By Lucy Nyambi

Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, as well as stakeholders within the environs, have extolled the Customs Area Controller Apapa Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, as he takes a bow after 35 years of dedicated service.

A send-off party was held at the Command in honour of the CAC on Friday, 3 May 2024.

The event had in attendance the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone A, Hammi Swomen, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Comptroller Caroline Ayo, Commissioner of Police, Western Port Authority Command, Olanrenwaju, Ishola, Representatives of sister agencies, stakeholders, as well as family and friends.

In his goodwill message, ACG Swomen congratulated Comptroller Jaiyeoba on his retirement while also commending the recent innovations and achievements of the Command.

He said, “We are highly impressed by the innovations and the things that are happening here since the last time we came. I would like to thank all the Officers and Men of the Command because, without your support, it would have been difficult to achieve all these”.

Guests and stakeholders, as well as officers, described the Area Controller as an astute administrator and leader who always showed a willingness to teach his subordinates.

In his remarks, Comptroller Jaiyeoba appreciated God for a successful 35 years of meritorious service.

In his words, “I give all glory, all honour to God, Almighty. And I also thank the Officers and Men of Apapa Command and our stakeholders for your cooperation. We came, we told you our agenda, and you keyed into it, and together, we delivered”. He said.

“I can boldly say since January till now, there has been an increase in revenue collection. We set a target for ourselves, beat it, and reset another target, which, before we know it, we have also beaten it.
Because of the cooperation, because of the commitment and because of the will, all of us have to deliver. And I must say I thank all of us for that”.

The CAC further urged Officers and stakeholders to extend the same cooperation to the incoming Customs Area Controller.

“We have set a standard in Apapa Command, and with or without Comptroller Jaiyeoba, we must maintain that standard. I want to plead with us that whoever is coming to take over, the same cooperation you extended to me, I want us to give the same or more than that cooperation so that together, you can deliver”.

Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba hails from Oyo state and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos.

…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.

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.