Comptr. Shuaibu Takes Over Mantle of Leadership At FOU Zone 'A'

Comptr. Shuaibu Takes Over Mantle of Leadership At FOU Zone 'A'

Bisi Akingbade 

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu has taken over as the 28th Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A ,  Ikeja Lagos.

Speaking at the brief handing- over ceremony that took place at the conference hall of the Unit, the new helmsman promised to deploy his wealth of experience to navigate the complexities of the Unit.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu solicited the support and maximum cooperation of the officers and men of the Unit to deliver on the mandates of the Service. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the service's  seven 7 Golden Rules (7Cs) to always guide the actions and decisions of officers.

The new Comptroller expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah and the Comptroller General of Customs ( CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for the opportunity to serve as  comptroller FOU A. He expressed optimism that the unit will excel in its mandates.

Comptroller Shuaibu a seasoned officer per excellence, has worked and served in different capacities across several customs formations.

Earlier in his address, the out-going Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Kolapo Oladeji, urged the new Comptroller to maintain the Unit's momentum by keeping the flag flying and expressed confidence in his ability to enhance the efficiency of the Unit.

Oladeji thanked the CGC and the management team for the opportunity to serve and appreciated the officers and men's support.

 

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Nigeria Customs Service Rakes in N1.751Trillion, Seized Goods Worth N7.698Bn

Nigeria Customs Service Rakes in N1.751Trillion,  Seized Goods Worth N7.698Bn

    CGC BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has announced an impressive revenue collection for Q1 2025 with a total sum of ₦1,751,502,252,298.05 (One Trillion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-One Billion, Five Hundred and Two Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira, Five Kobo).

CGC Adeniyi made disclosure while briefing on the activities of Nigeria Customs Service for the first quarter of year 2025, at the Customs Headquarters, Maitama Abuja.

His words "Against our annual target of ₦6,580,000,000,000.078.41% increasezed0, the first quarter's proportional benchmark stood at ₦1,645,000,000,000.00. I'm proud to announce we've exceeded this target by ₦106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of our quarterly projection. This outstanding performance represents a substantial 29.96% increase  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2024,  where  we  collected ₦1,347,705,251,658.31.

"Our month-by-month analysis reveals even more encouraging details of this growth trajectory. January's collection of ₦647,880,245,243.67 not only surpassed its monthly target of ₦548.33 billion by 18.12%, but also showed a remarkable 65.77% year-on-year growth. February's ₦540,105,439,535.18 exceeded its target by 1.3% while achieving 19.97% growth over 2024 figures. March maintained this positive trend with ₦563,516,567,519.20, delivering 2.7% above target and an 11.22% improvement over March 2024.

"These results substantiate our effective measures to curb revenue losses while streamlining compliant trade. The 29.96% annual increase and steady monthly collections confirm our strategy is working. We'll maintain this momentum through rigorous enforcement and strengthened partnerships.

The Comptroller General of Customs said that the Service has maintained robust anti-smuggling operations during the first quarter of 2025, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7,698,557,347.67 which represents a significant 78.41% increase compared to the ₦4,315,162,568.35 recorded in Q4 2024, demonstrating heightened operational effectiveness. However, when compared to Q1 2024's

₦9,587,256,998.05,  the  Service  observed  a  19.70%  reduction  in  DPV,

 attributable to improved compliance through sustained stakeholder engagement and the deterrent effect of our enforcement activities.

"Rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939,309,698.00. Petroleum products followed with 61 seizures totaling 65,819 liters (₦43,336,160.81 DPV). Of particular note were 22 narcotics interceptions valued at ₦730,748,173.00, reflecting our intensified focus on combating drug trafficking. The Service also recorded three high-value wildlife product seizures with a remarkable ₦5,653,522,600.00 DPV, underscoring both the lucrative nature of this illegal trade and our commitment to environmental protection under international conventions.

Other notable seizures included textile fabrics (13 cases, ₦134,219,330.00 DPV), retreaded tires (5 cases, ₦104,599,000.00 DPV), and pharmaceuticals (1 case, ₦17,188,000.00 DPV). 

On trade facilitation, the customs boss emphasized that during the first quarter of 2025, the Service processed a total of 327,928 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) for imports, handling goods with a total mass of 4,910,640,283.33 kilograms and a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of ₦14,807,960,201,235.00.

"This represents a 5.28% increase in the number of import transactions compared to the 311,492 SGDs processed in Q1 2024, reflecting growing confidence in our trade facilitation measures. 

"The significant 40.14% increase in the mass of imports processed (from 3,504,173,117.33 kg in Q1 2024) demonstrates robust growth in import volumes, while the 26.72% increase in CIF value (from ₦11,685,677,810,129.00 in Q1 2024) indicates a shift towards higher-value goods.

"In Q1 2025, the Service processed 8,153 export shipments (SGDs), representing a 6.4% decrease from Q4 2024 (8,710 SGDs) and a 24.4% decline from Q1 2024 (10,786 SGDs). Despite fewer transactions, export mass reached

5.03 billion kilograms - a 10% reduction from Q4 2024's 5.58 billion kg but a remarkable 348% increase from Q1 2024's 1.12 billion kg. The CIF value stood at ₦21.51 trillion, showing a 19% increase from Q4 2024's ₦18.07 trillion while remaining stable compared to Q1 2024's ₦21.58 trillion. This data clearly suggestive of Nigeria's accelerating shift toward bulk commodity exports, with significantly larger shipments being processed through fewer transactions, while maintaining consistent total export value - reflecting both changing trade patterns and improved processing efficiency in our export systems.

"The total trade value handled by the Service in Q1 2025 amounted to

₦36,317,925,576,290.00, demonstrating Nigeria's substantial participation in international trade despite global economic challenges. This performance reflects our ongoing commitment to implementing trade facilitation measures that enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in the global market.

According to the CGC Adeniyi, among key initiatives and achievement with significant milestones modernisation and institutional development agenda includes B'Odogwu Platform Expansion,  to enhanced operational efficiency and improved service delivery to our stakeholders and Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Programme which was officially launched on 14 February for expedited clearance, reduced inspections, and enhanced predictability in customs procedures for qualifying operators.

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OJOKORO RUMOUR PEDDLERS: LET MOBOLAJI SANUSI BE

OJOKORO RUMOUR PEDDLERS: LET MOBOLAJI SANUSI BE

By Sulaiman Adeniji

The moment for undeniable truth and political clarity is now. Truth rises above deceit and falsehood, exposing the desperation of its perpetrators. As always, truth, despite the machinations of falsehood merchants, illuminates the path forward.

Truth allows individuals and communities to grow and flourish. The people of Ojokoro deserve to know the truth about the most capable chairmanship prospect in the upcoming local government election.

To all in Ojokoro and Lagos State at large who are interested in the facts, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi is a respected force in his community. It is incontrovertible that he has, over the years, been consistently involved, both morally and financially, in the activities of the progressive party (AC/ACN/APC) during electioneering campaigns and beyond, at both ward and local government levels. This stands in stark contrast to the lies being peddled by individuals masquerading as political saints in Ojokoro LCDA.

Contrary to these misleading narratives, Mr. Sanusi was nominated for a commissionership position from Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area, which includes Ojokoro LCDA. His nomination letter was endorsed by the party chairmen of both LGAs, the two council chairmen, two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the current member of the House of Representatives. If Mr. Sanusi were truly unknown in the community, such influential figures would not have endorsed his candidacy. The rumour peddlers should find another tale to tell and leave this principled gentleman alone.

Mr. Sanusi, a former managing director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, remains a steadfast advocate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political ideology. If a man does not boast about his accomplishments, it does not mean he is an outsider. As the adage goes, an empty vessel makes the loudest noise.

Mr. Sanusi loves his community and has lived among the Ojokoro people for nearly three decades. Even during his time in government, he never relocated to Lagos’ more affluent districts, despite having the means to do so.

The falsehoods targeted at Mr. Sanusi, a tested, principled, and focused former public office holder and a trusted political protégé of President Tinubu, have fallen flat in the face of facts.

All we ask is for Mr. Sanusi to help bring Ojokoro out of the woods.

This is the will of WE, the people of Ojokoro, and so shall it be.

When a political analyst, Mr Oluwakemi Dauda was contacted about the issue, he said: 

"but this wouldn’t surprise any mind with wily wisdom at this time in our Local Government. And make no mistake about it, every little news about his political ambition from now will be given a monstrous interpretation, his voice would be misrepresented and made to rankle while his silence will be given a tinge of cold complicity for anything that is contrary to interest of his enemies or tersely put, anything that is against the interest of some of his political opponents.

" So, I ask, why? Why should an undoubted political tactician like Mobolaji Sanusi be perpetually pitched against the party he was there and worked tirelessly  for at its formation and played the enviable protagonist in the political drama that climaxed in its electoral victory and remained steadfast and optimistic about their political prognosis up till tomorrow.

"For me, it is of optimal importance at this time to begin to interrogate these sloppy tantrums because those doom and gloom merchants who strive daily to disparage, denigrate and denounce a man’s manifest achievements will continue to construct and reconstruct their own truth if unchallenged. Because Mobolaji  Sanusi's contributions can be seen with our very eyes. Therefore, we must not allow them to defraud history in our LCD. 

Mobolaji Sanusi, Dauda said, " did not only invest his time, incisive mind and strategic thinking, he staked his capital towards the wellness of many within and outside Lagos State How then could anyone speak with such irritating impertinence that Bolaji Sanusi has contributed nothing to our party APC, our local government and the state 

So, without question, Bolaji Sanusi has nothing else to prove. We should able to tell ourselves some hard truth. And it is that if there are three people in this local government today that can mobilise the needed human capital and strategically lead our LCDA to transition into an inspired, forward-looking and economically viable area, Barrister  Mobolaji Sanusi is certainly, unequivocally, one of them.

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Senate To Resume Seating On MAY 6

Senate To Resume Seating On  MAY 6

The Senate has officially confirmed the rescheduling of its plenary sitting from April 29, 2025, to May 6, 2025. 

According to a circular signed by Senate Clerk Andrew Ogbonna Nwoba, the decision allows senators to spend time with their constituents during the International Workers' Day public holiday and engage in further constituency activities.

The circular reads, “Distinguished Senators, I am directed to inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Monday, 29th April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025."

The Senate had previously adjourned on March 27 to observe the Easter and Eid-El-Fitr holidays, and the latest postponement gives lawmakers additional time to connect with their constituents. 

The circular notes that the change in schedule may have caused some inconvenience, but senators are requested to take note of the new date.

“This postponement is made to allow Distinguished Senators to stay with their constituents during the International Workers’ Day public holiday in the first week of May and to further enhance constituency engagements.

“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to take note of this postponement while regretting any inconvenience the change might have caused.”

With the new schedule in place, the Senate will now reconvene on May 6, 2025, to resume its plenary sittings and tackle pending legislative business.

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Standard Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club

Standard Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club

Bisi Akingbade 

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Standard-Times Newspaper, Mr. Ayo Fadimu, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.

The club has evolved into a gathering place for elites in the region, while its membership comprises prominent public figures, including influential politicians, business moguls and respected professionals from various sectors.

Mr. Fadimu's upcoming induction is a testament to his significant impact in the field of journalism and media in Nigeria, as Standard-Times Newspaper has been lauded for its commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting and public enlightenment.

The induction ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries, club members, media personalities and well-wishers from various sectors across the country.

In anticipation of the ceremony, Mr. Fadimu expressed his gratitude thus: 

"Being recognized and considered for membership in such an historic and respected institution is truly an honour. The Abeokuta Sports Club represents a legacy of excellence and service and I look forward to joining hands with other esteemed members in promoting the club’s legacy and social impact”.

Beyond inducting and celebrating Mr. Fadimu’s personal accomplishments, the event also highlights the Abeokuta Sports Club’s enduring commitment to excellence, community leadership and recognition of individuals who have made notable contributions to society.

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Group launches reflective jacket to check criminality in Badagry

Group launches reflective jacket to check criminality in Badagry 

Bisi Akingbade 

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Employers of Nigeria, NASWDEN, Lagos on Monday launched reflective jackets to be used in Badagry to check criminality among members.

Speaking, shortly after the launching, Mr Adedotun Adewale, the Lagos State Chairman of the association said the jackets would be used to checkmate essences of bad eggs that are trying to damage the association image.

According to the chairman, we are launching the reflective jackets to checkmate the essences of bad eggs that are trying to damage our image.

"We are also using this to build a database for easy identification of genuine and legitimate scrap dealers.

"Though every profession has bad eggs but the essence of what we are doing today is to reduce crime rate among the scrap dealers.

"Let me assure you that with this reflective jackets sanity will return to Badagry because those bad eggs will have no where to hide their faces," he said.

Chief Anthony Oloyede, the Egiyentan of Badagry kingdom who represented Akran of Badagry at the launching urged scrap dealers to always ask for receipt of scrap brought to them to know that they are not stolen.

Oloyede said they are all working towards the peace and progress of the council.

He urged the association to always report any incident or crime committed by members to the Police.

Mr Folajimi Akosile, the Divisional Police Officer, Badagry Police Station said it had become a crime in the council for any waste or scrap dealers to operate without his jackets.

Dr Sewedo Samuel, the Chief of Staff to Badagry Local Government Chairman, Mr Olusegun Onilude said the council is accommodating where everyone lives in peace and harmony.

He urged the association to obey law and orders, urging them to register the association in order to operate their businesses according to the law of the land.

Mr Ahmed Idris, the Public Relations Officer of the association assured the people of Badagry that act of vandalism and criminality would reduce to minimal level with the launching of the jackets.

The association also used the occasion to inaugurate Badagry executive council of the scrap dealers led by Mr Yahaya Ibrahim.

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1st Quarter 2025: Port Harcourt II Command, Onne Rakes In N190.569Bn As Revenue

1st Quarter 2025: Port Harcourt II Command, Onne Rakes In N190.569Bn As Revenue

CAC P/HARCOURT II COMMAND, ONNE, COMPTR. MOHAMMED BABANDEDE 

... Made Seizures with DPV Worth N10.293bn

Bisi Akingbade 

Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, of Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II command,Onne, has disclosed a total sum of One Hundred and Ninety Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-nine Million, Two Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-seven Naira, Fourty-two Kobo (N190, 569,212,397.42) as revenue collected during the first quarter (January-March) of the year 2025. 

Comptroller Babandede made this disclosure during the command first quarter briefing at ONNE, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said "During the first quarter of the year 2024, a total of One Hundred and Sixty-two Billion, Seven Hundred and Five Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Five Hundred Sixty-one Naira, Fourty-eight Kobo (N162, 705,313,561.48) was collected. 

This , he said showed a remarkable improvement with a difference of Twenty Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-four Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Fourty-two Naira, Sixty-one Kobo (N27, 864,668,442.61); this represents a 17.12% increase against the first quarter of 2024.  

"The Command exported 1.274, 695MTS comprising of mostly agricultural products and solid minerals. The total products exported stood at a value of Two Billion, Three Hundred and Fourty-five Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-two Naira (2,345,268,122).

The Custom Area Controller further stated that a total of 20 containers were seized from January to March 2025 namely;1 X 40ft Container TLLU6901759 STC 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100mls each) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 1 X 40ft Container MRKU 2117319 STC 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares, 2 X 40ft Containers MRKU4875853 & TCNU2623453 STC 271,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with Codeine (100ml), 1,200 pieces of Cock and 94 cartons of sanitary wares and 21 cartons of TBS rubber, 4 X 20ft containers PCIU0094329, PCIU1014858, PCIU1367243, & PCIU00229679 STC 64,416 X (400mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste, 16,104 X (200mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste.

Others seized items include:

1 X 40ft Container MEDU7751984 STC 280 bales of used clothes and 2 cartons of toys, 6 X 20ft Containers MEDU6909397, TGBU3174254, CAIU6719204, TTNU1932358, GLDU5050514 & MEDU2120820 STC 6,300 X (25litres each) Jerry cans of Delicieux Cooking Oil, 2 X 20ft Containers GLDU3216822 & MEDU1266507 STC 2,100 Jerry cans of Super Gold Vegetable Cooking Oil (25ltrs each), 1 X 40ft TCKU7701615 STC 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X, 4,830,000 Capsules of Pregabalin (300mg each) and 288 cartons of WC, 1X 40ft container MSMU5925355 STC 320 bales of used clothes1 X 40ft container TCKU 6160305 STC 360 bales of used clothing,, 2 bags of personal effects and 1 box of personal effects.

The cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the seized goods presented is worth Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand, Fourty Naira (N10, 293,677,040.00)

He noted that these seizures are products of courage, bravery, high level of integrity, and the self-determined posture of the officers to be patriotic to their oath of allegiance; exhibited through objective and careful examination, meticulous documentary checks and professionalism.

 

He added that "Nigeria Customs Service is making significant strides in trade facilitation through its modernization project, which nitiative integrates various applications, platforms, and hardware into a comprehensive import and export management system. This Command leveraged this project with yielding remarkable results which includes the efficient release of containers."

" We trained stakeholders on the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System in order to understand the modality of its operation for efficiency in the clearing procedure and better revenue collection. 

"In our continued effort to collaborate with all agencies of government for better results in service delivery. I am handing over a 1x20ft Container found to contain donkey skin meant for export to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service.

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