News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved the resignation of Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.

Lalong, formerly the Plateau State Governor, is set to become the Senator for Plateau South Senatorial District following a successful appeal court ruling on November 7, 2023. 

The resignation came after last week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, as confirmed by a presidential aide.

Lalong, a lawyer and former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, had lost his initial bid for the Senate but secured victory through a Court of Appeal decision. 

His valedictory is expected at the next FEC meeting, as noted by a tweet from a source in President Tinubu’s camp.

However, with no FEC meeting scheduled this week, Lalong’s last appearance as a council member was likely last Wednesday.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, spearheaded a pivotal roundtable meeting with maritime and excise stakeholders to address challenges impacting port clearance processes nationwide. 

Held in Lagos as a continuation of the CGC’s Conference 2023, the session brought together Customs Officers, Terminal Operators, Freight Forwarders, Licensed Customs Agents, and Excise Stakeholder Representatives. 

The focus was to foster collaboration, identify obstacles, and devise time-bound solutions to enhance customs operations. CGC Adeniyi noted the need to tackle issues such as multiple alerts, CPC downtime, checkpoints, and port accessibility.

He stated, “Today’s decisions will lead to time-bound policies aimed at resolving these challenges and improving cargo clearance.” 

A dedicated panel, comprising stakeholders and Nigeria Customs Service representatives, was formed to address concerns hindering effective port operations.

The goal is to implement cumulative recommendations by the first quarter of 2024. 

Comptroller Dera Nnadi, part of the panel, urged stakeholders to optimise weekend operations and explore non-commercial barge usage.

Stakeholders expressed gratitude for the renewed focus on their concerns, with Tochukwu Ezeisi of NAGAFF stating, “Our issues are being discussed, and decisions are taken immediately.” 

Alhaji Kazeem Isa Adua from NCMDLCA commended the CGC for organising the conference, expressing optimism about a smoother and optimised clearance process.

The commitment to collaboration and timely policy implementation signals a positive step towards enhanced service delivery.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, under the chairmanship of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahya of Gombe State, has donated 180 million naira to support the victims of the accidental bombing in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

This was part of the resolutions adopted at the inaugural meeting of the Forum under the new administration. 

At the meeting held in Kaduna on Friday, December 15, 2023, the Forum commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State over the accidental bombing by the Nigerian Army, which killed over 100 people and injured scores of others earlier this month.

The Forum commended both the Kaduna State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria over the handling of the situation while promising to ensure a full investigation into the incident.

“The Forum resolved to to work collectively to ensure that the tragic incidence [sic] is thoroughly investigated with a view to compensating victims and taking corrective measures to prevent future occurrence,” part of the statement signed by the chairman reads.

Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed a full-fledged investigation into the incident. Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima, accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; and the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; had visited Kaduna to console the survivors as well as the families of the dead victims of the bombing.

The incident has generated a lot of reactions from the Muslim faithful, who continue to demand in-depth investigations and adequate compensation.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The Nigerian Supreme Court has ordered the continuation of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism charges. 

The apex court ruled that the defendant should not be released on bail and also ordered the continuation of his trial.  

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, declared that Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria is illegal. 

However, the court, in the lead judgement prepared by Tijjani Abubakar, ruled that there is no Nigerian law that prohibits the use of “illegally obtained evidence for the trial of a defendant.” 

The lead judgement of the Supreme Court was prepared by Mr. Abubakar but read on his behalf by Emmanuel Agim. 

“The Court of Appeal was wrong to say that the Federal High Court can no longer try Mr Kanu,” the court held. 

“The appeal is allowed and the cross-appeal is dismissed.” 

In the unanimous decision, the Supreme Court said Mr Kanu’s forcible repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 by the Nigerian government did not rob the trial court of jurisdiction to entertain the IPOB leader’s trial. 

“Our law is that evidence illegality obtained is valid before the court. A violation of Mr Kanu’s right should have been by way of civil proceedings. That is not our law for now,” Mr Abubakar declared. 

He also ruled that there is no legislation in Nigeria that provides that trials should stop where the prosecution does something illegal against the defendant while standing trial.

The judgement also implies an effective reversal of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal ordering the release of Mr Kanu from detention.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the suspension of new loan applications under its Intervention Program.

The decision, conveyed through a circular titled “Suspension of Acceptance of New Applications under the Existing Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Development Finance Intervention Programme,” was addressed to the Chief Executives of banks. 

Sa’ad Hamidu, the Acting Director of the Development Finance Department, signed the circular, signalling a strategic shift in the bank’s operational focus.

This suspension marks a departure from the previous central bank’s emphasis on development finance intervention funds. 

Simultaneously, the CBN has assigned commercial banks the task of recovering outstanding loans issued under these now-suspended programs.

This move raises questions about the central bank’s future approach to economic development and the role of commercial banks in facilitating financial interventions. 

The financial community awaits further details and clarification from the CBN regarding the rationale behind this decision and the anticipated impacts on economic development initiatives.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled the Radiological and Nuclear Detection Programme (RANDA), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at curbing the smuggling of nuclear materials. 

This strategic programme was officially announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the inauguration of a 4-day capacity-building workshop organised by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on December 12th, 2023. 

Addressing participants at the workshop, Assistant Comptroller General Malanta Yusuf noted the importance of RANDA, stating that it will equip Customs officials with the necessary expertise to effectively detect and combat the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.

This training, Yusuf stressed, will enhance cross-border security and foster a deeper understanding of the complex challenges involved in this innovative approach. 

Furthermore, Yusuf commended the leadership of the Customs Service for its unwavering commitment to innovation, acknowledging the vital role training plays in improving overall performance.

He specifically highlighted the WCO’s contribution to equipping officers with cutting-edge knowledge and skills. 

“We are determined to ensure Officers benefit from such trainings organized by the World Customs Organization,” stated Yusuf, “because the Comptroller-General has firmly placed innovation as a cornerstone of our advancement.” 

CSC Nafi’u Abubakar, the Nigeria Customs Service Radiation Safety Officer, lauded the CGC’s decisive approval of RANDA, further underscoring its unique nature.

Abubakar noted that this program positions Nigeria as a global leader in adopting this innovative approach to combatting nuclear smuggling. 

“The training was truly exceptional,” Abubakar declared, “and its benefits will have a profound impact on the Nigeria Customs Service, significantly advancing our capabilities.” 

The initiative’s potential to revolutionise border security was further stated by Dr. Isa Sambo, FSI, Director of Radiological Safety at the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

Dr. Sambo praised the CGC’s forward-thinking decision, acknowledging its potential to eliminate border crimes and significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to tackle emerging threats.

He affirmed, “This move will undoubtedly position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to secure borders against the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.”

 By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated a thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct in response to a viral video depicting a customs officer soliciting a ₦5,000 bribe from a passenger at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. 

This was revealed in a statement signed by Abdullahi Maiwadah, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service today. 

The statement partly reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service is diligently investigating an incident at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting ₦5000 bribe from a passenger. This behavior has rightfully raised public concern, and we are committed to ensuring full accountability.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger. The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures.

“We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command.

“The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.

“Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has today inaugurated 107 gas and electric-powered buses, including taxis, in Maiduguri, Borno State. 

The initiative, a part of phase II of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s metro transport scheme, aims to address the challenges posed by the withdrawal of fuel subsidies.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aide, Bashir Ahmad, shared images of the event on his social media handle. 

He noted that the project, designed to enhance public transportation, is a commendable effort to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy withdrawal. 

In his post on Monday, December 11, Ahmad expressed gratitude, saying, “God bless Gov. Zulum!” 

As the city embraces eco-friendly modes of transportation, the unveiled buses and taxis are expected to contribute to reduced environmental impact and enhanced mobility for residents.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a strong stance against what they deem a failure of the federal government to provide adequate compensation for the victims of the Tudun Biri bombing in Kaduna state, lawyers representing the Concerned Northern Forum have issued a threat of legal action.

The tragic incident unfolded during the Maulud celebration last Sunday night, claiming the lives of over 80 villagers. 

Nafi’u Abubakar, the spokesperson for the lawyers’ forum, conveyed their unwavering commitment to securing justice for the families impacted by the regrettable event.

Speaking to reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, December 9, Abubakar stressed the urgent need for the federal government to take swift and decisive action, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the incident. 

Abubakar notes, “It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the future.

“We also urge the Nigerian Army to reevaluate its rules of engagement and training procedures to prevent the loss of innocent lives during military operations.” 

The forum, comprising over 600 members, extended sincere sympathies to the grieving families, affirming solidarity in their grief.

Abubakar stated, “We stand united with them and pledge unwavering support in ensuring justice is served. The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum will tirelessly pursue legal avenues to claim the compensation owed to the victims.”

The Nigeria Customs Service Management has given the green light for the promotion of 357 officers. 

This is contained in a statement released by Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the anti-smuggling service.

The decision to elevate these officers from the rank of Customs Assistant I (CAI) to Inspector of Customs (IC) was officially approved during the 7th Management meeting of 2023, held on December 1, 2023.

The meeting, chaired by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, underlined the commitment to fostering a motivated and excellence-driven workforce. 

The comprehensive promotion list encompasses both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel who demonstrated exceptional performance in the 2023 promotion exercise.

The breakdown of the promoted officers is detailed as follows: AIC to IC (246) GD, AIC to IC (37) SS, CAI to AIC (39) GD, CAI to AIC (27) SS, CAII to CAI (7) SS, and CAIII to CAII (1) GD. 

This strategic move stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General, affirming the importance of motivation, recognising excellence, and rewarding diligence within the service.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, serving as the National Public Relations Officer, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers.

In his statement, he conveyed the Comptroller General’s call for these men to redouble their efforts in fulfilling the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation. 

The Nigeria Customs Service looks forward to the continued dedication and enhanced contributions of its recently promoted officers, as they play a pivotal role in advancing the organisation’s mission and objectives.