which was attended by COWA members, importers, as well as officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Speaking at the event, the chairperson of the COWA Apapa chapter, Mrs Funsho Olomu, said the aim of the program “is to sensitise ourselves on what world hepatitis day is, which was yesterday, 28 July 2024 and also to know our liver status”.

“This knowledge would help us as women, wives, and even our husbands to be fit so they can do their jobs and generate the required revenue, ” she added.

Reiterating the importance of knowing one’s hepatitis status, Mrs Olomu stated that the need for health care awareness can not be overemphasised.

“It is time to take action on hepatitis. It is a slow killer. You might have it without knowing, and from what we learnt, liver cancer is real”, she emphasised.

Stakeholders appreciated COWA for the event. Mrs Rosetha Emmanuel described the program as educative. “This event is a very good one. This is because it will help us know how to take good care of ourselves.”

A free medical outreach was also conducted for attendees to check their Hepatitis status.