Canada

By Anwar Usman 

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, has handed over 21 exotic cars worth over N8.1 billion to the Canadian government. 

The exotic vehicles include Rolls Royce, Labomgini Horicane, Mercedes-AMG and Range Rover. 

The comptroller explained that members of the syndicate stole vehicles from foreign countries and subsequently imported them into Nigeria using forged documents, adding that with the aid of the recently established Operations Hot Wheel, officers had recovered about 21 exotic cars from the criminal gang. 

Operation Hot Wheel comprises officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Canadian government. 

Adeniyi revealed that all 21 vehicles were recovered with the aid of the Canadian government as well as the EFCC.Speaking at the official handing over of the stolen vehicles, the CGC stated the Nigeria Customs Service had doubled its operations against vehicle trafficking syndicates operating within the country’s borders. 

The CGC added that, “according to INTERPOL reports, West Africa has emerged as a renown destination hub in the global stolen vehicle trade network, which extends from Europe and North America to as far as South America and Australia.

This challenge is particularly acute in Nigeria”. Adeniyi also highlighted that available data according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that between 2013-2015, only 54 per cent of stolen vehicles were recovered, noting that it shows the scale and sophistication of this criminal enterprise. 

“Recent intelligence from international law enforcement agencies further confirms that our region has become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles, a trend that not only denigrate Nigeria’s international world view but also impacts our economy through substantial revenue losses and increased security spending” Adeniyi stated. 

“In order to combat these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service came up with Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction. 

“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in tackling transnational vehicle theft. This multi agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organization,” Adenyi stated. 

According to him, criminals are now using various tactics, including false declarations and the use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent customs detection systems. 

He said the operation exposed how stolen vehicles were being smuggled through the nation’s ports using legitimate cargo as cover.

By Uzair Adam

A Chinese company, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, has seized another Nigerian jet, this time in Canada.

The firm, which has already been involved in the seizure of three Nigerian aircraft in France and other assets in various countries, took custody of the Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10 aircraft after a Quebec court authorized the seizure.

This action is part of Zhongshang’s efforts to enforce an arbitration award of over $70 million against Nigeria, leading to the confiscation of several Nigerian assets overseas.

The dispute stems from a legal battle involving the Ogun State Government, which has seen the firm seize numerous Nigerian properties and aircraft as it seeks to recoup its claims.

Despite ongoing tensions, Zhongshang recently released an Airbus A330 aircraft, allowing Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to travel to France for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Dr. Tosan Erhabor, the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), disclosed that a staggering 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have left the country, with 4,504 departing in 2023 alone. 

The brain drain, attributed to various factors, has prompted the Federal Ministry of Health to devise a policy aimed at regulating the migration of Nigerian health workers. 

Dr. Tosan Erhabor expressed his concern about the exodus of medical laboratory scientists during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).  

He highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to address the root causes of migration and establish regulatory measures. 

“The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” Dr. Erhabor stated.  

He further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health is actively working on a policy framework that would govern the migration of health professionals and potentially curb the alarming trend. 

To alleviate some of the challenges faced by health professionals, Dr. Erhabor shared that the government has initiated a review of the hazard allowance for health workers.  

Additionally, considerations are being made to review the minimum wage and other allowances specific to health professionals. Dr. Erhabor underscored the importance of creating a safe and conducive work environment as a crucial factor in stemming the tide of brain drain within the medical laboratory science field. 

The reasons behind the migration, as outlined by Dr. Erhabor, are multifaceted. He cited poor remuneration, uncertainties in career progression within teaching hospitals, the pursuit of education abroad, the desire to acquire new skills, and enhanced professional status as contributing factors. 

Moreover, the security situation in the country, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of modern equipment have prompted many professionals to seek opportunities abroad. 

The rising cost of living emerged as a critical factor, with Dr. Erhabor noting that it has become practically impossible for the average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children. 

The preferred destinations for these migrating scientists are reportedly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, reflecting the global appeal of these nations for professionals seeking opportunities and a conducive working environment. 

As the healthcare sector grapples with this significant challenge, the MLSCN and relevant authorities are urgently working towards implementing effective policies to retain and incentivize medical laboratory scientists within Nigeria. 

The alarming departure of over 10,000 medical laboratory scientists from Nigeria in 2023 has prompted the MLSCN to call for swift policy interventions.  

With a multitude of factors contributing to the brain drain, the urgency to address remuneration, career uncertainties, and infrastructural challenges is crucial to retaining and attracting skilled health professionals within the country.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

A Nigerian woman, Nana Khadija Mamudu Haliru, was declared the winner in a councillorship election in Canada on Tuesday.

The Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri -Erewa announced the milestone in a tweet on Wednesday. 

” One of our own has done it. Nigerian in Diaspora. Nana Khadijah Mamudu-Haliru has done us proud..

She contested for councillorship in Ingersoll of Ontario council in far away Canada and has won…Congrats #ProudlyNigerian” She tweeted ” 

Mrs Haliru had expressed gratitude to the people of Ingersoll Town for electing her. She said she would dedicate herself to their service. 

She said: 

“Hello and I just want to say congratulations to all the winners tonight. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Ingersoll, and I look forward to doing this with heart and all the dedication and devotion into this duty that you deserve.

“So thank you, and yes, we have a voice. We did it. We won,”

Record temperatures in British Columbia, Canada, and US cities, including Oregon, have resulted in the death of hundreds of people. The temperature reached up to 49.6°C (121.3F) on Sunday in parts of Canada, breaking a decades-old record.

The Oregon State Police said the state medical examiner’s office had received reports of 63 deaths. However, the heat is expected to subside by the weekend in most US cities.

The death toll is more devastating in Canada. According to a CNN report, at least 486 sudden deaths have been reported across the western coast of Canada near the US border.

“The 486 deaths currently entered represent a 195% increase over the approximately 165 deaths that would normally occur in the province over a five-day period,” British Columbia Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.

Experts warn against associating this directly to the climate change the world witnesses. Others say the two are connected like lung cancer is to smoking. They added that other parts of the world, too, see unpredictable weather conditions.

So far this year, northern Nigeria has recorded a low rainfall. As most farmers depend on the rain in the region, they expressed concern over the situation. Nigeria may face a food shortage as a result.