…Restates Commitment to Empower Women for Se

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, commissioned the COWA office for the PTML chapter in Lagos on Wednesday, 28 August 2024.

The event, which took place at PTML Mile 2 Terminal, was attended by Chairpersons of COWA and Customs Area Controllers from Zone A.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Adeniyi stated that the occasion symbolises the association’s commitment to capacity building and growth. “Today, we are not only commissioning our office but also empowering our trainees with essential work equipment. This gesture reflects our dedication to capacity building and growth.”

She expressed gratitude to Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, the Customs Area Controller of PTML Command, for his unwavering support and partnership with COWA.

“Your leadership and commitment to our welfare have been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity and resources you have made available to us,” she said.

Mrs Adeniyi reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering women to be self-sustainable.

“In COWA, it is about empowerment, making our women self-sustainable. In everything we do, they are in our hearts, whether they are widows or wives of serving officers or even the larger society.”

In her address, the Chairperson of the PTML COWA Chapter, Mrs. Maureen Daniyan, acknowledged the role of Customs Officers’ Wives as pillars of support. “At the PTML chapter of COWA, we have stepped up our activities to achieve significant improvements. The commissioning of the skills acquisition centre today is one of the manifestations of our efforts. We hope to do more as God gives us strength.”

Trainees in catering, general body care products, and other vocations were presented with work equipment. Widows were also considered, receiving food items and cash gifts.

Guests were entertained with a drama presentation by COWA members, showcasing what the association stands for.

Author: Titus Omajali.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, welcomed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Authorised Economic Operator Technical Working Group (AEO-TWG), World Customs Organization (WCO) Experts, and representatives from the World Bank Group to his office in Lagos on 28 August 2024.

During the meeting, Comptroller Nnadi reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating the swift clearance of all AEO consignments within the command. He emphasised that faster cargo clearance, in accordance with the WCO’s guidelines on AEO, would not only enhance revenue generation but also help decongest the ports and bolster cargo security.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to streamline cargo clearance and facilitate trade in line with international best practices. “As you all know, I was appointed the chairman of the Time Release Study (TRS) by CGC, and I believe the report will be out in September,” he stated.

The CAC further stressed the importance of continued WCO and World Bank support in implementing the AEO programme in Nigeria, particularly during this crucial pilot phase.

Responding to his remarks, Pelisa Matyumza, a WCO expert, praised the NCS for its efforts in piloting the AEO programme and assured the WCO’s continued support in its implementation. ACG Bede Anyanwu (rtd.), a consultant for the World Bank, also pledged the World Bank’s backing for the successful realisation of the AEO programme in Nigeria.

The visit to Tin Can Island Port Command, according to Nnenna Awa, the Team Lead of NCS’s AEO-TWG is part of the ongoing Onsite Validation Mission for the pilot phase of the AEO programme and also to acquire practical knowledge of the validation, which is involving the NCS AEO-TWG, World Bank Group, and WCO experts. She said, “This mission is critical to ensuring that the AEO programme is effectively piloted, launched and operationalised, paving the way for enhanced trade facilitation in Nigeria”.

Author: Gift Wada.

In the fight against smuggling activities, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has recorded seizures of 2,280 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 1,824 kilograms.

The illegal substance, cleverly concealed with more than 200 sacks of sawdust, was seized along the Ilero axis of Oyo State on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, in a press statement released on Friday, 24 August 2024, by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs Kayode Wey, commended the vigilance and dedication of the officers involved, stating that the seizure is a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to protecting public health and safety.

“The seizure of these 2,280 wraps of Cannabis Sativa is a testament to the professionalism and intelligence of our officers. The smugglers’ attempt to disguise this illegal substance with over 200 sacks of sawdust was a calculated effort to evade detection. Still, our team’s thorough inspections have once again ensured that these harmful drugs do not reach our communities,” he explained.

Comptroller Oramalugo noted that the interception was based on intelligence from one of the Command’s anti-smuggling units.

After identifying the 6-tyre DAF truck carrying the illegal cargo, customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, uncovering the Cannabis Sativa hidden beneath the sawdust.

While noting the impact of Cannabis Sativa on public health, particularly among the youth, he assured the public that the Command is determined to prevent such dangerous substances from infiltrating society.

The Customs Area Controller also revealed that the seized Cannabis Sativa would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for further investigation and disposal.

The CAC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking or smuggling to the nearest Customs office or law enforcement agency.

He assured that the Command would continue to intensify its efforts to combat all forms of illegal trade, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people.