Customs Corner
COWA Eastern Marine Command Visits Children’s Homes, Spreads Messages of Hope
Author: Vivian Daniel.
The wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs Service (CGC) and the National President of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, on 3 February 2024, called on good-spirited Nigerians and corporate organizations not to forget the less privileged in their midst, especially those at the orphanage homes, in this austerity period.
The CGC’s wife, who was represented by the wife of the Customs Area Controller in charge of Eastern Marine Command, Mrs. Gloria Ugbagu, made the appeal in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital when members of COWA visited the Compassionate Centre and Handmaid Orphanage homes to celebrate the children with foodstuff and other items.
This information was disclosed in a press release signed by the command Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, on 6 February 2024. He stated that the visits aimed at spreading love, nurturing robust relationships with families, and giving hope to the less privileged.
Mrs. Gloria Ugbagu, while on a visit with the association’s EXCOs, emphasized that she is following in the footsteps of the COWA National President, Mrs. Kikilomo Adeniyi, who has been touring different states in the country and helping the less privileged.
She underscored the importance of working together with members of the COWA Eastern Marine Command, a rare privilege she said she would not take for granted. She urged them always to show kindness to the vulnerable ones around them who face hardship.
“My dear Members of COWA. It is an honor to be here with you all today, working together to make a difference in the lives of the less privileged among us. When we see poverty and hardships that many people face every day, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. But we know that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life. That is why we are here today, to help alleviate some of these hardships and to show that we care, as our National President is doing. As we go to the homes to deliver the food items, remember that we are not just giving food, but we are also giving hope. We hope to inspire these children and their guardians to keep pushing forward, to never give up on their dreams, and to know that they have friends who care and support them,” she noted.
Furthermore, Mrs. Gloria Ugbagu, at the two children’s homes, recognized the challenges mothers face in a bid to cater for their families. She admonished them on the importance of maintaining a healthy living and balanced diet. She equally reiterated there would be more of such visits to strengthen their relationships.
“As mothers, we understand the challenges of providing for children who are not our own. That is why we are here today, to share a little bit of what we have with you and to hopefully provide some relief in your day-to-day lives. We bring with us some food items that we hope will help nourish your bodies, as we know how important it is to have a healthy and balanced diet. We also bring you love from our National President, Mrs. Kike Adeniyi. We are grateful to be here, and we hope that this is just the beginning of a beautiful relationship between our association and your home.”
“It is with great pleasure that I and my team of Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) of Eastern Marine Command of NCS visit your home today. Seeing the smiles on your faces as we arrive, we know that we have made the right choice in choosing your home to be our beneficiary,” she asserted.
The children prayed for the Chairperson, her team, the National President, Mrs. Kikilomo Adeniyi, and the Nigeria Customs Service. Mrs. Grace Okpara, director of the Handmaid Orphanage Home, in her remarks, while shedding tears of joy for the surprise visit, said she is overwhelmed with the show of love by Mrs. Gloria Ugbagu and her team members. She acknowledged them and asked God to shower blessings on the National President of COWA for having a concerned heart for the less privileged.
Also, while at the Compassion Centre for the Physically Handicapped children, Rev. Sister Maureen Anoje, who received the COWA team, equally expressed gratitude to see Customs Officers Wives coming together to show love to the less privileged and physically-challenged children. She thanked the COWA team on behalf of the management of the Compassionate Centre.
The Chairperson of EMC COWA, Mrs. Gloria Ugbagu, appreciated the team members at the Children’s homes for their warm reception while pledging to stand with the homes and support them continuously. She prayed for God’s protection while looking forward to partnering with them towards a better tomorrow.
Author: Abass Quadri.
The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, Southwest Zone, has recorded seizures of illegal goods, with a Duty Paid Value of N1.6 billion.
Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu in charge of JBPT Sector 2, availed the team’s activities under his stewardship in a press briefing held at Abeokuta on Wednesday, 24 April 2024.
The coordinator noted that the team’s area of responsibilities, which covers all six southwestern states, is mandated to “curbing anti-smuggling activities, channelling of procedures, and combating other cross border crimes that threaten Nigeria’s national and economic security.
“The sector wishes to announce the seizures of illegal goods, which include Cannabis Sativa, secondhand clothings, and means of conveyance smuggled into the country with a Duty Paid Value of N1,663,646,360 and petroleum products valued at N52,486,215 which were auctioned out due to their inflammable nature.”
According to him, the seized goods were recorded between November 2023 and April 2024, adding that “no fewer than 15 suspects were arrested with some charged to court and others prosecuted”.
Handing over the seized Cannabis Sativa at Ogun II Command to the representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Deputy Commandant Narcotics Ogun state, Nnyigide Alexander, DC Shuaibu commended the dedication, doggedness and professionalism of officers involved in the interception of the substances which would have caused more security threat.
On revenue generation, the border drill coordinator stated that N36,318,727 was generated through the issuance of Demand Notices (DN) on vehicles and other goods improperly imported into the country.
Receiving the seized Cannabis Sativa, DC Alexander thanked Shuaibu for his hard work, adding that this synergy fulfils the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NCS and NDLEA.
In his words, “I feel highly happy that we are doing what we call sister agency collaboration, which has led to the result we have here. I expect to see more in the future because I know they are capable.”
Similarly, DC Shuaibu, who was also on a working visit to Seme and Ogun 1, Idiroko Area Commands, also handed over seized Cannabis Sativa to representatives of the NDLEA at Seme.
By Muhammad Bashir
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commenced the sensitisation program on Monday, 22 April, 2024, for the enrollment of an automated retiree verification system for high-ranking officers who have retired from the Service.
The programme, the first of its kind, was designed to serve as a platform through which all retired Deputy Comptroller Generals (DCGs), Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs), and Comptrollers could be electronically verified to modernise the analogue process of benefits application for retired officers.
Addressing the retirees at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in-charge of Finance Administration & Technical Service, Festus Okun, described the initiative as timely and assured them of a seamless verification exercise.
He said, “Esteemed retirees, it is with great honour that I address you today on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. This initiative to engage in a seamless verification exercise is timely and proof of the service’s commitment to ensuring your welfare and well-being after years of dedicated service to the Customs Service.”
“We understand the importance of this verification process in ensuring that you receive the benefits and entitlements you rightly deserve. Rest assured, we are dedicated to making this process as smooth and efficient as possible, with the utmost transparency and accountability.
“As Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs overseeing Finance Administration & Technical Service, I assure you that your concerns and needs are our top priority. We value your contributions to the Customs, and we are committed to supporting you in every possible way as you transition into retirement. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to assisting you through this verification process.”
During the verification exercise, some retired officers who voiced their feedback applauded the initiative, stating, “This positive reception emphasises the significance of this endeavour in streamlining access to benefits and entitlements, reaffirming the dedication to serving retirees with the utmost care and diligence.”
By Femi Anamelechi
Comptroller Michael Awe, in charge of Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, has called on officers and men of the command to rededicate themselves to duty to ensure an increase in revenue generation.
The new Customs Area Controller (CAC), while addressing officers at his inaugural parade at the command on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, called for synergy and cooperation of officers while also warning against any act of sabotage.
He said, “I need your synergy not less than 100% and above. You can do your job diligently with diplomacy, and you will achieve results. Please, and please, try to strategise to ensure your objectives are achieved. Your examination should be 100%. Our pledge is to surpass what we have been generating monthly and daily.”
The CAC also noted the need for all officers to ensure due diligence and maintain discipline in their official duties, as it is the only way to increase revenue generation.
Stating further, Comptroller Awe assured regular appraisal and commendation of officers based on outstanding performance.
“Henceforth, any officer that performs very well, either monthly or quarterly, will be appraised and commended,” he noted.
The Area Controller also urged officers to always dress properly and smartly in the official uniforms approved by the Nigeria Customs Service so as to attract self-respect and dignity.
He assured of a rewarding work relationship with their cooperation.
JBPT Sector 2 Records Seizures Worth N1.6 Billion Within Six Months
Customs Sensitise Retired Senior Officers on Automated Retiree Verification System
Compt Awe Charges Officers On Performance Towards Increased Revenue Generation
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