Tag: customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, May 15, announced that its board has confirmed the appointment of five Deputy Controllers-General and eight Assistant Comptrollers-General.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the service’s national public relations officer, Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada.

He said: “The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has confirmed the appointment of five (5) Deputy Comptrollers-General (DCGs) and eight (8) Assistant Comptrollers-General (ACGs) of Customs during its 59th regular meeting.”

The statement noted that the meeting, which was chaired by the minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy, Wale Edun, was held at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, May 14.

NCS listed the details of the confirmed appointments as follows: Deputy Comptrollers General (DCGs) I. OO PETERS DCG /Commander Training and Doctrine Command (rtd), II. BM JIBO DCG Enforcement Inspection & Investigation. The statement further listed III. BU NWANFOR DCG Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives; IV. SA BOMAI DCG Commander Training and Doctrine Command; and V. CK NIAGWAN DCG Tariff & Trade.

Read Also: Customs intercepts 61 PMS kegs, 177 sacks

In the Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs) category, the statement listed I. B IMAM ACG Board; II; AAS OLOYEDE ACG Trade & Tariff; III. SK DANGALDIMA ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘B’; andIV. A ABDULAZEEZ ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘D’. The list also includes V. SA YUSUF ACG Human Resource Development; VI. NP UMOH ACG Training and Doctrine Command; VII. CO OBIH ACG/Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’; and VIII. S CHIROMA ACG Strategic Research and Policy.

The statement explained that the new appointments were made to fill the vacancies created by some senior officers who recently retired from the service.

It added that the principles of federal character, seniority, and merit guided the appointments approved by the board.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) launched its advanced ruling system on Thursday, May 2, to meet the N5.07 trillion revenue target set by the federal government for 2024.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the NCS is executing various strategies to achieve its goals, provided that it has the right tools and measures.

The CGC, who spoke at the “Advance Ruling System launch and stakeholders engagement” in Abuja, said: “As we are all aware, NCS is projected to collect a total revenue of N5.07 trillion for the fiscal year 2024. While this goal is ambitious, it is attainable with the right measures and mechanisms in place. That’s why we are implementing several strategies to enhance our capacity to achieve this feat.

“The early results have been positive, and we expect to build on these initiatives, including ensuring stakeholder engagement and involvement every step of the way.”

The advance ruling system, according to him, “is a critical mechanism that allows traders to obtain binding decisions from customs administrations on the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation.”

Read Also: Customs condemns attack on officer in Katsina

He further explained that the tool is essential for promoting trade facilitation, reducing compliance costs, and fostering a conducive business environment. Recognizing the importance of Advanced Ruling, both the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) have emphasized its significance in facilitating international trade and promoting customs compliance.

Alluding to the WCO and the WTO, he said, Advanced Ruling enhances predictability and transparency in customs procedures, streamlining trade processes and minimizing delays, uncertainties, and costs associated with customs clearance.

Adeniyi recalled that the path toward implementing Advanced Ruling in Nigeria has been fraught with challenges and setbacks.

He noted that previous attempts to introduce this mechanism were unsuccessful, despite its recognized importance.

Besides, he said, however, in 2020, the NCS initiated a scoping mission to review its processes and align them with global best practices.

Adeniyi revealed that the comprehensive review yielded valuable recommendations that have informed the efforts to now relaunch the Advanced Ruling.

He added: “The launch of Advanced Ruling at this time aligns with the policy directive of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to facilitate trade for legitimate traders.

“This is reflected in the Policy Advisory Document of the government, which highlights recent achievements, such as the approval to decongest the ports and make them free and accessible for importers and operators.

“Additionally, the recent inauguration of the Single Window steering committee by the President underscores high-level commitment to enhancing trade facilitation in Nigeria.

“The implementation of Advance Ruling is timely, given the significant number of disputes the Service has had to handle between 2020 and 2023. Out of the 34 disputes encountered, 31 have been resolved, while 3 cases remain pending. Additionally, despite the absence of a structured mechanism, a total of 296 requests for Tariff opinions were received, with 266 processed and 30 pending.

“It is crucial to note that the absence of this mechanism has implications beyond Trade Facilitation, as it also impacts our revenue.”

Adeniyi said the event serves as both a launch and a stakeholder consultation, laying the groundwork for the rollout of Advanced Ruling.

 In the coming weeks, according to him, the NCS will conduct workshops and sensitization sessions at Customs Area Commands to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to utilize this new mechanism effectively.

He expressed gratitude to the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) for continued support of NCS trade facilitation activities under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme.

The CGC said it is essential to acknowledge that initiatives like Advanced Ruling necessitate investments in capacity building for both officers and stakeholders.

He noted that the NCS is committed to leveraging its internal capacity while exploring collaboration opportunities with external partners like GIZ. 

Following the brutal attack that claimed the life of Customs Assistant II, Auwal Haruna, at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina state on April 17, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) condemned the violent acts against its officers and men.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, further extended heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of CA II Auwal Haruna. 

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Superintendent of Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada in Abuja on Wednesday, May 1.

According to the statement,  Adeniyi emphasised that the NCS, in a collaboration with other security agencies, is tirelessly working to apprehend the perpetrators of this reprehensible act and ensure they face the full consequences of the law.

Read Also: CBN raises Customs exchange rate for duty collection to N1,327/$

The CGC said: “Violence against our officers is utterly unacceptable, and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice. The safety of our personnel and the security of our borders remain paramount. We are committed to working with traditional rulers, government bodies, and sister agencies to combat this heinous crime against our personnel.

“Under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes. The Service will not falter in its mission to uphold the law and protect the interests of the Nigerian people.

“Intelligence available to us indicates that certain unpatriotic community members are harbouring suspected accomplices involved in this heinous crime. We implore these individuals to embrace patriotism by aligning with the law and refraining from condoning illegality. It is in the best interest of our communities and nation to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements and ensure justice prevails. 

“The NCS urges the public to join hands in the fight against these brazen criminals. We implore the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities of these daredevil smugglers to the nearest customs formation. Together, we can create a safer environment for our officers and a more secure nation for all.”

Newly redeployed Customs Area Controller at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Command, Compt. Michael Awe, has promised to  facilitate  trade.

Awe took over from Compt Yusuf Mohammed yesterday.

He said he would facilitate trade and build on Mohammed‘s success, urging officers to be dedicated and diligent.

“I appreciate the outgoing comptroller for his versatility and dedication, however, like he said peace is important vis a vis revenue but I assure you I will build on structures and surpass it.

Read Also: Border re-opening: We’re making progress on consultations, says Customs’ CG

“To our officers, we need to understand the job, please let’s read the books and maintain discipline,” he said.

Mohammed said the command generated N45.23 billion from importers at the Airports between January to March.

He noted in 2023, the command generated  N90.43 billion through hardwork and due diligence of officers of the command.

Mohammed solicited support for Awe to surpass his target.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, led a high-level delegation that set out on a critical mission to meet with the Director-General of the Customs Administration of the Benin Republic on Thursday, April 11, 2024.

This, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) revealed via its X handle on Sunday, April 14, was to strengthen the longstanding partnership between it and its counterpart in the Republic of Benin.

The primary focus of the meeting, as outlined by the CGC, was to deliberate on strategies aimed at amplifying trade activities between the two nations and ensuring the seamless implementation of recommendations previously discussed during their rendezvous in Cotonou.

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, the CGC underscored the cognizance of the established framework for cooperation between the respective customs administrations.

He said: “This framework was established at a higher level by the authorities of the heads of State, President Patrice Talon of Benin and His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, both expressing a desire to work together. It is upon this foundation that the customs of both countries are united in their efforts.”

The Director-General of Benin Customs Administration, Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi, welcomed the group with warm arms and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to executing mutually agreed-upon measures.

She also emphasised the significance of thorough monitoring to ensure these measures are implemented effectively.

The collaborative endeavours between the pair according to her, serve as a testament to their shared commitment to facilitating seamless trade operations and ensuring the efficient management of cross-border activities for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Meanwhile, the CGC took advantage of the visit to examine ongoing projects at the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command. 

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, accompanied the CGC as they meticulously evaluated the projects’ status and obtained guarantees from the relevant authorities about diligent oversight.