Author: Abra Iruoghene.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, received a customised generator and a bus on behalf of the Service from the Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project (TMP), Saleh Ahmadu, on 5 July 2024, at the Project Management Office domiciled at the
Nigeria Customs Service Management Quarters in Abuja.

CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation to TMP for the equipment presented to the Service. He said, “On behalf of all officers and men, I appreciate this gesture that TMP has done for us through the presentation of the 250KVA generator and the 13-seater 2024 Toyota Hiace bus.”

Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is aware of TMP’s efforts in providing tools and equipment needed to drive the modernisation program. He said, “We know that computers alone will not work by themselves; they will not effect the desired modernisation that we need.”

He added, “It will require human input, and the working environment of these elements is very important as well as those tools. So, we therefore appreciate these efforts you put in place to help us enhance the working environment and also improve the welfare of these officers.”

Furthermore, he applauded the Trade Modernization Project for being a worthy and dependable partner in their modernisation drive. He noted that the equipment delivered would be put to good use to bring added value to NCS operations.

Additionally, Adeniyi encouraged the officers, from the rank of Assistant Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller, undergoing special training by the TMP in preparation for the management duties of the Service, to be attentive and acquire the necessary knowledge to discharge their responsibilities and take up the task ahead of them professionally.

Mr Saleh Ahmadu, the Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project (TMP), who handed over the equipment, said the bus was for the effective movement of personnel between the headquarters and the TMP office, while the generator was for constant power supply to the management quarters of the NCS. He acknowledged the CG for his continuous support and collaboration.

Author: Gift Wada.

In an effort to fight smuggling and promote trade facilitation through Nigeria’s land borders, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has sought collaboration with Ogun State traditional rulers.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller James Ojo, on 4 July 2024, paid a courtesy visit to the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and other esteemed traditional leaders, emphasising the importance of their support in maintaining regional peace and security.

Comptroller Ojo, speaking on the vital role traditional rulers play in their communities, stressed the need to leverage their influence and insights to combat smuggling activities effectively.

He stressed the strategic importance of Ogun State’s borders with the Republic of Benin and underscored the necessity for a united front in tackling economic crimes.

The visit also included discussions with sister security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force, the 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Defence Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

These engagements emphasised the need for continuous and robust collaboration to address the challenges of smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

The CAC reiterated the commitment of the Ogun I Area Command to the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation, aligning with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

In his remarks, the Alake of Egbaland assured continuous support and collaboration with the Ogun I Area Command.

He commended the Customs Area Controller for the anti-smuggling activities within the area and pledged commitment to combating smuggling and other economic crimes alongside customs.

Author: Ibe Wada.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Command has proudly announced a significant success in revenue collection, surpassing N26 billion for the first half of the year.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Paul Gimba, on 2 July 2024.

According to the statement, the Command recorded its highest monthly revenue collection of N8,611,414,854.00 in May 2024, attributing it to effective operational strategies such as risk management and audit-based controls.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Usman Seriki, explained that the Command achieved a revenue collection of N26,511,904,374.00 for the first half of 2024, representing 50.23% of the revised annual target of N52,779,457,622.15.

He stressed that this remarkable performance marks a 276% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to the CAC, “This achievement underscores the Command’s commitment to its core responsibilities of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and combating smuggling activities.”

“The compliance of major stakeholders within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone has also played a crucial role in enhancing operational transparency and fostering trust between stakeholders and Customs personnel.” He noted.

Comptroller Seriki commended the dedication and professionalism of the Command’s officers and men, urging them to sustain their efforts in achieving even higher revenue targets.

He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and agents operating within the Zone for their compliance and patriotism, which he emphasised as critical to the nation’s prosperity.

The CAC further thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their support and pledged continued commitment to advancing the goals and mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.