News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi, has taken swift action in response to allegations of extortion by an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The incident allegedly occurred along the Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State. 

According to reports, the officer in question is accused of extorting the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) from a car buyer named Muhammad Dahiru Ahmad.

The complainant reported the incident, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. 

Addressing the media at the unit’s headquarters in Kaduna, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi confirmed that the suspected officer is a member of the unit deployed to the Mokwa Patrol Team in Niger State. 

He stated the gravity of the allegations and the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to uphold integrity and discipline within its ranks. 

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his Management team frown upon such unruly behavior,” stated Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi. “The disciplinary committee will conduct a diligent and firm investigation into this matter.” 

The suspected officer has been handed over to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) Customs Police Unit in Kaduna for a discreet investigation.

Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be transmitted to the Nigeria Customs Service Board for further action. 

“We are deeply concerned and assure the general public that this matter will be treated with the deserved vigor, decisiveness, and transparency,” he added. 

The Comptroller pledged to provide updates on the investigation’s progress, urging the public to continue rendering support and cooperation. 

The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, and any misconduct within its ranks will be thoroughly investigated and addressed accordingly.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has taken a decisive step by temporarily suspending the sale of seized food items across its commands nationwide, following a tragic stampede at the NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in Lagos State’s Yaba area. 

According to Abdullahi Maiwa, the agency’s spokesperson, this action comes in response to the unfortunate incident that unfolded during a planned disposal exercise aimed at easing economic hardship.

Initially designed to provide relief to Nigerians grappling with the soaring cost of living, the initiative tragically turned fatal. 

Last Friday’s events, recounted by Maiwada, began smoothly, with cooperation from a large crowd, especially prioritising vulnerable groups.

However, complications arose when the available stock depleted, and an announcement of continuation sparked desperation among attendees. 

In the ensuing chaos, desperate individuals breached barricades, leading to fatalities and injuries as they clamoured for rice bags within emptied containers.

The NCS extended condolences to the bereaved families and pledged collaboration with health authorities to support the victims’ families. 

In response to the incident, the NCS has launched an internal investigation to uncover the circumstances behind the stampede.

As a result, the disposal exercise stands suspended until a clearer understanding emerges. 

“Given the recent tragedy, we sadly announce the suspension of this exercise until we ascertain the events of Friday, 23 February 2024,” stated the Customs Service.

“This pause will enable us to develop more comprehensive measures that align with our noble intentions.” 

The NCS reiterated its commitment to citizen safety and pledged to implement necessary precautions to avert similar incidents in the future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has authorised the appointment of two management staff and the redeployment of four others within the service as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and respond to recent retirements. 

Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, announced the development in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. 

According to Maiwada, Adeniyi emphasised that these appointments and redeployments were essential to reinvigorating the service for optimal service delivery. 

“The newly appointed management members are poised to steer the NCS towards enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. Their diverse expertise and proven track records are expected to inject fresh momentum into critical areas such as revenue generation, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation,” Maiwada quoted Adeniyi. 

The customs boss commended the appointees for their outstanding service records and urged them to embrace their new roles with renewed dedication.

He stressed the importance of upholding integrity, professionalism, and high standards of service delivery. 

Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic interests, promoting international trade, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

He assured that the strategic reinforcement of the service leadership aimed to address evolving challenges and capitalise on growth opportunities effectively. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

The program, which was designed to foster economic empowerment and gender equality, was launched on Wednesday in Jigawa State by Blue Sapphire Hub in collaboration with the US Embassy in Abuja as part of its transformative Women on Wednesday (WOW) initiative.

The initiative had made significant strides in Kano and Sokoto states.

It aims to equip women entrepreneurs with essential entrepreneurial and digital skills and also alleviate poverty.

The inaugural cohort in Jigawa State comprised 30 women-led small businesses with limited entrepreneurial and digital skills.

Through a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities, participants were immersed in a supportive environment designed to enhance their business acumen and market reach.

However, key institutions such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Jaiz Bank collaborated closely with Blue Sapphire Hub to ensure the success of the program.

The participants report increased sales, improved financial management practices, and expanded market opportunities.

The graduation ceremony for the first cohort of WOW 2024 was held on January 25, 2024, with notable dignitaries in attendance, including the Honorable Commissioner of Women’s Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, and the Principal Private Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Garun Gabas.

A highlight of the ceremony was the generous pledge of N1.5 million made by Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab on behalf of her ministry and the Jigawa State Government to support the businesses of the WOW participants.

The Jigawa State Government has demonstrated unwavering support for the initiative, actively engaging in its implementation and expansion.

The WOW program is not merely a one-time initiative but rather a year-long commitment comprising four cohorts.

This sustained approach promises continued empowerment and growth for women entrepreneurs throughout Jigawa State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in a bid to bolster food security and ensure accessibility to essential food items across the nation, has inaugurated a nationwide sale of seized items, with a bag of rice being auctioned at the price of N10,000. 

During a press briefing held yesterday in Lagos to inaugurate the sale of the food items, Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, underscored the service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding food security and facilitating the availability of crucial food commodities in the country. 

Adeniyi highlighted that the NCS had obtained government approval to distribute confiscated food items to deserving Nigerians at discounted rates.

The targeted beneficiaries include artisans, teachers, nurses, religious bodies, and other members of the populace. 

“In recent months, the government has been addressing the challenges confronting our economy, particularly the lingering effects of insecurity and prevailing exchange rate issues,” Adeniyi remarked. 

He expressed concern over the surge in the outflow of food items to neighboring countries, attributing this trend to the exacerbation of food security concerns.

Adeniyi noted that such practices strain Nigeria’s productive capacity and jeopardize its food security. 

The seized items up for sale comprise over 20,000 bags of assorted grains including rice, beans, maize, guinea corn, millet, and soya beans, alongside 2,500 cartons and 963 bags of dried fish.

Additionally, other items such as dried pepper, tomatoes, cooking oil, maggi, macaroni, salt, sugar, and garri are included in the sale. 

Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to overseeing the supply chain diligently to prevent any misuse or diversion of the food items.

He assured that stringent guidelines and eligibility criteria have been implemented to ensure that the items are allocated solely to individuals in genuine need. 

The launch of this initiative signals the NCS’s proactive stance in addressing food security challenges and underscores its role in promoting the welfare of Nigerians amidst prevailing economic conditions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Amid mounting concerns over insurgency in Zamfara State, Commissioner of Police, Kolo Yusuf, has made a bold declaration to eradicate the menace within three months.

Speaking during a meeting with various stakeholders including organised labour unions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and journalists, Yusuf outlined the government’s commitment to tackling insurgency head-on. 

In a bid to dissuade the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress scheduled for February 27 and 28, the Commissioner of Police highlighted the root cause of the unrest, attributing it to the removal of fuel subsidies by the administration.

He urged patience from the populace, noting that efforts were underway by both federal and state governments to address the underlying issues. 

Yusuf stressed the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the adverse impact of insurgency on the state’s economy and livelihoods.

He reiterated the government’s determination to restore peace and security, urging collective support from all sectors of society. 

However, amidst the call for restraint, tensions simmered as the Trade Union Congress expressed its determination to proceed with the planned protest, citing a lack of directive from its national leadership to suspend the action.

The local chairman of TUC, Saidu Mudi, affirmed their commitment to the cause, highlighting the need for a unified approach to addressing the prevailing socioeconomic challenges. 

As the dialogue between stakeholders continues, the fate of the proposed protest hangs in the balance, displaying the complex dynamics at play in Zamfara State’s quest for peace and stability.

With the assurance from the Commissioner of Police and the unwavering resolve of labour unions, the path forward remains uncertain yet fraught with hope for a resolution to the pressing issues facing the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, took a proactive step towards bolstering efforts against smuggling activities by forging a closer collaboration with the Nigerian Navy (NN).

In a recent courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the CGC indicated the importance of joint operations and intelligence-sharing between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the NN. 

During the visit on Tuesday, February 19, 2024, at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Abuja, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the relationship between the two agencies to combat smuggling effectively across Nigerian waterways.

He stated the necessity of tapping into the Nigerian Navy’s expertise to bolster the capacity of Customs personnel serving within the Customs Marine Units. 

Highlighting the NCS’s possession of ocean-going and creek-going vessels, CGC Adeniyi disclosed plans to transport two ocean-going vessels to the Nigerian Navy Dockyard for maintenance, further noting the importance of intelligence-driven operations in combating smuggling activities. 

In response, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting Customs in enforcing laws against smuggling.

He pledged the availability of Navy training facilities to the NCS at no cost and affirmed the need for reciprocal collaboration to enhance maritime security effectively. 

Vice Admiral Ogalla also addressed the importance of collaboration with a specific unit of the Nigerian Navy tasked with clearing items imported by the agency to streamline operations and mitigate obstacles.

Additionally, he proposed the review of a five-year-old Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) for monitoring maritime crimes in light of current challenges. 

The meeting between the Comptroller General of Customs and the Chief of Naval Staff signifies a significant stride towards enhancing maritime security and combating smuggling along Nigeria’s coastal waters.

The commitment to mutual support and collaboration sets a promising precedent for future joint efforts aimed at safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and promoting economic prosperity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian Senate has endorsed a resolution urging the federal government to continue with the electricity subsidy in light of the prevailing challenges confronting the nation.

This decision comes in response to the pressing concerns raised regarding the ongoing hardships experienced by citizens across the country. 

During a comprehensive deliberation at the plenary session, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), representing the Adamawa Central Zone, tabled a motion advocating for the continuation of the electricity subsidy.

The proposal garnered widespread support from fellow lawmakers, leading to its unanimous approval. 

Addressing the Senate, Senator Abbas reiterated the significance of prioritising the welfare of the populace amidst economic uncertainties and social challenges. 

The decision reflects a concerted effort by the Senate to address the concerns voiced by constituents and stakeholders regarding the affordability and accessibility of electricity, particularly during these turbulent times. 

By advocating for the continuation of the subsidy, lawmakers aim to alleviate the financial burden on households and mitigate the adverse impact of rising utility costs. 

In approving the resolution, the Senate reaffirmed its commitment to championing policies and initiatives aimed at safeguarding the interests and well-being of the Nigerian populace.

The collective endorsement of Senator Abbas’s motion underscores the bipartisan consensus on the imperative of sustaining vital support mechanisms to alleviate socioeconomic strains and promote inclusive development.

By Ukashatu Ibrahim Wakili

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has taken steps to strengthen government institutions and improve public trust by centralizing the issuance of indigene letters to people of Sokoto origin.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Hon. Nasiru Adamu, a member representing Goronyo Constituency, brought up the matter as an urgent public concern, which was seconded by Hon. Habibi Halilu Modachi, representing Isa Constituency.

Hon. Nasir Adamu explained that centralizing the issuance of indigene letters would have various benefits, such as ensuring that the issuance of these letters is based on consistent criteria and verification procedures. This move would minimize fraud and impersonation, among other issues.

The reckless issuance of indigene certificates to non-indigenous persons by some corrupt local government officials in the state, especially in the metropolitan areas, has been a source of concern for the citizens. This act prevents genuine indigenes from accessing opportunities allocated to the state.

The house presided over by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kabir Ibrahim Kware, unanimously adopted the matter and directed the House Committee on Special Services and Security Matters to find ways to address the issues surrounding the issuance of indigene letters to the indigenes of the state.

The Committee was also directed to interface with the Federal Character Commission, Sokoto State Office, to address the issue of not employing state indigenes in Grade Levels 01–06.

Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a bid to bolster security measures and foster stronger ties, convened a collaborative meeting with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Corporate Headquarters on February 19, 2024. 

During the session, CGC Adeniyi underscored the paramount importance of the collaboration, stating its role in maintaining and deepening existing relationships between the NCS and the DIA.

He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to partnership, citing cooperation with other customs administrations and government agencies as pivotal for growth. 

“The major objective of this delegation is to maintain and deepen the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the DIA. For the records, the Nigeria Customs Service believes in collaboration. We believe that we can draw strength from collaborating with other government agencies,” said CGC Adeniyi. 

Highlighting past collaborative efforts, particularly in capacity building and security projects, CGC Adeniyi affirmed the NCS’s dedication to working hand in hand with the DIA.

He referenced initiatives such as the partnership with the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, aimed at enhancing the proficiency of customs officers. 

Expressing a keen interest in further cooperation, CGC Adeniyi stated the importance of robust intelligence sharing to effectively address significant security challenges along border areas and enhance the overall efficiency of customs officers. 

“It is our strong desire to deepen this kind of partnership to ensure that we benefit more from it,” he reiterated. 

In response, Air Vice Marshal Samuel Chinda, representing Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General Emmanuel Parker, lauded the collaboration with the NCS, highlighting its pivotal role in combating border threats.

AVM Chinda reiterated the DIA’s openness to partnerships in training and operational endeavours with the Nigeria Customs Service, underscoring the agency’s commitment to strengthening ties for future collaborations. 

The collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Defence Intelligence Agency signify a proactive approach towards enhancing national security measures and fortifying the nation’s borders against emerging threats.

As both agencies continue to deepen their partnership, the prospects for improved intelligence sharing and coordinated operations are expected to contribute significantly to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.