Customs Corner
CGC Adeniyi Reactivates Over Decade-Old CMAA With US Customs & Border Protection
…Aims to Promote Better Service Delivery to Nigerians Through Global Partnerships
Folusho Adeogun
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, On Thursday, July 18, 2024, took a significant step in strengthening global partnerships by participating in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, D.C. The meeting focused on reviving the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.
Adeniyi emphasised that Customs officials have been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.
He highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in Nigeria.“Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians”, he added.
He also stressed the need for increased capacity building to tackle Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues. “Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement,” he said.
Adeniyi underscored the importance of a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks. He pointed out the success of prosecuting wildlife criminals and discussed the need for such a centre to enhance cargo and passenger security.
Additionally, he advocates for an advanced command and control centre to address security concerns. “A dedicated targeting data fusion centre will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” Adeniyi explained.
The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. Adeniyi highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides. “By customising our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he remarked.
In his reaction, James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries. “Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats”.
James Collins also highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing in border security and intelligence gathering. He emphasised investing in capacity building, train-the-trainer programs, and targeted training to address gaps in border security. Collins stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organisations to sustain efforts in combating illicit trade and traffic. “Continuous training and secure intelligence sharing are vital to our success in maintaining border security,” Collins noted.
Key action items identified include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships between Nigeria Customs units and networks like CBP to coordinate cross-border responses, leveraging INTERPOL programs and collaborating with other West and Central African countries on transnational crimes.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Sunil Madhugri from the Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlighting the future of technology in enhancing customs operations and security. “Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in our strategy to modernise and secure our borders,” Madhugri said.
In a related event, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the USA, where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal, Charge d’Affaires a.i, and his team. The CGC appreciated them for their warm reception and their tireless efforts for all the Nigerians in the diaspora.
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By Femi Anamelechi
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu in charge of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command has announced an all time highest revenue collection of N1.5 trillion from January to September 2024.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) made the announcement during a parade at the command on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
He said the outstanding fit was made possible because of the meticulous documentation and professional discipline by officers and men of the Apapa Customs Area Command.
He praised the officers’ for their resilience, commitment and professionalism, while also charging them to do more. “We must surpass this achievement. We cannot afford to relax.”
The CAC assured that the service will continue to reward diligence, commitment and dedication to duty by officers.
Speaking shortly after the parade, Comptroller Olomu reiterated that the command’s outstanding performance in revenue generation was a result of the motivation and rewards system introduced by the command for officers who performed creditably.
“The excellent revenue generation of officers we recorded is as a result of blockage of all revenue generating leakage and proper documentation of payments by officers who were adequately motivated”, he stated.
He therefore, admonished officers in different categories to always strive for excellence in carrying out their statutory duties.
The CAC expressed the appreciation of Apapa Area Command to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for leading by example.
…As Comptroller Awe Reaffirms CGC’s Dedication to Recognition
Author: Abass Quadri
Comptroller Michael Awe, in charge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Cargo (MMIAC) Command, has recognised four officers for their excellent performance in executing their duties.
The officers were honoured during a parade at the Command on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Addressing the Officers and men of the Command, the CAC stated that the recognition, which will be done monthly or quarterly, is part of the CGC’s commitment to rewarding hardworking officers.
“There are four officers here, each representing one month from May to August 2024, who will be given letters of recognition today. The letters have reached the Office of the Zonal Coordinator, and he will send them to headquarters,” the CAC said.
Regarding the Command’s revenue generation efforts, Comptroller Awe noted that more than N16 billion has been collected so far. He appreciated the senior officers for their support, acknowledging that this success could not have been achieved alone.
The recognised officers include CSC Itinu Jimoh, CSC Moses Aboki, SC Jidda Aliyu, and IC Sanni Mohammed.
The officers expressed their excitement and gratitude to the CAC for recognising their efforts.
According to CSC Aboki, “The CAC has assured us that we do not need to harbour any fears. Henceforth, we will conduct more thorough examinations, as it is through this that we can detect illicit or underpaid items.”
The parade concluded with a free eye test provided by Poise Eye Care Limited.
…Highlights Government Efforts to Ease Nigeria’s Cost of Living
Author: uhammad Bashir.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, presided over the 60th regular board meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The meeting, which he held at the newly built NCS headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, was said to be the first of its kind since the commissioning of the edifice by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the board’s adherence to the decision to meet quarterly, describing it as an essential aspect of corporate governance.
He stressed that regular meetings and updates on financial performance were crucial for any government agency seeking to meet its objectives that impact positively on the citizens.
He highlighted further, “I think that board meetings serve as an important part of corporate governance and corporate governance is key to running an organisation efficiently as well as provide the necessary direction and management to keep government policies on track.”
The Minister also applauded the integrity and transparency of CGC Adeniyi, noting that the principles guiding the board’s operations were exemplary with a commitment to achieve laudable objectives and tenets to run an organisation like the NCS.
The Minister, who stressed the importance of collaboration between various ministries and the private sector, said the Nigeria Customs Service Board includes representatives from the ministries of Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, and Finance, as well as members of the organised private sector.
This congregation, according to Edun, “Ensures that critical national issues are thoroughly discussed and implemented in a timely manner”.
While filing questions about his feelings, he was the first Minister and NCSB Chairman to have chaired a meeting at the newly built NCS Corporate Headquarters, the Hon. Minister took the opportunity to commend the Customs Service on the achievement.
He said, “I congratulate the Nigeria Customs Service on this achievement of not just building a new edifice, but actually moving into it, making use of it, and keeping it very neat and tidy, and I pray for the success of all those who work at the new facility.
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