Comptroller Adelaja pays Courtesy Visit to NA, NIM, NAFDAC for Interagency Collaboration

Comptroller Adelaja pays Courtesy Visit to NA, NIM, NAFDAC for Interagency Collaboration 

... Calls for increased cooperation in joint training programs, coordinated border operations, and enhanced intelligence sharing to ensure national security and economic stability

Bisi Akingbade 

Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area command accompanied by senior officers of the Command paid a courtesy visit to the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC in Oyo state, to ensure national security and economic stability.

During his visit to the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Immigration Service, Comptroller Adelaja expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage with fellow security agencies. He acknowledged their critical roles in safeguarding national borders, protecting lives, and maintaining security within the country.

In his address, he reiterated the core functions of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, which include revenue generation, trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling. He also emphasized the Command’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in these areas.

He called for increased cooperation in joint training programs, coordinated border operations, and enhanced intelligence sharing to ensure national security and economic stability.

During his visit to NAFDAC, he commended the agency for its unwavering efforts in ensuring public health and safety. He particularly praised NAFDAC’s role in preventing the circulation of unsafe pharmaceutical products, food items, and other essential goods, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting regulatory enforcement efforts. He  reiterated the Service’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships with all relevant agencies in ensuring seamless collaboration for the collective  good of the nation.

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Zonal Director of NAFDAC all expressed their unwavering support and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. They assured the Customs Area Controller of their collective efforts to strengthen the interagency cooperation for the security and prosperity of the nation.

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Last 10 Days Of Ramadan: LASU Chief Imam Urges Increased Devotion, Charity

Last 10 Days Of  Ramadan: LASU Chief Imam Urges Increased Devotion, Charity

Prof. Amidu Sanni, Chief Imam, Lagos State University 

By Sulaiman bin Daud

The Chief Imam of Lagos State University, Professor Amidu Sanni has urged Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe to take advantage of the last 10 days of Ramadan to increase their devotion to Allah  and  give charity to the less privileged in their extended families, friends, neighbours and the society.

Prof. Sanni gave the advice in an interview with reporters in Lagos. He emphasised that Allah answers prayers and requests more during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The great Islamic preacher also spoke on the importance of the last 10 days of Ramadan. He said the period offers Muslims the opportunity to atone for their sins and get bountiful blessings from their Creator.

He added that the period was significant as the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), in one of the last nights of Ramadan.

According to him: “the 97th chapter of Qur’an refers to the Night of Majesty, Lailatul Qadr, one of the five odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan, commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet.

He said further that, "the night has a unique value such that any act of worship during the night carries the reward of over 1000 nights, that is, 84 years and three months.

“The final days of Ramadan also offer a Muslim the opportunity to go into a seclusion called I’tikaf outside his normal home at a mosque for at least a whole day and night before the Sallah to engage fully in acts of devotion.

“Moreover, the closing days of Ramadan offer the opportunity for increased acts of charity to the vulnerable and allow us to come together in group breaking of fasting, thereby improving social bonds, mutual love, and affection,” he said.

The senior university don noted that Ramadan’s last days feature offering of Sadaqatul Fitr (end of Ramadan compulsory charity), usually given in the form of specific quantity of staple food items to the poor and the needy.

According to him, the charity is given on behalf of all family members for whose upkeep one is responsible during the period.

The cleric also said Zakat (alms giving/annual charity ) from savings, livestock, crops, property and others, is particularly  rewarding during this period.

“Apart from its health advantages, Ramadan inculcates in the faithful the virtue of compassion and love for others, having experienced the effects of hunger and deprivation first hand.

“So, all Muslims should take advantage of the few days left to increase acts of devotion and charity as a preparation for maintaining the same virtues in months that follow.

“If one is disciplined enough to abstain from legitimate items during a specific time frame during the month, the hope is that keeping away from illegitimate things, even after Ramadan, should not be a problem,”Prof Sanni said.

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CGC Adeniyi Champions Ramadan Values, Urges Customs Personnel to Elevate Community Spirit

CGC Adeniyi Champions Ramadan Values, Urges Customs Personnel to Elevate Community Spirit

Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller-General of Customs,  CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers and stakeholders to embrace the spirit of service, discipline, and charity as essential values during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond.

He made this known on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, during the grand Iftar organised by Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited held at the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The event, attended by hundreds of senior and junior officers and stakeholders from various organisations, provided a platform for reflecting on Ramadan's lessons and the importance of giving back to the community.

Speaking at the gathering, CGC Adeniyi underscored the significance of piety, self-discipline, and devotion, noting that fasting offers an opportunity to develop a more profound sense of empathy for the less privileged.

“Charity teaches us to care for the less privileged. Beyond personal devotion and the discipline we cultivate during this period, fasting allows us to experience, even if briefly, what those who cannot afford to eat go through daily,” he said.

The Customs boss also highlighted the unique spiritual alignment between Ramadan and Lent, stating that the simultaneous observance of both fasting periods by Muslims and Christians presents a unified experience of sacrifice and reflection.

“For the second or third time in a row, we are witnessing Ramadan running simultaneously with the Lent period. What this means is that, at one time, all of us are experiencing the discipline of giving up food and drink, helping us understand the struggles of those who lack basic needs. Therefore, this is a period to think about our communities and obligations to those around us,” CGC Adeniyi noted.

He linked this principle of selflessness and service to the Nigeria Customs Service’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, “Customs Cares,” which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, and social investments.

“What we are doing today is a stepping stone for what we have chosen to do — the launch of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. In the true spirit of Ramadan and Lent, I urge all of us to embrace service to humanity as a guiding principle, as it epitomises who we are as an organisation,” he added.

Reinforcing the Customs Service’s dual mandate of national duty and social responsibility, Adeniyi reminded officers that their commitment to public service extends beyond revenue collection and border security to uplift the communities in which they operate.

“We are described as a Service—the Nigeria Customs Service. Our duty goes beyond enforcing trade laws; we also have an obligation to serve our community. Let us embody this spirit not only during Ramadan and Lent but as a defining part of our daily work,” he urged.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chairman TMP and his team for organising the event and commended the serene atmosphere created for the Iftar.

The CGC prayed for divine blessings, peace, and prosperity for Nigeria and wished all officers and stakeholders to witness many more Ramadan seasons in good health.

“May Almighty Allah grant us the opportunity to witness many more Ramadan seasons in our lives. We pray for a better Nigeria and that our acts of service will contribute to a more compassionate and united nation,” he concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of TMP, Saleh Ahmadu, appreciated the gathering for honoring the invitation and prayed that God Almighty would reward each and every person abundantly.

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Ministers, WHO Grace Customs' Launch of Landmark CSR Programme to Transform Communities

Ministers, WHO Grace Customs' Launch of Landmark CSR Programme to Transform Communities

...As CGC Adeniyi Leads Groundbreaking Intervention in Education, Social Development

Bisi Akingbade 

 In a resounding demonstration of cross-sectoral collaboration for national progress, the Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization, WHO,  gathered to witness the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, launch of its ambitious 'Customs Cares' Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, program—a pivotal initiative promising to ignite transformative change and foster sustainable development to communities nationwide.

The initiative's official launch, which marked the beginning of the Service’s long-term commitment to community empowerment, occurred on Thursday, 20 March 2025, in Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, where over 1,300 students benefited from the first phase of the programme. 

In his opening remarks, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described “Customs Cares” as a strategic response to Nigeria's critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps. 

“The Customs Cares initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where we operate.” He stated. 

He noted that the programme, which will be rolled out in phases, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. 

He said, “This initiative is strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises holistic national development. Inspired by this framework, we focus on six key pillars, beginning with education.”

Speaking on the initiative's first phase, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the NCS’s commitment to education, noting that Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, was carefully selected based on historical ties and pressing infrastructural needs. 

“We have prioritised education because human capital development is fundamental to national prosperity. This initiative is not just about donations but long-term commitments to sustainable development.” He emphasised. 

He further announced that the initiative would be expanded across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, with the adoption of one School in each Local Area Council, ensuring tailored interventions to address each institution's needs. 

“These school adoptions, including GSS Wuse Zone 3, are long-term commitments. We will continue to impact these institutions over the years, ensuring sustainable development rather than one-time interventions.” The CGC assured.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for demonstrating a strong commitment to national development beyond revenue generation. 

“The Customs Cares initiative is a game-changer. It exemplifies how government institutions can integrate social impact into their core mandate. I commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for this visionary leadership, and I assure you that the Ministry of Finance fully supports this initiative.” Minister Edun stated.

On her part, Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, who heads the Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, outlined the Service’s broader vision for improving healthcare, social infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. 

“We will deploy mobile clinics, conduct medical outreaches, and implement anti-malaria campaigns to improve community health, particularly in underserved areas of our operations.” She said. 

She further disclosed that the NCS will initiate water borehole projects, upgrade electricity infrastructure, and facilitate skills acquisition programmes, empowering individuals and fostering economic self-reliance. 

“In our quest to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry, we will support agricultural extension services, facilitate food donations, and improve market access for farmers, thereby strengthening the agricultural value chain.” She added. 

The Comptroller, however, described the choice of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, as symbolic, representing the Service’s dedication to education and youth empowerment. 

Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa praised the Comptroller-General of Customs and his team for aligning the initiative with President Tinubu’s vision for a transformed educational system in Nigeria. 

“President Tinubu believes in human capital development. When we talk about this, it centres on the youth and our future. This administration's top priorities are education, healthcare, social investment, and food security.” Olatunji stated. 

While commending the NCS for prioritising education, he encouraged the Service to work closely with the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and the Nigerian Senior Secondary Education Commission, NSSEC, to enhance programme effectiveness. 

“Aligning efforts with these agencies will lead to greater impact and ensure that targeted interventions are based on data-driven priorities.” He advised.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande also commended the Customs Cares Initiative, describing it as a model for how government agencies can contribute to national development beyond their core mandates. 

“Investing in youth development through education aligns with the federal government’s commitment to building a skilled and productive generation.” He said.

The Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Josephine Ugwu, expressed profound gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for selecting the School as the pilot location for the Customs Cares initiative. 

“This is a historic moment for our school. The Nigeria Customs Service has invested in our students and strengthened the foundation for their future.” She said. 

She further noted that installing security infrastructure and providing learning materials would significantly improve the school’s academic environment.

The launch of "Customs Cares" attracted several distinguished personalities, including representatives of the World Health Organization, WHO, Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs, Assistant Comptrollers-General of Customs, heads of various Customs formations, local community leaders, and other key stakeholders.

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PTML Customs Partners ICPC on Transparency as Comptroller Daniyan Assures of Faster Clearance Time

PTML Customs Partners ICPC on Transparency as Comptroller Daniyan Assures of Faster Clearance Time

Bisi Akingbade 

Port  and Terminal Multiservices Limited, PTML Command of Nigeria Customs Service has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, CPC , to promote the virtue of transparency and uphold the fight against corruption

At a lecture facilitated by the NCS south Zones of  Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit, ACTU, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan(Mnia) urged officers of the command to uphold the tenet of transparency as a way to promote fairness and productivity in the workplace. 

He reminded the officers that the ongoing modernisation of the service which is being implemented transparently is capable of making the service achieve better results in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling. 

The controller  emphasised the importance of compliance with regulations, stressing that customs officers should see watchdogs as partners rather than adversaries. 

He highlighted the crucial role of the  Command in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts. He stated that  over 80% of the service operations are automated to enhance efficiency and accountability.

Comptroller Daniyan also reaffirmed that the NCS is one of the most transparent agencies in revenue collection, as all duties are paid directly into authorized dealer banks, leaving no room for manipulation. 

He added that the command is committed to beating it's existing record of two hour cargo clearance time for compliant RoRo consignments if the importers and agents cooperate more with sincere declaration and timely payment of duty

Speaking further, he reiterated that auditors from the office of the auditor general of the federation  frequently review the command’s financial records at both the command and federal levels, ensuring strict compliance with government policies. 

According to the press release issued by the Superintendent of Customs/Public Relations Officer, PTML Command, Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, stated that the Comptroller Daniyan dispelled misconceptions that Customs officials collect and divert government funds, asserting that the service operates with a high level of accountability while encouraging officers to embrace ethical conduct and contribute positively to the agency’s mandate, ensuring that the public perceives Customs as  transparent .

Chief Superintendent of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission on public enlightenment and education, Mrs Mary Omonoyan while lecturing the officers of the command on how they can  build a culture of accountability and transparency  in the Nigeria Customs Service, said that public institutions are established and run with public funds so it's only fair that the public is adequately informed about their financial expenditure. 

According to Mrs Omonoyan, corruption, as defined by the ICPC Act of 2000, includes bribery, fraud, forgery, impersonation, abuse of official property, over-invoicing, and even sexual harassment an area the commission has strengthened by establishing a dedicated Sexual Harassment Unit at the national level.

She also highlighted that corruption often stems from discretionary actions in promotions, appointments, falsification of official records , employment, and disciplinary processes. She said that the  public officers have a duty to report bribery transactions, as outlined in Section 23 of the ICPC Act.

The ICPC official also pointed out the pillars of ICPC’s Anti-Corruption Fight which the commission operates on which are enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment 

" To strengthen integrity in government institutions, the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard was introduced, assessing agencies on their transparency and ethical conduct. The results of these assessments help identify high-performing institutions and those requiring improvement.

" Fostering transparency and accountability in public service builds public trust, enhances effectiveness, and promotes ethical conduct. Officials are  urged to practice integrity by making ethical decisions even when no one is watching

" Officers are  encouraged to report infractions, resolve public complaints efficiently, and uphold the Nigerian Customs Service’s mission and values. They should have clear job responsibilities, a strong chain of command, and an environment where accountability thrives such as placing suggestion boxes in the command 

" The ICPC remains committed to fostering a corruption-free Nigeria through diligent enforcement, preventive measures, and nationwide enlightenment efforts" she said

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Sifax Group, Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund Partners to Facilitate Ijora Terminal Development

Sifax Group, Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund Partners to Facilitate Ijora Terminal Development 

Bisi Akingbade 

SIFAX Group as a leading conglomerate with diversified investments in maritime, oil and gas aviation, hospitality, and logistics has partnered Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure through its subsidiary, SIFAX Shipping ICT Limited, to facilitate the development of an ultra-modern port terminal on 8.3 hectares of land (~82,846 m²) in Ijora, Lagos.

The project encompasses the development of a new container terminal, construction of a quay wall, dredging of the harbour, and the procurement of essential port equipment towards contributing to solving critical capacity needs in Nigeria's maritime industry.

According to the press statement issued by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande,  highlighted that "Through the development of the Ijora terminal, SIFAX Group intends to add value to the maritime transport & logistics industry by providing additional cargo clearing capability which is expected to result in reduced congestion at the Apapa and Tincan Ports, thereby improving efficiency and reducing delays for importers and exporters.

"The terminal, which is now under construction and partly operational, is expected to complement the broader port services rendered by the existing ports along the same water channel in Apapa, Lagos – The Apapa Port and Tincan Island Port.

"This transaction is aligned with Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting impactful infrastructure projects and contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria. 

"As a leading investor in infrastructure in Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC is committed to playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the institution can support projects that will enhance the country's infrastructure and provide more reliable solutions for people and communities across the country. The project's strong financial prospects, supported by a positive market outlook, credible project sponsor and experienced project parties, make it an attractive investment.

The Chief Investment Officer of Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund, Mr. Dolu Olugbenjo, said “This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the maritime sector in Nigeria, which is crucial for the country's economic prosperity. By modernizing the Ijora terminal and expanding its capacity, the project aims to generate significant economic and social benefits, including improving trade flows, creation of jobs, and addressing the challenges of congestion and limited capacity at the country’s existing ports.’’

“We are immensely proud to have achieved financial close and construction commencement on the project, in partnership with our very supportive lenders, shareholders, contractors, and all our regulators.

The Founder and Group Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi emphasized that "In addition to improving ports and terminal capacity for Nigeria, this project will also create jobs and support the country's development. The terminal will deliver impact on SDGs 1 (no poverty), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities)." 

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FOU Zone 'A’ intercepted 445-bags-of-rice within an hour operation

FOU Zone 'A’ intercepted 445-bags-of-rice within an hour operation

... Comptroller Oladeji warned smugglers to embrace legal businesses and support Nigerian rice farmers instead of smuggling expired rice into the country

Bisi Akingbade 

The Federal Operations Unit, FOU  Zone 'A' of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 445 bags of parboiled rice in an operation lasting less than an hour along the Ogun Area Command.

 

The Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.

 

Comptroller Oladeji said the interception occurred early on Tuesday at the Ijohun axis along the Ogun border.

He credited the successful operation to intelligence reports received from stakeholders.

He said “Our officers intercepted a truckload of rice. As soon as the smugglers saw them, they fled, leaving the truck behind,” he said.

 "The truck was stuck in a swampy area, so officers hired another vehicle to transport the seized rice to the unit for documentation.

“The 445 bags of rice have been forfeited to the Federal Government. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no casualties were recorded,” he added.

He explained further that smugglers usually comply with Customs’ rules of engagement, while officers prioritise protecting lives and property.

Oladeji praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for equipping the command and motivating officers, leading to impressive results.

He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders and traditional rulers in the zone for assisting Customs operations.

He warned smugglers to embrace legal businesses and support Nigerian rice farmers instead of smuggling expired rice into the country.

He urged them to invest in local farming and create jobs for Nigerian youths rather than supporting foreign economies like Thailand and India.

“Invest in legitimate business in Nigeria because we will not allow smuggling to thrive in this country,” he said. 

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