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 Misbahu El-Hamza

My discomfort taking pictures of people in a social event is obvious even to some people around me; friends and families.

There was a time I was commissioned by a place I once worked for to cover an event, a woman honorably stood from her seat and whispered in my ears, “please try to avoid me in your photos.” “Thank you so much for letting me know, Hajiya.” I replied. To this day, I respect the woman, but had she known, it was also against my wish doing that.

Now I know better how to cover an event with people consent. A skill I learned in 2023. But how about the streets?

I love #streetphotography. Looking at most of my photos, you’ll notice that I rarely capture people in my frame. That’s partly because I don’t like being interrogated for pointing my camera and shooting at random strangers, rightly, against their will.

It made me so uncomfortable for someone to perceive that I breach their privacy. So, I choose to capture only landscape and other objects I found interesting.

However, in Nigeria — at least in my experience, even pointing your at your feet can provoke anger. People will question you for that aggressively.

Let me further illustrate two experiences: a few months ago in Benue State, I bought yogurt in a restaurant opposite a market and noticed a beautiful statue of a milk cow. While taking a photo of it, a police officer, holding a gun obviously to intimidate me, questioned why I hadn’t obtained permission from him. This was a man emerging from nowhere near the restaurant. With my assertion that I didn’t know permission was required, he grew angrier. Eventually, I realized he sought only for a bribe, and I insisted we consult the restaurant manager. And that’s why he reluctantly let me go with my photo.

Fast forward to an LGA in Kano State where my colleague and I saw a remarkable solar plant at a healthcare facility generating 24/7 electricity. When I tried to capture it on my phone, from a distance, three hostile men confronted us, questioning why we were “staring” at the plant without their permission. Staring at it! They treated us as if we were informants or criminals. One of them even threaten us — and I dared him to try laying hands on any of us. But eventually, witht the arrival of the officer in charge of the facility, that hostile man was even the one stopping a bike for us at last.

As much as I respect people’s privacy (which is one reason why I don’t fly my drone these days), I understand that streetphotography is a hard thing for me in this country because people are unnecessarily angry. Even as you try to avoid them, they’ll find a reason to engage you.

This year alone, I have developed more than five extraordinary ideas of streets photography with northern Nigeria as the setting, but I am still skeptical. And I wonder how photographers developing content around this area do it without much troubles.

Please, how can I peacefully execute my projects in 2024 without inviting trouble on the streets?🤔

— Misbahu El-Hamza is a social analyst from Kano State, Nigeria.

 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 

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has secured the coveted CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award. 

Osimhen’s stellar performance in the 2022–2023 football season, particularly with Napoli in the Serie A, played a pivotal role in this triumph. 

Osimhen faced stiff competition from top-tier players like Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, Sadio Mane of Senegal, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. Standing tall at 1.85m, the Nigerian striker’s outstanding achievements mark the end of a 24-year wait for Nigeria since Kanu Nwankwo last received the honour in 1999. 

During the 2022–2023 football season, Osimhen’s thunderous form propelled Napoli to their third Scudetto in 33 years, following the era of legendary Diego Maradona. 

His remarkable feat of scoring 26 goals in the league not only contributed to Napoli’s success but also made him the first African to claim the top scorer award in the domestic Serie A league. 

Osimhen’s accolades continued to accumulate as he clinched the Italian league’s best striker prize and secured a spot in the Serie A Team of the Year. 

Breaking George Weah’s record as the highest-scoring African player in the Italian league, Osimhen further solidified his status by winning the AIC award, the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, in December.

 Despite Nigeria’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osimhen showcased his prowess by netting 10 goals in the tournament, including an impressive seven against São Tomé and Principe. 

Since making his senior debut for the Super Eagles in June 2017, Osimhen has accumulated 20 goals in 27 appearances. 

The pinnacle of Osimhen’s remarkable journey came on Monday in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, when he clinched the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.

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 Ahmad Deedat 

Nigerian international singer Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has got much attention as he pledged to donate the whopping sum of one hundred million naira to children this Christmas. 

Wizkid announced his philanthropic plans for this year’s Christmas on his verified Instagram handle on Monday. 

The singer’s philanthropic gesture is in honour of his late mother, Jane Dolapo Morayo Balogun.

Wizkid lost his mother on August 18, 2023.  

He wrote, “100M for the kids for Christmas ! Lord bless us all 😇 start in Surelere tonight!” All in Morayo’s name! The love of my life!”

By Salisu Uba, PhD FCIPS

I have read some devastating news over the last couple of weeks in relation to the ecosystem in Africa, some promising startups are shutting down operations. I am sure the recent events will affect any potential investments in our startups.

I want to address some concerns around two contrasting paths that often emerge: the allure of rapid growth without immediate profitability versus the steadier route of slower growth with assured profits. Let’s explore these models and the lessons they hold for startups in attracting investment.

High Growth, No Profit: the temptation of business sprinting towards expansion, capturing attention with its rapid growth but yet to turn a profit (wework case study). These ventures entice investors seeking significant returns. They prioritize scaling up, seizing market shares, and envisioning a lucrative future, often emphasizing customer acquisition over immediate profitability.

Slow Growth, Steady Profits: the assurance one perhaps, on the other side, is progressing at a more measured pace prioritising sustainable growth and consistent profitability. While not racing ahead in growth, they maintain stability, focusing on operational efficiency, nurturing loyal customers, and ensuring profitability from the outset.

Investment Magnet: the high growth appeals to investors as it favours the high-growth model due to its potential for explosive returns. African startups are promising and bustling markets, venture capitalists are scouting for opportunities everywhere, and the allure of substantial growth can overshadow concerns about immediate profits, maybe! However, sustainable profitability forms the backbone of long-term success, offering stability even in market downturns (don’t aim for what’s not realistic).

Learning from Both Models: from experience, the winning formula for our startup founders is to glean invaluable lessons from both models. By embracing the innovation of high-growth ventures and adopting prudent financial practices from profitable businesses, a potent combination can emerge. Striving for growth with an eye on achieving profitability can attract investors while ensuring long-term viability.

Striking the balance between growth and profitability is to find the equilibrium between high growth and profitability. It involves building a robust foundation for scalability while ensuring financial viability in the long run. This hybrid approach could be the linchpin to captivate venture capitalists eyeing the burgeoning African startup landscape, offering excitement and stability in equal measure.

Perhaps as we always aim to make a positive impact and make economic progress, investment is key to a successful venture. Therefore in the quest for investment opportunities, startup founders and entrepreneurs should combine the dynamism of high growth with the solidity of profitability.

Salisu is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and a member of the CIPS Education Committee in the UK. He is the founder and CEO of NarQuest Limited – a supply chain technology company based in Glasgow, UK. 

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

In our busy lives, we often overlook a fundamental truth: sharing what little we have can bring blessings to others and ourselves. It doesn’t require grand gestures or lavish gifts; sometimes, small acts of sharing can profoundly impact lives and illuminate the world.

Sharing fosters connections between people, whether it’s with a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. These bonds can be significant, reminding us of our shared humanity. Sharing brings joy, whether you’re offering your time, food, or old clothes. Giving, even in modest amounts, can bring immense happiness and contentment. Knowing you’ve made someone else’s day better is a joy.

What might seem insignificant to you could mean the world to someone in need. Your extra meal or a warm blanket could mean the difference between hunger and comfort for someone less fortunate. Sharing eases the burden of those in hardship and can inspire others to do the same, creating a cycle of kindness that brightens the world one act at a time. Moreover, it cultivates gratitude for the small blessings in your life, fostering a more positive outlook.

Across various cultures and beliefs, there’s a common understanding that what you give is what you receive or even more than that (givers never lack). The universe has a way of rewarding those who share, although not always in the same form. Sharing also minimises waste, putting resources to good use and contributing to a more efficient use of our planet’s resources.

Your act of sharing has a ripple effect, touching the lives of many. These blessings extend far beyond you, positively impacting the world. It’s not about the quantity you give but the quality of your heart when you give. A warm smile, a meal, or a helping hand – each act of sharing can change lives and enhance the world, one kindness at a time. Therefore, never underestimate the profound impact of sharing. It’s only in giving we receive the true blessings of life.

Usman Muhammad Salihu writes from Jos, Nigeria and can be reached via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Fatima Ibrahim

I humbly write to draw the attention of Max Air Nigeria Limited to the plight of their clients regarding the delay and disappointment of their service. For a very long time, people have been lamenting the Max Air company flight delays.

To advise you, you have to always dance to the tone of your customers and make their interests your top priority. Scott D. Cook once stated, “Be dramatically willing to focus on the customer at all costs, even at the cost of obsoleting your own stuff.” Judging by this statement, you have to pay much attention to the satisfaction of your customers to wipe away the tears provoked by your unsatisfactory services.

People’s—your customers in question—lamentation over your disappointing services will make you lose them. This is because customer satisfaction is the foundation of any successful business. Therefore, by addressing this primary concern and improving service quality, you can retain your existing clients and attract new ones. By so doing, you would uphold your reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction in the competitive aviation industry.

Notwithstanding, taking prompt action to rectify issues such as flight delays will not only enhance customer loyalty but also contribute to the positive perception of Max Air. Bill Gates once said, “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” Embracing feedback and actively working towards improving service efficiency will undoubtedly lead to a more content and loyal customer base.

Therefore, I urge you to prioritise your customers’ satisfaction, for it is not just a business strategy but a commitment to building enduring relationships.

Fati Ibrahim wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, championed the importance of continuous learning for the newly graduated officers from Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17. 

He stated this in a motivational address at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja. 

Representing Deputy Comptroller General Sa’idu Galadima of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), CGC Adeniyi stressed the significance of professionalism, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.

He encouraged the graduates to leverage opportunities in their respective commands, take calculated risks, and be catalysts for positive change. 

ACG Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, commended the graduates for their dedication, highlighting their 100% success rate.

Stating various training aspects, including academic standards, proficiency, and weapon handling, ACG Egwuh urged the graduates to infuse purpose into their careers while upholding the service motto, “Justice and Honesty.” 

The Commandant also unveiled ongoing projects, including the replacement of dilapidated furniture in the college hall and the installation of solar panels to enhance facilities. 

Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Comptroller Oluyomi Adebakin, outlined the curriculum’s focus on developing human capacity and improving customs operations.

Adebakin affirmed the commitment to enhancing officers’ skills with a strong moral foundation. 

Special Guest of Honour Senator Isah Echocho, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, addressed global economic challenges and urged graduates to positively impact society.

He expressed optimism that their adeptness in technological advancements would contribute to Nigeria’s economic advancement. 

In a celebratory gesture, the college hosted a regimental dinner night honouring the graduates of Senior Course 9 and Junior Course 17.