Author: Vivian Daniel and Ibe Wada.

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Osun/Oyo Command has paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of late Deputy Comptroller Essien Andrew at their residence in Olorunda Estate, Akobo.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, on 29 June 2024,

The visit, which was led by the Command Chairperson, Mrs Felicia Oramalugo, ably represented by Mrs Ogechi Onaneye, conveyed deep sympathies to Mrs Oluwatoyin Essien, widow of the deceased senior officer, DC Essien, who served diligently in Revenue, Finance Administration, and Technical Services (FATS).

She explained that the senior Officer will be remembered for his exemplary dedication to the Nigeria Customs Service.

Mrs Oramalugo, accompanied by fellow COWA members, expressed profound sorrow at the loss and assured Mrs Essien of ongoing support from the association and the entire Customs community.

“On behalf of the National President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, we extend our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband. His dedication and service to the Nigeria Customs Service were exemplary, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”

“We stand with the family in this period and offer our unwavering support and assistance” ” she acknowledged.

She pointed out that the visit by members of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) allowed COWA to offer prayers, practical assistance and emotional support to the grieving family.

The Chairperson also emphasised the importance of unity and support within the Customs community, particularly in times of need.

Mrs Oluwatoyin Essien, in her remarks appreciated members, of the association for coming to show much solidarity with her family, as she prayed for all members of COWA and the Service at large.

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.