Customs Corner

Ag. Customs CG Tasks New Recruits on Professionalism in Weapon Handling

Published

8 months ago

September 22, 2023

Ag. Customs CG Tasks New Recruits on Professionalism in Weapon Handling

By Muhammad Bashir

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has charged the newly recruited officers to imbibe the culture of handling their firearms properly as they wrap up their regimental training.

He made this call on Thursday, 21st September 2023, during the Passing Out Parade (POP) for 956 General Duty Junior Personnel who completed their Basic Course 1/2023 at Customs Training College, Goron Dutse, Kano.

The CGC, who congratulated the new officers on their POP, urged them to be good ambassadors of the Service — by way of protecting its integrity and reputation while discharging their constitutional duties.

He charged them to showcase a sense of professionalism in weapons handling and eschew misuse of firearms while also improving their human relations, adding that “the era of filing rampant cases of the shooting of innocent Nigerians has passed. Treat everyone with absolute respect and fairness.”

He, however, assured Nigerians that the Service will not relent in taking stiffer action on any officer who fails to respect the rights of the citizens, adding that “you are expected to serve your nation with diligence, be presentable discipline-wise and in appearance, while also maintaining the highest level of integrity at all times.

“Upholding these values is not just a duty but also a necessity. Therefore, always be smart in appearance, for it reflects the pride you take in your role as customs officers. Be the embodiment of excellence and service in every aspect of your conduct.”

He says, “The Service has strong expectations of you to contribute in revenue generation and the fight against smuggling – while also practising what you learned to counter their illegal businesses.”

The CGC, who was pleased with the display of tactical approaches by the recruits, clearly told them, “It is upon your shoulders that the responsibility of meeting the aspirations of our great nation rests. I want you to be mindful that your recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service was merit-based.

“You are expected to serve your nation with diligence, discipline, and the highest level of integrity at all times. Upholding these values is not just a duty but a necessity. Always be smart in appearance, for it reflects the pride you take in your role as customs officers. Be the embodiment of excellence and service in every aspect of your conduct.

“In the course of your careers, you will be exposed to further training in various areas, including regimentation and weapon handling. I emphasize the need to study the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) diligently and take them seriously. These SOPs are your guide to ensuring effective customs operations.”

Speaking on how the Service has gone far in using advanced technology in carrying out its duties, the Acting Comptroller-General said, “We are living in extraordinary times where technology plays a pivotal role in customs operations. As you join the Customs Service at this juncture, your role in this digital era is crucial.”

He urged them to develop a deep understanding of technological advancements and leverage them to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, who later granted interviews to journalists, called on Nigerians to support the investment policies that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implements, expressing hope that it will end economic sabotage and smuggling in the country.

He said, “When you look at some of the policies that he has taken in terms of making businesses thrive, bringing in investors and things like that—so when you have investors, and we have these efforts to rebuild our economy, then there would be no room for smugglers or those who want to sabotage us.”

The Customs boss maintained that the fight against smugglers and their nefarious activities remains the business of all patriotic Nigerians, adding that he has been visiting border communities across the country with a view to discussing with them on collaborative efforts to end smuggling in the country.

He, however, saluted the efforts of General Duty Officers on the parade, saying, “We had a very beautiful parade – which shows that they are well-trained. It shows their capacity to handle situations. It shows comportment. It shows physical endurance. It also demonstrates resilience.”

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Customs Training College, Comptroller Rasheed Adahunse, said, “These Junior Officers graduating today were found suitable in learning and character. It is pertinent to state that this Basic Course 1/2023 commenced on the 22nd of March, 2023, and the skills displayed by the graduands were mastered within this short period along with academic activities.

“The training graduates covered topics on Enforcement, Revenue, Valuation, Export and Import Procedures, Passenger Selection, Parcel Post, Administration, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Civil Relations and many other courses, to mention but a few. Examinations were conducted to ascertain their level of assimilation and were also graded.”

The Commandant, who described the regimentation of the 2023 General Duty Staff as a success, also said that “to master the drills and excel in academic activities within six months is an excellent achievement on the part of the committed and dedicated trainers as well as the graduands.

“I would like to show my sincere gratitude to the Ag. CGC for creating time to attend this great occasion despite his tight schedules and for providing all the necessary approvals in good time, leading to the success of this exercise.” He concluded.

Customs Corner

Ogun I Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth N380 Million in 1Month

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.