Customs Corner

Highlights of the WCO Global Conference: “Enabling Customs in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations”

Published

1 year ago

February 4, 2023

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), organized a Global Conference entitled “Enabling Customs in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations” in Abuja, Nigeria. The event, which took place from 31 January to 2 February 2023, brought together more than 100 representatives of Customs administrations from over 40 countries to discuss the role of their administrations in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS) and the way in which the WCO can support its Members in shaping their strategies in response to these complex environments. They were joined by representatives from various United Nations agencies and the donor community.

Fragile borders are areas where state agencies, particularly Customs, are unable to operate properly owing to the insecurity created by non-state armed groups. Insecurity and disruption of the State’s administration affect the border economy and the livelihood of border communities. The Conference highlighted the similarities that exist across several regions with regard to fragile borders: the role of borders as symbolic and economic resources for communities, the embeddedness of smuggling in social activities, the connection between smuggling and mining activities, and the informal taxation levied by non-state armed groups, such as terrorists, criminal gangs or guerrillas, on traders and cross-border flows of commodities.

In his opening speech, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya reminded participants of the objective of this event, namely to transform the outcomes of the WCO field research initiated in 2016 in more than 14 countries into a practical action plan for all Members impacted by fragility and conflict. “We aim at refining our analysis and at fuelling an Action Plan on Fragile Borders that should guide the activities of the WCO over the coming years in this area”, he said.

Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Comptroller General Nigeria Customs Service, also welcomed delegates and explained that “fragile situations calls for an analysis of the role of Customs in national security policies, the capacity and tools available to Customs as well as strategies in enabling Customs and the coordination between agencies of government in effectively managing fragile and conflict situations at borders”.

He was followed by Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo who pointed out that “fragile borders not only aggravate conflicts, they rob the states of crucial income that could address some of the social issues that contribute to conflict. It is obvious from the sheer number of fragile borders, and the convergence of fiscal and security issues at such borders, that governments must actively redefine the role of Customs to be properly integrated into the security architecture.”

The Conference has provided an opportunity to cross-fertilize the policy debates on fragile borders from Customs, anti-terrorism, humanitarian and economic perspectives, and to extend both geographically and conceptually the notion of fragile borders that has been explored so far by the WCO.

Several administrations presented the challenges they are facing and the strategies they have adopted to adapt in times of war or when under threat by terrorist groups, criminal gangs and guerrillas. These include reallocating staff, establishing local and national cooperation mechanisms with security authorities, and maintaining relationships with traders in fragile areas.

The Conference also provided an opportunity for national experts of Customs administrations affected by fragility and conflicts to exchange ideas on technical arrangements, equipment and methods to be adopted in those specific situations. In particular, they focused on institutional arrangements and inter-agency cooperation schemes such as the establishment of multi-agency information and intelligence teams, cooperation with the armed services to secure Customs patrols, the adaptation of taxation to special circumstances, the establishment of specialized multi-agency intervention teams and the creation of Fusion Centres with the aim of bringing together several agencies to act as a primary and unified border security unit. The importance of establishing procedures and arrangements to enhance coordination between Customs administrations and humanitarian actors in the context of fragility and complex emergencies was also addressed.

Participants later examined equipment used by Customs as well as technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems for monitoring the movement of individuals and means of conveyance, satellite imagery to optimise the management of land or maritime borders, and the WCO COLIBRI geoportal to support field officers in the fight against drug trafficking conveyed by general aviation.

The use of geospatial intelligence in general helps Customs administrations to integrate a geographic perspective into their enforcement and surveillance strategies and tactics. The European Space Agency and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) demonstrated how satellite imagery could help Customs to detect suspect economic changes in border areas as well as the secret desert paths and tracks used by smugglers.

Several Customs administrations shared their policies and practices related to the training of Customs officers operating at fragile borders. Specific training should be adapted to operations in insecure borderlands and should enable Customs to interoperate with security and defence forces. Moreover, joint training between Customs and internal security forces was highlighted as a specific and efficient way to generate greater trust and cooperation on the ground between Customs and other forces operating in borderlands such as the Army, Police Force and Water and Forestry Police.

Finally, the delegates shared their views on the WCO draft Action Plan on FCS and discussed how donors can effectively support Customs in fragile and conflict-affected situations. The Action Plan aims to adapt the WCO’s existing instruments, tools and training programmes, develop new guidance, tools and specific training in connection with FCS, and conduct further research into Customs and fragile borders in the context of the new situations presented during the Conference.

Customs Corner

Ogun I Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth N380 Million in 1Month

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Abass Quadri.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a milestone with the interception of contraband worth N380 million in one month.

Addressing newsmen at his maiden briefing on Thursday, 9 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller James Ojo, said the achievement was recorded within 23 days of his assumption of office.

“Since I took over the leadership of the Command on 16 April 2024, we have hit the ground running and to the glory of God, it is with pleasure that we announce to you our anti-smuggling exploits and other achievements recorded.”

“So far, the seizures under review include 90 sacks & 1,309 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign used tyres, 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit among others”. He Stated.

The CAC further explained that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounts to N380,370,911.00, adding that the intelligence-driven interception took place at different locations within Ogun State with the strategic efforts of the intelligence Network.

He urged stakeholders to remain compliant and assured of the Command’s maximum cooperation.

“Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are wide open for consultation and required support”. He stated.

The CAC warned economic saboteurs to avoid smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade. “Anyone caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law”.

Comptroller Ojo appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management for their support, which has helped motivate gallant officers in executing their duties as well as critical stakeholders in playing their part.

Customs Corner

Adamawa/Taraba Customs Records Successes in Anti-Smuggling Operations, Intercepts 12,435 Litres of PMS

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Vivian Daniel.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Comptroller Bature Bashir, has reeled out the anti-smuggling operations successes recorded since he took over the Command’s leadership late in April 2024.

He made this known during a press conference held on Friday, 10 May 2024, at the Command Headquarters in Yola, Adamawa state.

Comptroller Bashir stated that the seized items include 12,435 Litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 491x25L and 8 x 20L Jerry Cans, one used Mitsubishi truck and one used Motor Cycle while emphasising the need to auction the confiscated items almost immediately because of their flammable nature and following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), as enshrined in section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“The seizure of these items is in line with sections 150 and 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 because the Command’s territorial borders are officially closed. However, due to the flammable nature of the PMS, they will be auctioned immediately after this briefing in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) and as enshrined in section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the proceeds accrued remitted into the Federation Account accordingly,” he held.

The CAC further reiterated the adverse effects of smuggling activities, which had done more harm than good to Nigeria. It hinders national growth and strangles trade policies, which cuts across revenue, foreign investment, preservation of domestic trade and development, food security, and public security, to mention but a few.

“We want to unwaveringly tell the smugglers that our operatives are strategically repositioned along the borderlines to fasten their exit out of this illicit business. We advise you to renounce economic sabotage and illegitimate trade into and out of the Command’s territorial borders and adopt genuine business as the Command operatives will not rest on their paddles until we stamp out smuggling across all the command borders,” he cautioned.

The CAC solicited the partnership of the border Communities and patriotic Nigerians in providing timely intelligence that can support the Command’s operations in getting rid of the economic menace from the nation as well as cautioning the transporters and oil marketers to be watchful and nationalistic to repudiate these smugglers of any supply chain opportunities. He equally admonished media practitioners to increase their awareness campaign in educating the general public on the dangers and negative impacts of smuggling on the nation’s socio-economic development.

“To the border Communities and the patriotic Nigerians, we solicit your partnership in providing timely intelligence that can aid our operations in getting rid of this economic scourge from our nation. To the transporters and oil marketers, be vigilant and patriotic to deny these smugglers a supply chain. And to the media personnel, please do increase awareness campaign to educate the general public on the dangers and negative impacts of smuggling on our socio-economic development,” he implored.

Comptroller Bashir attributed the tremendous achievements recorded so far to the steadfast support and reassurance of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service under the firm leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), who has continued to give all the required backing and supply chain for the Command’s smooth anti-smuggling operations while wholeheartedly appreciating his unrelenting drive for the Service development. He also acknowledged the cooperation prowess of all the Customs Units, which consist of the CIU, FOU, SIS, Valuation, ICT and other security agencies.

Customs Corner

Customs WMC Intercepts 177 Sacks, 61 Kegs of PMS Amidst Fuel Scarcity

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Femi Anamelechi.

Amidst the scarcity of petroleum products in the country, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command have intercepted 177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along Isalu Creek Badagry Waterway en route Benin Republic.

Addressing newsmen at the command headquarters on Friday, 10 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed that the seizure was made possible by a joint patrol team on credible intelligence.

“At about 2330hrs on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, while on joint patrol based on credible intelligence, we received the movement of 2 Boats laden with what was suspected to be petroleum products concealed in sacks. Upon receipt of the information, the team moved into Isalu Creeks Badagry Waterway.

The Customs Area Controller stated that careful examination of the seizure at the Command Headquarters revealed “177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) containing 12,500 Liters with a total Duty Paid Value standing at N8,750,000.”

According to him, the action of the smugglers contravenes Section 245 & 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Comptroller Bamisaiye warned smugglers to desist from their wicked acts or risk arrest, as the command has zero tolerance for smuggling.

“There’s a strong warning to the economic importance of this kind of seizure at a time of fuel scarcity can not be over-emphasised. People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, but they are busy smuggling these products outside the country to make money. It’s either they stop this act, or we continue to arrest them. We have zero tolerance for this act,” he vowed.

The CAC further commended the effort of officers involved in the interception and their commitment to duty.