Author: Cynthia Ikebudu.

In a bid to tackle the rampant issue of illicit trafficking and smuggling across borders, the European Union (EU) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing law enforcement and trade facilitation at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on 16 April 2024.

The project, titled “Getaway Corridor,” according to EU representatives Louis Jacques Blondiau and Thierry Thimon, is set to cover ten countries, including Nigeria, with the goal of curbing illicit activities on the borders and suppressing smuggling operations.

Louis Jacques Blondiau, the leader of the group, emphasised that the Getaway Corridor project entails the development of a road infrastructure network designed to serve as a gateway for combating anti-smuggling activities while promoting trade facilitation. According to him, “each participating country will designate a specific zone for the project’s execution, which will involve four key phases: identification, implementation, evaluation, and project ownership, ensuring alignment with local needs and priorities.”

During the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended the EU’s initiative, acknowledging its potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in Nigeria. He pledged the full support of the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies in ensuring the successful execution of the project.

“The proposed Getaway Corridor project marks a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation in combating illicit flows and promoting trade security within the region. With the commitment of both the EU and Nigerian authorities, it is poised to make a meaningful impact in curbing illegal activities and fostering sustainable development,” the CGC stated.

Author: Iruoghene Abra.

The National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and wife of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has continually encouraged the productiveness of its members to attain their full potential.

Marking the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the COWA Secretariat, the National President of COWA emphasized the importance of the IWD theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion.’ She urged women to celebrate diversity.

Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi stressed that women must overcome obstacles and stereotypes to achieve gender equality. She said they must also foster an environment that supports women’s growth and respects and values their contributions.

While speaking, the National President noted that COWA will keep pursuing the economic inclusion and empowerment of her members. Reminiscing COWA’s relaunch on February 15, 2024, the President announced a plan to train and empower 1,200 women to enable them to contribute meaningfully to their family’s economy and society.

According to the National President of COWA, “I am happy to note that in the Nigeria Customs Service, obstacles facing female officers have been eliminated daily. Women are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development”.

She further said, “It is particularly gratifying to note that today, we have quite a number of senior female officers in the management team. Some serving as Customs Area Controllers, Zonal Coordinators, and other strategic Units of the service.
I believe that someday, in the not-too-distant future, we will all be alive to see the emergence of a female comptroller General of Customs. I strongly believe that investing in women is good for families, communities, and the national economy. It is a powerful means to inclusion”.

Mrs Adeniyi revealed the COWA Skills Acquisition Center in Karu is currently under construction, where members will receive constant training and retraining. She urged members to be at the forefront of making the desired change.

The CEO of Madame Merola Global Enterprises, Madame Merola, implored the women to know their purpose as it is crucial to modern society. She said if women must be included in the places of authority, they must come out and show their abilities.

She highlighted the vitalities of the four Ps to include Purpose, Persona, Perception and People. She encouraged women to grow, evolve and be a better version of themselves. She advised them to communicate with others, stating that there are attributes they possess that others need and until they speak to others, they might not be recognized.

Author: Abass Quadri.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command has handed over 120 sacks containing 10,551 loaves of Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

In a press briefing held at the command on Monday, 4th March 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Odaudu Salefu, revealed that the seizure has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N704.5 million.

According to him, the seizure is a product of the command’s wide intelligence network.

He said, With suspects of these trades still at large, we will now work with NDLEA to effect the arrest of these wicked traders.

“The 120 bags handed over today were seizures in 3 different operations at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme border on the 29th November 2023, 2nd December 2023, and 19th January 2024.”

Comptroller Salefu restated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding the Nation’s economic interest by working with sister agencies whenever necessary.

He also called on all Nigerians to desist from illicit and illegal cross-border trade practices as it is terrible for the general economy, health and welfare of citizens.

Receiving the items, the NDLEA Commander, Paul Ahom, appreciated the CAC for following the existing synergy between the NCS and the agency.

He assured that the NDLEA will continue to build on its partnership with Nigeria Customs in a bid to curb the smuggling of drugs into the country.