Nigeria Customs Highlights Integrity Reforms, Says Anti-Corruption Measures Paying Off

Nigeria Customs Highlights  Integrity Reforms, Says Anti-Corruption Measures Paying Off

…As ASC I Adeogun Wins IMPR 2026 Young Communicator Award

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability through sustained institutional reforms, saying measures introduced by the current leadership are helping to mitigate corruption and promote ethical conduct among officers.

Maiwada stated this at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, during the 4th Economic Confidential Lecture and 6th National Spokespersons Awards organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), where he spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the event themed, “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication.” He said integrity remained a fundamental pillar of the World Customs Organisation, noting that the Service had aligned its operations with global best practices through integrity perception surveys, continuous reforms and stronger collaboration with anti-corruption institutions.

According to him, “The World Customs Organisation is very intentional about the integrity of Customs officers worldwide. Nigeria Customs has conducted integrity perception surveys involving both internal and external stakeholders, and the feedback from those exercises has continued to shape our reforms, our modernisation projects and even our collaboration with other government agencies. Recently, the Code of Conduct Bureau visited the Service as part of efforts to strengthen ethical conduct among our officers.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, described corruption as a global challenge that distorts economies, fuels inequality and undermines national security. He noted that corruption was neither peculiar to Nigeria nor Africa, citing international cases as evidence that corrupt practices transcend national boundaries.

The event also featured the emergence of Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun, Liaison Officer of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), as the Young Communicator of the Year at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards.

Receiving the award, Adeogun dedicated the recognition to the Nigeria Customs Service and pledged to contribute further to the growth of the institution through effective communication, saying, “This award will encourage me to contribute even more to the Service and ensure that I continue to play my role effectively. It has energised me to do more.”

Congratulating the award recipient, Maiwada described the recognition as a reflection of Adeogun’s commitment, professionalism and hard work, adding, “I am particularly delighted to see one of our young officers receive this recognition. No amount of mentorship can produce results unless the individual is willing to learn and improve himself. Adeogun has demonstrated commitment, professionalism and hard work.”

On her part, the jury chairperson, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the awards had grown beyond an annual recognition programme into a platform for promoting professionalism, effective communication and public trust.

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PTML Command Strengthens Leadership Capacity, Professionalism and Teamwork Among Senior Officers

PTML Command Strengthens Leadership Capacity, Professionalism and Teamwork Among Senior Officers

… As Ag. Controller Miko Presents Certificates of Excellence to Two Deserving Officers

Bisi Akingbade 

Port & Terminal Multiservices Limited, PTML, Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday the  11th of August , 2026  successfully organised a Leadership Seminar aimed at strengthening leadership capacity, professionalism, and teamwork among senior officers of the Command.

The seminar which was held at the Conference Hall of PTML Command was organised in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, FNIPR, PSC+, to build a more efficient, motivated, and service-oriented workforce.

According to the the press release issued by the Public Relations Officer, PTML command, Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, stated the  Acting Area Controller, DC Nura Ibrahim Miko, emphasised that effective leadership is critical to achieving the Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling. 

He noted that the Command remains committed to initiatives that promote the welfare, health, and productivity of officers, including the recently commenced Work-Life Balance Initiative.

Participants were taken through sessions on strategic leadership, effective communication, decision-making, conflict management, and ethical conduct. The Acting Area Controller delivered the lecture of the  first session  on the topic : “Leadership and Followership: Building a Culture of Collaboration and Excellence.”

DC Miko commended participants for their active engagement and charged the officers to translate the lessons learnt into improved service delivery within the Command. He also used the opportunity to reassure stakeholders and the trading community of the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and ease of doing business . 

Participants in the leadership seminar were drawn from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Customs to Deputy Comptroller of Customs.

Some of the highlights of the event included the  presentation of Certificates of Excellence to Assistant Comptroller J.O. Ezekuse, Officer-in-Charge, Mile 2 Gate; and Chief Superintendent of Customs C.A. Ibrahim, Officer-in-Charge, Legal Unit of the Command.

The Acting Controller admonished all officers to keep giving their best in their services to the country as the command has a mechanism to identify and reward diligence, selflessness and efficient service delivery

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GMT Integrates TAG Alliance into PBAT 2027 Re-Election Campaign

Bisi Akingbade 

The Action Grassroots Alliance (TAG Alliance) has reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the gubernatorial ambition of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made its position known during a visit to the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, where its leadership met with the executive members of the Grassroots Mobilisation Team, GMT, coordinating the campaign for President Tinubu.

In her welcome address, the Director-General of TAG Alliance, Ambassador (Dr.) Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, said the organisation was established to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu's return to office for a second term, as well as to support Hamzat's aspiration to become the next Governor of Lagos State.

 Adegbenro said TAG Alliance had established a strong grassroots structure across Lagos State, with representation in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to her, the organisation has successfully inaugurated its executive committees across the LGAs and LCDAs, comprising General Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders, Secretaries and Treasurers.

She said, "We have pledged our support to work for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. Our structures across the state are ready to mobilise at the grassroots and ensure that our candidates receive the necessary support."

Responding, the Director-General of GMT, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, asked members of TAG Alliance to explain why they believed President Tinubu deserved a second term in office.

Participants cited continuity in governance, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ongoing infrastructure development, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the proposed Badagry-Sokoto road project, among other initiatives.

Yusuf highlighted NELFUND as one of the administration's key interventions, noting that the scheme was designed to provide financial support to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education because of financial constraints.

He also identified the development of Nigeria's petroleum and mineral resources as important avenues for generating revenue, attracting foreign investment and expanding economic opportunities, while stressing the potential of tourism as another area capable of contributing to national development.

The GMT Director-General further listed achievements of the Tinubu administration which, he said, justified the call for continuity, including efforts to address insecurity and the rescue of persons held captive by kidnappers.

He urged members of TAG Alliance to intensify grassroots mobilisation, urging them to go out and vote on election day and encourage eligible voters within their communities to participate in the electoral process.

Yusuf also assured the TAG Alliance delegation that its Director-General would be incorporated into the GMT campaign movement in support of President Tinubu.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both groups to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections.

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GMT Integrates TAG Alliance into PBAT 2027 Re-Election Campaign

Bisi Akingbade 

The Action Grassroots Alliance (TAG Alliance) has reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the gubernatorial ambition of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made its position known during a visit to the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, where its leadership met with the executive members of the Grassroots Mobilisation Team, GMT, coordinating the campaign for President Tinubu.

In her welcome address, the Director-General of TAG Alliance, Ambassador (Dr.) Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, said the organisation was established to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu's return to office for a second term, as well as to support Hamzat's aspiration to become the next Governor of Lagos State.

DG, TAG ALLIANCE, AMBASSADOR DR. ADEGBENRO SALEWA ABISOYE

 Adegbenro said TAG Alliance had established a strong grassroots structure across Lagos State, with representation in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to her, the organisation has successfully inaugurated its executive committees across the LGAs and LCDAs, comprising General Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders, Secretaries and Treasurers.

She said, "We have pledged our support to work for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. Our structures across the state are ready to mobilise at the grassroots and ensure that our candidates receive the necessary support."

Responding, the Director-General of GMT, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, asked members of TAG Alliance to explain why they believed President Tinubu deserved a second term in office.

Participants cited continuity in governance, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), ongoing infrastructure development, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the proposed Badagry-Sokoto road project, among other initiatives.

Yusuf highlighted NELFUND as one of the administration's key interventions, noting that the scheme was designed to provide financial support to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education because of financial constraints.

He also identified the development of Nigeria's petroleum and mineral resources as important avenues for generating revenue, attracting foreign investment and expanding economic opportunities, while stressing the potential of tourism as another area capable of contributing to national development.

The GMT Director-General further listed achievements of the Tinubu administration which, he said, justified the call for continuity, including efforts to address insecurity and the rescue of persons held captive by kidnappers.

He urged members of TAG Alliance to intensify grassroots mobilisation, urging them to go out and vote on election day and encourage eligible voters within their communities to participate in the electoral process.

Yusuf also assured the TAG Alliance delegation that its Director-General would be incorporated into the GMT campaign movement in support of President Tinubu.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both groups to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Lagos State Government Calls for Sanity, Tolerance, and Harmony in Staff Quarters

Lagos State Government Calls for Sanity, Tolerance, and Harmony in Staff Quarters

By Bisi Akingbade

The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Shuaib Agoro, has urged public servants residing in the Lagos State Staff Quarters to take ownership of the facilities and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations governing the estate.

Agoro made the call during a stakeholders' engagement with residents of the Staff Quarters held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

The Head of Service emphasised the importance of maintaining a clean, orderly, and conducive living environment. He urged residents to cultivate a strong maintenance culture and demonstrate a sense of responsibility towards the facilities provided by the government.

He further admonished the occupants to live harmoniously with one another by promoting religious tolerance, keeping the environment clean through regular sanitation, and ensuring the prompt payment of utility bills.

Agoro also assured the residents of the Lagos State Government's commitment to the continuous development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the Staff Quarters to enhance the welfare and well-being of public servants.

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NIMASA, Mission to Seafarers Deepen Partnership on Seafarers' Welfare

NIMASA, Mission to Seafarers Deepen Partnership on Seafarers' Welfare

L-R: Chairman, Management Committee of Mission to Seafarers (MtS) Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, OON; Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Cedric Rautenbach; Dr. Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi; Executive Director Operation, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA Engr. Fatai Adeyemi; and Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Mr. Jibril Abba, Barr. Funmi Folorunsho and Deputy Director Maritime Labour Services, NIMASA, Hajia Hadiza Maina; during a courtesy visit by the Chairman, Management Committee, Mission to Seafarers, Lagos to the headquarters of NIMASA in Lagos.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian seafarers through stronger collaboration with key maritime stakeholders, including the Mission to Seafarers (MtS).

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this known while receiving the Chairman, Management Committee of Mission to Seafarers (MtS) Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, OON, and the Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Cedric Rautenbach, on a courtesy visit to the Agency's headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, Executive Director Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi who represented the NIMASA DG reiterated the Agency’s resolve to continue implementing policies and initiatives that enhance the welfare and professional development of Nigerian seafarers.

According to him, "NIMASA remains committed to improving the welfare of seafarers through enhanced certification processes, capacity development, and policies that promote their wellbeing and professional advancement. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders such as the Mission to Seafarers to ensure that seafarers receive the support they deserve both at sea and in port."

Earlier, the Chairman, Management Committee of Mission to Seafarers Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, expressed appreciation to NIMASA for receiving the delegation and commended the Agency's ongoing reforms in the maritime sector. He noted that the Mission to Seafarers has remained committed globally to providing welfare, pastoral care, and practical support to seafarers, while expressing confidence that deeper collaboration with NIMASA would further improve the welfare of maritime professionals in Nigeria.

The Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Cedric Rautenbach, explained that although the Mission to Seafarers and the Port Welfare Committee share the common objective of improving the welfare of seafarers, both organisations operate under distinct but complementary mandates. He emphasized that greater collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen support systems available to seafarers calling at Nigerian ports.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss issues bordering on seafarers' welfare, decent working conditions, and areas of mutual collaboration aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of seafarers and strengthening welfare support services within Nigeria's maritime sector.

NIMASA has continued to champion initiatives that safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers in line with international best practices and the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. Through sustained stakeholder engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and policies that promote decent work, the Agency remains committed to ensuring that seafarers operate in an environment where their rights, welfare, and professional development are adequately protected.

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SCOAN Living Water Service: Pastor Evelyn Joshua Preaches Hope, Integrity Amid Global Uncertainty

SCOAN Living Water Service: Pastor Evelyn Joshua Preaches Hope, Integrity Amid  Global Uncertainty

PASTOR EVELYN JOSHUA, SPIRITUAL LEADER, SCOAN 

Bisi Akingbade 

At a time when millions of people around the world are grappling with economic uncertainty, social unrest and growing anxiety about the future, the Leader of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor Evelyn Joshua, has called for hope, integrity and unwavering faith as enduring values for navigating life's challenges.

Speaking during the 2026 Living Water Service at SCOAN's headquarters in Lagos, Pastor Evelyn Joshua urged worshippers from across the world to build lives anchored in character, purpose and moral conviction rather than fear or the pursuit of temporary fulfilment.

Delivering a sermon titled "Standing by the Power of the Cross," with 1 Corinthians 1:18–20 as her anchor text, she encouraged believers to let their faith shape every aspect of their lives. "To take the name of Jesus Christ into your day, from your bedside, is about speaking and acting in a way that reflects His character," she said. "Whatever thing you are doing, do it in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God through Him."

Describing the Bible as "a sweet book" and "the chronicle of God's love for His people," Pastor Evelyn Joshua said its message remains relevant in a world searching for certainty and direction.

She further  said that "The entrance to the Kingdom of God is not difficult to find. The way has been made plain by the power of the Cross. The Cross boldly stands against our fears," she said, adding that Christ's sacrifice remains the bridge between humanity and God.

"The gap between us and God is only bridged by the Cross. In the world you will have trouble, trials and tribulations, but be of good cheer, for God has overcome the world. You cannot underestimate what Jesus Christ did for us."

Addressing questions of identity and belonging, she assured believers that genuine security is found in their relationship with God. "You have been included into those who belong to God. In belonging, there is acceptance and security. Your acceptance and security cannot be taken away from you. God has claimed you to Himself," she said.

She added that knowing God brings peace, direction and purpose, saying, "When you discover Him through love and peace, you will discover a new purpose, a new identity." Reflecting on contemporary society, Pastor Evelyn Joshua observed that despite technological advancement and material progress, many people remain spiritually and emotionally unfulfilled.

"Today the world is hungry not for physical food; many are busy feeding on many things that catch their fantasies. Many are thirsty and longing for something to quench their thirst. True peace comes from knowing God," she said.

She also challenged worshippers to make a conscious commitment to righteous living. "Christ is calling you to come and rest; the entrance to the Kingdom of God is not hidden. There is no neutral kingdom; it is either you are obeying or disobeying Him," she said.

Calling for personal reflection, Pastor Evelyn Joshua urged believers to confront attitudes that undermine both individual growth and healthy relationships. "Which of these weaknesses control you: bitterness, anger, offence, envy, pride? Maturity is about Jesus Christ. Trials and temptations determine who you are in Christ Jesus," she said.

Concluding her message, she encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast regardless of life's uncertainties. "No matter how unsteady your life may appear to be, tests and trials determine your position before God. Make God's Word the standard for your life," she charged.

The 2026 Living Water Service attracted thousands of worshippers from Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia and other parts of the world for worship, prayer and spiritual renewal. Beyond its spiritual emphasis, Pastor Evelyn Joshua's message addressed universal concerns confronting communities across the globe. As many societies continue to face economic pressures, humanitarian crises and growing uncertainty, her call for hope, integrity, resilience and purposeful living resonated as a timely reminder of the enduring importance of character, compassion and moral responsibility in building stronger communities and a more hopeful future.

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