Customs Corner

BEING A MEDIA BRIEFING ON SCORECARD OF NCS JBOD

Published

3 years ago

November 19, 2020

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BEING A MEDIA BRIEFING ON SCORECARD OF NCS JBOD

FOR THE PERIOD OF 12TH OCTOBER, 2020 TO DATE

BY COORDINATOR JOINT BORDER OPERATIONS DRILL (JBOD) SECTOR 3 COMPT. O PETERS pss (+) dSS ON 19^th NOVEMBER, 2020.

PROTOCOL

I’m delighted to welcome you this afternoon to Joint Border Operations Drill Headquarters, Ilorin. The Joint Border Operation Drill (JBOD) Sector 3 covers four (4) States, namely; Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Benue States.

The border closure, codenamed ‘Exercise SWIFT Response’ which is being led by the Nigerian Customs Service comprising of Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security Services and National Intelligence Agency. It is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) with a view to curtailing the smuggling of goods in and out of the country, as well as ensuring compliance with existing ECOWAS trade rules, hence, intended to boost National economy and strengthen border security. It is saddled with responsibility of enforcing Federal Government Fiscal Policies on partial border closure.

I resumed as the Coordinator of this Sector on the 12^th October, 2020, determined to build on the successes recorded by my predecessor. In a bid to implement the Federal Government Fiscal Policies on Border closure, all agencies in JBOD are working together, towards ensuring that no stone is left unturned against all forms of Smuggling, Human trafficking, including proliferation of Arms and Ammunition, control and other prohibited items in and out of the country.

Section 8, 46, 146, 147, 149, 150, 158 and 169 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 of LFN 2004 as amended, gives power to Customs officers the power of a Police officer, Seized good, Examine, Search Premises, Vehicles, People, Patrol freely and forfeiture of goods respectively. Section 3 of Customs and excise (special penal and other provision) act Cap 47 of LFN 2004, says being in possession of smuggled items is an offence.

Part of the strategies deployed in enforcing the said powers within my short stay had led to Sixty (65) Seizures of different items. These include-:

4 Single Barrel Riffle with a (1) Suspect
1,643 Bags of foreign par boiled rice (Above 3 Trailers)
373 Jerri cans of PMS of 25liters
12 Jerri cans of AGO
32 Used Vehicles
4 Bales of Secondhand Clothing
1 Motorcycle

WITH A TOTAL DPV N53, 158,143.00

Accordingly, we will continue to appeal to the patriotic spirit of all Nigerians, especially members of the business communities to see the exercise as an opportunity to further create a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive in the overall interest of national security, well being of the citizen and economic development, including creation of job opportunities, reduction of crime rate and other social vices.

We shall continue to wage war against smugglers. Every effort or tactic exhibited by them to beat security checks of sector 3 operatives will remain fruitless, as every trick used by smugglers will be uncovered due to our high level of intelligence, systematic monitoring and mechanism put in place to track down these economic saboteurs and their sponsors.

Gentlemen of the Press, I want to further use this medium to reiterate that the current administration has zero tolerance for corruption and revenue leakages in all its ramifications and the Joint Border Operations Sector 3 under my watch is committed to enforcing same. The Sector will continue to re-invigorate strategies that will enhance our performance.

It is no longer news that during Endsars protest, a criminal attempt was made by hoodlums with the intention to set our office ablaze and loot seized goods. With our resilience, were able to repel the attack.

I want to use this medium to commend officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service, command, JBOD and all sister security agencies especially Nigeria Army for exhibiting their professionalism in handling the incident.

Gentlemen of the press, I’m happy to inform you today that the aftermath of EndSar Protest was a commendation letter sent to us by Comptroller General of Customs and his able management team for exhibiting such gallantry, in terms of excellent performance, integrity, high ethical standard, good conduct and unalloyed commitment to the service.

I wish to thank the Comptroller General of Customs Service Comptroller Hameed Ali Ibrahim (rtd) and his management team for this magnanimous feat. To whom much is given much is expected, we promise that we will not disappoint them.

However, the priority remains to keep our borders safe from any inimical activity that would compromise our national interests, uniformity with the international trade agreement and by extension our national security. We therefore thank all Nigerians especially the local business community for their continuous support. We also appreciate media houses in Kwara State for their balance reportage

Gentlemen of the Press, We are all partners in progress.

Thanks for your attention and remain blessed.

Compt. O Peters psc (+) dss

Coordinator Joint Border Drill Operations

North Central Zone, Sector 3 Ilo

Customs Corner

Customs Again Visits Families of Rice Sale Stampede Victims

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

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…Demonstrate Unwavering Support

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again expressed compassion and empathy towards the families affected by the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on 23 February 2024.

A delegation sent by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, visited the family of the Late Comfort Ajayi on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, in Anthony, Lagos.

Stating the purpose of the visit, ACG Swomen said, “In line with the CGC’s directive, it is an ongoing interaction and support for the families, so even after today, we will continue to keep in touch with them and see the best ways going forward that we can support them in this difficult time.

“It just tells you that the service is responsive, we are caring, we are a responsible Nigerian Government Agency, and even though those events happened outside our premises, we are still touched by it and we will continue to see the best way going forward to support these families.”

Responding, the husband of the late Comfort Ajayi, Murphy Ajayi, appreciated the delegation for their visit, saying, “They have been trying in their effort to get in touch with us and check on us. I say a big thank you, though it has not been easy, but life continues.”

In the same vein, the team also reached out to the families of late Eugene Anyanwu and late Mercy Christopher, who were also victims of the unfortunate incident on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Sarah Anyanwu, wife to late Eugene Anyanwu
commended the gesture by the Nigeria Customs Service. She prayed to God to enable customs to succeed in their endeavours.

Similarly, Christopher Onah, husband to late Mercy Christopher, also appreciated the service for remembering and commiserating with his family during this trying period.

Recall that the delegation earlier visited the family of the late Susan Odulaja in Jibowu, Lagos, on Friday, 26 April 2024.

Customs Corner

Nigeria Customs Launches Advance Ruling System for Effective Trade Facilitation

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

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Author: Muhammad Bashir.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has, in conjunction with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), launched an auspicious scheme aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and creating a more transparent business environment for the Service’s stakeholders in trade space, named Advance Ruling.

Speaking at the venue of launching the project on Thursday, 2nd May 2024, at Envoy Avenue in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi described ‘Advanced Ruling’ as a critical mechanism that allows traders to obtain binding decisions from Customs administrations on the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation.

Appreciating the stakeholders and partners for gracing the event, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that the launched project will also serve as a tool for reducing compliance costs and fostering a conducive business environment for traders.

He said, “Today, we shall be taking the first step towards launching the Nigeria Customs Service Advance Ruling, starting with stakeholder engagement.”

The CGC, who recognised the significance of the project, as it aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), also emphasised its relevance in facilitating both domestic and international trade while also promoting Customs compliance.

“According to the WCO and the WTO, Advanced Ruling enhances predictability and transparency in customs procedures, streamlining trade processes and minimising delays, uncertainties, and costs associated with Customs clearance.” CGC Adeniyi added.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying the ground to enhance the economy of Nigeria and supporting the Service, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that the launch of Advanced Ruling at this time aligns with the policy directive of President Tinubu’s administration to facilitate trade for legitimate traders.

He highlighted, “This is reflected in the Policy Advisory Document of the government, which signifies recent achievements, such as the approval to decongest the ports and make them free and accessible for importers and operators.”

As the Comptroller-General of Customs championed the laying of a foundation for Advance Ruling to enhance trade in Nigeria, he revealed that the Service has made all arrangements to conduct workshops and sensitisation sessions at Customs Area Commands to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to utilise this new mechanism effectively.

He, however, applauded the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and other partners for their unwavering partnership and continued support of achieving a significant milestone in trade facilitation activities under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme.

“It is essential to acknowledge that initiatives like Advanced Ruling necessitate investments in capacity building for both officers and stakeholders. We are committed to leveraging our internal capacity while exploring collaboration opportunities with external partners like GIZ.” He said.

Customs Corner

CGC Adeniyi’s Impersonator Knows Fate on 3 July 2024, As Federal High Court Adjourns Hearing

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

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Author: Muhammad Bashir.

A Federal High Court sitting in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has conducted a hearing of one Ibrahim Shu’aibu, a 50-year-old man, for assuming the character of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, among other distinguished personalities in Nigeria, to commit fraudulent activities.

The Nigeria Customs Service had, on Monday, 29 January 2024, addressed the media about the suspect’s apprehension by the Service’s Police Unit following his involvement in fraudulent activities, which included luring numerous citizens to pay him money for the issuance of job appointment letters.

During the court hearing, the lead Counsel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abidemi Adewumi-Aluko, said the accused was arraigned on a nine-count charge to which the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, 3 July 2024, and ordered that the accused be remanded with the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of bail requirements.