NCS: Deepens Integrity Measures as ICPC Deploys Ethics Compliance Tools

NCS: Deepens Integrity Measures as ICPC Deploys Ethics Compliance Tools

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service , NCS, in an effort to entrench a culture of transparency and strengthen ethical standards across its operations has  received a high-level delegation from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for the deployment of the Ethics and Compliance Scorecard, EICS, and the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, ACTU, Effectiveness Index, AEI,.

The engagement, held at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, underscores the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, to institutional integrity, ethical compliance, and improved service delivery in line with federal anti-corruption directives.

Representing the CGC, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG in charge of Headquarters, Isah Umar, described the exercise as a welcome initiative and reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to partner with the ICPC in strengthening its internal systems.

“This is an important oversight process to evaluate ethics and integrity levels across government agencies. For us in the Nigeria Customs Service, it aligns with our broader reforms aimed at ensuring professionalism, accountability, and citizen-focused service delivery,” Umar stated. “We have carefully reviewed the requirements of this assessment and assembled all relevant documentation. We invite the ICPC team to critically review them, and we remain open to collaboration for continuous improvement.”

Speaking, the Comptroller, Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU, Emmanuel Oshoba, and the Comptroller, Special Duties, Hannel Hadison, also noted that the NCS has since institutionalised its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, ACTU,  across its commands and formations. Active desk officers within the unit are driving anti-corruption messaging, monitoring compliance, and promoting transparency within the Service.

During the visit, Umar Sani, Team Lead of the ICPC delegation, noted that the deployment of the EICS and AEI tools is part of the Commission’s annual preventive strategy for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to ensure adherence to ethical standards.

“The deployment of the Ethics and Compliance Scorecard and the ACTU Effectiveness Index is a preventive tool to ensure MDAs, including the Nigeria Customs Service, are compliant with institutional ethics and procedures,” he said. “It also evaluates transparency and accountability structures and assesses the strength of internal systems.”

Sani explained that the EICS evaluates MDAs using four major components which are management structure and culture,  financial management system, administrative system and ACTU effectiveness index

He emphasised that the ACTU, domiciled in all MDAs, plays a crucial role in sensitising staff against corruption and reporting unethical practices through structured channels in collaboration with the ICPC.

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Akinola Rolls Out Vision For S’West Development Commission for Senate

Akinola Rolls Out Vision For S’West Development Commission for Senate 

   DR. CHARLES AKINOLA 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Managing Director of the South West Development Commission, SWDC, Dr Charles Akinola, has rolled out his vision for the Commission.

Speaking during the screening session of all the 18 nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu for appointment as Chairman and members of the South-West Development Commission, SWDC,  Dr Akinola Akinola said the establishment under his leadership would look at one economic bloc as a defining feature of the Commission.

It could be recalled that those screened by the Senate in plenary are Senator Olubumi Adetunbi (Ekiti State, Chairman); Dr Charles Akinola (Osun State, Managing Director), Alhaji Lateef Ajijola Oladimeji, Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development (Ekiti); Tele Ogunjobi, Executive Director, Finance (Ogun), Adefumilayo Tejuosho, Executive Director, Corporate Services (Lagos); and Fatai Ibikunke Bayonne, Executive Director, Environmental Development (Oyo).

Other screened nominees as members of the South-west Development Commission are: Hon. Scholastica Olanike (Osun), Bolaji Idris Ariyo (Lagos); Joseph Akin Olugbenga (Ekiti), Oluwamuyiwa Timothy Olabintan, (Lagos);,  Dr Adewinle Olayinde Martins,  (Ondo), and Dr. Ibrahim Adeniyi Olaifa, Oyo.

Others are: Kabiru Ado Lakwaya (Kano); Abdul Biu Adamu (Borno), Mr Akinola Fagbemi Benjamin (North-Central), Ukoha Onyekwere Michael (Abia); Engr. Hanachor Alwell Owhorle (South-South), and Olusegun Joshua Olufehinti (South-South).

The SWDC boss, while speaking during the screening, noted that the vision for the Commission would be anchored on a strong regional development strategy that would allow the commission to build a very competitive regional identity that would attract investment and talent.

He said, “The vision will be anchored on a strong regional development strategy where we have six states, but one bloc. We will look at one economic bloc as a defining feature of the South-West Development Commission. 

"So, that will allow us to build a very competitive regional identity, which will establish and be able to attract investment and talents.”

He said that in the 30 years of his experience which was outside of the walls of the university, he had garnered enough experience to bring about great development to the South-west region.

“My vision for the South-west is a globally competitive, forward-looking, resilient economy in a prosperous Nigeria. The south-west is to be a leading hub for manufacturing, for innovation and the generation of job opportunities.

“I would like to see the south-west as a leader in digital industries and creative economy. So much is happening in that space already. We will build on where people are in terms of what they are already doing.”

Akinola said that he would ensure "a broader Nigerian Renewed Hope Agenda' if confirmed."

“You will realise that some of our brightest talents in this country are from the south-west. We will be able to leverage the resources of these talents within and outside the shores of this country.

“Infrastructure development will be a key priority of the development commission, and by that, we’re looking at infrastructure development, we’re looking at regional interconnectivity. We’re looking at energy self-sufficiency which will be the backbone for industrialisation in the south-west,” Akinola said.

 Meanwhile, the Senate has urged the nominees to live up to the mandate of the Commission while piloting the affairs of the establishment, to ensure that it achieves the purpose for which it was set up by the present administration.

Declaring the screening session opened at the National Assembly Complex, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-west Development Commission, Senator Yunus Akintunde, noted that the screening was guided by Section 147-151 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Orders and the principles of transparency, accountability and fairness.

Addressing the nominees before the commencement of the exercise, Akintunde pointed out that the budget of the Commission was just a line budget and not its capital vote, stressing the need for effective management of the affairs of the agency to actualise its mandate.

“What you have is a takeoff grant. It means the task rests on the management and the board. You are entering a special session; you are the pioneer set; which means you have special tasks to take off and I know God will help you.”

After a formal introduction of the nominees and the Committee members, Akintunde noted that the SWDC Chairman designate, Olubumi Adetunbi would not be subjected to questions because he had served as a member of the Senate in two different assemblies in the past.

Accordingly, he simply asked Adetunbi to introduce himself, take a bow, and stay and watch the proceedings.

By the resolution of the Committee, the same privilege was also extended to all the other members of the board of the Commission, except the nominee for the position of the Managing Director, Dr Charles Akinola.

Akinola was quizzed by some Senators while the majority of the members of the Committee attested to his integrity and capacity to deliver on the assignment given to him by the appointment, claiming that they had known him for successful endeavours over time.

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MWUN ISSUES MELSORE MARINE LTD 21 DAY ULTIMATUM FOR NON COMPLIANCE OF CBA AND PFA

MWUN ISSUES MELSORE MARINE LTD 21 DAY ULTIMATUM FOR NON COMPLIANCE OF CBA AND PFA

 Bisi Akingbade 

The President- General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, under Comrade Francis Bunu Abi has  issued a 21-Day Ultimatum to Melsmore Nigeria Limited, situated at Choscharis Plaza, 68A Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, over non compliance to submit its Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, and the remittance records of the Employees' Pensions Fund Administrators, PFA of

This was made known by the Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna through a press release. 

"It's on record that Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited is an outfit in the Maritime Industry and as such are accountable to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, having engaged the Union members in its workforce performing all Maritime operations.

"It would be recalled that the Maritime Workers Union, through the office of its Secretary - General, Comrade Oniha Erazua demanded that Melsmore Marine Ltd provides the Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, and the Pension Fund (PFA) of its workers, who are our bonafide members of the Union, hitherto, the management of Melsmore Ltd had defiantly refused to obliged the Union these aforementioned documents in compliance with the Industry Regulations and Standards; and also in accordance with extant Labour Laws.

"This documents request by the Union will put both the workers and employers in a stable and conducive work environment and the operations, for business to become less prone to regulatory interruptions.

"The Union is dismayed over absolute refusal of Melsmore Ltd to comply with the documents demanded despite all conciliatory efforts to engaging Melsmore Ltd over the welfare of the workers; hence, the Union demands that the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the remittance records of the Employees' Pensions Fund Administrators (PFA) be sent to MWUN. This action of Melsmore has further given the Union the impression that the management of Melsmore Ltd has zero appreciation for the Union's positive disposition towards the smooth running of Melsmore business in the sector.

"In this light, it's believed that Melsmore action is tantamount to deception and fraud, which has sparked off suspicion and restiveness amongst the employees; and the Union is gravely concerned that the workers are being shortchanged their statutory rights to accurate pensions remittance, which they ought to know; hence, MWUN has issued a 21-Day ultimatum to enable Melsmore Nigeria Ltd accede to the demand of the Union, or face industrial action, which includes picketing of Melsmore's business premises and its other business locations nationwide.

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TINUBU, AKPABIO, ABBAS, ENO, UZODINMA, DIRI, MAKINDE, LABOUR LEADERS TO GRACE NUJ @70 CELEBRATION

TINUBU, AKPABIO, ABBAS, ENO, UZODINMA, DIRI, MAKINDE, LABOUR LEADERS TO GRACE NUJ @70 CELEBRATION

... NUJ Marks 70 Years of Service to the Profession, Nation, and Democracy

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ,  will on Saturday, June 21, 2025, celebrate its 70th anniversary with a grand national event at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, under the theme:

“Redefining Media Practice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

In a statement signed by the Deputy National President of the NUJ and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, the Union said the occasion will not only honour its historic journey but also confront the pressing realities shaping modern journalism.

“This is a celebration of the NUJ’s 70 years of unwavering commitment to protecting media freedom, advancing professionalism, and defending democracy,” Dr. Oyetunde stated.

“But it is also a time to reflect deeply on the disruptive changes in media practice, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation.”

Expected to attend are top national leaders, including:

• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

• Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio

• Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Keynote Speaker)

• Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)

• Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State)

-Senator Douye Diri( Governor Bayelsa 

- Alhaji Muhammed Inuwa)Governor Gombe)

- Bala Mohammed,  Veteran Journalist (Governor Bauchi)

- Abba Kanir Yusuf)Governor Kano)

- Engr Seyi Makinde(Governor Oyo)

- Prof Babagana Zulum)Governor Borno)

- Yahya Bello(Former Governor Kogi)

• Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi

• NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero

• TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo

Also expected are Captains of Industry, all national officers of the Union, past NUJ presidents and secretaries, members of the Central Working Committee and NEC, and leaders of NAWOJ, who will be specially honoured for their contributions.

A major highlight of the celebration will be the unveiling of a commemorative book titled “70 Years of the NUJ: From Struggle to Strength,” authored by former NUJ National Secretary, Mr. Shuabu Lehman, who has devoted over three decades to the Union.

The NUJ @70 celebration underscores the union’s pivotal role in safeguarding press freedom, holding power accountable, and navigating the complexities of a fast-evolving media ecosystem. It promises to be a defining gathering of stakeholders shaping the future of journalism in Nigeria.

Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde

Deputy National President & Chairman, Organising Committee

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MWUN Elects New Branch President

MWUN Elects New Branch President

 ... Past PG Adeyanju Commends Comrade Bunu Over Peaceful Election 

Bisi Akingbade 

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria,  MWUN, on Monday elected a new Branch President, Comrade Femi Abass, whom until his election, was the Vice President of Shipping branch, and by his election victory which took place at the National Secretariat of the Union, takes over the reign of the Branch affairs from Comrade Ekpeyon Ekpeyon who has completed his two tenures of eight years in office.

It would be recalled that privy to the election day, there have been insinuations of crisis regarding the election which has come and gone successfully under the dynamic leadership of the current President - General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Union, Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, whose leadership acumen cannot be overemphasized.

"Indeed, Comrade Bunu brought his wealth of Unionism experience to bear by making sure that the election was held successfully without rancour. The Delta State born Labour leader, Maritime Expert and a seasoned sailor proved all cynical minds wrong after the election, which paved way for Comrade Abass and his new Executives who will pilot the affairs of the Shipping branch for a tenure of the next four years.

Comrade Bunu's predecessor, Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, the immediate past PG of MWUN poured encomiums on the courage of Comrade Bunu for not letting the Union down, given the orderliness with which the Shipping election was conducted and concluded in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of commotion and the like as wrongly anticipated.

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Vice Chairman Global, International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) says he has no regrets  and had no doubts in his mind on the choice, abilities and capabilities of the current PG of the Union, stressing that Comrade Bunu was the rightful candidate, who have taken over the reigns of leadership of the Union as at the time he ( Prince Adeyanju) exited the leadership of the Union.

The Oyo State born Prince also praised all the Stakeholders in the Maritime Sector for their immense cooperation and support for the new PG even after he had left the Union. He was also full of praise for all the members and staff of the Union and pleaded that they should be patient with the new PG, buttressing his words of encouragement that with time, the current President - General's good intentions for the Union will begin to manifest as time progresses.

The indefatigable past PG of the Union also admonished the newly elected Executives of the Shipping branch to be tolerant with one another, work together with one mind, peace and accord to achieve a better aim for the branch and for the general wellbeing of the Union, saying that trust and loyalty is the key towards achieving success and progress. He, however, charged the new Executives to aim for the better in this first tenure and wished they succeed in all their endeavors, while congratulating them for a successful branch election. Prince Adeyanju promised that Comrade Abass will not let the Union down, given  his personal traits of life, discipline, thoroughness,  commitment, loyalty, dignity towards labour, hard work and care, which he has continued to demonstrate in and outside the Union.

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NARTO, MWUN FROWNS AT12,500 E-CALL UP SYSTEM LEVY

NARTO, MWUN FROWNS AT N12,500 E-CALL UP SYSTEM  LEVY.                 

... CALLS ON GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU TO INTERVENE                            

Bisi Akingbade 

The National Road Transport Owners,  NARTO, and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, have frowned at the implemented E-Call Up system levy of N12,500 per truck at the Lekki Deep Blue Seaport by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.  

The Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, in a press statement stated that ""the management of NARTO had initially objected to the said outrageous levy having written the Lagos State Ministry of transportation, explaining to the ministry the high cost of petroleum products, a good against equity, affordability and the broader interest of Nigeria.                                                  

"And in spite of the plea letter written  to the government in this regard, the Ministry has not deem it necessary to convey a meeting of mutual interest between the government and NARTO.                                                                          "NARTO's argument on the said levy is hinged on the economic implications, and the hardship I s Nigerians are currently facing, and that it would be unrealistic to impose such levy  on its members and for the general interest of Nigerians.      

                                                

"However, NARTO and MWUN are strongly committed and positive towards the levy initiative and it will be imperative for Lagos State Government to give NARTO a listening ear over the levy issue, also appealing to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, to intervene so that both NARTO and the Ministry could come to a mutual understanding in this regard.                                                                            

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SIFAX GROUP: Ports & Cargo Welcomes Largest General Cargo Vessel

SIFAX GROUP: Ports & Cargo Welcomes

 Largest General Cargo Vessel

Bisi Akingbade 

Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has recorded a historic milestone with the arrival of IPSARION, the largest general cargo vessel ever handled at its terminal at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

In a press statement issued by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande, stated that  IPSARION, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier with a length overall of 199.99 meters and a gross tonnage of 36,560, arrived laden with bulk cargo and industrial equipment from Europe. Built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Cebu, Philippines, the vessel is managed by Helikon Shipping Enterprises Ltd and operated by YAKE BULK LIMITED.

Onboard the vessel were multiple units of construction equipment, steel rods, vehicles, chemicals, power generation machinery, and several other goods.

Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, Mr. John Jenkins, described the vessel’s arrival as a strategic step aimed at maximising opportunities and resources at the terminal, while also facilitating trade and growing the country’s economy. 

He said: “For a long period of time, our terminal has been servicing primarily container vessels, but a strategic business decision recently that bothers on opening up the space for more diverse business partnerships has tilted us towards welcoming general cargo vessels at our terminal. 

“The general cargo business is not entirely new to us, as we have handled this at some point in time. So that means we have the expertise, equipment and other resources to adequately meet and exceed the expectations of general cargo vessels calling at our terminal. We are excited that IPSARION has called at our terminal and unloading operations are currently going on. 

“Handling a vessel of this large scale showcases our preparedness for large-volume cargo operations. It validates the massive investment SIFAX Group has made in port infrastructure and human capacity over the years.”

This feat further reinforces the SIFAX Group’s role in driving excellence in Nigeria’s maritime industry and contributing to national economic growth through seamless port operations.

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