Author: Ibe Wada.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in charge of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command, has visited the illustrious palace of the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, to seek his royal blessings and support for the service’ fiscal objectives.

The CAC, who visited the palace on Thursday, 27 June 2024, conveyed warm regards from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the entire management team of the NCS, as well as acknowledged the pivotal role of traditional institutions in educating and enlightening the populace on government policies.

According to him, Lagos and particularly the Apapa port are integral to the Nigeria Customs Service’s operations; hence, “we seek your support, Kabiyesi, to ensure compliance with government fiscal policies among your subjects and stakeholders. Your endorsement is crucial as we strive to meet our revenue targets for national development.”

Comptroller Olomu elaborated on the strategic significance of his visit, noting that Traditional rulers play a critical role in sensitising and educating citizens on government policies.

“Our visit to Oba is aimed at securing his backing for our policies, which are vital for achieving our objectives,” he noted.

In response, Oba Akiolu expressed appreciation for the delegation’s visit and assured them of his commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance compliance with government policies in Lagos State.

“I commend the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in revenue generation, particularly through the ports in Lagos. As a father, I will continue to pray for the success of the state and country at large,’’ he stated.

He assured his support and urged the CAC to prioritise officers’ welfare to boost their morale and the right attitude to work.

…As Command Empowers Officers’ Wives, Donates Relief Materials to Less Privileged

Author: Lucy Nyambi and Vivian Daniel.

The Nigeria Customs Service Kwara Area Command has generated N10,027,580,694.63 from January to May 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Faith Ojeifo, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday, 27 June 2024.

While showcasing the activities of the command within the period under review, the CAC disclosed that “A comparative review of the preceding year 2023 indicates that the command surpassed what was collected in the same period last year 2023 with N2,885,779,644.03 which represents 40.41% increment”.

On Anti-Smuggling, the command recorded seizures of prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35,416,140.00.

The items include 507 Bags of foreign Rice, One Unit of a used vehicle, 1,055 pieces of used tyres, 164 Jerry cans of PMS of 25 litres each (4,100 litres)

As part of the service’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Command donated relief materials to the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development.

“I am honoured to stand before you today to present these relief materials on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, to the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development”, the Area Controller stated.

“The items we are donating today are aimed at providing relief, comfort, support, and hope to those affected by specific crisis or challenges”, he explained.

The CAC acknowledged that the ministry is not a revenue-generating ministry and only benefits from monthly allocations from the Kwara State Government, “and that is why we are recognising the tireless efforts of the ministry in serving the less privileged, the vulnerable and the disabled in the society”.

“We are proud to partner with you in this endeavour. Our donation symbolises the Comptroller General of Customs’ commitment to caring for those in need. May it bring joy, hope, and relief to those who receive them”, Ojeifo emphasised.

Similarly, Comptroller Ojeifo also announced the empowerment of 67 registered members of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) with sewing machines, baking oven, and makeup kits after months of extensive training.

In his words, “We are proud to have produced certified and quality trainees who are graduating from different fields and not only that, also supporting them with start-up equipment and machines as their training demand.”

He called for a more just and equitable society where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential while also acknowledging critical stakeholders for their support.

…As House Speaker, CGC Adeniyi Mourn His Sudden Demise

By Muhammad Bashir

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, commiserated with the Comptroller-General of Customs and the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service over the sudden death of the Deputy Comptroller in charge of revenue at the National Assembly Complex, Etop Essien.

In a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President also extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and described his passing while on an official assignment as, ‘most distressing’.

It was reported that Deputy Comptroller Essien slumped and died shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday, 25 June 2024.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, through the Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, had expressed shock over the unexpected death of DC Essien, saying, “We recognise the significant contributions he made to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our nation.”

According to Rotimi, officials at the National Assembly had made efforts to save the deceased as they rushed him to the National Assembly Clinic, but he unfortunately passed on.

In a related development, the Nigeria Customs Service, through the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, has expressed sadness over DC Essien’s passing, describing him as an accurate reconciliator of revenue who performed his duties with utmost precision and dedication.

Deputy Comptroller Essien, according to the statement signed on 25 June 2024, was born on 16 November 1967 and joined the Nigeria Customs Service on 27 November 1989 with over three decades of service to the nation.

“Hailing from Nsit-Ubium in Akwa Ibom State, he was known for his diligence and exceptional service record in the Account Unit.

“The loss of such a dedicated and valued team member is deeply felt across the Service. We are committed to supporting and assisting his family and colleagues as they navigate this difficult period,” the statement added.

The CGC stated, “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His exemplary service and unwavering commitment to duty will be remembered and cherished by the entire NCS community.”