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  • Customs intercepts N29.4 billion of cocaine in Lagos

    Customs intercepts N29.4 billion of cocaine in Lagos

    • •NDLEA, US-DEA, UK-NCA probe 1,000kg substance

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Lagos, has intercepted a major cocaine shipment valued at N29.4 billion, smuggled from Freetown, Sierra Leone.

    The one-tonne (1,000kg) consignment, described as one of the most mysterious cocaine seizures in Nigeria’s maritime history, has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

    The PTML Area Controller, Comptroller Joe Anani, who disclosed this to reporters in Lagos, said the discovery followed a prompt report by the PTML terminal operator, who noticed suspicious packages in one of 39 empty containers meant for export loading.

    According to Anani, the 20-foot container, numbered GCNU1332851, had arrived from Sierra Leone and was flagged during a routine disinfection exercise. “The terminal operator alerted the command immediately, and a joint examination was conducted alongside officers of the NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies,” he said.

    During the inspection, 50 packages containing 20 parcels each were uncovered. Rapid field tests confirmed the contents as cocaine, weighing a total of 1,000 kilograms (one tonne) with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N29,403,738,000.

    Anani explained that the shipment did not arrive Nigeria as an import consignment, but was part of a batch of empty containers brought in by the terminal operator for export purposes. He described the seizure as “one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions” ever recorded by the Customs Service, as the container had no consignee linked to it and no arrest had yet been made.

    He commended the PTML terminal operator for promptly alerting authorities, praising the synergy among security agencies that led to the successful operation.

    “This seizure underscores the high level of cooperation and vigilance among our officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies,” Anani said, reaffirming the service’s commitment to keeping the country’s ports free from prohibited imports and exports.

    “On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we will be handing over the seizure to the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary action,” he added.

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    Following the handover, the NDLEA confirmed that it had commenced a full-scale international investigation in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) to track down the cartel behind the shipment.

    NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the consignment, worth over $235 million (approximately ₦338 billion) in the international market, was the largest single seizure of cocaine ever recorded at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

    He said the NDLEA took formal custody of the consignment on Tuesday after a collaborative engagement between its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi.

    Babafemi said: “As a result of the large quantity of the recovered Class A drug and the global dimension to the cocaine cartel, the NDLEA chairman directed that our leading international partners be involved in the investigation. In a swift response, officers of the US-DEA and UK-NCA have already joined the ongoing probe.”

    Reacting to the development, Marwa said the joint investigation with international partners was crucial to ensuring that all members of the syndicate behind the cocaine shipment were identified and prosecuted.

    “The essence of collaborating with our international partners on this case is to ensure no stone is left unturned and every gap is sufficiently covered, so that we can get all the masterminds of this huge consignment brought to book wherever they are located across the globe,” Marwa stated.

    He commended the Customs Service and other security agencies for their vigilance and cooperation, describing the operation as a model of effective inter-agency collaboration in Nigeria’s ongoing war against drug trafficking.

  • Seme Customs, COWA empower 1,000 residents

    Seme Customs, COWA empower 1,000 residents

    The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has launched a large-scale medical outreach and tree-planting initiative.

    The dual event, the Green Border Initiative and the Customs Cares Medical Outreach and Empowerment Programme, held yesterday, at the Officers Mess, Seme Area Command, aimed to empower over 1,000 residents and strengthen environmental sustainability at the border area.

    The twin programmes, which featured free medical services, tree planting, and distribution of empowerment tools to families, were jointly executed under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, and the COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi.

    Represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Muhammed Babandede, the CGC commended the synergy between Customs, security agencies, and community leaders, describing the initiative as “a legacy of service and compassion.”

    He said: “Today, I have seen synergy with my own eyes. I have seen collaboration. Thank you for making this happen.

    “We all know that water is life, and air is life. But we have been facing serious environmental degradation and climate change. The issue of insecurity we are facing in this country is as a result of climate change. Herders had to move from the north because the trees were cut off down to the south or to the middle belt where we are having challenges.

     “My appeal is that this initiative should not stop at the borders — take it across the nation so that people can understand the importance of tree planting and environmental protection.”

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    He assured the host communities that the Customs leadership remains committed to their welfare, noting that the programmes in Badagry marked only the beginning of broader engagements to improve the living conditions of border residents.

     “The Customs Service under Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has not forgotten our host communities. What we are seeing today is just a starter — the main course and dessert are coming,” he said.

    In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Adewale Adenuga, highlighted that the initiative was in line with the CGC’s welfare and community outreach mandate.

     “We looked at the challenges around us and identified health as a major concern. That’s why we are supporting our CGC’s vision with this medical outreach,” Adenuga said.

    He explained that the outreach aimed to reach at least 1,000 beneficiaries, offering laboratory tests, medications, and free eye care services. He added that the empowerment programme provided 10 industrial sewing machines, 10 grinding machines, and 10 gas burners and cylinders, each supported with a N50,000 startup grant for beneficiaries.

    Adenuga also commended individuals and partners who contributed to the success of the programme, particularly Remi Adesanya, who donated N2 million to support widows and young entrepreneurs.

     “Each widow will receive N200,000, while 10 others will get N2 million in total. We believe that with one empowerment tool, a family is secured,” he said.

     “The CGC has been supportive of all officers through improved welfare and salaries. His wife has also given him the peace of mind that reflects in the entire Service.”

    The command also unveiled a new facility named “Kikelomo Shakirat Adeniyi Arena,” dedicated to the COWA President, which will serve as a revenue-yielding and maintained space for women-led initiatives in the area.

    In her remarks, the President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to the Customs leadership and the Seme Command for honouring her and supporting women’s empowerment through the Green Border Initiative.

    She said: “People at the border areas have been neglected in many ways — from lack of facilities to pollution. That’s why COWA started this initiative.

     “We are not just restoring the ecosystem, we’re also empowering our women and youth to turn waste into wealth. We’re going global and international with this vision because empowerment must go beyond borders.”

    She revealed that COWA had already launched the Green Border Initiative at Idiroko and planned to present it at an upcoming international engagement in Brazil to attract global partnerships.

    Commander of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Station, Badagry, praised the humanitarian focus of the event, describing it as a model worth sustaining.

     “It gives us great delight to be part of this empowerment programme. Our wish is for the Nigerian Customs Service to have all it requires to sustain this initiative to its fullest potential,” he said.

    Also commending the project, Oba Akran of Badagry described it as a “historic and timely intervention” in the community.

     “This is a very big project in the history of the Nigerian Customs. It is long overdue, and it has come at the right time. God bless the initiator and COWA,” the monarch said.

    The medical team, led by the Controller of Medical Services, took officials on a guided tour of the outreach facilities, including consultation stands, nursing stations, and pharmacies; where patients were screened for conditions such as hypertension and provided with free medication and follow-up care.

     “Some patients didn’t know they were hypertensive until today. They’ll return for further screening, which shows the importance of this outreach,” the controller explained.

    A major highlight of the twin-programme saw dignitaries including the CGC’s wife, heads of agencies, and traditional rulers participate in a symbolic tree planting ceremony, planting 30 coconut and palm trees at the newly dedicated arena. Each tree was watered with a mixture of water and sugar, symbolising the sweetness of their future fruits.

    The twin initiatives, stakeholders say, reflect the service’s broader vision under the CGC’s leadership to promote community welfare, climate action, and inter-agency collaboration at Nigeria’s borders.

  • Customs intercepts N29.4b cocaine from Sierra Leone

    Customs intercepts N29.4b cocaine from Sierra Leone

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, has intercepted a cocaine shipment valued at N29.4 billion.

    Its Area Controller, Joe Anani, disclosed this to reporters at the port in Lagos on Tuesday.

    According to Anani, the interception followed a report from the PTML terminal operator, who discovered suspicious packages in one of the 39 empty containers meant for export loading.

    The 20ft container with serial number GCNU1332851, brought in from Freetown, Sierra Leone, was flagged during a routine disinfection exercise.

     “The terminal operator alerted the command immediately, and a joint examination was conducted alongside officers of the NDLEA, Department of State Services (DSS), Police Anti-Bomb Squad, and other agencies,” Anani said.

    He stated that 50 packages containing 20 parcels each were uncovered during the inspection. Rapid tests confirmed the contents as cocaine, weighing a total of 1,000 kilograms (one tonne), with a duty paid value (DPV) of ₦29,403,738,000.

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     “It is important to note that this container did not arrive in Nigeria as an import consignment. It was part of a batch of empty containers brought in by the terminal operator for export purposes,” he said.

    The Customs chief described the incident as one of the most “mysterious cocaine interceptions” in the Service’s history, highlighting that no arrest had been made since the container had no consignee linked to it.”

    Anani praised the PTML terminal operator for promptly reporting the anomaly and commended the collaboration between security agencies in handling the operation.

    “This seizure underscores the high level of cooperation and vigilance among our officers, terminal operators, and sister security agencies,” he said.

    He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s ports and ensuring that PTML remains a “no-go area” for prohibited imports and exports.

    “On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we will be handing over the seizure to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.

  • Customs Port Harcourt 1 Command collects N33b revenue in October 2025

    Customs Port Harcourt 1 Command collects N33b revenue in October 2025

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Port Harcourt Command 1 has raked in N247 billion from January 2025 to October 2025, surpassing its annual target with over N31 billion.

    In October 2025 alone, the command  collected  N33 billion revenue.

    Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku made the disclosure in a press briefing in Port Harcourt.

    She said with a 2025 annual revenue target of N216 billion and a monthly average target of N18.07 billion, the Command has surpassed its annual target by over N31 billion. 

    “Equally impressive is the Command’s cumulative revenue for the period of January to October 2025, which stands at N247.461billion compared to N164.080 billion collected within the same period in 2024,” Atuluku said. 

    She said the October collection represented 272 per cent increase over the N9.079 billion the command raked in the corresponding period of 2024.

    Atuluku attributed to dedication, reform, and collaboration as the command has continued to promote legitimate trade, blocked revenue leakages, and contribute significantly to national development.

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    She also said the feat was as a result of the collective commitment and improved efficiency of the command’s operational services.

    She said: “For the month of October 2025, the Port Harcourt Area I Command collected a significant total revenue of 33.753 Billion Naira, as against 9.079 Billion Naira collected in the corresponding month of October 2024. 

    “This is the highest revenue collection in the history of the Command, and represents an extraordinary increase of about 272 percent, a record that stands as a testament to our collective commitment and the improved efficiency of our operational processes.”

    Atuluku said the 10-month revenue translates to a commendable growth of about 51 percent, demonstrating the Command’s steady and consistent revenue performance.

  • NEPC, Customs, stakeholders push for formalisation of informal cross-border trade

    NEPC, Customs, stakeholders push for formalisation of informal cross-border trade

    The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, has described informal cross-border trade (ICBT) as a “dynamic and indispensable part of Nigeria’s trade landscape,” calling for stronger efforts to formalise and support the sector.

    Ayeni, represented by the Acting Regional Coordinator, Lagos South West, Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, spoke in Ibadan at a one-day technical session on mainstreaming informal cross-border trade through informal trade statistics for market entry, export procedures, and documentation.

    According to her, ICBT involves thousands of small-scale traders—mostly women and youths—who engage daily in agricultural, manufactured, and artisanal goods trade across Nigeria’s borders. “This trade sustains livelihoods, supports regional food security, and strengthens economic ties across West Africa,” she noted.

    She lamented that most of these activities occur outside formal channels, making their economic value largely unrecorded. “Nigeria’s true non-oil export value is higher than what official figures indicate,” she said.

    To address this, Ayeni informed NEPC is partnering with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to collect data along major border corridors to quantify trade volumes, identify key products, and guide policy formulation. 

    She added that the Council has embarked on advocacy visits to border communities in Oyo and Kebbi States to understand traders’ challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited finance, and cumbersome documentation processes.

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    “NEPC is committed to empowering border traders through training on export documentation and simplifying compliance processes to integrate them into Nigeria’s export registry,” she affirmed. “With credible data and collaboration, we can unlock billions in export value, create jobs, and achieve our vision to ‘double your export.’”

    In her technical presentation, Miss Anne Adulugba highlighted that non-oil exports grew by 20.86% in 2024, reaching 7.29 million metric tonnes valued at USD 5.46 billion, compared to 6.68 million tonnes worth USD 4.51 billion in 2023. 

    She said sustaining this growth required formalising informal trade. “ICBT accounts for 30–40% of total trade in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Adulugba said. “Capturing and using this data helps traders gain visibility, access finance, and expand markets.”

    Another presenter, Tochukwu Uzolo, said integrating informal trade statistics would enhance market entry strategies and product targeting. “Formalising trade brings multiple benefits—better foreign exchange earnings, reduced smuggling, improved data, and compliance with global standards,” she added.

    Mr. Iyanuoluwa Ajayi stressed that proper documentation is the foundation of successful exports. “In international trade, documents are as important as the cargo,” he said.

    Similarly, Mrs. Bunmi Omoyemi urged exporters to obtain documents from the right agencies, warning that incomplete paperwork can lead to delays, detention, or rejection. “Export is incomplete until proceeds are repatriated,” she concluded.

    Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Paul Pansuak Goar, in his presentation on “The Roles of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Import and Export Regulations,” described international trade as “the lifeblood of every economy,” stressing that Customs plays a central role in regulating and facilitating lawful trade.

    “The Service is not just about revenue collection; it ensures border security, prevents smuggling, enforces trade policies, and promotes legitimate trade,” he said.

    Goar explained that the NCS enforces import regulations to ensure only approved goods enter the country, overseeing documentation such as the Form M, Bill of Lading, and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).

     “We ensure proper valuation and classification using the Harmonised System Code to prevent under-declaration,” he added.

    On exports, he said traders must obtain NEPC certificates and Clean Certificates of Inspection, while Customs works with agencies like SON and NAFDAC to ensure product quality. He also highlighted the Trade Modernisation Project, which is digitising Customs operations to improve transparency and efficiency.

    “Partnerships with the World Customs Organization and AfCFTA are positioning Nigeria for greater benefits in global and regional trade,” Goar said. However, he advised exporters to engage in proper planning to maximise opportunities under AfCFTA.

    During an interactive session, participants sought clarifications on challenges affecting cross-border trade. Responding to a question from Abidemi Agbaje on container accidents, Goar explained that such incidents are not within Customs’ responsibility. “Once containers are released, they cease to be Customs property; most fallen containers are empty,” he clarified.

    To a question from Adekunle Oke on formalising informal trade, Goar advised traders to complete export forms on the NXP website or seek assistance from their banks.

    A cassava exporter, Captain Ayo Adepoju, asked about access to official Customs rates. Goar responded that the rates are publicly available and urged exporters to “arm themselves with accurate information to avoid exploitation.”

    Another participant asked what NEPC was doing beyond capacity building. Emmanuel responded that the Council provides free international product certifications to registered exporters to facilitate global acceptance of Nigerian goods. 

    She also encouraged those interested in AfCFTA to study the AfCFTA eBook and understand the rules of origin and product eligibility. “They must comply with trade regulations to benefit fully from the continental market,” Emmanuel added.

    Delivering a goodwill message, Dr. Ayobami Omotoso, President-General of Okerete Transnational Border Town Markets and Industries, commended NEPC for organising the session in Ibadan, noting the city’s strong trading culture. He also praised NEPC’s interventions in formalising trade in commodities such as cashew and shea butter.

    “NEPC’s support in establishing and certifying factories has been crucial. The shea butter facility now produces 40 MT monthly to international standards,” Omotoso said.

    Mr. Mutiu Ojerinde, representing the Nigerian Shippers Council, lauded NEPC’s collaboration with the Council. “Both agencies are working to deepen cooperation and ensure seamless trade along border routes,” he stated.

  • Customs, NAPTIP strengthen collaboration

    Customs, NAPTIP strengthen collaboration

    Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and illegal trade in endangered species.

    Adeniyi made this commitment when a delegation from NAPTIP paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.

    Adeniyi, who appreciated the visit, commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.

    He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, stressing that the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.

    “We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,” he said.

    He revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assuring the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.

    He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.

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    “We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally. We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security,” he said.

    On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.

    She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.

    “I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,” she said.

    She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.

    Speaking earlier, a former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.

    Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.

    “Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable,” she said.  

  • Customs collects N350b revenue in nine months at PTML

    Customs collects N350b revenue in nine months at PTML

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command says it has generated  N350,347,173,787.92 between January and September this year.

    The Area Controller, Joe Anani made the disclosure at the weekend.

    Addressing  reporters in Lagos, he said the figure was 96.64 per cent and almost equal to the ₦362,521,085,250.98 that was collected by the  Command between January and December 2024.

    According to him, the Command also intercepted a 1X20FT container marked  GCNU1275880. The container had falsely declared its content as supermarket items but upon examination, was found to contain pharmaceutical drugs.

    He also revealed that for third quarter, 2025, the Command recorded  a total of ₦116,243,603,670.58 revenue which is 34.3 percent higher than the  ₦86,584,012,733.43 that was collected during the third quarter of 2024.

    A comparative analysis of the command’s revenue performance in the last quarter shows that the command had maintained a steady increase in collection in spite of  the teething challenges of the B’Odogwu platform which the command said it is fast overcoming.

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    Speaking on the command’s  anti-smuggling efforts, the CAC said that two containers of unregistered medicines were intercepted. They  include: one (1) WE Tactical made in Taiwan Airsoft pistol, Two (2) magazines and 12 rounds of live ammunitions, 1x40ft container with marks and number ACLU9806850 falsely declared as magnetic resonance imaging apparatus but upon 100% examination found to contain 6,262 cartons of antibiotics of various brands.

    He added that in line with the CGC’s directive on enhancing customs community relationships, the command’s existing relationships with sister government agencies and other stakeholders had been boosted.

     In line with the collaboration policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi , Comptroller Anani handed the  seized containers  over to the Director of port inspection directorate of NAFDAC.

    “Our anti-smuggling and enforcement drives remain intact without compromise. As a command, we are not compromising national security on the altar of trade facilitation.

    “I have visited various agencies of government and received them in my office on similar visits where we renewed our resolve for regular cooperation, inter agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and crime prevention strategies.

     “I want to thank our stakeholders and urge them once again to stay on the path of obedience to the law. Compliance saves time, saves money and helps in building a reputation for business growth towards migration into the AEO status.”

     Dr Olakunle Olaniran Director, Port Inspectorate Division of NAFDAC who received the seizures thanked the Customs for their life saving enforcement drive.

    He commended the  memorandum of understanding between Customs and NAFDAC as a working pact while urging Nigerians to patronise only registered pharmaceutical vendors.

  • Customs intercepts two diverted fuel tankers in Sokoto 

    Customs intercepts two diverted fuel tankers in Sokoto 

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under ”Operation Whirlwind” has intercepted two fuel tankers containing 120,000 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) diverted from the original locations to Sokoto state.

    The Operation’s National Coordinator, ACG Kola Oladeji, told  newsmen on Friday in Sokoto that the vehicles were apprehended along Sokoto-Illea road.

    Oladeji said the trucks loaded with 60,000 litres each of PMS were originally documented for Kano, adding that they were apprehended on Oct. 4, 2025 in Sokoto state.

    He said drivers of the vehicles with registration numbers DKA 309 XA and GSW 321 XA have absconded leaving the vehicles.

    Oladeji said the fuel tankers loaded with PMS were suspected to be diverted for smuggling through Illela boarder.

    ”They were apprehended on the offenses of irregular routing and documentation anomalies which contravene the law.

    ” Fuel diversion is not just economic crime, it is a direct assault to the national development, energy security and welfare of citizens,” he said.

    According to him, their operations have helped  to witness a stable and sufficient supply of PMS, reducing scarcity and price instability.

    He added that Operation Whirlwind remains resolute in its mission to detect, deter and dismantle such illicit activities.

    Oladeji handed over the loaded trucks to Mr Ali Ajimi, the Sokoto/Kebbe states Coordinator of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    Receiving the vehicles, Ajimi lauded NCS operatives on the stride and assured continues working synergy against smuggling and other crimes in the country.

    (NAN)

  • Customs officers’ wives unveil sustainable, green borders initiative

    Customs officers’ wives unveil sustainable, green borders initiative

    In its bid to restore degraded environment, the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has launched the Sustainable and Green Borders Initiative.

    The launching ceremony in Abuja is a nationwide programme designed to restore degraded ecosystems across Nigeria’s border communities while empowering women and youth through green enterprise and innovation.

    Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi sought urgent and collective action to transform Nigeria’s border communities from zones of neglect into centres of opportunity and sustainability. 

    He described a graphic picture of the environmental and socio-economic despair facing many border towns—where “communities are choking under mountains of waste and young people have nowhere to go.”

    According to him, such conditions fuel smuggling and insecurity, not because residents are criminals, but because “survival looks different when you are living on the edge of environmental collapse.”

    National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the initiative represents “a move from awareness to action, and from policy to practice,” aligning the association’s goals with the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernization drive and the World Customs Organisation’s global sustainability agenda.

    She said the creation of the COWA Sustainability and Innovation Centre in Abuja is a pioneering hub that will promote renewable energy, recycling technology, and sustainable trade practices. 

    The Centre will serve as a collaborative platform where “policy meets practice and innovation meets inclusion.”

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    According to her, the Centre will house a Green Skills Academy to train women and youth in solar technology, waste management, and eco-enterprise; an Innovation and Research Lab to support start-ups and universities working on circular economy solutions; and a Policy and Leadership Institute linking customs reforms with global best practices in sustainability.

    It will also host a Green Enterprise Hub for small-scale recycling ventures and a Sustainability Knowledge Centre—a hybrid digital and physical library for climate data, environmental research, and policy evaluation.

    Envisioned as a solar-powered, eco-friendly complex, the Centre will connect the Nigeria Customs Service with key ministries and international partners such as UNDP, UNEP, and the World Customs Organisation to drive a national model for green customs training and community-led innovation.

    “The COWA Sustainability and Innovation Centre is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, growing opportunities, and cultivating responsibility,” Mrs. Adeniyi stated, calling on government agencies, private investors, and civil society to support the initiative as a strategic contribution to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda. 

    Adeniyi reminded participants at the summit that Nigeria, as current chair of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, bears a global responsibility to model sustainability in border governance. He noted that “green customs” is already a strategic priority within the WCO framework, making it imperative for Nigeria to demonstrate leadership through tangible, community-based action. 

  • Customs officer found dead after lodging with three women

    Customs officer found dead after lodging with three women

    An Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC), Lawal Tukur, has been found dead in a hotel room in Katsina State.

    The incident occurred on Wednesday at Murjani Hotel in Katsina metropolis, where the officer had lodged.

    According to reports by counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, hotel staff discovered the officer’s lifeless body in his room around 8:30 a.m. and immediately alerted the management and security operatives.

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    Sources at the hotel said some empty sachets of suspected substances were found in the wastebasket of the room.

    Three women — Khadija Ali, 34 of Dutsin Amare Quarters, Katsina; Aisha Lawal, 30 of Ingawa Local Government Area; and Hafsat Yusuf, 22 of Brigade Quarters, Kano — were said to have been at the hotel during the incident.

    It was gathered that Khadija and Aisha spent the night with the deceased, while Hafsat visited them later and also lodged in the same hotel.

    The remains of the officer have been deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina, for autopsy.