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Tag: customs

  • Two remanded for allegedly shooting Customs officers

    Two remanded for allegedly shooting Customs officers

    Justice A. A. Okeke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday remanded Lateef Odugbemi and Waliu Oladeji for allegedly attacking and shooting officials of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ikeja, Lagos.

    The incident reportedly occurred on May 27, 2023 at Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government of Oyo State.

    The suspects were accused of barricading the road and shooting at Customs officers, which resulted in some of the officers sustaining injuries.

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    They were also accused of firing at the Customs vehicle, assaulting  A. O. Ekundayo, a Customs Officer, by shooting him in the head, causing him bodily injury, and obstructing Customs officers on duty by barricading the road.

    The defendants, who were arraigned on a four-count charge, pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Okeke adjourned the matter till January 24 and 25, 2024 for hearing, saying the defendants should be remanded at a correctional centre within the jurisdiction of the court.

  • Customs officers kick against plan to halt implementation of new promotion scheme

    Customs officers kick against plan to halt implementation of new promotion scheme

    Some employees of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have kicked against plans to halt the implementation of the recently-approved Competency Based Accelerated Career Progression Plan (CBACPP) in the promotion of staff of the organisation.

    The concerned officers are disturbed that despite the CBACPP being approved by the federal government, some persons were bent on making sure it’s not implemented, under the guise that it will impact a section of the country negatively.

    The government through the NCS board had recently approved the implementation of the CBACPP for officers of the service, explaining that the plan was a ‘proactive strategy’ designed to ensure the customs is well staffed in the future.

    Specifically, the NCS stated that it was meant to close the generational gap that could lead to a leadership vacuum in the higher hierarchies of the service if not addressed.

    However, it was gathered that those who are opposed to the programme were doing so because they are afraid that when the new system becomes operational, a number of them who do not have the requisite educational qualifications will be side-lined.

    It was gathered that the problem the NCS sought to solve arose because prior to the 2009 recruitment, there was a long period when no one was recruited into the customs service.

    This implies that by 2028 all the officers who joined the service prior to the 2009 recruitment would retire on account of their length of service.

    The consequence of this, which the government tried to avoid, is that there would be some leadership gaps, as none of the officers recruited in 2009 would have risen to the rank of a comptroller.

    Realising the imminent problem, the immediate past leadership of the service designed a career accelerated programme to allow officers with certain educational and professional qualifications to step up and earn expedited career progression, one source said.

    Although the last leadership of the service was slow to execute it after the approval, it was understood that the career accelerated programme had been approved by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    However, there were suggestions that some senior officers from a certain part of the country would be short-changed by the approved career accelerated programme.

    “This is considering that many of the officers from that region don’t have the requisite additional educational and professional qualifications,” a source stated.

    Read Also: Customs foils attack on facility in Yobe

    According to the proponents of the new policy, sweeping the programme under the carpet or not implementing it would pose danger to the continuous existence of the service.

    A departmental memo indicated that in the next six years, all the General Duty (GD) officers recruited into the superintendent cadre before 2009 would have exited the service, either by age or 35 years statutory requirement, thereby creating serious human resources problems.

    “Conscious of the challenge this could pose for the service in the nearest future, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) through the board recently approved the implementation of proper placement for officers recruited into the service at the superintendent cadre between 2009 to 2015.

    “This exercise, which has received wide applause has boosted the moral of officers, and has consequently narrowed the 17 years generational gap in the system.

    “Despite the significant gains achieved through the proper placement, it is instructive to note that by 2028, when the current mid-level and top management officers have all retired from the service, the most senior GD officers in the service would be wearing the rank of Deputy Comptrollers (DC).

    “This is projection is based on the minimum number of years that an officer must spend on a rank before being considered eligible for promotion in line with Public Service Rule (PSR) Promotion maturity criterion 020701,” the memo noted.

    In addition, it explained that this will therefore mean that no customs officer of the General Duty cadre would have the requisite rank or experience at the top level to head the service by 2028 if a proactive solution is not explored.

  • Insurgents kill Customs officer in attack on facility

    Insurgents kill Customs officer in attack on facility

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with timely reinforcement from the Nigerian Army, has thwarted an attack on the Customs Office in Geidam town, Yobe State, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

    National Public Relations Officer, 

    Chief Superintendent of Customs, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    He said the repel demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience against the enemies of the state.

    The Customs Office, according to the statement, faced a formidable threat but was bravely defended, safeguarding the facility and the families of fellow officers and men.

    Read Also: Customs foils attack on facility in Yobe

    The spokesman said during this harrowing encounter, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Ahmed Usman, born on April 2, 1983, and a dedicated NCS member since February 24, 2009, tragically paid the ultimate sacrifice. He hailed from Pindiga Town, Akko Local Government in Gombe State, leaving behind a grieving wife and five children, three boys and two girls.

  • Customs foils attack on facility in Yobe

    Customs foils attack on facility in Yobe

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attack on its facility in Geidam town, Yobe State based on its timely intervention and collaboration with the Nigerian Army.

    In a statement issued by its public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada on Sunday, October 22, said that the Service faces a formidable threat but bravely defended its facility and safeguarded the lives of families of its officers and men.

    The statement reads in part: “During the harrowing encounter, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Ahmed Usman, born on April 2, 1983, and a dedicated NCS member since February 24, 2009, tragically paid the ultimate sacrifice. He hailed from Pindiga Town, Akko Local Government Area in Gombe State, leaving behind a grieving wife and five children, three boys and two girls.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs CG

    “The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, alongside the entire NCS fraternity, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of ASC II Ahmed Usman, the NCS Borno/Yobe Area Command, and the Government of Gombe State for the loss of this heroic and devoted individual in the line of duty.

    He expressed gratitude for the unwavering solidarity and cooperation extended to the NCS by the Nigerian Army, its sister agencies, and the good people of Yobe State under the leadership of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, the Executive Governor.

    He emphasized: “The crucial role of community engagement in the shared pursuit of safety and security, urging all citizens to contribute to these collective endeavours actively.

    “In memory of ASC II Ahmed Usman and the face of adversity, the Nigeria Customs Service stands strong, resolute, and united, ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s borders.”

  • Recruitment: Why Customs will follow Federal Character principle, by Adeniyi

    Recruitment: Why Customs will follow Federal Character principle, by Adeniyi

    The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged to uphold the integrity of the Service through a transparent recruitment process that prioritises competency and adherence to the Federal Character principle.

    The Federal Character principle was established to ensure equitable distribution of government appointments, fostering inclusivity, representation, a sense of belonging, and balance in the nation’s governance.

    It is rooted in the philosophy of offering equal access to public service representation, thus preventing the domination of a single or a few regions within the country.

    Initially introduced in the 1979 constitution, the Federal Character principle applies to public offices and federal institutions, striving to reflect the diverse nature of Nigeria.

    Adeniyi made the pledge in Abuja while addressing members of the Presidential Amnesty Programme led by their Chief Executive, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd).

    The Customs boss also expressed his strong dedication to strengthening collaboration with the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, adding that the partnership aims to boost trade across the country and implement new policies that will contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

    Read Also: Customs promotions now transparent, strictly on merit, says CGC

    He said: “There are certain things that we cannot compromise. It is only when we adhere to these conditions and specifications that we can proudly claim that we are performing well.”

    He reiterated his commitment to recruit new officers in accordance with the Federal Character Commission’s provisions by ensuring that “applicants from the Niger-Delta region will enjoy the same privileges as every other Nigerian.”

    Adeniyi also expressed appreciation to Ndiomu and his team for visiting the Customs Headquarters.

    In his response, the Army General thanked the Customs chief for hosting them and expressed confidence in the new leadership of the Service.

    He acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Customs Service to the country and pledged to continue working with them as partners in progress.

  • Customs promotions now transparent, strictly on merit, says CGC

    Customs promotions now transparent, strictly on merit, says CGC

    The Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has promised that the promotion of officers and men of the service would now be based strictly on merit and transparency.

    In its bid to promote transparency and career growth for its personnel, Adeniyi said the management of the service has conducted a nationwide promotional examination for every deserving officer and man of the service to be promoted on merit.

    The examination, which started with the rank of Deputy Comptrollers, Assistant Comptrollers, and Chief Superintendent of Customs on October 16, at Sascon International School in Abuja, it was learnt, saw dedicated officers hailing from various Area Commands and Units showcase their intellectual prowess in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), established to promote deserving officers based on merit.

    The Customs chief, while noting that the exams ensure transparency and fairness in the process, stressed that promotion is not just a welfare program for Customs; it’s essential to regenerate the service and ensure that those who are deserving of various positions are elevated.

    Adeniyi explained: “We had some pep talks with them to help them believe in the system and understand all the efforts that we have made to ensure that there is a lot of integrity in the process. We want them to know that promotion now is based on performance and not who you know.

    “The report I got regarding the level of preparations attests to this fact that we are now reconciling ourselves to that reality; it’s about what you know, how capable you are, and how you can demonstrate the knowledge of the job. So that’s what should come out, and that’s what we count for each of these officers writing the exams.”

    Speaking with reporters on the conduct of the examination, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Odedeji Babajide, said that the promotion would serve as an incentive to spur officers to perform more efficiently.

    He stated: “Anyone granted the privilege of leadership should definitely know that to whom much is given, much is expected, and that means we should put in more than we have been doing before to make sure that the service is improved. We must ensure that there is value addition.”

    Read Also: Nigeria Customs Service probes $40m Arik Air aircraft deal

    Also, Deputy Controller, Oluremi Omisere, said that officers who gain promotion must ensure that the key primary role of Customs, which is trade facilitation and border security, must be carried out judiciously.

    He said: “Officers must ensure that revenue targets set by the government are met, and every leakage in revenue is being controlled.”

    Another Deputy Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu said: “There’s a lot of transparency in it. My expectation is high, and I hope to climb higher. Because to whom much is given, much is expected, this promotion will help me do better.

    Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Idris Abba-Aji noted: “We give others the lead to follow. The examination was conducted with world-class standards. With the trend of development globally and the training we get, we will be able to withstand every challenge.”

  • Customs intercepts 8 trailers of foreign rice in South West

    Customs intercepts 8 trailers of foreign rice in South West

    • Arrests 14 suspects

    The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over the weekend revealed that it seized 7,029 50kg bags of foreign rice (eight Trailers) across different locations in the Southwest.

    Fourteen suspects, it was gathered, were  also apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling  and contravening policy directives

    Addressing reporters on the seizures in Lagos at the weekend, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir   Adeniyi said that continuous Importation of foreign rice runs contrary to   Federal Government’s efforts to revive the nation’s agricultural sector.

     He said: “Today’s briefing pertains to the commendable interception of approximately eight trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’.

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    “Agriculture, being the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, underscores the federal government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

    “In alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, our dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice.

    “These decisive actions took place at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states.

    “The objective was twofold: to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.

    “Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, our operations yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods.”

     These include: 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS); 1,100 liters of diesel; 1 by 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; 1 by 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags; 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items; 1 by 20-foot container of unprocessed wood; 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry; 55 pieces of used fridges; 110 pieces of used compressors; 148 cartons of foreign soap; 121 cartons of expired hair oil; 25 units of used vehicles .”

    Investigations into some of these seizures, he said, are ongoing.

    Adeniyi said further that, “the cumulative duty paid value of the intercepted goods amounts to an impressive N1,755,080,898. Furthermore, the Unit generated N72,807,025.11 in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.

    “Importers and licensed agents are urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments.

    “Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders,” Adeniyi said.

  • Two die as customs allegedly chase suspected smugglers in Oyo

    Two die as customs allegedly chase suspected smugglers in Oyo

    No fewer than two persons died in a road accident which involved some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and suspected smugglers.

    The Nation gathered that the incident occurred along the Iseyin-Ibadan road in Oyo State on Thursday.

    Sources said that the customs officers were chasing some people suspected to be smugglers when the accident occurred, leading to the death of a customs officer and a residentp whose identity is yet to be revealed.

    Some Customs officers and other residents involved in the accident sustained various degrees of injuries and are still in hospital as of the time of filing this report.

    One of the eyewitnesses, who asked not to be named, told the wreckage of the vehicle used in chasing the people suspected to be smugglers had been moved to Iseyin.

    Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Oyo and Osun Command, Kayode Wey, when contacted, said he was not aware of the incident.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts 20 containers of expired Tomatoes in Lagos

    But the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Operating Unit (FOU) Zone A of NCS, Theophilus Duniya, while confirming the accident, said it was a lone accident.

    Duniya said that the Customs officers were not chasing anyone when the incident happened.

    He maintained that only one customs officer died as a result of the accident.

    “It was a lone accident. We lost one of our officers. Others are responding to treatment. They were not pursuing anyone,” he said. 

  • Customs intercepts 20 containers of expired Tomatoes in Lagos

    Customs intercepts 20 containers of expired Tomatoes in Lagos

    The acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, yesterday, announced that the Service has intercepted 20 containers loaded with expired tomato concentrate at Tin-Can Island port, Lagos

    Adeniyi, while displaying the seizure, said the containers were seized by the Port and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML), command of the service on the 8th of August, this year.

    He revealed that the container numbers used to import the expired concentrate are as follows: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813.

    Others are ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351.

    According to Adeniyi, the expired tomato concentrate which has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N116 million was falsely declared as containing almond shells and imported by Nikecristy Investment Limited.

    ” Today, we stand before you to announce a remarkable seizure at PTML. We have successfully intercepted and detained a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of this command.

     “On the 8th of August, 2023, during a routine examination, our vigilant officers at PTML uncovered a cache of expired tomato concentrate, deemed unsafe for human consumption. The audacity of the smugglers to attempt to introduce this hazardous product into the Nigerian market is both shocking and disheartening.

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     He explained further that the expired tomato concentrates were concealed within 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, all under the auspices of a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited. In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The Duty Paid Value of this illegal cargo is a staggering sum of N116.2million”

     The Customs chief said the operation that led to the seizure aligned perfectly with his goals and leadership set for the Service.

     Adeniyi reiterated that the service’s primary objectives were to curb smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of the nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses.

     “As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation.

  • Repositioning Nigeria Customs through multi-stakeholders collaboration

    Repositioning Nigeria Customs through multi-stakeholders collaboration

    The Acting Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, has been traversing the length and breath of the nation in the last 100 days or so, visiting various Customs formations and Area Commands to reposition the Service to take its rightful place as a leading revenue generating agency for the Federal Government, curb smuggling and re-invigorate cross border trade to meet President Tinubu’s vision of evolving a viable, private sector driven economy, writes Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU

    President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Mr. Adewale Adeniyi to head the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was informed by the urgent need to reposition the Service to perform its primary role of revenue generation, tame smuggling and drive trade facilitation.

    Tinubu came to office with a mission to shift the management of the economy from the hands, as it were, of neophytes, and place it in the purview of professionals and tested technocrats, most especially in the critical sectors of revenue generating agencies.

    The objective, no doubt, is to beef up sufficient liquidity to attend to the yearning desires of Nigerians spanning infrastructure provisions, bridge the lack of health and education facilities, and create jobs, among others. Part of the President’s goal, is to upscale the nation’s revenue base to guarantee early realisation of his set goals of developing the economic ecosystem wholesale from the very onset in the life of his administration.

     His desire to address the shortcomings of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the other related revenue collecting agencies, early in the life of the government, is a pointer to where the President is headed. And the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) is leveraging his erstwhile brief as the Services’ spokesperson for many years, to align the NCS with Tinubu’s goal for the organisation

    It is instructive to appreciate the scope of Adeniyi’s brief in line the president’s goal. He is responsible for the overall management and direction of the NCS, as well as the Accounting Officer and the Vice Chair of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, which is chaired by the Minister of Finance.

    In that capacity, he has embarked on an extensive tour to the various Customs formations, including Customs Zonal Offices, Area Commands and border formations, all geared towards enhancing service efficiency through international collaborations, application of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven solutions, and innovative projects that will shape the future of Customs operations in Nigeria.

    As a matter of deliberate policy to enhance service delivery through strategic engagement, Adeniyi has sort and cultivated partnership with professionals and global expertise, geared towards making informed decisions that will promote trade facilitation, security, ensure efficient deployment of human and material resources, guarantee operational effectiveness and operability in the present setting. And he has essentially pulled through and is accomplishing set goals engaging his policy thrust of Collaboration, Consultation and Innovation.

    In so far as these elements are concerned, the Ag. CGC has leveraged massively, to say the least, on his many years as the NCS’ image maker, to tap on the various stakeholders, from within and without to advance the course of the Service. Adeniyi, from the onset, had stressed the need for collaboration with international partners, local law enforcement agencies, government agencies, the media and the Customs’ formations of other friendly countries and trade partners.

    He said: “As we embark on this new journey, we recognise the need for collaboration and partnerships. We value the relationships we have built with our partner government agencies and the private sector. These collaborations have been vital to our adoption of technology as a tool to enhance revenue generation and streamline processes,” adding: “We will strengthen these partnerships and engage with stakeholders through revitalised platforms. By promoting dialogue, we can resolve disputes and advance mutually beneficial solutions that lead to more efficient and effective service. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to treat its esteemed stakeholders as partners who have a stake in our success.”

    To further advance and expand these engagements, the Service made collaborative engagements to operationalise the use of Geospatial Intelligence to enhance the efficiency of NCS enforcement operations and contribute to overall efficiency.

    Geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT, which is the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on the Earth.

    The Ag. CGC has equally engaged in strategic discussions with partners such as the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Customs Administration.The discussions aim to garner support for establishing a Customs Laboratory for the country.This is a significant milestone in enhancing Customs operations and trade facilitation across Nigeria.

    The NCS Laboratory is expected to provide comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling and non-compliant imports thereby bolstering revenue generation and ensuring the protection of public health and safety. With its advanced analytical capabilities, the laboratory is expected to deliver precise identification, verification and classification of goods, enabling efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making, while fostering an environment of trust and credibility within Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.This will mark a transformative step towards achieving seamless Customs operations, trade competitiveness and national economic growth in line with the vision of the President Tinubu-led Administration.

    His engagements extended to fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on crucial areas such as conducting a Time Release Study (TRS), implementing the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, leadership, and management development. These discussions underscore his commitment to a comprehensive improvements and his inclination to adopt innovative solutions across various Customs domains, ultimately enhancing operations.

    About two weeks ago, September 12, to be precise, Adeniyi expressed his commitment to synergise with Benin Republic to enhance trans-border security and regulate trade between the two countries.

    Other areas that the partnership will address include enhancing the proper use of International Transit Guidelines to govern transit-bound goods and fees from Cotonou Port to Nigeria; Integration of Nigeria into the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit

    He said the treaty between the two agencies “will prepare the way for an in-depth mechanism to harmonise the import prohibition lists of products banned by the two countries. A joint Communiqué signed by Adeniyi, who is conferred with the National Honour (MFR), and Director-General of the Bennese Customs, Alain Hinkati, highlighted that their meeting favours the desire of the two countries’ presidents – Tinubu and Patrice Talon – to strengthen shared commitment to enhancing trade facilitation and promoting economic development.

    Other areas that will benefit the countries are fostering closer ties to Nigeria and Benin and reactivating the Joint Committee for Monitoring Trade and Transit Relations. Adeniyi has also affirmed the partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to combat smuggling. He made this known in Abuja last week when he received Ambassadors of the UN-Habitat, led by Dr. Raymond Edoh, at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.

    The CGC appreciated the collaboration between the NCS and UN-Habitat and believes that the collaboration signifies a commitment to tackling smuggling and enhancing trade facilitation in the nation, and thus setting the stage for a more prosperous future. “What we’re trying to do,” he said, “is to raise a modern Customs Service through partnering  stakeholders to achieve our goals because we value partnership, and I am happy that you extended your hands of collaboration to work with us.”

    UN-Habitat is the UN’s entity for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and promote viable urban development and adequate shelter for all.

    Adeniyi has equally taken strident steps in his drive to reach out to the Ministries, Departments and other agencies of government (MDAs), including seeking collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transport to decongest ports. He received the assurance of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Magdalene Ajani, that Overtime Cargo Disposal Committee is working assiduously to implement policies that will decongest the four major ports in the country. “We are working in different dimensions, but the result will be prodigious, after launching the sensitisation to stakeholders and members of the ports community about the process.” she said.

    The relentless Ag. CGC has also visited to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to seek seek ways of addressing the menace of the nation’s porous borders and the attendant insecurity. “The porous nature of the nation’s borders necessitates this visit to the NSA to fashion the best way to tackle the menace of smuggling, which has adverse effects on our economy and security,” the CGC stated.

    In what seems like one of the most productive collaborations towards enhancing national security and curbing revenue loss, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and  NCS commenced an intensive vehicle database integration of the two government agencies.

    The collaboration was effected during the visit of Adeniy to the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali Biu, at the national headquarters of the Commission on Thursday.

    Speaking during the visit, the Acting CGC emphasised NCS’s renewed commitment towards working with the Corps in the area of human resource development, information and communication technology, as well as sports.

    He stated, among others, that a handshake and effective consolidation of vehicle information in the National Vehicle Identification Scheme database domiciled with the FRSC and vehicle database of the NCS would curb vehicle smuggling, improve revenue generation and enhance national security.

    The Corps Marshal, while responding to the CGC, applauded the initiative, stating that the handshake and data sharing would not only strengthen the bond between the two agencies but also positively impact the fight against the smuggling of vehicles.

    Biu stated that the collaboration would also entrench ease of doing business as it would make tracking vehicles without customs duty certificates very easy for the Corps at the point of registration.

    On Thursday, August 3, the Customs boss visited the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit sought inter-agencies’ cooperation and collaboration to fast-track sustainable working relationships between the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Police Force to ensure adequate security of lives and properties in the country.

    Addressing the leadership of the Force, Adeniyi assured the IGP that Nigeria Customs is willing to learn more from the Nigeria Police Force in investigation and other operations through coordinated capacity-building programs.

    “Criminal activities are inter-connected, thus a need for the two security agencies to collaborate to mitigate the menace of smuggling, which will help the Nigeria Customs Service to generate revenue for the nation. I will, therefore, request to build a strong relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force.” the CGC said.

    He added that the major issues bothering the two organisations could be mitigated through sharing intelligence to help achieve a common goal in the fight against criminals.