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By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in a bid to fortify customs processes and mitigate risks, inaugurated a World Customs Organisation (WCO)-led Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Diagnostic Mission on Monday, January 29, 2024. 

This is contained in a statement released and made available to journalists Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah.

According to Maiwadah, during a two-week retreat at the Wells Carlton Hotel Conference Room in Abuja, CGC Adeniyi outlined the NCS’s commitment to efficient supply chains and meticulous post-clearance audits.

The focus is on enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to qualify for AEO status through tailored training, support, and incentives. 

The initiative aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, ensuring societal segments benefit from trade facilitation and economic development opportunities.

The mission specifically addresses entry barriers for SMEs, considering Nigeria’s strategic position in the global trade framework and its role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

CGC Adeniyi stressed the significance of PCA and AEO in the successful implementation of AfCFTA, citing their role in refining customs procedures, strengthening compliance mechanisms, and promoting transparency for regional integration and economic progress in Africa. 

Expressing gratitude to the World Customs Organisation and acknowledging the collaboration with stakeholders, including the WCO-led PCA, IMF, World Bank, and AEO Diagnostic Mission, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the dedication and expertise driving the initiative. 

The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Abdullahi Musa, welcomed participants, noting Nigeria’s standing as a hub for trade and investment. DCG Musa underscored the mission’s aim to enhance compliance mechanisms, facilitate trade, and contribute to broader WCO objectives for global border security and sustainable economic development. 

DCG Musa extended appreciation to the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund for their support, displaying the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders involved in the two-week programme aimed at accelerating trade facilitation within the Nigeria Customs Service.

By Ismail Namadi 

In 2014, $1 was equivalent to ₦200. At that time, one bag of 50kg rice was around ₦8,000 ($40), and the minimum wage was N18,000 ($90). 

Comparably, in January 2024 (10 years apart), $1 is around ₦1,500. The Minimum wage is ₦30,000. A simple calculation is 18000/200 = $90; 30,000/1,500 = $20.

What does this simple calculation mean? In real terms, over the past ten years, despite the increase in the minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 per month, purchasing power has decreased by over 75%.

However, in 2014, the PMS pump price per litre was 87 Naira, while the current price in 2024 is ₦700 per litre. 

The Nigerian budget in 2014 was ₦4.962 trillion, while in 2024, the budget is ₦28.77 trillion. These variables are paramount when considering minimum wage simply because they directly affect the lives of people in the country. 

For example, the federal government removed the subsidy on petroleum products, which led to a skyrocketing price of general goods and services, making the lives of citizens, especially low-income earners, difficult to manage.

In addition, the dollar plays a significant role in our economy because we depend on foreign importation for consumable goods. The dollar is the only legal tender that we use to patronize foreign goods.

My advice to the federal government is that when it decides to review the minimum wage, it should consider the purchasing power of the naira so that the standard of living of Nigerian workers is improved.

Ismail Namadi wrote from Paderborn, Germany, via Ismailnamadi2006@gmail.com. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Premier League referees will begin explaining Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions directly to fans inside stadiums during the upcoming season. 

This innovative step has received the green light from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body responsible for football laws. 

Reports from Mail Sport indicate that the IFAB has granted approval based on successful trials where officials provided explanations during league fixtures in Mexico and Portugal.

Formal confirmation of this initiative is expected before the IFAB’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for March. 

The decision reflects a commitment to addressing the desire for clearer communication between referees and fans, particularly during contentious VAR decisions.

Premier League Referees’ Chief, Howard Webb, a staunch advocate for increased transparency since joining Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in 2022, has welcomed this move. 

Webb, renowned for his refereeing expertise, supports the idea of officials being able to directly communicate decisions to fans within the stadiums.

This adjustment aligns with the global effort to enhance the understanding and engagement of football officials.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadrain Daji have achieved remarkable success.

This operation led to the rescue of 20 kidnapping victims and the neutralisation of two terrorists, including the notorious leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina State. 

Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Information Officer for Operation HADARIN DAJI, announced these developments in a statement shared today on Facebook.

On January 29, 2024, Operation HADARIN DAJI troops initiated a continuous clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves in Rukudawa, Dumburum, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare, and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara state. 

During the operation, the troops effectively dismantled the discovered terrorists’ enclaves, including that of a notorious terrorist kingpin named Sule.

A vigorous engagement with the aggressive troops prompted the terrorists to abandon their camps. 

In the course of the operation, two terrorists, including the notorious leader Sainaje from Katsina State, were neutralised. This tactical move resulted in the liberation of 18 kidnap victims, consisting of four males, 14 females, and children. 

Additionally, Operation HADARIN DAJI troops rescued two victims abducted by terrorists along Shinkafi-Isa road in Zamfara state.

The captors abandoned the victims during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops, whose swift response ensured a successful rescue. 

All the rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for reunification with their respective families.

Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander Joint Task Force North West Operation HADARIN DAJI/General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their unwavering efforts in restoring normalcy to the Northwest region.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

It has been almost a month that – the discussion on the issue of the discovered “existing law”, Marriage Practice Control (CAP 26) in Kano State has become the topic of the discussion on the media. The existing law that regulated the marriage practices among the respective Kano State community on how to get married in harmony, has been discovered by the notorious lawyer in Kano, Barrister Abba Hikima. The existing law, in section 5, has listed some practices that are not allowed in the marriage – and doing so – shall put the offender into a danger of imprisonment – or its likes as it’s mentioned in section 8 of the Act.

Notwithstanding of the fact that, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, unequivocally, recognises the existing law in section 315, the Marriage Practice Control (CAP 26) 1988 in Kano is not effective. The law is, as it’s recognised by the Constitution, valid – but it seems useless or not in existence. The essence of any law is to control the existence of the people. It gives the right of doing something and at the same time stops people from doing something.

As I heard about “the existing law” in question, I got confused pondering on it that how could this be possible? – it seems like it’s not for Kano – or it’s just in my dreams! The law is in contrary with the people of Kano State.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives room for the State House of Assembly to make law in accordance with the culture and customs of the people living in any state. Therefore, the then government of Kano State, in 1988, made that law (Marriage Practice Control) to control the marriage practices in those days. Unfortunately, the law they made for the marriage practices, is still not in conformity with the people in the State. The people of Kano are very serious about their culture and religion. They don’t leave their culture for anything other than religion. I believe that – the law that can be so effective to them – can be that one in conformity with their cultural norms and values. You can’t control something practicable and recognisable in one’s culture and make it effective to him/her easily.

In conclusion, I am with the opinion that – the issues of marriage practices can only be controlled when they’re not in conformity with the religion, but when they remain discretionary on the people practicing them can still remain classical. Marriage is being practiced in accordance with culture and religion – or culture of the people. This is the reason why the existing law of the Marriage Practice Control (Supra) is not effective. It’s beyond the perspective of the people living in its jurisdiction.

By Bilyaminu Abdulmumini

One of the four books I read in 2023 was They Called Me A Lioness, which I read courtesy of Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, who shared the soft copy. The book’s true-life storytelling and the author’s command of the English language captivated me, keeping me glued to its pages.

Ahed Tamimi, the book’s narrator (written by Dena Takruri), was born and raised in the village of Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah, a city known for its flashes in the Israel-Palestine conflict in the West Bank. Nabi Saleh gained notoriety for its resistance system, characterised by coordinated processions that garnered local and international attention every Friday. Journalists, sympathisers, and NGOs witness these Friday processions. Nabi Saleh vehemently opposed the Israeli occupation (I reserved the history and Israeli occupation saga to another article).

While the protests in Nabi Saleh were generally considered peaceful, occasional outbreaks of violence were not unheard of, though they were one-sided. While Palestinians employed stones, the Israeli soldiers were armed with superior weapons such as water cannons, tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets, and sometimes even live ammunition.

Amid these sporadic instances of violence, Ahed would witness her mother being shot in the leg by a soldier, her younger brother pinned to the ground by another soldier, her favourite uncle bleeding to death, night raids, and the repeated arrest and imprisonment of her father.

To say that this series of events paved the way for Ahed’s transformation into a brave individual, as her nickname implies, would be an understatement. Ahed’s courageous resistance and fearless confrontations with Israeli soldiers earned her both local and international acclaim.

Tamimi first gained international recognition when she was just a child, under the age of 10, for confronting Israeli soldiers who had abducted her brother. This confrontation, captured on film, went viral, captivating people worldwide. She was seen as a symbol of the bravery of Palestinian children and the spirit of their resistance against the Israeli occupation. Early during the Ukraine-Russia war, the video resurfaced, and the usual social media misinformation circulated it to be a Ukraine child protesting against Russian inversion.

Tamimi’s next international spotlight was intriguing. She engaged in a confrontation with soldiers to prevent them from arresting an Israeli, Miko Peled. Few expected this turn of events. Miko is the son of the famous Israeli general Mattityahu Peled, a celebrated hero who fought in the 1967 war on the side of Israel. However, he later retired from the army and became a tireless peace activist, advocating for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories. 

The last straw that broke the camel’s back was when Tamimi lost her temper and slapped a uniformed, armed Israeli soldier. As expected, this action went viral, leading the Israeli authorities to imprison her for eight months. A prison, even run by one’s country of citizens, might be full of provocations, rights abuses, and infringement, let alone a prison run by an arch-rival. Tamimi and many Palestinians who got under the net of Israel had to endure a series of incarcerations. 

Ironically, imprisonment is one of the most successful ways to achieve fame and knowledge. While someone may be imprisoned as a deterrent, it can inadvertently lead to greater recognition and public sympathy, drawing attention to their cause. The same happened to Tamimi; her imprisonment further elevated her fame and the cause she advocated for. In Nigeria, imprisonment got sympathy from both former presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Olusegun Obasanjo; the former Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings, would change the course of history from a death sentence to being a president; and in this regard, no one remained fresh in the memory like Nelson Mandela.

Beyond fame, Tamimi, alongside her mother, who was also incarcerated, completed her high school education. This accomplishment was particularly telling in the mother’s case because she had been unable to complete her education since her marriage. This fact resonates well with Nigerian correctional service centres where many inmates complete online degrees, which, of course, like Tamimi’s Mother, might not achieve the feat without imprisonment. 

Last month, a Turkey legislator slumped in a chamber (and died later in hospital), challenging the president’s seeming “accomplices”. Excerpt from the opposition legislator to Tayyip Erdogan: “You allow ships to go to Israel, and you shamelessly call it trade. … You are Israel’s accomplice”. This reminded me of the Tamimi encounter with Erdogan. 

While Tamimi was visiting Turkey to receive the Handala Courage Award, Erdogan sought an audience with her. In their meeting, he would express how much he loved Palestine, indicating that Turkey would always support the Palestinian people. In response, the iron lady, who never minced words, threw a hammer directly in the face, “How can you say you love us when we have to enter your country with a visa, but Israelis can travel here with no visa?” Erdogan became speechless.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering at ABU Zaria.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

The reigning champions and the best national team in the continent, Senegal, had met its waterloo at the hands of the host, Ivory Coast, who must be buoyant, having qualified to the Round of 16 by the skin of their teeth when all around them was doom and gloom. 

The Teranga Lions entered the tournament as the undisputed favourites to record a back-to-back triumph. They justified their billing by becoming the only country to win all three group games, often at a canter. The stage was set for Mane and Co. to dominate the knockout stages. However, the Ivorians read a different script.

The Elephants came into the tournament as the host country with little expectations. Gone are the days of Drogba, Yaya and Kolo Toure, Kalou and Zokora. So, one expected the host to mount a serious title challenge. But no one expected them to lose embarrassingly to Equatorial Guinea either. Ultimately, they qualified into the knockouts as the worst of all the 16 entrants. Few people gave them a chance to overcome the swaggering Senegal. And that’s what they just did.

Such is the cruel nature of winner-takes-all international football. The Ivorians must now be cautiously optimistic about their chances, having surmounted the most difficult of obstacles. Senegal must be ruing what might have been while they lick their wounds.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The abduction of Kaduna-based ophthalmologist Ganiya Olawale-Popoola, her husband Nurudeen Popola, and their 16-year-old guest AbdulMugniy Folaranmi has taken a grim twist as reports indicate the abductors are unyielding in their demand for a N100 million ransom, one month after the initial kidnapping. 

Despite the family’s earnest attempts to negotiate a reduction in the ransom, the kidnappers have held their ground, insisting on the hefty sum.

The kidnappers, who allegedly broke into the ophthalmologist’s residence on December 27, 2023, at 1 a.m., took the doctor, her husband, and their teenage guest. 

Communication from the kidnappers only commenced on the fourth day, with a demand for N100 million for the release of the victims.

The family source revealed that the kidnappers threatened to harm the couple if the ransom wasn’t paid by January 18, reasserting their demand on Friday. 

Despite the family’s plea to consider a reduced amount, such as the N20 million they were able to raise, the kidnappers remained unyielding.

The family is now grappling with the situation, expressing confusion about the way forward. Efforts by the family to seek assistance from the Air Force and police authorities yielded assurances of ongoing endeavours to secure the victims’ release without harm.

However, the family, facing exhaustion, has called on the Nigerian government to intervene, as they find it impossible to meet the demanded ransom. 

In response to inquiries, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan affirmed that the police are actively working to secure the release of the abductees without casualties.

He underscored the commitment to rescuing victims from abductors and emphasised efforts to prevent harm during the rescue operation.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

It’s a new down in the history of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took over barely six months from May 29, 2023, till date. However, his administration has been awash with many debacles, ranging from bruises in the economic turbulence and pervasive insecurity to dividing citizens along religious and cultural differences. However, the latest is the alleged misappropriation of N585 million in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by the former National Woman Leader of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It is in the public domain that the ministry and the NSIP have been mired in a controversy as the President recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over an alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.

However, concerned Nigerians with an ear to the ground alleged a rivalry between the former minister’s camp and the suspended minister’s camp, who vows that “I won’t go alone; you exposed me; I will expose your conspiracy too”. However, in my perspective, if that’s the case, then it’s, after all, a welcome development for the general populace and for the system to be, of course, cleaned up.

In light of the recent events, the President’s and his administration’s integrity have been tested to see what action or inaction the President would take to send a strong message to his cabinet members and all other appointees that it is not business as usual. Would his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the Commonwealth of Nigerians be protected?

On the other hand, would every appointee be treated equally, no matter how close that person is to the corridors of power? Of course, the President, who has the mandate of all Nigerians, has not yet disappointed the general populace by suspending those involved in the allegations and ordering a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions of the ministry.

The President’s directives have raised hope in Nigerians that it won’t be business as usual, where looters’ cases are swept under the rug. We can boldly say that the last administration’s anti-corruption campaign was ineffective. For instance, in the case of the suspended CBN governor, whose committee was constituted by the former President, its findings fell on deaf ears as if nothing had happened; however, revelations afterwards shocked everyone interested in the well-being of the country’s socio-economic development.

If you look at governance in general, we need to change our approach. The simple fact is that corruption has stagnated the well-being and progress of this country. I feel the only viable way to address these corruption issues is to have a revolutionary transformation of society and improve the context of governance within the framework in which our governance system is predicated. We have to call a spade by its name. Until communities stop celebrating looters and negate the notion that our tribesmen or kinsmen are being witch-hunted, then we wholeheartedly support the government in its bid to eradicate corruption in the system, to which, of course, we will be the major beneficiaries.

Nigerians have a keen interest in every decision the President takes or intends to make regarding the overall interest of the lives of the general population. Certainly, the success of the fight against corruption is intricately tied to the actions of the key actors, not solely reliant on the outpouring of condemnation. The public is the major stockholder in holding the government accountable.

Suppose Tinubu turns over a new leaf in his efforts to stamp out corruption. In that case, Nigerians will stand tall to support his action and term him a foremost man fighting the menace confronting humanity, which retards Nigeria’s development. Despite his stand on the issue, Nigerians must never relent until the fight goes off to a spectacular success.

Honestly, anything short of that can’t be tolerated or accepted, even though it’s early in the day of the new government; there is no excuse. Since they swore to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, turn our misfortune into fortune, transform our dilapidated infrastructure, and revive our economy, we can put them on the radar to see how they disengage us from all logjam.

I invite all Nigerians to join the challenge of fighting corruption in all its ramifications. After all, the war against corruption can only be decisively won if we all come on board to shun away and expose all corruption within our worldview. I commend his efforts in the recent events, and it’s indeed a patriotic call to support his move for the benefit and betterment of our country.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

By Haruna Chiroma, PhD

Internationally, nations across the globe are actively exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to address real-world societal challenges spanning diverse sectors of their economies. Nigeria, too, is actively addressing its economic challenges by seeking solutions from various perspectives. In light of the significant role played by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in propelling the real sector of the economy, a dedicated agency, the SMEs Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), was established. SMEDAN aims to promote, regulate, and implement measures to sustain and enhance the performance of SMEs. In today’s dynamic business landscape, integrating AI tools has become essential for SMEs looking to achieve sustainable growth and gain a competitive edge.

This article provides a guide exploring how strategically employing AI tools can enhance various aspects of SME operations, considering the specific economic context and challenges SMEs face in Nigeria. The success and growth of SMEs have been demonstrated to hinge significantly on the innovations they introduce to enhance their products, services, or marketing strategies.

Research has consistently revealed that SMEs incorporating new innovations tend to achieve higher success levels than those that do not. SMEs can use cutting-edge AI tools to infuse innovation into their products, services, and marketing approaches. AI is replacing traditional roles and transforming the conventional methods of performing tasks, thereby creating novel opportunities within the economic landscape.

From a marketing perspective, entrepreneurs now have access to AI tools that streamline the process of creating compelling jingles for advertising products or services. This innovative AI tool simplifies the user experience by prompting them to input the text of the advertisement. Once initiated, the tool automatically generates a captivating and engaging video. Users can choose from various ready-made templates, voices, and gestures to customize the video to their preferences.

Additionally, the tool comes equipped with video editing features, enabling users to fine-tune the video to match their requirements precisely. To overcome language barriers and reach a broader audience, another valuable AI tool for video translation is available. This tool allows users to translate their videos into different languages, expanding their reach to a larger and more diverse pool of potential customers. Together, these AI tools empower entrepreneurs in the marketing realm, providing them with efficient solutions for creating and translating engaging promotional content.

Seamless, an AI-powered platform, caters to the sales and marketing needs of both business-to-business and business-to-customer interactions, facilitating a broader reach for businesses. This innovative platform ensures the acquisition of precise customer email addresses, phone numbers, and direct dials, thereby enhancing the promotion of products and services for SMEs. By enabling businesses to connect with a diverse customer base, Seamless contributes to increased sales and fosters collaborations among various entities in the business landscape. 

In product design, AI brings innovation by offering tools that streamline the design process, enhance creativity, and optimize product performance. From the perspective of design, a new design of a product or packaging can be generated using an AI tool. An AI tool for generating design from the textual description is available; a user will write the text description of the design and prompt the AI tool, and a new design based on the description will automatically be generated. On the other hand, an existing design can be uploaded to the AI tool, and then, automatically, it will be redesigned.

Users can generate as many designs as possible for the best-redesigned item or product. Generative design AI aids in product design by generating multiple iterations based on specified parameters. This enables SMEs to explore diverse design possibilities, optimizing for factors such as cost, materials, and performance. A business logo is significant in business as it gives the first impression to the customers when interacting with the products or services of the SMEs. An appealing business logo can be designed with the AI tool for generating design.    

Many excellent products and services offered by SMEs and startups in Nigeria often lack online visibility, relying primarily on WhatsApp status updates to reach their contacts. This limited visibility poses a challenge, with many SMEs hesitating to invest in costly website or e-commerce development because of restricted funds. Fortunately, a solution has emerged for such SME owners in the form of an AI tool that automatically generates e-commerce sites. This tool provides a variety of pre-designed templates for e-commerce sites, simplifying the process for users. By selecting a desired template and filling in essential information such as product details, business location, and payment methods, users can proceed through the steps until the final page.

Upon clicking “generate,” the e-commerce site is automatically created. Following this, users can download and host the site, making it live online. This straightforward process allows SMEs to easily establish an online presence, overcoming the challenges associated with traditional website development costs.

Chatbots like Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) can seamlessly integrate into SMEs’ e-commerce websites or social media platforms specifically designed for business promotion. The incorporation of GPT enhances interaction with potential customers by providing virtual assistance.

SMEs can implement virtual assistants on their websites or social media platforms to actively engage customers, respond to product or service inquiries, guide customers through the sales process, provide support, and ultimately enhance overall customer satisfaction. By embedding chatbots within SMEs’ e-commerce sites, these tools can efficiently process orders and offer real-time assistance. This integration ensures a seamless and responsive e-commerce experience for customers, contributing to the overall effectiveness of SMEs’ online presence.

I trust that this article serves as a source of inspiration for many SMEs and startup owners. I hope that it encourages them to explore these strategies to enhance their business ventures and, in turn, expand their operations. By doing so, these entrepreneurs can create additional employment opportunities, fostering increased business activity within the real sector of Nigeria’s economy.   

Haruna Chiroma is a professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia. He can be reached via freedonchi@yahoo.com.