Nigeria Customs Service

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a bid to streamline customs operations and bolster trade efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to adopting evidence-based approaches.

This commitment was reiterated during the launch of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) assisted Time Release Study (TRS) Scoping Mission for Nigeria.

At the ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday, February 8, 2024, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR emphasized the significance of the TRS method.

This systematic approach aims to measure the total duration from the arrival of goods at the Customs border until their release. 

CGC Adeniyi highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “It represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimize the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria.”

He underscored the NCS’s commitment to trade efficiency and national development, citing initiatives such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and the establishment of a Customs Laboratory. 

The launch of the TRS received commendation from government officials and stakeholders present at the event. Minister of Finance, represented by Lydia Jafiya, stated its alignment with the Federal Government’s agenda for economic revitalization.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stressed the role of trade facilitation in enhancing revenue generation and national competitiveness. 

With collaborative efforts between the NCS, WCO, and other stakeholders, Nigeria aims to leverage scientific studies and innovative strategies to enhance customs operations, promote economic growth, and facilitate international trade.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in a bid to bolster trade efficiency and combat smuggling, has announced plans to harness advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on virtual reality technology (VRT).

The CGC stated this commitment during a two-day workshop dedicated to the installation and utilisation of VRT, organised in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Ho Entertainment. 

Speaking on behalf of CGC Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General ACG Malanta Yusuf lauded the partnership with WCO and CCF Korea, recognising it as a crucial step towards leveraging technological advancements in customs operations.

ACG Yusuf stressed the CGC’s unwavering dedication to embracing cutting-edge solutions, citing ongoing officer training initiatives aimed at detecting radioactive materials to thwart smuggling attempts. 

Echoing ACG Yusuf’s sentiments, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs College and Staff College (NCCSC), hailed the collaborative efforts as pivotal in enhancing the skills of customs personnel.

He expressed confidence that the workshop would not only elevate inspection protocols but also serve as a deterrent to illicit trade practices. 

The workshop garnered praise from Professor Baek Sung-Sil, a representative from the WCO, who lauded the CGC’s forward-looking approach to modernising customs procedures through technology integration.

Professor Sung-Sil commended the dedication exhibited by participants and expressed optimism regarding the positive impact of the training on customs operations.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in its effort to strengthen partnerships with compliant stakeholders, has declared its dedication to fostering substantially improved relationships in 2024. 

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by the public relations officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah. 

According to Maiwadah, the announcement was made by Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, during the International Customs Day Celebration held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos. 

The event, which was said to have been attended by prominent figures including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and representatives from various government agencies and industry bodies, witnessed the recognition of the NCBN Caretaker Group with a Special Recognition Award. 

Addressing the audience, CGC Adeniyi stated the service’s commitment to the theme of the celebration, ‘Customs, Engaging Traditional and New Partners with a Purpose,’ aligning with the core objectives of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration. 

His words read, “This year, we commit to fostering a substantially improved relationship with all of you, our stakeholders, especially those who respect our rules. We recognize that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.” 

Highlighting the significance of collaboration, Adeniyi announced the launch of a Time Release Study in February 2024.

This comprehensive exercise aims to optimize processes and reduce the time for goods to be released at ports and border stations, with a call for active participation from all partners. 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, also affirmed the importance of customs and stakeholders working collaboratively to unlock the potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation. 

He commended the Customs leadership for prioritizing the use of scanners over physical examination, adding that it has a positive impact on revenue, efficiency, and competitiveness at ports.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A Nigeria Customs Service post in Mil Takwas hamlet, a few kilometres from Katsina town, was ambushed by a group of gunmen known locally as bandits.

The attack took place around 1 a.m. on Monday, according to multiple sources and the Nigerian Customs Service in Katsina.

The criminals approached the checkpoint on motorcycles, according to Shamsu Magama, a resident of Magama Jibia.

They arrived from the Bugaje village forest and halted a commercial vehicle on its way to Jibia. On the spot, the driver was murdered. He claimed that after that, they rode their motorcycles towards Mil Takwas.

Another community member claimed that the customs officers were attacked because the bandits figured that if they went to the hamlet without chasing the Customs officials away, they would be able to repel the onslaught.

He claimed that four customs vehicles had been set ablaze.

Katsina is one of the northwestern states brutally hit by the criminal activities of the bandits operating in the region.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Bandits have shot ASCII Muhammad Maradun, a Customs officer with Federal Operations Unit (FOU), to death in Kaduna.

The Daily Reality gathered that six people, among whom was a bride-to-be, were abducted in the process. 

It has been discovered that the bandits had stormed his house at Rogachikun Community of Igabi local government, Kaduna, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The deceased, Mr Maradun, was reported to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The FOU Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), M.A Magaji, confirmed the victim’s death.

However, the deceased was said to have died while undergoing surgery, putting all attempts to save his life in vain.

By Muhammad Sabiu

Cocaine weighing 11.913kg was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service’s Seme Area Command, with a street value of N3,916,624,147.00.

DSC Hussaini Abdullahi, the Customs Public Relations Officer for Seme Command, confirmed this in a statement.

He added that Area Command intercepted 1,065 jerrycans of petroleum products with a Duty Paid Value of N10,041,198.00 on Wednesday.

He was quoted as saying, “This came after the Area Command initiated offensive patrol against the smuggling of petroleum products along the creeks within the Seme and Badagry.”

“The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Bello Mohammed Jibo stressed that the offensive crackdown on the activities of the petroleum products smugglers is with a mission of getting them arrested wherever they are. He reassured that the Command will continue to make life uncomfortable for the unpatriotic Nigerians trading illegal businesses in the area.

“Speaking earlier on the cocaine seizure, Jibo explained that the substance was intercepted along Seme- Badagry Expressway at about 09:00 hrs on Sunday 23 January 2022.

“Consequently, the substance was subjected to test and verification by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control and was found to be cocaine weighing 11.913kg.

“While appreciating the cooperation of sister agencies and relevant stakeholders at Seme Border, the CAC reiterated the commitment of his Officers and Men in enforcing government fiscal policies for the overall national growth and development.”