Friday, 18 July 2025

Customs Cares: Nigeria Customs Service gets 50 Hectares Land Boost from Lagos State Goverment

Customs Cares: Nigeria Customs Service gets 50 Hectares Land Boost from Lagos State Goverment 
Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Comptroller  Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has disclosed  that the Lagos State Governor has given Nigeria Customs Service 50 hecters of land in Badagry to build College of Education which has been approved by the Federal government to commence construction.

Comptroller Adeniyi made this disclosure at the commissioning of renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, Ajeromi Ifelodun area in Lagos on Thursday.

He commended the support by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwolu for allowing them to participate in the project.

The CGC explained that Nigeria Customs Service, Corporate Social Responsibility,  CSR,  embarked upon was community-based initiatives which started in Ajeromi ifelodun area of  Lagos State.

"We started customs CSR Sagbokoji Primary School a riverine community under Amuwo Odofin Local Government and now we are in Ajeromi Ifelodun area of Lagos.

CG Adeniyi who stated that the service is not in competition with any government agencies but to recognized that all communities remain a strong pillar of support and to discharge the support to them.

Adeniyi explained that the customs CRS leveraged on life changing interventions such as education, healthcare, sporting, creative industrialist/ ITC, and waters.

The comptroller general said the service would not only be known for revenue generation but to also improve the lives of the people as part of its CSR in the country.

He promised to enhance community well-being, and fosters sustainable development, ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

"Our CSR target in 2025 is to directly reach out to 50,000 students across the country with writing tools, bags, school unifor, pencils, biro, erasers, sharpner, raincoat, among others things.

"We have donated writing materials to  10,000 children, so we are going to reach out to school pupils in other part of the country.

"We have budgeted Health delivery for 10,000 Nigeria in 2025,  what we are doing is in line with our CSR, all our community where we serve remain strong pillar, that  is why we will continue our support them.

"The picture we let you appreciate the depth of customs intervention. We are happy that our intervention have brought a conducive environment and also Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu," 

Adeniyi said customs would  teamed up the Ajeromi Ifelodun LCDA to see what they could contribute to Marakana stadium in the area to encourage sporting talented children in the area.

CG Adeniyi promised to discuss with other agencies of government to see opportunity of partnership.

The Zonal Coordinator Zone'A', Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Charles Orbih, said the commissioning was a beginning of a transformative journey that would leave lasting footprints in their host communities.

Orbih commended Adeniyi for his exemplary leadership which had consistently demonstrated that a modern customs service should excel not only in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security.

The Customs Comptroller in Charge of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mbwidiffu Ibrahim, said the CSR was to bridge the gap between the service and society and reinforcing the fact that customs was not just a government institution.

In his goodwill message, a member, Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal House of representative, Mr Paul Adeboye, commended customs saying that it showed that parastatals were waking up to respect the CSR Act.

He urged other agencies to emulate this kind gesture by the Nigeria Customs Service.

His Royal Majesty , Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom, commended customs for being the first government agency to extend CSR to primary school in Ajeromi Ifelodun area.

He urged the school authority to create a maintenance section for renovated buildings.

Also speaking, The Chairman Ajeromi Ifelodun, LCDA, Mr Fatai Ayoola, appreciated customs for supporting the young children who would be the feature leaders.

He said that Ajeromi has large school in the community adding that the council construction Marakana stadium.


Monday, 14 July 2025

Capacity Building Takes Centre Stage as NCS Graduates Senior Officers in NIIA

Capacity Building Takes Centre Stage as NCS Graduates Senior Officers in NIIA


Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s strategic commitment to continuous capacity building.

This was made known during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course in Complex Customs Operations, held on Friday, 11 July 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, described the training as “a different level” of professional development to equip senior officers to confront new global trade, security, and customs administration challenges.

“We have structures for basic training, refresher courses, and command and staff college programmes, but this is a different level. With trainings like this, we expose our officers to global best practices, the dynamics in international trade, and how it affects their job on a day-to-day basis", he stated. 

He noted that the programme would undergo a thorough review before launching a second batch, emphasising curriculum evaluation and operational feedback. "We will do some evaluation. We will assess what worked, what didn't work during the course, and what components we can add or subtract. So that will determine, actually, when we can do the second batch."

"As for participants, the first graduates, these are accomplished customs officers. They are the future of the service. I expect they will be ambassadors of positive changes in the service," he added. 

The Director-General of the NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, commended the Service for investing in its human capital and highlighted the initiative's broader implications for national development.

"This is not just for the participants; it’s for the Service. The CGC has just been elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation, WCO, acknowledging what the Service stands for. So this is part of the process of strengthening the capacity of the NCS for better delivery, especially in the light of the more complex and increasingly more challenging circumstances under which they have to operate", he said.

Participants expressed gratitude to the NCS leadership for the opportunity to broaden their expertise.

Nigeria Customs Service Clarifies Form M Migration Process from NCIS II TO B'ODOGWU

Nigeria Customs Service Clarifies Form M Migration Process from NCIS II TO B'ODOGWU 
Bisi Akingbade 

The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has been drawn to 
widespread misconceptions suggesting that importers or their agents are required to make payments for the migration of their Form M from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System, NICIS, II platform to the B’Odogwu Trade Management System.

The NCS wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, 
misleading, and entirely unfounded.

The Assistant Comptroller of Customs
National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia make this known in a press statement made available to Journalists.
It read this: "For clarity, the ongoing migration process is a technical and administrative task designed and implemented by NCS to ensure seamless continuity of trade 
documentation following the phased deployment of the B’Odogwu system across Customs Area Commands. It is worth noting that at no point has the NCS introduced, approved, or authorised any fee for migrating Form M from NICIS II to B’Odogwu.

"Importers and agents whose Bills of Lading (BoL) or manifests have already 
been transmitted to B’Odogwu but whose Form M was originally registered on NICIS II are required to submit a soft copy of their existing Form M to the Technical Supervisor (TS) in their Command of operation. This submission will enable the Service to carry out the necessary migration at no cost to the trader. 

Upon successful migration, traders are expected to log into their dashboard on 
B’Odogwu and:
 - Locate the already migrated “registered” Form M
 - Click on it to view the full details
 - Use the “Create PAAR” button that will appear to proceed with PAAR 
processing.

 "The Service urges all stakeholders to disregard any person or group 
demanding payment under the guise of facilitating Form M migration. Such 
practices are not only illegal but also undermine the Service’s commitment to 
transparency and trade facilitation. Affected persons are advised to report such misconduct through official NCS channels.

"Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale 
Adeniyi, MFR and his management team, the Service remains committed to 
delivering a user-friendly, transparent, and efficient trade environment powered by technology and integrity. We appreciate the cooperation of the trading public and 
assure all stakeholders of our continuous support throughout this transition.




Friday, 11 July 2025

TICT Advances Lean Journey Agenda With Green Belt Training

TICT Advances Lean Journey Agenda With Green Belt Training

 


Bisi Akingbade 


After a successful delivery of the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training in December, 2024, Tincan Island Container Terminal has scaled up its lean journey with the Green Belt Training for team members spanning broadly across functions and departments.


The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt -LSSGB training, a key step within the Lean Six Sigma framework, is designed to equip individuals with the skills to Identify, Scope, Participate and lead Continuous Improvement projects. It focuses not just on the DMAIC cycle (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) methodology; rather it brings in all the Lean principles of Value identification with a target to eliminate waste. These two methodologies combined are a robust and structured approach to problem-solving and process optimization.


 The Training session encapsulated a lot of class exercises to ensure not just participation but a solid understanding of the techniques in a simulated set-up related to real day-to-day Terminal challenges.


For this training, we have identified and trained a total of 36 delegates across the entire business. The goal is to equip the team with project, performance and process tools that would support continued Lean Six Sigma Maturity growth that TICT commenced under a year ago from a Greenfield status”, says Tai Fadipe-Davids, Head, Process Excellence, TICT.


TICT’s Lean Six Sigma journey is at a level whereby our resources and capability is being developed to identify, initiate, lead and execute small to medium scale Continuous Improvement projects using the numerous tools of Lean Six Sigma. Our aim is to build human capacity that can take ownership of processes, and we believe this will yield the best result in our quest to deliver value to our clients through operational excellence and effective service delivery” Etienne Rocher, Country Managing Director, AGL explained.   

Justice Alogba Inaugurates Election Appeal Tribunals, Urges Panels to Serve Justice Without Fear or Favour

Justice Alogba Inaugurates Election Appeal Tribunals, Urges Panels to Serve Justice Without Fear or Favour 


Bisi Akingbade 

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, today inaugurated two panels of the Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal in preparation for the upcoming council elections across the state.

This newly constituted tribunals are split into two divisions and will sit in Lagos Island and Ikeja respectively.with each panel comprising four seasoned Chief Magistrates and is chaired by a respected retired High Court judge.

The Lagos Island Panel will be headed by Justice Taofikat Oyinkan Abdullahi (Rtd), others includes Magistrates Micheal Olubi, Olaitan Ajayi, Salamah Matepo, and Hotepo Lazarus.

While the Ikeja Panel will be chaired by Justice Sherifah Solebo (Rtd) and will work alongside Magistrates Davies Rasak, Oluwatosin Fowowe-Erusiafe, Adepeju Odusanya, and Lynda Balogun.

While speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ikeja High Court Conference Room, Justice Alogba charged members of the panels to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and adherence to the law in their adjudication of election-related disputes.

He specifically reminded them of the provisions of the 2016 Amendment to the Lagos State Local Government Law, particularly the strict time limits for deciding election petitions.

“Any decision or action taken outside the legally prescribed time frame is a nullity and of no legal effect,” Alogba warned, urging the panelists to maintain professionalism and fidelity to the rule of law.

"You must act strictly within the purview of the law. I appointed you because of the confidence I have in your experience, character, and judgment. This is a call to serve justice without fear or favour,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, said the panelists' role is not merely legal, but also a moral responsibility to safeguard democracy.

“You are expected to ensure the integrity of the electoral process by dispelling any perception that the judiciary can be used to alter the will of the people,” Pedro said.

The two panels are expected to begin sittings immediately after the conclusion of the July 12 local government elections across the state.

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Customs Intercepts N654m Worth of Foreign Currency at Kano Airport, Hands Over Suspects to EFCC

Customs Intercepts N654m Worth of Foreign Currency at Kano Airport, Hands Over Suspects to EFCC
 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service , NCS,  Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against illicit financial flows with the interception of over N653 million worth of undeclared foreign currencies at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport , MAKIA. 

The seizure was announced on Monday, 8 July 2025, during a press briefing held at the Customs House, Bompai, Kano, where the intercepted funds and three suspects were formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation and prosecution.

Addressing journalists at the event, the Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the interception as a milestone in the ongoing crackdown on financial crimes linked to smuggling networks and money laundering.

According to him, the arrest followed credible intelligence and a vigilant clearance operation by officers at the airport, who flagged the suspect, Ahmed Salisu, a holder of Ghanaian Passport, upon arrival from Saudi Arabia onboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

“Upon arrival, the suspect, like other passengers, was reminded of the legal obligation to declare foreign currencies exceeding $10,000. He declined. 

But acting on credible intelligence, our vigilant officers flagged him for additional checks, which led to the discovery of concealed foreign currencies hidden inside cartons of clothing.” The Comptroller said.

He said, “A physical search of his baggage revealed concealed cash amounting to $420,900 (USD), £5,825 (British Pounds Sterling), 3,946,500 West African CFA Francs, and 224,000 Central African CFA Francs, collectively valued at over ₦653.9 million.”

He described the interception as a testament to the Service’s unwavering commitment to national security and the ongoing collaboration with other agencies, especially the EFCC and ICPC, in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial and territorial integrity.

“This arrest highlights the result of proactive enforcement, continuous stakeholder sensitisation, and our renewed focus on border surveillance. Our goal is not only to detect but also to deter. Let this be a clear message to criminal networks: we are watching, and we will act.” He said.

He further revealed that the arrest was linked to ongoing efforts launched earlier this year under the directive of CGC Adeniyi, to educate stakeholders about the legal obligations of currency declaration at borders. 

He noted that the Command had organised sensitisation campaigns across Kano and Jigawa targeting Bureau de Change operators, travel agencies, airline operators and pilgrim boards.

Representing the EFCC, the Zonal Director of its Kano Command praised the synergy between both agencies and reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to pursue prosecution of the case in accordance with the law.

“On behalf of the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, we express appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for their vigilance and cooperation. This case is not just about money; it is about national security. Cash smuggling has been a funding lifeline for terrorism, banditry, and transnational crimes.” He said.

He further stressed that the seizure and arrest were made in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which require mandatory declaration of foreign currency exceeding $10,000 at Nigeria’s borders.

While commending the efforts of Customs officers involved in the operation, the EFCC official urged stakeholders, especially in the aviation and financial sectors, to remain alert and continue sharing intelligence that could prevent future breaches.

CRFFN to Challenge POF Ruling, Reaffirms Regulatory Authority

CRFFN to Challenge POF Ruling, Reaffirms Regulatory Authority 
KINGSLEY IGWE, REGISTRAR, CRFFN 

Bisi Akingbade 

Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, has declared its intention to appeal the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which nullified the collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee, POF.

The Registrar, CRFFN,  Kingsley Igwe,at a press briefing held  today, the reaffirmed the Council’s legal mandate as established under Act No. 16 of 2007. He emphasized that the CRFFN is legally empowered to regulate freight forwarding practices in Nigeria, including customs agents operating within the freight forwarding value chain.

Igwe said that “As a matter of fact, in the light of the foregoing, CRFFN wishes to reaffirm the following for the general public and industry stakeholders. Number one, CRFFN's legal mandate,” Igwe said.

The Registrar explained that the Council’s core responsibilities are clearly defined in Section 4, Subsection A to G of the Act, which includes the regulation and control of freight forwarding services, setting professional standards, licensing, registration, and disciplinary oversight of freight forwarders.

"This mandate unequivocally includes oversight over all freight forwarding service providers, including custom license agents, when engaged in freight forwarding activities," Igwe stated.

He further referenced the Nigerian Customs Service Act of 2023 to support CRFFN’s regulatory authority. “The Nigerian Custom Service Act, 2023, further reinforces the regulatory role of CRFFN  over customs agents who operate within the freight forwarding value chain, notably Section 106, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Custom Service Act, 2023, states, and I quote, a customs representative, if you like, a customs license agent, shall be a freight forwarder," he said.

"I repeat, a customs representative, if you like, a customs agent, shall be a freight forwarder, and shall be subject to the regulations and code of conduct of the freight forwarding profession in Nigeria, in this case, a profession regulated by Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria,” he added.
According to Igwe, this provision legally integrates customs representatives into the freight forwarding profession, thereby making them subject to CRFFN’s regulatory authority and professional code.

He noted that the Council’s legal team is currently reviewing the judgment's contents and implications and assured stakeholders that all legal options, including appeal, review, or request for clarification, would be explored.

“The Council’s legal team is thoroughly reviewing the contents, the context and legal implication of the said judgments and reaffirm that where necessary, the Council will exercise its rights of appeal, review or clarification through competent judicial channels,” Igwe stated.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the court process, Igwe criticized the manner in which the judgment was delivered, claiming it lacked transparency.

“I wish to express deep concern over the secretive manner in which it was issued reportedly without due notice to the defendants as named in the suit,” he said.

“Such a process somehow is contrary to expected principles and processes as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he added.

He described the judgment as a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to derail the progress made in the sector. “The Council views this report as the handwork of some mischief makers to derail the peace reforms and progress achieved in the freight forwarding sector in recent times,” he said.

Igwe also clarified that the POF is not a tax but a statutory fee backed by law.

“The practitioner's operating fee, POF, is not a tax or a revenue levy. I repeat, POF is not a tax or a revenue levy. It is a statutory fee gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and created under the powers conferred on CRFFN by its establishing acts. Section 4E of the CRFFN Act empowers the Council to maintain a register of persons or organizations engaged in freight forwarding,” he explained.

He emphasized that the court did not issue a directive halting the collection of POF, only declaring it illegal, a distinction the Council believes allows collection to continue pending appeal.

"It only declared it illegal. It didn’t say stop, henceforth. So the collection of POF is continuous. And as a matter of fact, this is not against court ruling. I want to be clear on that. Because court never said stop collecting. It’s two different things,” Igwe said.

“So that people don’t misunderstand it that way. Then, we’re already almost at the point of submitting the appeal. And we will pass the same submission,” he added.

He noted that the Council of Managing Directors has been participating in the POF process and will continue to do so until further notice.

"On whether the Council of Managing Directors and the rest of them have been paid, they are under, as a matter of fact, it's a bit complicated, because they have their internal issues," he said.

"This is not to put log horns with any association or group or any entity or persons. However, it is one of the issues that CRF has been looking into, the activities of the associations, and CRF will come up with a report at the end of it. So we are reviewing the participation of all the practitioners," he added.

He added that CRFFN had just concluded stakeholder engagements and training programs, which would continue alongside upcoming workshops.

"As you know, we just finished our stakeholder engagement and the trainings, which will also be ongoing. The training will continue, and we'll also be having some more workshops and stakeholder engagement in no distant time. More information will be given at these events. And in the last stakeholder engagement, the Council of Managing Directors were fully represented. The attendant speaks for himself," he concluded.