Abuja

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi MFR, hosted a prestigious gathering at the Management Quarters in Abuja on Tuesday, marking the culmination of 2023.

Among the distinguished guests were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassadors of the United States and Germany, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, as well as the World Bank. 

The event focused on reflecting on the Customs Service’s activities throughout the year, paving the way for discussions on innovative strategies to enhance efficiency. 

In his address to the diplomats, CGC Adeniyi showed the NCS’s commitment to harnessing new technological advancements.

He unveiled plans for the extensive deployment of scanners, the implementation of data analytics, and the adoption of open-door policies to foster collaboration with stakeholders, ultimately streamlining trade in the nation. 

Highlighting the responsibility to elucidate the new developments to stakeholders, CGC Adeniyi expressed the need for massive sensitization on the recently enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

He emphasised ongoing initiatives to engage Area Controllers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Act to augment their operational effectiveness, and characterising the new Act as ‘User Friendly.’ 

Moreover, the Customs Chief delineated the Act’s emphasis on automation processes, including the use of a single window and the authorized economy operators’ system.

He discussed the incorporation of Advanced Ruling and the expansion of scanner usage, signaling a progressive move towards modernization. 

Addressing the issue of wildlife smuggling, CGC Adeniyi reassured diplomats of his commitment to sustaining efforts against illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of international cooperation in customs activities and highlighted collaborative efforts with stakeholders. 

The diplomats commended the NCS’s dedication and pledged ongoing collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities.

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three subsidiaries of the Dangote Group, namely Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Salt, have contributed immensely to the nation’s revenue.

Hashem Ahmed, an official representative of the Dangote Group, made this revelation at the 18th Abuja International Trade Fair’s opening ceremony, held on Thursday. 

Speaking on the fair’s theme, ‘Sustainable financing and taxation as drivers of the new economy,’ Ahmed highlighted the Dangote Group’s significant role as a major contributor to the country’s economy.

He disclosed that over the course of three years, the aforementioned subsidiaries of the Dangote Group had paid a staggering total of N474 billion as taxes to the Federal Government. 

“As you may be aware, apart from being the highest employer of labor in the private sector, the Dangote Group is also the biggest taxpayer,” Ahmed stated.

“In just three years, Dangote subsidiaries paid a staggering N474 billion to the Federal Government. These are Dangote Sugar, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Salt, combined.” 

Ahmed further emphasised that this substantial financial contribution was part of the Dangote Group’s ongoing support for the nation.

He highlighted the group’s various initiatives, including empowerment and skill acquisition programmes, corporate social responsibility initiatives, sponsorships, and philanthropic schemes, all of which amounted to several billions of naira. 

The Dangote Group expressed satisfaction with the Federal Government’s efforts in implementing a tax reform policy. This policy is expected to broaden the tax net and provide essential financing for the development of the country’s infrastructure.

The group sees this as a positive step towards sustainable economic growth and development for Nigeria. The significant tax payment by Dangote Group’s subsidiaries not only showcases their financial robustness but also underscores their commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda.

This contribution is anticipated to play a crucial role in the realisation of various national projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A task force inaugurated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently made headlines as they seized and destroyed 470 motorcycles in a crackdown on illegal motorbike operations in various parts of Abuja.

The operation, which started at the popular car wash bus stop in Lugbe, extended through Gosa, Bill Clinton Drive, Trademore Estate, Lugbe Junction, and reached Kubwa and its surrounding areas. 

According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued when motorcyclists attempted to prevent their vehicles from being impounded.

The confrontation escalated into a violent clash between the operators and security operatives.

In a bid to evade arrest, the okada operators scattered in different directions, leading to a high-speed chase through the streets of Abuja. 

The task force, determined to curb the menace of illegal motorcycle operations in the city, pursued the operators relentlessly.

As a result, 470 motorcycles were impounded during the operation. The seized vehicles were subsequently destroyed, marking a crackdown on unauthorised motorbike activities in the capital city. 

Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the task force’s actions are part of a broader effort to enforce regulations and enhance security in the FCT.

The clash serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining order while dealing with those engaged in illegal activities on the city’s streets. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In an unfortunate incident that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, suspected kidnappers targeted the prominent El-Rufai Estate in the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area of Bwari Local Council, Abuja. 

The assailants abducted a resident identified as Chinedu, marking the fifth kidnapping case to rock the area in recent months, leaving residents gripped by fear and insecurity. 

According to reports from Daily Trust, the victim, Chinedu, was forcibly taken from his home within the secure confines of the estate. 

The daring criminals, armed to the teeth, breached the estate’s defences by breaking through the perimeter fence. 

To further instill terror, they fired shots into the air, sending panic waves through the victim’s family and neighbours, before abducting Chinedu. Chinedu’s wife, who witnessed the terrifying ordeal, recounted the horrifying encounter with the kidnappers. 

“They shot sporadically in the air to scare our family members and neighbours before taking my husband away,” she said. 

As of press time, the kidnappers had not made contact with the family, leaving them in agonising uncertainty. Mai Baba Bego, the chairman of the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area, expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of kidnappings in the region. 

“We now live in fear as nobody knows who the next victim would be,” Mr. Bego lamented, underscoring the urgent need for heightened security measures in the area. 

In light of this distressing situation, Mr. Bego called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the Kuchiko Resettlement Development Area. 

This plea aims to mitigate the risk of further incidents and restore a sense of safety to the traumatised residents of El-Rufai Estate and its surroundings.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has arrived at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for trial. 

The former apex bank boss arrived at the court premises around 9:20 am for trial on the allegations of unlawful possession of firearms. 

He is to stand trial on two counts charge of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

Trouble began for Emefiele on June 9th, when he was suspended by President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to allow investigations into his activities as governor of the apex bank. 

Emefiele was arrested upon his suspension and has been in the custody of the Nigerian secret police since June.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Saratu Umar.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Thursday.

According to Mr Adesina, the President has communicated the directive of Umar’s termination of appointment to the Honourable Minister of Trade and investment, Otunba Richard Adeneyi Adebanjo.

He also stated that the president ordered that the most senior director in the commission takes over immediately.

The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of Hajiya Saratu Umar as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), with immediate effect.

In a directive to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo CON, the President also mandated the most senior Director in the Commission to immediately take over in the interim. “

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has denied disobeying any court order.  

The denial is coming after Justice M O Olajuwon of the Federal High Court sitting at Abuja ordered the detention of the IGP on the ground of contempt of court. 

In a statement made available to newsmen and signed by the Police Spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP claimed ignorance of the said disobeyed court order. According to the Police, the order was not made during the tenure of the current IGP

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state emphatically that the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, did not disregard Court Order or the rule of law as the office is not aware of any Court Order, during the current IGP’s tenure, with respect to a matter making the round in the media that the IGP disobeyed a Court Order for the reinstatement of a dismissed officer of the Force.” The statement reads

However, the IGP said he had directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Legal Unit to investigate the allegation in a bid to ascertain the position of the court and proffer informed legal advice for the IGP’s prompt and necessary action.

The statement further stressed that the IGP is committed to upholding the rule of law and synergizing with the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Muhammad Onogwu, the Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has bagged a law degree from Baze University, Abuja.

Mr Onogwu disclosed his achievement in a Facebook post on Saturday.

He had posted a photo of himself in a convocation gown with the caption “Alhamdulillah🙏🙏🙏LL.B “

While Mr Onogwu did not name the school he bagged a law degree from, the Daily Reality gathered that he is amongst the 504 recent graduates of Baze University Abuja. The institution held its 9th convocation ceremony on Saturday morning.

Baze University Abuja has become the darling institution of many celebrities and politicians who study there for different degree programs.

Senator Dino Melaye and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi are proud alumni of the institution. Amaechi graduated this year, Dino bagged a degree in law from the University in 2021.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has reacted to the ruling of the Federal High Court committing EFCC Chairman to prison for contempt of court.

The Federal High Court sitting at Abuja had ordered the arrest and detention of EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Tuesday.

In reaction to the development, EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, in a press release on Tuesday, described the ruling as shocking. He argued that the the ruling casted aspersion on the person of their chairman

“This ruling is surprising as it creates a wrong impression of the person of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC as encouraging impunity. As far as the relationship between the EFCC and the judiciary is concerned, The Executive Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has been an apostle of rule of law, due process, and close collaboration between the two institutions in justice administration ” He said.

The commission added that owing to error in the ruling, the commission will embark on a legal voyage to set aside the ruling of the court.

“Taking into cognizance the procedural lapse in the contempt proceedings the commission has initiated a process to set aside the entire contempt proceedings and committal of the Executive Chairman for contempt.” He added