TAG Alliance Invests Otunba Ademola Popoola as Patron, Reaffirms Support for KOH Campaign

Bisi Akingbade 

The Action Grassroots Alliance (TAG), a structured grassroots support movement committed to supporting credible candidates for leadership at the state and federal levels, has invested Otunba Ademola Popoola as its Patron.

Popoola, who serves as Campaign Director/Key Campaign Official of the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) Governorship Campaign Organisation headed by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, was honoured at an investiture ceremony attended by members and supporters of the alliance.

Speaking after his investiture, Otunba Popoola, who hails from Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, expressed appreciation to Almighty God and dedicated the honour to God and the entire KOH team, whom he described as a family.

In his acceptance speech, Popoola emphasised the importance of dedication and loyalty, noting that his commitment throughout his political journey has been to Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

He described Hamzat as “a perfect gentleman, a man of God and a family man,” adding that the Lagos State political leader does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims.

Popoola also commended the Director-General of TAG Alliance, Ambassador (Dr.) Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, for her leadership and commitment to grassroots mobilisation.

He further announced that TAG Alliance had been recognised by the Lagos State governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and accepted into the KOH campaign organisation.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director-General of TAG Alliance, Ambassador (Dr.) Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, explained why Otunba Popoola was chosen as the Patron of the organisation.

“It is with great honour, immense joy and a deep sense of responsibility that I, Ambassador Dr. Adegbenro Salewa Abisoye, Director-General, TAG Alliance, welcome everyone to this very special and historic occasion.

“On behalf of the entire leadership and membership of TAG Alliance, I sincerely welcome and appreciate our distinguished dignitaries, special guests, leaders, supporters and friends who have taken the time to join us today.

“We also wish to express our profound appreciation to our new Patron, Otunba Ademola Popoola. Sir, we are deeply honoured by your acceptance to become the Patron of TAG Alliance.

“Your presence, experience, wisdom and leadership will be of great value to the growth and development of this movement. We see your acceptance not merely as an honour bestowed upon you, but as a partnership that will help us build a stronger, more united and more effective grassroots movement,” she said.

Abisoye described TAG Alliance as more than a conventional support group, stressing that it is a formidable, structured and purpose-driven grassroots movement committed to making a lasting impact.

She said the organisation had established a functional structure across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of Lagos State, with leadership representation and coordination at the grassroots.

According to her, the structure comprises General Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Secretaries, Treasurers, Public Relations Officers, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders, Media Teams, Grassroots Mobilisation Teams and other key officers.

The Director-General said TAG Alliance’s vision goes beyond a single election or political office, noting that the organisation is positioned to support and mobilise for APC candidates at various levels of government.

“TAG Alliance is positioned to support and mobilise for APC candidates across all levels—from the Presidency to the Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and down to Local Government Council Chairmanship and Councillorship,” she said.

The investiture was described by the leadership of TAG Alliance as a significant step towards strengthening its grassroots structure and deepening its collaboration with the KOH campaign organisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

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DCG Tijjani Abe Takes a Bow After 35 Years of Meritorious Service

DCG Tijjani Abe Takes a Bow After 35 Years of Meritorious Service

... As CGC hails Abe's Integrity

Bisi Akingbade 

Members of the Nigeria Customs Service Management Team gathered at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on 19 August 2026 to honour the retirement of DCG Tijanni Abe, the Deputy Comptroller-General, DCG, in charge of Human Resource and Development, marking the close of 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.

Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, led the tributes, describing DCG Abe as a man whose career was anchored in faith, calm, and unwavering integrity. He noted that DCG Abe was known throughout the Service for his habit of expressing gratitude. A quality, the CGC said, speaks volumes about the kind of man he is.

"You are a man of integrity and integrity pays. May God increase you in wisdom and happiness, and may your years ahead be even more pleasurable. We are all very proud of you, and we wish you well," he said, adding that the bonds forged within the Service do not end at retirement.

Senior officers who took the floor painted a consistent picture, describing him as a leader defined not by the authority of his rank but by the warmth of his character. Courage, humility, sacrifice, and kindness surfaced repeatedly as colleagues reflected on their years of service alongside him. For many in the room, DCG Abe was more than a senior officer; he was a mentor whose example quietly shaped the officers around him.

DCG Tijanni Abe responded to the tributes with the same grace that has marked his career. He first thanked the Almighty, then the Comptroller-General, and finally his colleagues on the management team, expressing deep gratitude for their belief in his abilities over three and a half decades of service.

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Fight Against Arms Proliferation: NCCSALW, NCS Strengthens Partnership

Fight Against Arms Proliferation: NCCSALW, NCS Strengthens Partnership

Bisi Akingbade 

The Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW),  Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service,  NCS, for its unwavering commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. 

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the Director General and his delegation to the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State.

Speaking during the visit, DIG (Rtd.) Kokumo acknowledged the strategic role of the Nigeria Customs Service in securing the nation's borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition, and other prohibited items. He noted that the Service remains a critical stakeholder in Nigeria's security architecture and a dependable partner in the fight against transnational crimes.

The Director General emphasized the importance of enhanced inter agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations in addressing the growing threats posed by the illicit circulation of weapons.

 According to him, effective collaboration among security agencies remains indispensable to safeguarding lives and property, protecting national assets, and maintaining peace and stability across the country. DIG (Rtd.) Kokumo also expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his unwavering support and commitment to inter agency collaboration in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He commended the CGC's leadership in fostering synergy among security and law enforcement agencies, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and strategic cooperation in advancing national security objectives.

Furthermore, the NCCSALW boss assured the Command of the Centre's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service through sustained collaboration, intelligence driven operations, information sharing, and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition across the nation's borders.

According to the press release issued by the ASC I A.A. Zakariya, anipr

Command Public Relations Officer, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Minna, highlighted that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, in his remarks appreciated the Director General and his delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command's readiness to collaborate with the National Centre in promoting national security. He reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation's borders, and supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.

Comptroller Umar further stressed that the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies, enhance intelligence gathering mechanisms, and maintain effective synergy with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure efficient border management and national security. The Customs Area Controller also conveyed the appreciation of the officers and men of the Command to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership, unwavering support, and continuous efforts in repositioning the Service for greater efficiency, professionalism, and collaboration with sister agencies in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore practical measures for deepening cooperation in intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development, and coordinated enforcement activities.

The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through effective arms control, strengthened border security, and sustained inter-agency collaboration.

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Apapa Area Command Records ₦28bn Highest Single-Day Revenue, Boosts National Development

Apapa Area Command Records ₦28bn Highest Single-Day Revenue, Boosts National Development

...as Oshoba stresses that every compliant transaction contributes to national development

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Area Command, has recorded another historic revenue milestone, generating Twenty-Eight Billion, One Hundred and Two Million, Nine Hundred and Fourteen Naira, Sixty-One Kobo (₦28,102,000,914.61k) only within 24 hours on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, the highest single-day revenue collection ever recorded by the Command. The feat surpasses the previous daily record of ₦20.1 billion, achieved in September 2025, shortly after the assumption of office of the present Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.

The new record comes barely weeks after the Command achieved an unprecedented ₦323 billion monthly revenue collection in July 2026, further demonstrating the sustained impact of reforms, improved compliance, enhanced trade facilitation, intelligence-driven interventions and the increasing efficiency of digital Customs processes.

In the press release, issued by the Chief Superintendent of Customs,  Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command,  Isah Sulaiman, stated that Comptroller Oshoba said the achievement is not simply about figures or records, but about the contribution of the Nigeria Customs Service to the economic wellbeing of Nigerians. He noted that revenue generated by the Service forms part of government resources used to fund public priorities, including infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and other services that ultimately impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He therefore dedicated the milestone to the Government and people of Nigeria, while commending the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR PhD and the management team of the Service for their continued support for modernisation, automation and reforms aimed at making Customs operations more efficient, transparent and business-friendly.

The CAC also acknowledged the cooperation of compliant importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents and other stakeholders, as well as patriotic Nigerians who have provided actionable intelligence, in achieving this feat. He stressed that every compliant transaction contributes to national development and urged stakeholders to continue supporting legitimate trade, noting that a stronger revenue base gives government greater capacity to respond to the needs of the people and create an environment where businesses can thrive.

Comptroller Oshoba charged Officers and Men of the Command not to become complacent, but to see the record as a responsibility to do more. He emphasised that revenue collection must be achieved alongside trade facilitation, professionalism, transparency and respect for stakeholders, directing personnel to resolve legitimate disputes promptly and ensure that Customs procedures do not unnecessarily hinder lawful businesses.

The NCS Apapa Area Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, remains committed to sustaining this momentum through enhanced revenue generation, trade facilitation, professionalism and stakeholder collaboration, with the understanding that every legitimate revenue collected strengthens government’s capacity to deliver on its development priorities and improve the lives of Nigerians.

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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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