Author: Mohammed Bashir, Abuja

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has described the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies as one of Nigeria’s ‘highest think-tank – and pledged to support the Institute in all ramifications to achieve its purposes.

The CGC made this known at the Service Headquarters on Tuesday when he received the delegation of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies led by its Director General Professor Ayo Omotayo.

The CGC stated that Nigeria Customs Service will remain committed to partnering with NIPSS to proffer scientific solutions in the areas of trade facilitation and monitoring of informal trade at various entry and exit points.

In the area of capacity building and training, the Comptroller General also appreciated NIPSS for their usual support, adding that the service has benefitted a lot from their programs – which according to him, is an added value to the Officers and Men of the Service.

“Any opportunity to train our men and improve our e-commerce policies will quickly be considered.” Comptroller General said.

Speaking earlier at the occasion, the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Professor Ayo Omotayo, applauded the efforts of Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), especially in the Service’s fight against economic saboteurs and revenue generation.

“I have always been following your glorifying engagements and every effort that your agency as well as every other security agency is given to Nigeria,” Omotayo said.

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He said that the visit is aimed at building a cordial relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service in the area of research and training for effective service delivery.

He also applauded the impactful intervention granted by the Comptroller General to the institute and pledged to improve Service’s data system, to help it widen its influence in terms of economic growth and security.

Comptroller Mustapha Hashim Takes Over Leadership of Customs Kaduna Command From Ag. ACG Yakubu Salihu

Author: Cynthia Idowu, Abuja Nigeria

The Kaduna Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service witnessed a change of baton, in the leadership of the Command on the 15th of March, 2023.

In his welcome address, the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mustapha Hashim thanked the Comptroller General of Customs Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) CFR, and his Management Team for his recent promotion and new post. He assured the Service of improved Trade Facilitation and revenue collections.

Hashim urged the stakeholders of the Command, to maintain the existing cordial relationship with him as they showed to his predecessor.

“I want to commend the outgoing Customs Area Controller for his remarkable achievement and target set in the Command on Trade Facilitation, Revenue Collection, Customs Civic Responsibilities to Host Community, and Robust Stakeholder engagement.”

“I equally congratulate him on his new rank and office as Ag. Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Finance and Administration (ACG FATs).” He felicitated.

Earlier, the outgoing Customs Area Controller who doubles as, the Ag. ACG Yakubu Salihu appreciated the utmost support of his lieutenants and Stakeholders, who contributed immensely to the success recorded while being the CAC of the Command.

He maintained that his door is always open to all officers and men as he is going to assume duty at the Corporate Headquarters Abuja.

The handing over occasion came to a close with the proper signing of documents, presentation of the Service Flag, and group photograph

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As part of its efforts to build Nigeria’s economy through revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service Ogun I Area Command has generated a sum of N28,445,757 through import duties, auction sales of scrap vehicles, and petroleum products.

The Area Controller in charge of Ogun I Area Command, Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde, who made this known to newsmen on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun state, also added that legitimate goods were also processed under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

He also shed light on the Command’s relentless efforts in suppressing the menace of Smuggling in the area, adding that the Command has also succeeded in intercepting 6,743 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, 19,806 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 18 units of vehicles purposely used for the conveyance of smuggled goods, 64 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa and 824 wraps of book, bread and coconut sizes.

According to Comptroller Bamidele, other seized items were 29 pieces of Artifact, one unit of Motorcycles used for the conveyance of prohibited items, 73 bales of Secondhand clothing, 14 Sacks of foreign used shoes, 900 pieces of foreign used tyres, and 520 cartons of frozen poultry products.

The Area Controller who said the total number of seizures were 115, also narrated that the operation was carried out at different locations such as Abeokuta axis, Ilaro axis, and Ipokia/Idiroko axis, all with total Duty Payable Value of N231,218,506.

In the area of trade facilitation, the Comptroller reiterated his commitment to cement his existing relationship with the business community considering their contribution to the economy of the nation.

He urged the traders to avoid any form of illicit trade that will tarnish their image and threatened to deal with smugglers mercilessly.

Recall that the Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), has introduced multiple strategies for enhancing the work of the Customs. It is on this premise that the Command in collaboration with Integration Art Palace and Tour jointly organized a 3-day training for secondary students and artisans to improve community relations in the Idiriko border community and environs.

“The participants, who were secondary school students and artisans, were given the leverage to exhibit their talents. Four of the students who distinguished themselves were given awards of excellence to further encourage them to develop their skills. The Command also used the avenue to educate the participants on the activities of Customs in Ogun State, benefits of legitimate trade, and the dangers inherent in smuggling activities.” Comptroller Bamidele added.

He confirmed that the Command will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with their host community, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, and Youths. “We are also committed to maintaining synergy with our sister agencies across the State. We appreciate the collaboration and cooperation of everyone which has engendered peaceful coexistence in the Communities and their environs.” He said.

He also commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) CFR, and his management team for standing with them always to execute their assignments in the Command.

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