President Tinubu orders customs to return seized food items
By Uzair Adam Imam
On orders from President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will return seized food items to their rightful owners, on the condition that the items must be sold in Nigerian markets.
NCS Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi made this announcement yesterday in Katsina during meetings with residents of border communities at the Kongolam and Mai’Adua border posts.
The Customs chief mentioned that President Tinubu had made a decision to use his authority, not based on legal guidelines, “but rather reflecting the deep sense of generosity he holds toward Nigeria.”
Adeniyi said: “In doing so, he has directed that those food items that were going out of the country that have been seized in various border areas should be returned to the owners on the condition that those goods would be sold in the Nigerian markets.
“So, we will be monitoring you to know if there is a violation of this. Those food items will be returned, and it is a directive that we will pass them back into the Nigerian markets,” Adeniyi said.
Do you have any doubts about the Hisbah’s justification?
By Salihi Adamu Takai
The northern part of Nigeria was known to be a place where religion existed prior to the advent of colonialism. The people who existed in those days embraced religion through Arab Merchants. The light of religion made the region delve into the ocean of knowledge. They were able to read and write using Ajmi for their written communication. They had knowledge of Islam.
The early spread of Islamic religion in the northern part of Nigeria also gave the region traditional rulers. The system was very similar to the democratic system, which had a separation of powers. The kingmakers functioned as members of the parliament.
Despite the powers of the colonial masters, when they introduced indirect rule in 1900 – 1906, they could not change the people’s faith in the North. They only had the power to rule the traditional rulers using their sophisticated weapons. The Northern people diligently remained with their Islamic Faith. The mission did not brainwash them.
Therefore, as time went on, in 2000, some of the Northern Governors united themselves and relied on the provision of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, section 38, and called for Sharia in some states of the North. The states included Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Sokoto. Sharia was instituted. This helped codify the Penal Code in the northern parts of Nigeria. It contains some laws applicable to Muslims.
Due to the adoption of Sharia in some states of the northern parts of Nigeria, Hisba came into force. Hisba was instituted to support the existence of Sharia in the areas in which it has jurisdiction.
Hisba is an Arabic word that means “an act performed for the common good, or with the intention of seeking a reward from God.”
The Hisba operation or the concept of Hisba got its justification from the Book of Almighty Allah, the Qur’an, Chapter 3: 104. Allah says, “Let there arise from you a group calling to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.”
Also, the Prophet (SAW) says: “Whoever sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand, and he can’t be able, let him change it with his tongue, and if he can’t be able, let him change it with his heart; and that is the weakest faith.”
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by virtue of section 38, protects the right to religion, and the Muslim community is also protected from practising their religion in the way they can satisfy the Order of their Lord. Section 4(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the House of Assembly of a State to make law for the respective people of that state. Thus, an organisation like Hisba is instituted and created by the State through the State House of Assembly.
Therefore, Hisba, as it’s defined, only exists within the Muslim community. It is being instituted to proclaim all that’s good, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.
Northern senators accuse Akpabio of padding N4 trillion into budget
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Northern senators have raised alarm over alleged budget padding amounting to N4 trillion, orchestrated by Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Akpabio, and his associates.
The senators, expressing concern over what they deem self-enrichment projects, called for transparency and accountability in budgetary processes.
Under the leadership of Chairman Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), members of the 58-member Forum convened a meeting with Mr. Akpabio at his Guest House in the Maitama District of Abuja on Thursday to address the issue.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Senator Ningi highlighted the discovery of two separate federal budgets being implemented.
He revealed, “For the last three months, we have employed private financial auditors to extensively examine the 2024 budget. We have uncovered significant unauthorized changes and additions in the budget that would have a widespread negative impact on the nation as a whole.”
Senator Ningi stated the need for accountability, stating, “We are supposed to meet with the senate president and show him the irregularities we saw in the budget and let him know our concerns. We will not agree and support spending money on what we are not aware of.”
Citing discrepancies in budget figures, he questioned, “We had a budget of N28 trillion but after our thorough checks we found out that it was a budget of N25 trillion. How and where did we get the additional N3 trillion from, what are we spending it for?”
The senator pledged to seek clarification from President Bola Tinubu, stating, “We are going to meet with the president and show him, we will ask him if he is aware of all these things that are happening. We will show him and ask him if he is aware of it, and what he intends to do to those who partake in the whole manipulations and inclusions.”
As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians await responses from relevant authorities and demand transparency in budget implementation to uphold the integrity of governance processes.
15 students abducted in Sokoto despite Tinubu’s vow to crush insecurity in north
By Uzair Adam Imam
Bandits have reportedly abducted 15 tsangaya students in a fresh attack Saturday at Gada local government area of Sokoto state.
The Daily Reality learned that several other students are currently missing.
The students were said to have been abducted from their school around 1:am on Saturday.
The attack was coming after President Bola Tinubu on Thursday vowed to crush insecurity in the northern part of the country.
The President was said to have directed the security agents to fish out the perpetrators of these abductions.
The proprietor of the school, Liman Abubakar, told journalists that 15 students were unaccounted for so far after the early morning attack.
Abubakar narrated how the bandits invaded the town around 1 am, shot one person and abducted a woman.
“As they were leaving the town, they sighted our students rushing into their rooms and they kidnapped many of them.
“We have so far counted 15 who are missing and we are still searching for more,” he said
He added that this was not the first time the village was attacked by bandits.
Speaking with the journalists, the member, representing Gada-East Constituency at the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Dauda while has confirming the attack.
He stated that he received a call from the village around 2 am that it was invaded by bandits.
“I reached out to the local government authorities and security agencies and I am sure they are doing something about it,” he said.
However, the Sokoto State Police Command has denied awareness of the attack.
From Ruga to Artificial Intelligence: A mother’s lexicon of love
By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu
You might have remembered the post. March 8, 2023, to be precise. It was on International Women’s Day in 2023. It was about Sadiq, the fura hawker, and his wonderful mother, the fura seller at Bayero University, Kano. It was about love, faith, and sacrifice.
A simple Fulani woman sells fura so nourishing, fresh, and delicious that she could be given a slot in any restaurant at Harvard University—not the tree shade she occupies—and is often harassed at Bayero University. She does not sell fura because she needs the money. She sells it because she does not want to be idle. She is wealthy. Very wealthy. No mansions with a sea of workers at her beck and call. No fancy cars. No holiday retreats to the Seychelles. Simple meals. No crabs, oysters, lobsters, or caviar. No shopping in Paris and Dubai. Just cows. Many cows. Her lifeblood. She was willing to sell some of the cows to pay for her son’s education because, as a mother, she believed in him. She loves him and was willing to sacrifice her heritage—the cows—to ensure a sustainable future for him.
The son, Sadiq, has his head in the sky. He wants to fly, to be a pilot. The cost of the training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, in northern Nigeria, was more than ₦7 million. “No problem,” says the woman who lives in a hut with no electricity and draws her water from a well in a land that is not hers. “I can sell my cows for you to become a pilot.”
Unfortunately, Sadiq could not make the student pilot selection tests. Undeterred, she paid for his next choice—Computer Science at Al-Qalam University, Katsina, also in northern Nigeria. What made her a heroine was her sheer determination to see that he was educated. Human resource development at its most anthropological best—more sophisticated than the theories of Robert Owen, Charles Babbage, and Frederick Winslow Taylor, the credited proponents of the discipline. In this single but simple act of sacrifice, we see the power of love and the power of a woman who is not educated in any fancy school but the massive school of life. Yet, she knows, as a mother, the value of human capital development and is willing to sacrifice what she has to actualize it for her child.
At Al-Qalam, Sadiq was no slouch. His mother had sold a few cows to pay for his school fees for four years and also gave him spending money. He invested it in a fura business in Katsina—no doubt bringing Katsinawa the best fura they would ever taste from Kano! He did so to sustain himself throughout his college years without burdening his mother for upkeep money. He even employed some fellow students as his distributors. Extremely outspoken, he was the perfect candidate for the presidency of the Computer Science Students Association of the college, to which he ascended after being the Vice-President II of the association.
Back in Kano, he became a youth activist. He encouraged the formation of the Kano State Nomadic Fulɓe Youth Association in 2018. This was a coalition of all Fulani youth who had some form of education, especially higher education, and could therefore demand integration into society and better attention from politicians for their kraals. Ironically, considering that the power, hegemony, and control are actually in the hands of the Fulani—and have been so since 1807. This created a linguistic anomaly for the Fulɓe youth: those in power claim to be Fulɓe and although they have voices, they care less about Fulani causes. Those who speak Fulfulde and care more about Fulani causes are voiceless in the larger scheme of things.
Sadiq’s Fulɓe Youth felt the only way to gain attention to the plight of the Fulani was to align themselves with a political party. They chose a party not in power, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), because they felt they would be listened to. Ironically, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was in power, would have worked for them because of the “ability to speak Fulfulde” factor, since the then Governor of Kano, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is a genuine “I can speak Fulfulde” Fulɓe. But they chose the NNPP and its gubernatorial candidate, Eng. Abba Kabir Yusuf. They believed in him and devoted themselves to his cause.
During Engineer Abba Yusuf’s campaigns in 2019, a lyricist named Tijjani Gandu composed a political song for him titled, “Abba Gida Gida Abba”/Abba in every home. This actually became more or less Abba Kabir Yusuf’s nickname. With a catchy chorus and hook, it was perhaps the most iconic political song in Kano’s popular culture, even eclipsing “Kwankwaso Dawo Dawo”/ (Kwankwaso re-contest). Someone even had White kids somewhere in the US or Europe dancing to the chorus on social media!
Sadiq and Fulɓe Youth came up with a brilliant plan: map out all the Fulani kraals (Ruga) in Kano using their GPS coordinates in Google Maps to obtain data for easy access to the Fulani kraals (which he pluralizes as ‘Rugage’). Using satellite mapping, it would be relatively easy to determine access, population, and the level of development in each Ruga, which would be effective for campaigning, as well as for other uses—health and vaccination campaigns, schooling drives, etc. Next, the Fulɓe Youth under Sadiq came up with a slogan to campaign for Abba Kabir Yusuf: “Abba Ruga Ruga Abba,” deliberately rhyming with Abba Gida Gida Abba. They were even able to negotiate access to the man himself, i.e., Abba Kabir Yusuf. But it all came to naught.
Sadiq continued his studies, finishing in the autumn of 2023. Everyone knew he was excellent, and when Al-Qalam held a convocation ceremony last year for only First Class students, everyone who knew Sadiq expected him to be among those honored. Alas, it was not to be. However, Sadiq scored a Second Class Upper in Computer Science—perhaps a first for a fura hawker who lives in a kraal.
With such brilliant results in computer science and a committed social philosophy of uniting all Fulani youth in all kraals on a peace mission, it remains to be seen whether his mother’s sacrifice has been in vain. Being the son of a nobody, he lacks access to ‘big people’ who will give him a job. But Sadiq is not one to give up easily. His mind is too sharp, too restless to trudge from one office to another with a large brown envelope carrying his CV and looking for a job in futility.
I won’t be surprised if he uses these attributes to design an Artificial Intelligence routine that would perfect milk production—thus giving us better fura. Who knows? Harvard University might even invite him to open the first AI Restaurant in the world. Before then, as he faces his NYSC in May 2024, it would be a shame to waste his organizational skills. SA on Fulbe Youth? Why not? After all, the kraals also need development and attention—and not only during elections either.
Sadiq is what he is now—a unique, proud, hardworking, and brilliant Fulɓe youth advocate—because of his mother’s love and dedication. An ordinary mother, not the daughter of a “big man” or “important people,” just ordinary, but with an extraordinary commitment to love and sacrifice—and without being a social parasite.
Allah’s blessings for eternity to all mothers of the world on this day of re-embrace of Sadiq’s mother and her lexicon of love.
Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu can be contacted via auadamu@yahoo.com.
Customs GC visits Emir Bayero, expresses readiness to ease business in Kano
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a demonstration of respect and commitment to bolstering positive relations, yesterday paid a visit to the Palace of the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
During the meeting, CGC Adeniyi stated the importance of fortifying the bond between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano community, noting a deeper dedication to collaboration and mutual understanding.
Expressing a resolve to facilitate trade in the region, CGC Adeniyi pledged to implement policies aimed at simplifying business processes and engaging with stakeholders effectively.
Moreover, CGC Adeniyi revealed the NCS’s plans to address the pressing challenge of food scarcity in Kano by distributing food items to the state’s citizens, aligning with the upcoming season of Ramadan.
In his address to the Emir and members of the Emirate Council, CGC Adeniyi stated, “We are here in Kano for two reasons: first, as we approach the season of Ramadan, it is good for us to come around and extend our felicitations to the Emir and join him in the prayers that Almighty God will make this month a blessed and glorious one for us and our country.”
Highlighting the agency’s responsibility in tackling national challenges, CGC Adeniyi stated the NCS’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in achieving food sufficiency.
He further reiterated the NCS’s readiness to collaborate with the Emirates Council, acknowledging the significance of traditional institutions in preserving cultural heritage.
In response, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero warmly welcomed CGC Adeniyi and commended the NCS’s initiative to alleviate the suffering of Kano citizens amidst prevailing hardships.
Expressing gratitude for the gesture, Emir Bayero underscored the importance of effective partnerships between governmental agencies and traditional authorities in fostering shared prosperity.
The Emir assured CGC Adeniyi of his palace’s unwavering support and cooperation, reaffirming a commitment to initiatives that would yield positive outcomes for Kano and Nigeria as a whole.
Unraveling the power of PR in the conflict between Sheikh Daurawa and governor Abba Kabir
By Auwal Sani
In the heart of Kano State, recently, conflict ensued between the state’s religious police popularly known Hisbah [Command], Kano State government and the controversial TikToker, Murja Kunya. This conflict has not only sparked public debate but also highlighted the critical role of effective public relations (PR) in governance.
It all began with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf’s critique of Hisbah’s modus operandi, particularly in response to perceived deviations from the established laws. The governor’s remarks triggered a flurry of reactions, especially online, culminating into the unexpected resignation of Hisbah’s Director-General, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa. This abrupt departure further fueled tensions and political discord within the state.
However, amidst the turmoil, the saga took an intriguing turn with the involvement of Murja kunya, an ardent supporter of the Governor and his party (NNPP). Murja’s arrest by Hisbah and her miraculous release from prison without proper legal procedure raised eyebrows from various quarters, prompting questions about influence and justice.
Central to this unfolding drama is the apparent lack of effective PR strategies employed by both the government and Hisbah. A failure to conduct thorough situational analyses, engaging stakeholders, and maintaining open communication channels exacerbated the crisis, leading to a breakdown in trust between the authorities and the public.
Governor Yusuf’s comments, though well-intentioned, underscored the importance of a robust PR team to navigate sensitive issues and convey messages effectively. Collaborating with Hisbah’s leadership could have fostered dialogue and addressed concerns constructively, preventing further escalation of the situation.
Furthermore, the need for a crisis communication response team within the government and Hisbah is imperative. Timely and convincing damage control measures are essential to clarify intentions and restore public confidence in governance institutions.
Equally crucial is, the proactive engagement of relevant stakeholders by Hisbah before undertaking operations. Consultations with religious, governmental, and civil society leaders, among others, would ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing societal issues while mitigating potential conflicts.
Moreover, adequate training of Hisbah members on legal frameworks and rules of engagement are essential in preventing human rights violations and ensure professionalism in their duties. Additionally, investing in PR expertise within Hisbah’s communication department is essential to bridge the gap between the organization and the general public.
In hindsight, the confrontational response of Hisbah’s former Director-General to the governor’s criticisms highlights the need for professionalism and diplomacy in addressing internal challenges. Written correspondence or a formal meeting could have provided a more constructive platform for dialogue and resolution.
As the saga begins to fade, however, it serves as a stark reminder of the intrinsic link between effective public relations, transparent governance, and social harmony because, only through proactive engagement, strategic communication, and a commitment to openness can institutions like Hisbah navigate the complexities of contemporary society while upholding their mandates with integrity and accountability.
Auwal Sani writes from Kano State and can be reached via auwalsani986@gmail.com
Women’s education—a command, a right, a life, here and hereafter!
By Aisha Musa Auyo
International Women’s Day holds immense significance as a global observance dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness about the challenges women face. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate women’s contributions in various fields, while also highlighting ongoing efforts to address gender disparities. The day fosters a sense of solidarity among women worldwide, encouraging discussions and actions to advance women’s rights and opportunities.
The theme for IWD 2024 is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. It highlights the importance of women’s and girls’ empowerment and their rights to healthier lives.
I plan to write this article from a religious and social perspective because many have hidden behind the veil of religion to deny women their basic right to education and empowerment.
Without question, education for women and girls is an integral part of Islam.
In the Holy Quran, Allah orders both men and women to increase their knowledge and condemns those who are not learned. The very first revelation to Prophet Mohammed (ﷺ) starts with the word “read” and says:
“Read. Read in the name of thy Lord who created; [He] created the human being from a blood clot.
Read in the name of thy Lord who taught by the pen: [He] taught the human being what he did not know.” (Q96: 1-5)
In addition to the clear stance of the Qur’an on knowledge acquisition by every Muslim woman and man, the Prophet is also reported to have said (hadith):
“The acquisition of knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and Muslim woman” (Rahman 1980, 397).
From the above verse and hadith, we can conclude that
1. Girls’ Education Is a Divine Command
The obligation for women and men to study is also confirmed by the hadith and the sunnah. Preventing women and girls from receiving an education is preventing them from fulfilling the divine obligation commanded by Allah and intervening with their akhirah, or afterlife.
2. Girl’s Education is a Divine Right
Education of girls is central to their faith because it increases their knowledge, teaches them how to use their intellect, furnishes them with critical reflection skills, and makes them better Muslims and better members of their communities. It allows girls and women to make use of the gifts Allah has given them.
Preventing women and girls from receiving an education is preventing them from fulfilling the divine obligation commanded by Allah and intervening with their akhirah, or afterlife.
Prophet (PBUH) Invested in the Education of Girls
Since the early years of Islam, learned women enjoyed high public standing and authority. The Prophet (ﷺ) made an effort to educate women and girls and encouraged his wives and daughters to learn and be educated. He held classes for women, and women were often present in the public assemblies that came to learn from the Prophet (ﷺ). Women in his household received education not only in Islamic sciences but in other fields such as medicine, poetry and mathematics, among others. He made arrangements for training women in the commandments, fixing one day a week to meet with them.
Aishah and Umm Salamah (ra) are among the greatest narrators of hadith. Much of what Muslims practice today in terms of their religion is transmitted via the education of these two great women. The world’s first institution of higher education, the University of Qarawiyyin in Morocco, was established by a Muslim woman, Fatima al-Fihriyya.
How the society benefits from educating women
“Education is the only way to empower them [girls], improve their status, ensure their participation in the development of their respective societies, and activate their role to be able to take responsibility for future generations.” – Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
Education is more than just the ability to read and write. It is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values in various fields that enable individuals to contribute meaningfully to the social, economic, and political well-being of their families and communities. Without educating its citizens, no society can develop and prosper.
The concept of knowledge in Islam covers a broad spectrum of subjects. The Quran describes the breadth of knowledge as vast and states that learning encompasses both religious and secular subjects. Many verses of the Holy Quran invite the reader to reflect and contemplate the creation of the universe. Therefore, it is incorrect to restrict women to the study of only religious sciences and prohibit them from a broader scope of education.
Some of the benefits of educating women include the following:
Educating girls contributes to stronger economies and alleviates poverty. Economic development and poverty reduction require countries to benefit from the talents, skills, and productivity of all their citizens, both men and women. Reducing the gender gap and educating girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will help reduce the skills gap, increase the employment and productivity of women, and reduce occupational segregation.
Educating girls leads to healthier and happier families because, as mothers, educated women make better and more informed decisions for their children’s well-being, including protecting them from disease.
When women are educated, violence is reduced, and children have better psychological well-being and are happier.
Ways to invest and accelerate women progress
Investing in women for societal progress involves addressing various aspects to empower them holistically. Here are key areas for investment:
Education: Ensure access to quality education for girls and women. Support scholarship programs, mentorship initiatives, and STEM education to bridge gender gaps.
Healthcare: Invest in women’s health services, including reproductive health, maternal care, and mental health support. This contributes to healthier communities and improves overall well-being.
Economic Opportunities: Promote equal economic opportunities by supporting women entrepreneurs, providing training, and encouraging workplace diversity. This enhances financial independence and contributes to economic growth.
Legal Rights: Advocate for and invest in legal frameworks that protect women’s rights. This includes combating gender-based violence, ensuring equal pay, and promoting workplace policies that support work-life balance.
Technology and Innovation: Encourage women’s participation in technology and innovation sectors. Investing in programs that provide skills training and mentorship can bridge the gender gap in these rapidly evolving fields.
Community Engagement: Invest in community-based programs that empower women, addressing social and cultural barriers. This can involve awareness campaigns, support groups, and grassroots initiatives.
Media Representation: Support initiatives promoting positive and diverse portrayals of women in media. This contributes to changing societal perceptions and breaking stereotypes.
By investing comprehensively in these areas, societies can foster an environment where women have equal opportunities, contribute significantly to various sectors, and play vital roles in societal progress.
Let us unite in a collective call to action for the continued support of women’s empowerment. Support, sponsor, and encourage the women and girls around you. By standing together, we can accelerate progress toward a future where women’s rights are not only acknowledged but celebrated, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous world for all. The journey toward women’s education and empowerment requires each of us to play a role—let’s commit to this shared mission and create lasting change.
Happy International Women’s Day to all women and the men who have allowed, supported, sponsored, and encouraged women’s education and empowerment.
Religion doesn’t hinder national development, by Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim
Someone on Facebook argues that religion hinders countries from developing. I fail to see the connection. Politics is chiefly responsible for a country’s development or lack thereof.
Islam and Christianity, the religions I am most familiar with, do not prevent their adherents from attending school or pursuing any field of study.
My family is, I can confidently say, quite religious. Despite this, we have members who are Ph.D. holders and other graduates. We also have nurses, midwives, and teachers, etc., among us (both members and their spouses).
Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia are three good examples. They are “conservative” Muslim countries. However, they are developing on a fast track.
Iran and Bangladesh have some of the highest female literacy rates in the world. Women work in almost all sectors in Saudi Arabia today. The examples are many.
It’s sad our youths are misinformed about religion and modernity. They always look at Westerners’ lifestyles as synonymous with development and civilization. No, they are more than that.
To the vast majority of the Muslim world, Boko is not only halal but essential. Thus, don’t pigeonhole your views. Or rely on some ill-informed writers and sensationalized mainstream media headlines.
May we be guided, amin.
Muhsin Ibrahim is a PhD who teaches at the University of Cologne, Germany and he can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com
Customs initiate housing scheme to boost personnel’s welfare
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has unveiled plans to provide shelters for Customs officers and men.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the NCS housing scheme in Kaduna on Thursday, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “This ceremony is not the last episode of what we have planned. There are projects similar to this in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo ready for flag-off.”
Highlighting the service’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of its personnel, CGC Adeniyi recalled a similar project launched in Ibadan in December 2023 aimed at serving officers and men of the NCS.
He stated the importance of providing suitable housing options, especially for retired personnel.
The CGC indicated that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of providing affordable housing to Nigerians and commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his support for the success of the exercise.
Addressing officers interested in the housing scheme, CGC Adeniyi urged them to remain steadfast, announcing plans for the service to collaborate with Cooperative Mortgage Bank to streamline the payment process.
George Anih, Portfolio and Assets Manager of Family Homes, reiterated his firm’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions, pledging to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service to deliver 5000 houses for its officers and men.
Mr. Musa Abubakar, Managing Director of Cooperative Mortgage Bank, affirmed his dedication to ensuring the timely completion of the housing project, assuring the Comptroller-General of Customs of his bank’s support.
The NCS housing scheme represents a significant step towards enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of customs personnel, reflecting the service’s dedication to serving its workforce and contributing to national development.








