Customs Corner
Customs CG Lectures Newly Promoted Comptrollers on Effective Service Delivery in Modern Customs
…Declares 2024 Comptrollers Retreat Open.
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has tasked Comptrollers to remain resolute in streamlining operations building trust with stakeholders in their formations, as essential steps for impactful Customs management.
CGC Adeniyi made this call on Tuesday, 30 January 2024, at the Ahmad Makarfi Conference Hall of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) Gwagwalada, Abuja, while delivering his paper presentation to the Comptrollers.
The CGC, whose three major agendas to improve the performance of NCS remain collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, described establishing strong mutual relationships with stakeholders as ‘important for NCS’, urging that they be carried along.
He expressed optimism that the Service can achieve great milestones by forming new collaborations, adding, “The service needs to work with other agencies of government to see the amazing revolution that we are seeing in the world.”
Speaking on the positive aspects of technology, CGC Adeniyi re-emphasized his standpoint on enhancing the Service’s standards technologically, adding, “There is so much going on in technology these days. If you compare the days when you joined the Service, you will see that technology has changed many things.”
He said embracing technological approach that relates to artificial intelligence and machine learning data analytics will enable the Customs Administration to explore areas that look extremely remote and advanced.
Continuing his presentation, CGC Adeniyi relates the idea of leveraging technology to the Service’s plans to curb smuggling across Nigeria, stating that “with the established restriction on importation of rice, it means we have a very critical responsibility to ensure that we do not allow the act because that speaks to the issue of food security.’’
The CGC, who earlier declared the retreat open for the newly promoted Comptrollers, reiterated the Service’s commitment to introduce initiatives that promote trade facilitation by conducting valid scientific studies on the business environment.
He said the initiative will significantly contribute to the realization of objectives and the commitment to advancing regional cooperation and integration.
He emphasized that the initiative will positively impact in fostering economic prosperity across the African continent as the Service sets to implement the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
He said, “As we refine procedures, strengthen compliance mechanisms, propose transparency, and outline a strategic consolidation policy without revision, evaluating entry by small and medium enterprises becomes a cornerstone of our economy.
On his part, the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), DCG Sa’idu Galadima, applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs for gracing the opening ceremony of the retreat.
DCG Galadima described the retreat as another chance to bring together officers of like minds with the aim of refreshing memories on Customs procedures, management, and contemporary issues.
He said, “We are here to share knowledge amongst ourselves to build a better Nigeria Customs Service. Therefore, the efforts that the CGC is exerting towards equipping officers and men of the service with the technical know-how on the work is highly commendable.’’
DCG Galadima, however, took the initiative to engage Comptrollers in a brainstorming session on the major agenda set by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
He expressed optimism that, by the end of the day, a comprehensive blueprint would emerge, showcasing the participants’ commitment to the CGC’s innovative agenda.
Earlier, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, presented a paper on Stakeholders Management, Media Community, and Employee Relationship.
PRO Maiwada took the newly promoted Comptrollers through various strategies on how Commands and Formations of the Nigeria Customs Service across the Federation can relate to media and members of the public.
… To be Awarded with Post-Mortem Promotion to Comptroller of Customs
By Abra Iruoghene
The Nigeria Customs Service and the National Hospital held a Service of Songs for the Late Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Revenue Etop Andrew Essien, who passed on on June 25 2024, at the National Assembly while making a presentation before the House Committee on Public Accounts.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, while speaking at the event on 23 July 2024, noted he was out of the country when he heard the sad news of Essien’s demise. He said he was greatly bereaved to lose such a professional who was an epitome of excellence.
Describing DC Essien, Adeniyi said he was someone who took on every assignment and gave the best he had. “He was always prepared with facts and figures to defend the NCS”, he added.
Adeniyi said, “If money could bring him back, the Nigeria Customs Service would have done all they could to bring him back to life. The NCS will live up to those values he died for, which are Professionalism and Sincerity. ”
Still speaking, he said, “The NCS will give the late DC a burial of heroes. A meeting has been held on his behalf, and a proposal will be submitted to the Customs Board for a post-mortem promotion to the rank of Comptroller of Customs. Also, the children are now my friends. They are the children of heroes and will be treated as such. ”
He further encouraged officers to serve wholeheartedly with discipline and professionalism. Stating those who sacrifice their lives in the Nigeria Customs Service will not sacrifice in vain but will be remembered forever.
… Urges TCIP Officers to Adhere Strictly to Established Procedures
By Ibe Wada
The Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Saidu Yusuf, has emphasised the critical importance of intensifying cargo examination at Tincan Island Port to enhance national safety.
During his working visit to the command on Wednesday, 24 July 2024, Yusuf highlighted the necessity of rigorous checks to prevent the entry of expired products and illicit drugs into the country.
“We need to intensify our examination of cargo, as this is a main exercise for the Nigeria Customs Service. There is a need for thorough inspections at every stage, using the various parameters and tools provided by the service,” Yusuf stated.
“We also face issues with illicit and expired products. Beyond revenue collection, our role is to protect the lives and safety of the nation. Failure to do so could result in us becoming victims, directly or indirectly’’. He emphasised.
The ACG stressed that customs officers must adhere strictly to established procedures to ensure accountability and efficiency. “We must be diligent in all that we do to justify the actions required of us. I urge everyone not to relent in following the laid-down procedures. The Tincan Island command, under the leadership of Comptroller Dera Nnadi, has demonstrated efficiency, particularly in intercepting and seizing illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition”.
Yusuf also praised the implementation of new trade facilitation tools, including the Time Release Study and the Advance Ruling System, which have been introduced to enhance operational efficiency.
Acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), he commended the team for their hard work under his leadership. He called for increased vigilance, especially in light of recent security challenges and rising smuggling activities.
In his address, Comptroller Dera Nnadi explained that the command is committed to its statutory obligations, which include revenue generation, trade facilitation, and securing the nations border.
“We have been creating an enabling environment for stakeholders engaged in legitimate trade, and we declared this year as the year of stakeholders in the command”, he said.
Nnadi reported that as of 24 July 2024, the command had collected six hundred and sixty-nine billion, five hundred and sixty-one million, nine hundred and forty-seven thousand naira (N669,562,947,000) and affirmed that the command remains focused on its revenue target for the year.
He also highlighted challenges, particularly regarding office infrastructure, and stressed the need for renovation.
The CAC appreciated the Zonal Coordinator for taking the time to visit the command and offer valuable advice to the officers.
…Reassures of Command’s Operational Efficiency
By Vivian Daniel
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PH Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Command, Onne, Rivers State, Comptroller Usman Seriki, on Monday, 22 July 2024, paid a courtesy call to the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Oil and Gas FTZ Authority, Bamanga Jada, in his office at Mable House, Onne, Rivers State, to consolidate relations with the officials.
This was contained in a press statement signed on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Paul Gimba, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller.
According to the statement, this aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to collaborate with stakeholders for efficiency in revenue drive, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade.
The CAC assured the MD of upholding and improving the established relationship between both organisations regarding trade facilitation and supervising compliance in the Free Zone.
“This relationship is significant because it will enhance operational efficiency, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance in the Oil and Gas Free Zone,” he re-emphasized.
The MD appreciated the CAC and the Service for contributing to the many success stories of the Free Trade Zone. He added that “this cooperation can further contribute to overall economic growth by boosting trade volume, creating a more efficient and attractive business environment in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Zone.”
The General Manager of Operations, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Adekunle Ajayi, recognised that the harmony between the two agencies has diminished bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensured seamless processes in the environment.
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