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  • 2024 budget: Reps reject CBN, Customs representatives, demand heads’ appearance

    2024 budget: Reps reject CBN, Customs representatives, demand heads’ appearance

    The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation on Friday turned back the representatives of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso and the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi from appearing before it for the 2024 budget defence.

    The Committee insisted that the duo must appear before it in person on Monday to answer questions on the 2024 budget.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi said because the meeting was called to discuss the budget, it was important that the Governor of the Central Bank appear before the Committee in person.

    He said “we can only interact with the governor of the CBN because of the sensitivity of the issues in the budget. So, it is important for him to come and shield light on issues like inflation, exchange rate and all that.

    “So, it is important that he appears before the Committee on Monday at 10am. The Comptroller General of Customs is also to appear in person because we are talking about the budget and how to increase our revenue. He is also to appear in person by 10.00am on Monday.”

    Read Also: Tempers flare as Tompolo’s Tantita, soldiers foil oil theft off Ondo coast

    Other agencies that are to appear before the committee on Monday are the Federal Inland Revenue Service, NPA, NNPC Limited, Minister of Finance, Minister. Or State for Petroleum Resources, NUPRC and the NCC.

    Bichi said while the N27 trillion budget may appear big, the revenue target for Government Owned Companies to fund the budget was not enough, hence the invitation of the agencies by the committee.

    Addressing the meeting, Bichi described the rising inflation in the country as a major problem hence the need for GOE’s to appear before the committee for further interaction.

    He said reducing the burden of Nigeria’s debt profile, sectoral budgetary allocations, and the dynamics of budget releases, economic diversification strategies, revenue generation forecasts is needed to facilitate the enactment of the bill and effective implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2024.

    According to him, revenue-generating agencies must come with money because, without money, there is no magic the President can perform to ensure the realization of the Renewed Hope Budget.

    He said while President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 budget is fantastic, a lot of money is needed to fund the budget.

    Bitchi said, “The objective of this engagement is, among others, to provide highlights on some key issues in relation to the preparation, enactment, and implementation of the 2024 budget.”

    He said there were concerns about addressing the infrastructural gap in the country, eliminating poverty, and generally achieving the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He added that there was a need to ensure that all loose ends to revenue were tied, adding that this could have a gross impact on the government’s ability to implement the 2024 Appropriation Bill when passed.

    “While the revised MTEF and FSP showed that revenue-generating efforts by the present administration are already yielding fruit, more needs to be done to ensure that government-owned enterprises optimise their revenue-generating potential.”

    He said the objective of this engagement is, among others, to provide highlights on some key issues in relation to the preparation, enactment, and implementation of the 2024 budget.

    He said “the highlights may include strategies for addressing rising inflation, reducing the burden of Nigeria’s debt profile, sectoral budgetary allocations, and the dynamics of budget releases.

    “Others are economic diversification strategies, revenue generation forecasts, and any useful information that will facilitate the enactment of the bill and effective implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2024.”

  • We will ensure only career officers are appointed Customs CG, say Reps

    We will ensure only career officers are appointed Customs CG, say Reps

    The House of Representatives Community on Customs and Excise said on Wednesday, December 6, that it would ensure that only career Customs officers would be appointed to the position of Comptroller General of Customs by the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).

    The chairman of the committee, Hon. Joseph Abejide, who disclosed this while speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee, also said that the House plans to conduct periodic reviews of Customs and excise laws to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in the face of changing economic and technological landscapes.

    He described the passage and signing of the Customs and Excise Management Act as a major milestone in the efforts to streamline customs procedures, enhance trade facilitation, improve revenue generation, and promote economic growth.

    The new CEMA Act repealed the 63-year-old Customs law which provides among others for the appointment of the Comptroller General of Customs from among serving officers of the service not below the rank of Assistant Comptroller General.

    Abejide explained: “Under the new Act, the NCS now has access to increased revenue via a new financing model of 4% FOB, thus enabling it to operate more effectively and efficiently.

    “The new Act also introduces a robust e-commerce system, aligning the NCS with global digital trends and promoting rapid revenue generation and ease of doing business. Another notable milestone of the Act is the establishment of a clear leadership structure for the Nigeria Customs Service.

    Read Also: Customs nabs 11 suspects, seizes nine trailer loads of rice

    “This is achieved by enabling a career officer, at least at the rank of Assistant Comptroller General as the Comptroller-General of Customs to be appointed by the President of Nigeria. This stands in contrast to the previous Act, which lacked clarity on leadership, resulting in such appointments from the civilian and military backgrounds in the past.”

    He said the 10th Assembly has the rigorous task of ensuring that the new Act is implemented effectively and that its full benefits are realized.

    He said the House committee will closely monitor the NCS’s performance and provide the necessary support to ensure that it operates by the highest international standards.

    According to him, the Customs and Excise plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a critical institution that safeguards our nation’s borders and generates substantial revenue for our economy.

    He said: “As we embark on this new chapter, I want to assure you that the Committee on Customs and Excise will be steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. We will work tirelessly to enhance trade facilitation policies, modernize customs procedures, and foster a conducive environment for economic growth and development.”

    He said the committee will work closely to monitor the progress of the Nigerian Customs in implementing the Act, ensuring that it adheres to the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

    He also assured that the committee “will closely scrutinize the NCS’s revenue collection and remittance processes to ensure that all customs duties and levies are promptly accounted for and remitted into the Federation Account.

    He said: “We shall continue to review the NCS’s cost of collection to ensure that it is reasonable and justifiable. It is worth mentioning that the new Act introduces a more streamlined and revenue-enhancing approach.

    “Instead of the previously imposed 7% surcharge on duty payable, the Act now mandates a 4% Free on Board (FOB) charge. This change ensures that waivers granted do not adversely impact the revenue collection targets of the NCS, leading to a projected threefold increase in income compared to the current levels.

    “The Committee will assume oversight of the NCS’s enforcement of regulations in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to verify compliance with legal requirements and their contribution to economic growth.

    “In collaboration with the NCS Excise Department, the Committee will strive to ensure automation of production lines from raw material intake to final product output, to block leakages and eradicate corruption.

    “We will assess the quality of training provided by the NCS’s training institutions to ensure that Customs personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively.

    “The Committee will meticulously review the NCS’s annual budget proposals to ensure they align with the government’s comprehensive economic and fiscal policies.

    “The NCS’s budget is self-funding, meaning it operates independently of the national annual budget to optimize its operations and efficiency. This independent financial structure enables the NCS to effectively carry out its mandate and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

    “In the face of ever-evolving trade patterns and technological advancements, our committee shall remain vigilant in addressing the challenges that lie ahead.

    “We must strive to balance the need for revenue collection with the facilitation of legitimate trade, while also ensuring that our borders remain impenetrable to illicit goods and activities. I hereby crave the need for effective teamwork and collaboration.”

  • Customs nabs 11 suspects, seizes nine trailer loads of rice

    Customs nabs 11 suspects, seizes nine trailer loads of rice

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’  Ikeja Lagos has arrested 11 suspects who specialised in smuggling foreign parboiled rice into the country.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Acting Controller of the unit, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, said 5,459 bags of 50kg bags of foreign bags of rice (equivalent to nine trailer loads) were intercepted by officers and men of the unit.

    Read Also: Cash crunch hits Akure

    He said further that the anti-smuggling crusade of the unit also led to seizure of a Toyota Highlander with an ingenious concealment of suspected bags of foreign parboiled rice at Iju-Ojuore, Ogun State.

    Ejibunu said the seizures included 18,100 litres of premium motor spirit, 376 bales of used clothes, 1,926 cartons of frozen poultry products.

    “Other items seized by the unit are; 337 pieces of used compressors, 3 X 40 ft containers found to contain 3,838 pieces of used tyres, 13 used vehicles (Tokunbo) and 396 cartons of frozen fish.”

    Ejibunu said the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stood at N872,575,250, adding that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the items.

  • Customs projects N5tr revenue for next year

    Customs projects N5tr revenue for next year

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is projecting to make N5 trillion as revenue in 2024, the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has said.

    He spoke at a reception and award night organised by the Osun Development Association (ODA), at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State. The reception was to honour Adeniyi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, all sons of Osun State.

    Gen. Lagbaja was represented by General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Usman, while Oyetola was represented by his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola.

    Adeniyi said some borders had remained shut for strategic and geo-political reasons.

    According to him, it’s a selective policy to leave some open and shut others for security reasons.

    He said: “Not all borders are opened currently because some are shut for strategic and geo-political reasons. While six of those shut in 2019 have been reopened, some remain shut as a response to the decision of the ECOWAS Head of States and Governments. So it’s a selective policy to shut some and open others for security reasons.

    “In 2023, we have a revenue projection of about N3.6 trillion. As of now, we are just closing in on N3 trillion. In 2024, we are projecting N5 trillion in revenue. This is high, but we believe that with the policies we are working on, the engagements with our border communities and the customs administration, the introduction of technology solutions to border enforcements and processes, declaration of goods, it is not insurmountable, we will achieve the target.”

    Adeniyi also described the award done him as a call to good service.

    “It is expected that when you are being honoured by your own people, one must feel proud.”

    But beyond that, it is about the very heavy responsibility, the great expectations and the burden of leadership. Practically we carry the aspiration and the hopes of the Nigerian economy on our shoulders. It’s a big responsibility, but we hope to discharge this responsibility effectively, God being with us.”

    Chairman of the ODA, Dr Segun Aina, described the award as important to celebrate the honourees for taking up national leadership roles “because not everyone is called to serve.”

    Read Also: Customs intercepts 975 cartridges in Ogun

    He added: “It is also very important for them to know they have home support, and that people are watching them, so they will be encouraged and strengthened to do the right thing at all times, knowing that a lot of people will be disappointed if they fail.

    “Imagine the crowd here celebrating them and their appointment, so this will be a reminder to them to perform, knowing that they are accountable to some people and will always return home happily after their terms in office.”

    Dignitaries at the ceremony were former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof. Olu Aina, Tunde Ponle, an engineer; Nigeria’s first female engineer, Mrs. Olu Maduka, Chief Moses Inaolaji, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola (represented by Prince Sikiru Ayedun), former Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, among others.

    In their goodwill messages, Prof. Aina described the event as unique, and promised that the elders would run errands for the younger ones whenever the need arose. Prof. Akinyemi noted that “in honouring the awardees, we are honouring ourselves. And this transition from the old to the new generation gives the assurance that ODA will continue to survive.”

    ODA was founded in 1995, and currently boasts of about 129 members, including the 14 new members, who were inducted during the award ceremony.

  • Customs intercepts 975 cartridges in Ogun

    Customs intercepts 975 cartridges in Ogun

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, said it intercepted 975 ammunitions concealed in five bags of rice along the palace/Ayetoro road in Imeko Afon Local Government of the state.

    The acting Area Controller, Mr Ahmadu Shuaibu, told newsmen on Wednesday  in Idiroko, Ogun.

    According to him, the seizure made on Nov. 27 was based on intelligence report received by the command, which prompted them to deploy officials to confront those involved in bringing the ammunition into the country.

    He said the NCS had been actively monitoring the activities of smugglers involved in trafficking live ammunition for about a week prior to the seizure.

    The controller added that intelligence report indicated that the ammunition, specifically 975 rounds of red stars cartridges, was concealed in five bags of rice and hidden away in a bush path.

    According to him, the operatives went to the spot and evacuated the five bags of rice without any encounter.

    Read Also: Customs hands over $54,330 tramadol bribe money to EFCC

    The Customs boss said that the bags of rice caught their attention due to the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks, arousing suspicion.

    Upon further examination at the border station, he said that the bags were found to contain approximately 975 rounds of red star live cartridges  concealed within them.

    He explained that the NCS was intensifying efforts to track down the perpetrators behind this criminal act and ensure they face justice.

    “We recognise the potential danger of arms and ammunition trafficking which is life-threatening and we shall not renege in our efforts to combat smuggling activities in its entirety, ” he added.

    Shuaibu noted that the consequences of unchecked smuggling of arms and ammunition are severe, ranging from the empowerment of criminal organisations to escalating crisis and compromise of national security.

    He said that for these reasons, we will not relent nor compromise waging war against smuggling of unlawful arms and ammunition in building a safe and stable nation.

    (NAN)

  • Customs hands over $54,330 tramadol bribe money to EFCC

    Customs hands over $54,330 tramadol bribe money to EFCC

    The Tincan Island Port (TCIP) command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 54,330 dollars tramadol bribe money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, disclosed this at the handing over of the money to the EFCC Zonal Commander, Mr Michael Wetkas, in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Nnadi also reiterated the zero compromise for corruption stance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

    According to Nnadi, the tramadol were falsely declared as electrical appliances valued over N856 million with a view to concealing them while the cash were offered to compromise the customs officers.

    The controller said the act was in clear violation of Section 233 of Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023 and commended the officers who stood their grounds to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security.

    Read Also: Beware of ATM swapping fraud, EFCC warns

    He further called for continuous compliance on the part of port users and reminded them that the NCS with the collaboration of sister agencies like the EFCC would continue to frustrate criminal activities in the port.

    Nnadi lauded the officers, who under whose  watch, the seizure was achieved and described them  as  good ambassadors  of the NCS.

    “The two suspects arrested in connection with the two containers are currently being investigated by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control for possible prosecution,” he said.

    Wetkas while receiving  the cash,  described the feat as a victory for the country and to all the security agencies.

    He specifically celebrated the officers of the NCS that achieved it.

    Wetkas also lauded the the comptroller general for the letter of commendation in appreciation of the six customs officers who refused to bow to pressure and inducement from the owners of the illicit drugs.

    He promised continued collaboration between the EFCC, NCS and sister agencies.

    According to him, the era of working without collaboration is gone as the agencies now work closer. (NAN)

  • Customs seizes 11 exotic cars, 250kg of cannabis in Niger

    Customs seizes 11 exotic cars, 250kg of cannabis in Niger

    The Niger/Kogi area command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized eleven exotic cars and other vehicles including a smuggled Range Rover 2019 model with a Diplomatic vehicle registration number plate.

    Briefing newsmen in Minna on Tuesday, November 28, the Customs Niger/Kogi Controller, Comptroller Budayo Kadejo, said the Command also intercepted 317 packages of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 254.6 kilograms worth N20.6 million.

    He said that other seizures and detentions recorded at various places in November include a truck laden with dutiable items, Jerry cans containing fuel, and a truck laden with Nigerian Railway Corporation locomotive parts popularly known as slippers.

    Kadejo said that the cumulative duty paid value of all the seized items amounts to N56.6 million while the command was able to recover total revenue of N10 million from Demand Notices.

    The Comptroller reiterated that the importation of cars through the borders without due process remains banned stressing that when duty is not paid on the vehicle or the necessary paperwork is done, it means the vehicles are smuggled.

    He said: “The interception of smuggled Range Rover 2019 model with Diplomatic vehicle registration number plate with its concomitant and dangerous security implication necessitates this media briefing.

    “The security implication of the use of diplomatic plates is very disturbing. If someone is kidnapped and put in this vehicle, no one would search it. The public need to know and security personnel need to be on alert because criminals are devising means to evade scrutiny. If my officers were not bold, they wouldn’t have been able to intercept this vehicle.

    Read Also: NCC, Customs to strengthen border controls against copyright piracy

    “I use this opportunity to warn smugglers and criminal elements no matter how highly placed in the society that we will not spare them. Our job is to implement the federal government’s fiscal policies.

    “We are determined to frontally confront smugglers and all other economic saboteurs whose antics we will always discover and continue to make arrests, seizures and cripple their operations as we did to the owner of the seized 2019 Range Rover Land Rover illegally flying the diplomatic plate number.”

    The Comptroller further dispel rumours making rounds that there is friction between the Nigeria Customs Service in Niger state and the Nigeria Police Force adding that they collaborate and synergize to ensure the safety of the populace and the state.

  • Customs seeks separate pension administration

    Customs seeks separate pension administration

    • NCS to engage retired management workers as consultants

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it had begun work with the Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to sponsor a Bill for the establishment of a separate entity – NCS Pension Administration.

    The Customs Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi said the initiative is modeled after the Nigerian military, which has its separate pension service.

    Adeniyi broke the news at the weekend in Abuja during the Reunion of Old and New Management Members of the Nigeria Customs Service, with the theme: Our Customs Heroes.

    Those at the reunion included ex-Comptroller Generals of Customs, retired Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs and Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs.

    Read Also; PHOTOS: Gov Sanwo-Olu hosts Oba Of Benin in Lagos

    The immediate past CG, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), was also present among other leaders of the management workers of the NCS.

    Adeniyi said: “Recognising the urgency of addressing pension concerns, discussions have been initiated with the Minister of Finance to sponsor a Bill aimed at establishing a separate entity for the management of NCS pension administration.

    “This model will be mirroring successful models in other sectors, such as the military.”

    The Customs boss had announced that owing to the commitment of the NCS to a better welfare for its former workers, it initiated a number of measures to ameliorate the plight of its retired officers.

    He said among the provisions in the gazette are the reviews and measures to enhance the welfare framework of retired officers.

    Adeniyi also said the Human Resource Department (HRD) had been engaged in transitioning the verification of retired Customs officers from physical format to a digital format to streamline and expedite the processes.

    The Customs boss said based on the wealth of experience of the retired officers, the service was planning to engage them as consultants.

    Adeniyi also announced that in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country, the NCS was taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its management officers during their transit, transfers and travels.

    He said: “This will incur comprehensive security protocols to guarantee their wellbeing in transit, reflecting our commitment to the holistic welfare and significant security of all of you.

    “Those ongoing efforts signify our dedication to enhancing the post-service experience of our retired officers and reinforcing the pivotal role they play in the continued success of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

    On the healthcare of retired management officers, the Customs boss said the NCS would not leave their healthcare burden to only them to bear.

    “We recognise the critical importance of prioriotising the healthcare needs of our retired officers.

    “Your health is not only a personal priority but a shared responsibility for all of us.

    “We commit to ensuring that healthcare remains the central focus providing you with the care and support that you need,” said Adeniyi.

    He hoped that the reunion would be a symbol of commitment to build a virile NCS.

    The Customs boss noted that several organisations, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Breweries Limited, and international oil companies (IOCs) tapped into the wealth of expertise of their retired officers by engaging them as consultants.

    Adeniyi acknowledged that the NCS has abundant expertise among the retired management officers who were present at the reunion.

    He added that in various organizations, these retirees have not only preserved institutional knowledge but have also played a pivotal role in guiding institution towards innovation and sustainable growth.

    Ali thanked Adeniyi for organising the reunion.

    The former CG expressed gratitude to him for the support and advice accorded him during his tenure.

    According to him, the support Adeniyi gave him accounted for his own modest success so far.

    Ex-CG Benard Nwadialu attributed the welfare the retirees now enjoy as part of the measures Ali instituted.

    Ex-CG Abubakar Musa pledged his willingness to advice to NCS whenever the need arises.

  • Customs to engage retired management staff as consultants – Adeniyi

    Customs to engage retired management staff as consultants – Adeniyi

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has commenced work with the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun to sponsor a bill for the establishment of a separate entity-NCS Pension Administration.

    According to its Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, the initiative is modeled after the Nigeria Military, which has its separate Pension Service.

    He broke the news in Abuja during the Reunion of Old and New Management Members of the Nigeria Customs Service, themed “Our Customs Heroes.”

    Those that graced the reunion included ex – Comptroller – Generals of Customs, retired Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs and Assistant Comptroller -Generals  of Customs.

    The immediate past CG, Col. Hameed Ali (retired ) was also present among other living legends of the ex- management staff of NCS. 

    Adeniyi said: “And recognizing the urgency of addressing pension, concerns, discussions have been initiated with the Minister of Finance to sponsor a bill aimed at establishing a separate entity for the management of NCS pension administration.

    “This model will be mirroring successful models in other sectors such as the military.”

    Earlier, he revealed that owing to the NCS commitment to a better welfare for the ex – management staff, it has initiated a number of measures, aimed at ameliorating the plights of the retired officers.

    He noted that first in the provisions in the gazzette are currently undergoing the following review, and measures to enhance the welfare framework of retired officers. 

    Adeniyi added that the HRD (the Human Resource Department,  has been actively engaged in transitioning the current verification exercises of retired Customs officers and migrating it from being a physical format to a digital format, streaming and expediting the processes. 

    He further noted that based on the wealth of experience of the retired heroes, the NCS is planning to take advantage of their expertise to engage them as NCS consultants.

    “Moreover, recognizing the wealth of experience held by our retired management officers, the service is exploring options to leverage these expertises by engaging them as our consultants.”

    The Customs boss also announced that in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country, the NCS is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its management officers during their transit, transfer and travels.

    He noted that “this will incur comprehensive security protocools to guarantee their wellbeing in transit, reflecting our commitment to the holistic welfare and significant security of all of you.”

    According to him, “those ongoing efforts signify our dedication to enhancing the post service experience of our retired officers and reinforcing the pivotal role they play in the continued success of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

    Read Also: Tinubu assures NMU of infrastructural, other support

    On the healthcare of the retired management officers, he said the NCS will not leave their healthcare burden to only them to bear.

    “We recognize the critical importance of prioriotising the healthcare needs of our retired officers. 

    “Your health is not only a personal priority but a shared responsibility for all of us.

    “We commit to ensuring that healthcare remains the central focus providing you with the care and support that you need,” said Adeniyi.

    He hoped that the reunion will be a symbol of commitment to build a virile NCS.

    The Customs boss noted that several organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Breweries Limited and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) tap into the wealth of expertise of their retired officers by engaging them as consultants.

    He acknowledged that the NCS has an abundant expertises among the retired management staff that were present in the reunion.

    He added that in various organizations, these retirees have not only preserved institutional knowledge, but have also played a pivotal role in guiding institution towards innovation and sustainable growth. 

    The CG noted that Customs stands to gain significantly by applying similar principles in Customs  particularly in such areas like policy formulation, trade facilitation and procedural enhancement that can actually pave a way for a more agile, informed and forward thinking Customs operations. 

    According to him, this exchange of insight can propel the NCS towards greater efficiency, towards enhanced regulatory compliance and ultimately to broader economic development goals of the nation. 

    In his goodwill message, Hammed Ali thanked Adeniyi for being innovative to the extent of organizing the reunion. 

    He further expressed gratitude to him for the support and advice the present CG accorded him during his tenure.

    According to Ali, the support Adeniyi gave him is now accountable for his own modest success.

    Ex CG Benard Nwadialu, who said  his tenure was very short, attributed the welfare the retirees now enjoy as part of the measures Ali instituted. 

    On the other hand, ex CG Dr. Abubakar Musa pledged his willingness to offer advice to the NCS whenever the need arises to Adeniyi.

    Adeniyi said: “As we embark on this crucial journey to harness the invaluable wealth of experience from our retired officers, it is imperative to acknowledge and address some existing gaps that may have hindered the optimal utilization of these valuable resources. 

    “Learning from successful instances of some other organizations, we must recognize the following gaps and we must strive to overcome them. I come humbly before you, to let know that we have not done the best to ensure we tap into resource.

    “I know that a number of reasons might be responsible for this. And learning from successful instances of some other organizations we must recognize the gaps, and we must strive to overcome them.

    “I come humbly before you to let you know that we have not done the best to tap into your resources and know that a number of reasons might be responsible for this. I will just try and mention some which possibly will resonate.”

  • Customs handovers 7,461kg Cannabis Savita to NDLEA

    Customs handovers 7,461kg Cannabis Savita to NDLEA

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday, November 23, handed over 13,567 parcels of Cannabis Savita, totalling 7,461Kg and other illicit drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who handed over the drugs to the agency in Abuja, said the seizures being handed over to the NDLEA are a testament to the relentless efforts of the service.

    Giving the details of the seizure, the Customs boss noted that from, “FOU Zone A. 13,567 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, totalling 7,461 Kg. FOU Zone B. 1,511 parcels and 292 bags of Indian Hemp, 2,409 packets, and 8,700 unregistered sachets of Tramadol, along with 2,042 sealed nylons containing D5 Tablets.

    “FOU Zone C. 3,213 Parcels/blocks and 935 sacks of Cannabis Sativa. Ogun 1 Area Command. 2,223 wraps and 144 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,312.7 KG.”

    According to him, the seizure from the Western Marine Command was 1,205 parcels of Cannabis Sativa weighing 624 kg and 109 packs by 6 pieces by 10 sachets of Tramadol.

    He said the battle against illicit drugs requires a united front, and communities play a pivotal role in the fight.

    The Customs boss said: “We urge communities to see themselves as key partners in the quest for a drug-free nation. It is not just a responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a collective duty of every citizen. By partnering with Customs and NDLEA, communities become the first line of defence against the menace of illicit drugs.”

    He emphasized the critical need for synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA.

    He added that together, they form an unyielding front against drug traffickers and their nefarious activities.

    He noted that the collaboration extends beyond the handover; it is a commitment to ongoing cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and policy alignment.

    Adeniyi insisted that the battle is not for Customs or NDLEA alone, noting that it is a battle for a safer Nigeria, and “we stand united.”

    Reading the riot act, he stressed to the public that those involved in this illicit trade would be brought to justice.

    He vowed: “We are actively tracking collaborators, and they will face the full wrath of the law. Nigerian laws regarding drug trafficking and abuse will be rigorously applied to ensure that justice is served, and the guilty parties are held accountable.

    “The law is not only our shield but our sword in the fight against drug trafficking.”

    He described the ceremony as a call to action instead of a handover.

    Continuing, he said: “It is a call for every Nigerian to take a stand against the menace of illicit drugs. The NCS and NDLEA are here to protect our nation, but we need your partnership, your vigilance, and your commitment. Together, we can build a safer and drug-free Nigeria.”

    Earlier, he described the press conference as a crucial moment in the collective fight against the grave threats posed by illicit drugs, particularly Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol.

    He said the NCS in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

    (NDLEA), is to underscore the urgency of their battle against the impact of these substances on society.

    Adeniyi also noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has drawn attention to the dangers of the substances, noting that, “Unchecked drug abuse is a ticking time bomb that threatens the very fabric of our society.”

    Read Also: Customs makes 19 seizures in Adamawa, Taraba operations

    He also said that beyond being mere substances, Cannabis Sativa and Tramadol are insidious destroyers, posing severe threats to public health, security, and social harmony.

    The Comptroller General said: “Leading authorities in the field, including the WHO, have consistently warned against the consequences of unchecked drug abuse, linking it to increased crime rates, compromised public safety, and hindrance to economic development.

    “This is not solely a Customs or NDLEA concern; it is a national crisis that demands immediate and collective attention.

    “The alarming extent of this menace is vividly illustrated by the widespread nature of the seizures, spanning across various customs commands nationwide.”