By Cynthia Idowu

The Nigeria Customs Service has, in a press statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, condemned the purported circulated video between the Vehicle Inspector Officers (VIO) and Men of the Service.

The NCS, in the statement released on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, expressed concern for those affected by the regrettable incident.

According to Maiwada, the confrontation between the duo occurred on May 24 at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office, with NCS personnel attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks, Abuja.

“The Service wishes to express its deepest concern and empathy for those affected by this regrettable incident. Furthermore, the NCS unequivocally dissociates itself from the actions of these officers. Their condemned behaviour, which appears to be self-motivated, is under thorough investigation, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to forestall future occurrences,” the spokesperson explained.

He further reiterated that it is essential to note that the incident contradicts the values and operational standards of the NCS and that such behaviour undermines one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which is to foster collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.

The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management Team, strongly condemns such conduct and does not tolerate any action that jeopardises the commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation.

“The Service remains steadfast in its mission to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to support a more robust and secure economy for all Nigerians,” he asserted.

…Promotes Children’s Welfare, Cautions on Unhealthy Online Practices

By Vivian Daniel

As part of its commitment to promoting the welfare of children and supporting initiatives that enhance their development and well-being in general, the Ogun 1 Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), led by its Chairperson, Princess Adeola Folu Ojo, held a fun-filled ceremony to commemorate the International Children’s Day on 27 May 2024.

This was conveyed in a press release signed on 28 May 2024 by the Chief Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command.

According to the statement, the event was celebrated at the Command’s premises, Idiroko and was supported by the Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller James Ojo.

As the year’s celebration theme is “For every child, every right,” the Ogun 1 Command of COWA noted that, ‘’Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology” was paramount.

The event aimed to promote children’s welfare and well-being and raise awareness about the dangers inherent in online technology while highlighting the importance of providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive in whatever they do.

In her address, the Chairperson of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Princess Adeola Folu Ojo, underscored the need for a collective effort to ensure the protection and empowerment of children. She commended the support of her husband, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller James Ojo, and the Ogun 1 Command at large for their commitment to the welfare of the children.

In his remarks, Comptroller Ojo admonished the children to steer clear of cybercrime, asserting that “the trend in the world today is cybercrime. What I mean by cybercrime is those of you who go to the internet to do a lot of things like watching unhealthy movies, copying some crimes and committing yYahoofraud. All these will not lead you anywhere but a path to destruction.”

The Principal of the Nigeria Customs Secondary School, Aneke Ogochukwu, while appreciating everyone at the occasion on behalf of both schools, described the Children’s Day celebration as unprecedented since the schools’ inception. She equally applauded COWA for the kind gesture and solicited more of such in the future.

Meanwhile, the celebration featured various activities, including a children’s party, cultural dance, cutting of the celebration cake, and educational sessions on child safety and development. The association also presented prizes and educational materials to students and pupils from the Nigeria Customs Secondary and Nursery/Primary schools in Idiroko.

By Lucy Nyambi

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Saidu Yusuf has taken over leadership of Nigeria Customs Service Zone A Headquarters following the retirement of ACG Hammi Swomen.

The handover ceremony occurred at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Headquarters on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

Speaking at the event, outgoing ACG Swomen appreciated God for a successful 35 years of service. He extended gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the management team of the service, as well as Area Controllers within the Zone for their unwavering support.

The outgoing Zonal Coordinator expressed confidence in his successor while urging Area Controllers to embrace mentorship.

“I’m very proud to say that I’m leaving Zone A in knowledge, and the majority of the officers in the zone will not disappoint. I believe in your competence, and I know not only will we meet our revenue and enforcement target, but at the end of this year, we will celebrate a better result than last year,” he said.

In his remarks, the incoming Zonal Coordinator, ACG Yusuf, described his predecessor as very principled, hardworking and an intelligent officer. He solicited the cooperation of officers within the zone for a successful tenure.

“I’m here today by the grace of God, and I will seek cooperation so that all of us will have the same goal of moving this service forward, better than we met it. “From command to command, we have been able to engage stakeholders. I suggest that as we engage the stakeholders, let us engage ourselves and improve on engaging neighbouring commands. We have one goal: to succeed and leave Nigeria Customs Service better than we met it,” he added.

Customs Area Controllers within the zone showered encomiums on the outgoing ACG, describing him as a thoroughbred professional who has shared his wealth of experience immensely. They also pledged their support to the incoming zonal coordinator.