Author: Muhammad Bashir.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Saturday, 7 September 2024, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sports federations and promoting its athletes, who display bravery in representing the Service in national and international competitions.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this statement shortly after the Customs volleyball team delivered a resounding victory over the Adamawa State team in the first phase of the 2024 National Volleyball Premier League, held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

In a match where the NCS dominated from start to finish, the Customs team triumphed with a scoreline of 22-11, winning all three sets. CGC Adeniyi expressed his excitement over the victory, stating: “I was optimistic that we would win, and we did, taking all three sets. However, this championship is divided into three phases, and in this phase, we have won one match so far, with nearly seven matches ahead.”

CGC Adeniyi attributed the team’s success to disciplined teamwork and resilience, adding: “We need discipline, teamwork, strength, stability, and intelligence — qualities we need not just on the court but also in our everyday duties as Customs officers.”

He continued, “We succeed in reviving these virtues while playing various games, and today’s success is what we hoped for — that our players would give their best in matches like this.”

When asked whether the NCS’s participation in various games aligns with the Federal Government’s policy of engaging talented youth in sports, CGC Adeniyi remarked, “It is deliberate because there are a lot of youths we can reach out to, and Customs has a very rich history of excellent performance in sports.”

According to the CGC, the Service has produced both national and international champions in boxing, athletics, and other sports. He added: “Just like today, our volleyball team performed exceptionally well. They have participated in the African Cup of Nations tournaments several times and have also played in the national football league, gaining a rich history in the process.”

Emphasizing the Service’s commitment to supporting its athletes, CGC Adeniyi said: “This is why we find it necessary not only to encourage our athletes within Customs but also to extend our support and sponsorship to federations that seek our assistance, as long as it is within our capacity.”

The Customs boss, recalling his own experience playing volleyball in his youth, described the match between the NCS and the Adamawa team as an opportunity for Customs to select the best athletes to represent the Service in both national and international competitions.

He also saluted the courage of the Adamawa volleyball players, who, according to him, displayed commitment and professionalism in their debut, stating: “All respect to the Adamawa team. They played very well, but for our own team, we look forward to the upcoming matches.”

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service has pledged to boost Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector through Trade Facilitation.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made the commitment at the 53rd Anniversary and Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the CGC acknowledged the role of the service in transforming national economic objectives into feasible outcomes.

He said, “Customs is a key agency at the forefront of trade facilitation and regulatory compliance, we play a vital role in translating national economic objectives into tangible outcomes. We will, therefore, explore all customs swift adaptation to new directives, including tariff adjustments and Trade Facilitation measures to impact the manufacturing sector directly”.

He stated the service’s commitment to supporting the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector while also emphasising the importance of compliance and integrity in partnerships.

He pledged to work with the manufacturing sector to combat illegal trade. “We are going to put a lot of emphasis on issues related to the enforcement of brands and standards, and we will not allow counterfeit products in our markets. This commitment shows that we understand what manufacturers need and will be here to help the industry grow”.

“However, we need you to be honest and follow the rules. Customs is ready to work hand in hand with you to make our country a manufacturing giant”, the CGC stressed.

Meanwhile, the Customs Boss played host to the Managing Director (MD) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, at the headquarters of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘A’.

The MD proposed a tripartite committee to seek out issues relating to the free trade zones while also imbibing the culture of collaboration.

“We at NEPZA see Customs playing a vital role in free trade zones, striking a balance between trade facilitation and regulatory enforcement. By leveraging technology and collaboration, customs can enhance the benefits of free trade zones to drive economic growth and global connectivity”, Ogunyemi stated.

Responding, CGC Adeniyi pledged to work with NEPZA in the interest of the special economic zones.

“We already have a committee headed by the DCG comprising a team from Customs, NEPZA and the Secretariat provided by the special economic zone association. Their mandates include issues that require interpretation of legal provisions among others”, Adeniyi stated.

He assured an open-door policy to dialogue with understanding to stimulate economic development.

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have joined forces to suppress waterway smuggling in Lagos.

Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, in charge of the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command, during a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan, on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, solicited the support of the Nigerian Navy in tackling smuggling within the waterways.

He said, “We are here for consolidation, there is this existing synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Navy; and the FOC has promised us so many things, and they are even ready to release their boats.”

On tackling smuggling, the Customs Area Controller said the command is unrelenting in suppressing smuggling.

“These people, as we are arresting and dealing with, are also devising new means for their activities, but we are unrelenting, we will match force with them. We are ready, and even with the promise from the FOC, we know that we are good to go,” he stated.

On his part, the FOC, Real Admiral Mustapha Hassan, acknowledged the role of Customs in the development of the blue economy of Nigeria, which, according to him, “is a great source of revenue.”

“When the Western Marine Command tops its job, the sky is the limit. So, based on the bid to collaborate and enhance operations on the waters, we have decided to devise an MOU whereby we can jointly patrol because we have most of the sea-going platforms. The smuggling mainly happens at sea, so we will collaborate and make sure we bring smuggling to an end in Lagos,” he concluded.