Abuja

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, April 19, 2024, as it graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 18. 

The ceremony, held at the Ahmadu Makarfi Hall of the college, was attended by top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, family members, and friends of the graduating officers. 

Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development Greg Itotoh, commended the directing staff and instructors for their exceptional input throughout the training session.

He praised the graduating officers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to enhance the service’s operations. 

“The Service is committed to building a strong and effective team, and this graduation is a testament to that commitment,” DCG Itotoh noted.

He encouraged the graduating officers to be innovative and proactive in their approach to customs operations, embracing technology to enhance effective service delivery. 

The Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, also praised the directing staff for their dedication and hard work in shaping the officers’ minds.

He congratulated the graduating students, urging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead and make a positive impact on the Nigeria Customs Service. 

The graduating officers, who have completed their training in various aspects of customs operations, leadership, and weapon handling, are expected to be deployed to various formations of the service, where they will apply their knowledge and skills to enhance effective service delivery. 

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving officers, recognising their outstanding performance during the training.

Earlier, the College had also held a regimental dinner for the graduating officers of Junior Course 18 on April 17, 2024, where Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi urged them to embrace professionalism and integrity in their service. 

CGC Adeniyi congratulated the graduating students after scaling through a series of rigorous trainings in the college, which was meant to equip them to master the technical know-how of the Customs work.

He added, “As you all return to your respective Commands, put everything you’ve learned to the test. That is the only gratitude you can show to those who have taken time to develop the curriculum which you were taught here.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

NAFDAC on Thursday uncovered a network of counterfeit goods being sold in Abuja, culminating in raids at Sahad Stores and H-Medix outlets.

The simultaneous raids across the capital city led to the confiscation of fake cosmetics and drugs.At Sahad Stores, renowned for its supermarket chain, authorities seized counterfeit products.

Meanwhile, at H-Medix outlets in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, as well as the Utako market, counterfeit cosmetics and medications were confiscated.

Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, the NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, highlighted the extensive nature of the operation.

In addition to the raids in Abuja, similar crackdowns were carried out in Kugbo market in Nyanya and the Mararaba area in Nasarawa State earlier in the week.

Godiya expressed shock at the discovery of substandard products masquerading as reputable brands, such as purported NIVEA creams.

These counterfeit items, despite their inferior quality, were being sold at higher prices than genuine NAFDAC-approved products, illustrating the extent of criminal activity in the market.

The seized goods, including fake NIVEA products, cosmetics, and household items like Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room fresheners, amounted to a staggering total value of N50 million.

NAFDAC’s rigorous enforcement efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and combating the proliferation of counterfeit goods.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The FCT Police Command conducted a series of coordinated raids on notorious black spots and criminal hideouts in the Durumi and Dei-Dei areas of Abuja. 

The operation, carried out between March 31 and April 4, 2024, resulted in the arrest of eighty-five suspects for various offenses. 

Confirming the success of the raids, SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, highlighted the persistent criminal activities that had plagued these areas.  

She described the hideouts as notorious havens for hoodlums engaged in a range of illicit activities, including the peddling of hard drugs, manufacturing counterfeit currencies, and erecting illegal structures. 

During the operation, law enforcement officers executed search warrants on several structures within the targeted areas.  

This led to the seizure of numerous incriminating exhibits, including counterfeit paper and coins in both local and foreign currencies, light weapons, eight motorcycles, seven generators, various electronic gadgets, and a stash of ATM cards suspected to have been stolen from victims. 

Adeh stated that all the arrested suspects would undergo thorough screening, with those found culpable being profiled and subsequently arraigned in court to face justice.  

Additionally, the illegal wooden structures erected by the criminals were dismantled and set ablaze as part of efforts to deter further criminal activities in the area. 

CP Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, reiterated his commitment to ridding the territory of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of all residents.  

He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities through designated emergency hotlines. 

Residents were reminded to contact the following police emergency contact numbers if there is newd: 08032003913 – 08028940883 – 08061581938 – 07057337653 – PCB: 09022222352 – CRU: 08107314192

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kikelomo Adeniyi, the National President of the Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), and wife of the Comptroller-General of Customs, spearheaded the extension of palliative distribution to COWA members in Abuja on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Mrs.

Adeniyi embarked on a tour that included visits to the Federal Capital Territory Command, Nigeria Customs Command, and Staff College Gwagwalada.

During these visits, she delivered a resounding message of solidarity and support to the officers’ wives in attendance, acknowledging their immense challenges and reaffirming COWA’s commitment to providing assistance and empowerment. 

Expressing gratitude to the attendees for their unwavering commitment, the COWA president recognised the sacrifices made by officers’ wives and their invaluable contributions to the Customs community.

She emphasized the significance of empowering women, aligning COWA’s initiatives with the broader national agenda of women’s empowerment championed by the First Lady, Remi Bola Tinubu. 

Encouraging swift registration as members of COWA, President Kikelomo elucidated the myriad benefits awaiting registered members, ranging from access to support services to participation in empowerment programs.

She also articulated COWA’s vision of institutionalising the association and maintaining a comprehensive database of registered members to ensure effective service delivery and support. 

Highlighting the pivotal role of COWA in uplifting women across the nation, Adeniyi reiterated the association’s commitment to empowering widows, orphans, and officers’ wives alike to be self-reliant.

She emphasised the symbiotic relationship between personal empowerment and the ability to uplift others, fostering a culture of support and solidarity within the association. 

Addressing officers directly, the National President urged them to embrace their wives’ participation in COWA activities, recognizing the positive impact on family dynamics and societal progress.

She reassured officers of the benefits stemming from their wives’ involvement, highlighting the transformative power of mutual respect and support within marital relationships. 

During her visit to the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, Mrs. Adeniyi commended the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Kingsley Egwuh, for his unwavering support of COWA activities and dedication to the institution’s growth and development.  

ACG Egwuh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to providing unwavering support to COWA, recognizing the pivotal role of the association in fostering unity and support within the Customs community.

He pledged continued collaboration and assistance, acknowledging the indispensable nature of COWA’s initiatives in driving positive change and empowerment.

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a new initiative aimed at improving compliance and streamlining import processes for vehicles.

For a limited time, vehicle owners will have a 90-day window to regularise their import duties. 

This program applies to vehicles that have not been seized or condemned by customs officials.

Owners of such vehicles can apply to Zonal Coordinators to rectify their import duties. 

To participate in this initiative, vehicle owners will need to submit all necessary documents along with their application.

Additionally, a 25% penalty will be applied on top of the standard import duty. 

This move by the NCS is seen as a positive step towards improving compliance and generating revenue for the country.

It also provides an opportunity for vehicle owners to rectify their import status and avoid potential penalties in the future. 

The 90-day window provides a limited window for vehicle owners to take advantage of this program.

Those who wish to regularise their import duties are encouraged to contact their nearest NCS Zonal Coordinator for more information and to initiate the application process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commenced a 2-day ICT—Modernization Management Retreat in Abuja, spearheaded by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The event, which began on Friday, March 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the service’s journey towards digital transformation. 

In his address to attendees, CGC Bashir Adewale stated the imperative of embracing technology to enhance customs operations.

He stressed the need for collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of the modernization project, citing the demand for efficiency and transparency from stakeholders. CGC Adeniyi urged his Management Team, particularly in ICT, to lead the digitalization efforts and utilize internal resources to expedite the implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system.

He noted the importance of modernizing every aspect of the Customs Enforcement Ecosystem to fortify operations. Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of Trade Modernization Project Limited, commended the CGC’s commitment to modernization, recognising the pivotal role of trade in national development.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would revolutionise NCS operations, facilitating trade across Nigeria and the African continent. 

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernization, ACG Kikelomo Adeola, lauded the CGC’s dedication to the modernization project, emphasising its significance in reshaping and digitising NCS activities. She welcomed participants to the retreat.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has convened a crucial steering committee meeting aimed at consolidating the strides made in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Trade Modernization Project (TMP), focused on enhancing trade facilitation through technological innovations. 

Held behind closed doors at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 15, 2024, the meeting brought together members of the TMP Steering Committee, underscoring the strategic importance attached to advancing digital solutions within the NCS. 

CGC Adeniyi unveiled the overarching objectives of the Trade Modernization Project, emphasising its pivotal role in driving end-to-end automation of customs processes and procedures.

He delineated key components of the project, including the Unified Customs Management System, Trade Portal, Cargo Release System, and Automation Services such as Big Data & AI Integration and Document Management System. 

“This project signifies a milestone in our journey towards digital transformation, heralding a new era of transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in customs operations,” remarked the CGC, highlighting the imperative of adapting to evolving market dynamics and unlocking revenue streams through digitization. 

Addressing the TMP Steering Committee, CGC Adeniyi underscored the project’s long-term vision, spanning twenty years and encompassing three distinct phases aimed at enhancing core services, implementing automation solutions, and facilitating seamless transition and handback processes. 

“We are poised to tackle prevailing challenges, make informed decisions, and chart a trajectory of progress for the service,” affirmed the CGC, expressing optimism regarding the committee’s capacity to navigate complexities and drive impactful outcomes. 

Echoing the sentiment of unwavering support, Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project Limited, reaffirmed his team’s commitment to bolstering the NCS’s revenue generation efforts.

Ahmadu stated the development of software solutions geared towards integrating revenue collection systems, thereby advancing the NCS’s ambitious revenue target of N6 trillion for 2024. 

“As lifelong partners to the Nigeria Customs Service, we remain steadfast in our commitment to revolutionizing trade facilitation in Nigeria,” Ahmadu asserted, underscoring the proactive approach adopted by the steering committee in driving tangible progress.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The cost of cement in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has seen a significant spike, with prices now ranging between N10,000 and N15,000 for a 50-kg bag.

A survey, conducted in various areas, including Gwarimpa, Area 10, Kubwa, Lugbe, and Dawaki, revealed that Dangote cement is priced at N10,000 per bag, while BUA cement is selling for N15,000.

Yinka Adebayo, a retailer in Gwarimpa, expressed dismay over the rapid increase in prices, highlighting that just last month, he sold a bag of cement for N6,000.

“We sell Dangote cement for N10,000 per bag, and the BUA is N15,000. Unfortunately, it may surprise you that I sold the same bag of cement for N5,500 to N6000 last month,” he stated.

Similarly, Rukiyat Abdullahi, a retailer in Kubwa, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Dangote cement is now priced at N10,200, while BUA costs N16,000 per bag.

Retailers in Lugbe confirmed the escalating prices, with Dangote and BUA cement being sold at N10,000 and N15,000, respectively.

The surge in cement prices in Abuja mirrors the trend observed in other parts of the country, reflecting challenges such as scarcity and increased production costs.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took decisive action on Friday by sealing Sahad Store, a prominent supermarket located in the Garki area of Abuja.

The commission cited the store’s lack of transparency in price fixing as the reason for the closure. 

This development comes just a day after President Bola Tinubu announced plans to address factors contributing to the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.

Following a meeting with state governors, security agency heads, and ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed that a committee would be established to combat product hoarding. 

According to Idris, some traders have been accused of hoarding food products, exacerbating the challenges faced by Nigerians.

He emphasised the need to ensure that essential commodities are readily available to people at fair prices. 

The enforcement team from FCCPC, led by Acting Executive Vice Chairman Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, found Sahad Store guilty of misleading pricing and lack of transparency during a preliminary investigation.

Abdullahi stated that the store would remain sealed until further investigations are completed. 

The commission invoked Section 115(3) of the law, which prohibits charging consumers prices higher than those displayed.

Additionally, Section 155 outlines severe penalties for corporate entities found in violation, including fines and potential imprisonment for directors. 

Despite being summoned to defend their actions, Sahad Store’s management failed to appear, only sending a lawyer who was not familiar with the case. Abdullahi emphasised that compliance with the law is necessary for the store’s reopening. 

The closure of Sahad Store underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing practices and protecting consumers from exploitation amidst the current economic challenges facing Nigeria.