MAJAN COMMENDS AG. CGC AT FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

MAJAN COMMENDS AG.  CGC AT FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

Ag. CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, has applauded the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on his visionary leadership in his first 100 days in office.

MAJAN gave this commendation in a press statement issued on its  platform, through the Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Odinukaeze.

MAJAN described the Customs Boss as exemplary team leader, an experienced  Customs officer who has intelligence,  expertise and modern skills to take the Service to greater heights.

"The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria is commending the Customs Boss on his exceptional performance in inter-agency collaboration, renewed strategies to revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling drive.

"The CGC brought fresh impetus to bear in all aspects of Customs operations, entrenching a culture of discipline and professionalism.

 

"MAJAN as an association rates CGC Adeniyi high on managerial prowess, as he completes 100 days on the saddle.

 "Since assumption in office, in June, 2023, the enigmatic and charismatic Customs Boss has been building bridges and strengthening ties with stakeholders, other government organisations, security agencies, host communities, traditional rulers and freight agents, all in a deliberate and sustained move to enhance efficiency in the system for greater economic growth."

"As a well trained career officer, CGC Adeniyi has rejigged Customs operations to place the highest premium on trade facilitation, safeguarding national security, operational effectiveness,  anti-smuggling operations driven by intelligence and timely information sharing, as well as respect for human rights."

 "As one, who is on a familiar terrain, Adeniyi's first 100 days in office witnessed a clear intent to transform Customs and harness its full potentials through his 3-Point policy thrust; Collaboration, Consultation and Invitation.

"He makes no pretence on his resolve to tackle smuggling and other trans-border crimes. It is quite glaring that CGC Adeniyi is on the march to leave an enduring legacy in Nigeria Customs Service, the maritime industry and the nation’s economy at large."

 "Looking at his pedigree, dedication to duties, tenacity, integrity and  impressive performance in the past few months, MAJAN has strong confidence in his ability to completely turn things around for good, not only for Customs but Nigerian economy as well".

Highlight of his achievements below.

As part of the innovative strategy in reviewing anti-smuggling operations of Customs, the CGC dissolved the  Strikeforce Team on  July 17, 2023, and strengthened the Federal Operations Unit of the Service nationwide. 

"He successfully restored peace in Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, after years of internal crisis, rancour and wrangling which defied all solutions proferred by maritime stakeholders. 

"He introduced a fitness programme for officers known as 'Walk-Life Balance’ exercise. In terms of training, CGC Adeniyi has performed creditably with the Passing Out of Basic Course I/2023 Cadets, where 81 Cadets successfully finished their training.

 

"Among some of the activities marking his 100 days in office, the Customs Boss pledged his support to establish Customs primary and Secondary Schools Nationwide. He  successfully deployed Area Controllers to various  Commands.

The CGC, on Monday, 14th August, extended a hand of fellowship to Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo State, an Orphanage home for Charity and Social Development.

"He equally expressed readiness of his management team to collaborate with National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW, in the fight against the trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons. 

Recall that the Service in August 2023, intercepted 1,000 live ammunition concealed in 203 bags of foreign rice in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

"On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Customs Boss visited the Ag. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit sought inter-agencies' cooperation and collaboration to fast-track sustainable working relationships.

"Also, the CGC has gone on a working visit to see top officials of Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps and Lagos State Governor, among many others.

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"We Must Collect 48 Percent Of The Remaining Revenue" - Comptroller Nnadi

"We Must Collect 48 Percent Of The Remaining Revenue" - Comptroller Nnadi

...I will open my doors for seemless trade, but I will also close the door against unwholsome activities that will  compromise the Service mandates

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Customs command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, MNI, has said that the revenue target of the command which stands  at 52 percent must be completed to 100 percent before the end of the year 2023.

He made this revelation during his maiden address of taking over as the Customs Area Controller  of Tin Can Island Command in Lagos.

According to Comptroller Dera  "The Command revenue target of over 801 Billion Naira currently stands at 52  per cent, with barely three months to the end of the year 2023 meaning we must collect 48 per cent of the remaining revenue. 

"Coming at a time, the floating exchange rate is affecting importers and exporters, this is a big  but achievable task.  

"The dynamism of the industry requires that we join forces as stakeholders to provide solutions to our individual and collective needs. The next phase of this assignment starts this morning as we all commit to  lead from the front. 

"For us as a Command, it is a daunting but sounmountable task.  As you are all aware, Nigeria Customs Service has three key performance indicators, which are revenue  collection, antismuggling, and service delivery, often referred to as  facilitation of trade. These three serve as yardstick for measuring her performance. 

"These indicators will always remain relevant in our economic  discourse until we attain full development as a nation. It is more so for Tincan Command, especially now.  

"Similarly, our roles in securing  the nation are vast, ranging from interventions against economic sabotuers who distort and take advantage of the nations  trade policy. These also include those that import illicit goods that contribute to the insecurity in the country. 

 "I want to commend the outgoing Controller and officers of the Command for the recent seizure of two containers of tramadol. We will sustain the fight against importation of illicit and unapproved  drugs

"Distinguished audience, just two days ago the Customs Adminsitrations of Nigeria and Benin signed an agreement to develop frameworks for clearing of Nigeria bound goods in Benin Ports and vice varsa. This is a call for us to improve our business process and increase our efficiency in service delivery in order to be competitive with bither ports in the subregion. 

"To this end, I  will particularly request the cooperation of shipping companies,  terminal operators and Other Goverernment Agencies

in our efforts towards ensuring the actualisation of the rebranding of the Command. 

 "In line with this, I will essentially request that we  respect our various mandates. Those concerned with regulatory functions should stay away from interference in revenue related transactions except it is in their mandate to do so. Hopefully, this will improve service delivery in the Tincan Port. 

"The outgoing CAC made reference to "operating an open door policy". I will open my doors for seemless trade, but I will also close the door against unwholsome activities that will  compromise the Service mandates. 

 "Let me at this juncture state that in my resolve to achieve the goals of the Command, we will not dwell on the usual blame of others for   the various challenges bedevilling the maritme industry. No one person is responsible for the rot, but everyone should be ready to offer a solution" he concluded.

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NIMASA Special Assistant To Director General Resigns

NIMASA Special Assistant To Director  General  Resigns 

        ESSIEN OBONG

By: Bisi Akingbade

Ubong Essien, Special Assistant on Communications and Strategy to the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has resigned appointment from NIMASA.

His words “Hello, dear. Last week I officially disembarked from my position as Special Adviser to the DG of NIMASA on Communications and Strategy.

Essien who confirmed his resignation from NIMASA and  to become the Dean of the School of Eloquence said "I have since resumed fully to my role as the Dean of the School of Eloquence. It has been an amazing three years in maritime.

"Thanks to Dr. Bashir Jamoh and Team NIMASA. And specially to you for supporting me all through the voyage,” He appreciated Dr. Jamoh for the opportunity to serve.

 

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Seme Customs Collects N1.9bn Revenue, Seized N1.8bn Items In 8 Months

Seme Customs Collects N1.9bn Revenue, Seized  N1.8bn Items  In 8 Months

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,has collected N1,904,459, 390.77 revenue between January 23 and September 8, 2023, which is 97.2% of N1,960,000,000 allotted target for the year.

This shows an increase of 51.98% from the N885,543,098.11 made in the corresponding period for 2022.

The Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, said this while briefing  journalists on his account of stewardship and activities of Seme Command for the period under review in Badagry; said this was made possible as the command worked assiduously in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the region optimises its expectations.

Comptroller Nnadi said that the command in its anti-smuggling efforts, made a headline seizures of fake six million US dollars equivalent to N2.7 billion naira with  other notable seizures recorded between January and August 2023.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) for the seized items between January and  September 8 2023 is 1,827, 362, 619. 00.

The seized items include: 6,569 of 50kg bags of rice equivalent to 16 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice with a DPV of N312,242, 064.93k; 13,835 x 30 liters Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, equivalent to 415,050 liters or 13 petroleum tankers with Duty Paid Value of 738,276, 461k and 15,389 of general merchandise goods.

Hard Drugs and Narcotics: 41 parcels of Cannabis Sativa; 4,900 Tablets 225mg of Tramadol Tamol-X; 3,600 Tablets 225mg Tramadol Royal 225; 157 Tablets of Heineken Ecstacy, and 864 Packs of Cigarette.

In the same vein, Officers and Men of the Command acting on credible intelligence intercepted 1,364 of 30 liters jerrycans of PMS equivalent to 40,800 litres over one tanker load with a DPV of N24,663,355 at the early hours of Friday, September 8, along the Badagry Coast.

Compt. Nnadi said "the Command advantageously lies on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor (ALCO) which connects Lagos-Cotonou-Lomé-Accra-Abidjan, but noted that the region is yet to maximise this advantage.

Speaking on the significance of the command as an economic, cultural and political platform for regional integration of West Africa cannot be overemphasised, with a population of over 350 million people, the corridor and Command accounts for about 70 per cent of the transit traffic in the ECOWAS sub-region.

"The route is also a component of the Lagos-Kano-Jibiya (LAKAJI) corridor which extends from Lagos through Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Kastina states in Nigeria. The LAKAJI corridor compliments the trade route from Abidjan through Cotonou to Niamey and even to Libya and Egypt.

The command boss noted that the Seme Area Command is the platform for the sustenance of the regional integration expected to be driven through the ECOWAS Protocol on the free movement of persons, goods, and services, the implementation of the various trade policies of the sub-region and the continent especially the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the emerging African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

His said “The objective of the ETLS and AfCFTA is to liberalise trade by abolishing customs duties and fees on imports and exports and the elimination of non-tariff barriers among member states. It is intended to achieve unhindered market access to the countries of the sub-region. Seme Area Command has worked assiduously to ensure that the region optimises this expectation.

"Among the trade blocks in Africa, the ECOWAS region has a population of 428.6 million people and ranks second in Africa after East Africa region with a population of 474.9 million people. It is expected that the potential inherent in this advantageous position will be translated to increased trade among countries of the ECOWAS subregion especially between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin with a combined population of nearly 250 million people.

“Sadly, ECOWAS ranks fourth at 10 per cent when it comes to trade within the African Continent.  Southern African Development Community (SADC) with a population of 69.2 million people ranks first in trading among themselves at 32.12 percent, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) at 20.32 per cent, and Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) at 16.59 per cent.

“This is an indication that the ECOWAS region is yet to maximize the gains of ETLS. Again, this underscores the level of our limited preparedness for the African Continental Free Trade Area ACFTA.

“Several factors have been adjudged to hamper trade (between Nigeria and her proximate neighbour) within the sub-region especially transit trade across the countries and along the corridor. There have been several complaints by operators against the closure of the borders, the non-adherence to transit agreements signed under the ECOWAS, World Trade Organisation, WTO, World Customs Organisation, WCO, and the General Agreement on Trade and Tariff”.

“Upon my assumption of duty on the 23 of January, 2023, I pledged to adopt new strategies to boost trade while enforcing the nation’s anti-smuggling laws along the Abidjan Lagos Corridor, ALCO, in line with the ECOWAS protocols on free movement of goods and persons.

"It is important to note that Nigeria 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures by the Federal Ministry of Finance lifted the ban on export of goods imported into Nigeria hitherto prohibited under item 8 Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff. It is hoped that our stakeholders take full advantage of this gesture while our brothers from other countries in the sub-region particularly the Republic of Benin will reciprocate this gesture where there are existing trade barriers.

“It is gratifying to note that the CGC and the government of both countries and the stakeholders are all on the same page regarding the need to improve our relationship with a view to maximize the opportunities offered by the proximity of our two countries to the border and develop trade along the corridor”.

He said  in line with the Service’s dictate of encouraging its personnels, the Officers and Men of the Command that were involved in the seizures of fake $6,000,000 currency, 15 fake international passports and 10 Driver’s license, and that of Donkey skins in January have been commended by the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

He presented the commendation and congratulatory letters from the Command to the beneficiaries today.

Compt. Nnadi appreciated the CGC for his support to the Command, as well as the Seme Badagry Community for their cooperation and to offi cers and men of the Command for their gallantry and patriotism.

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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE TAKES ACTION ON DEFAULTING AUTHORIZED DEALER BANKS

NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE TAKES ACTION ON DEFAULTING AUTHORIZED DEALER BANKS

Ag.  CGC. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR

By: Bisi Akingbade 

 The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has taken decisive action in response to selected Authorized Dealer Banks failing to meet Service-Level Agreements, SLAs, related to Customs Duty and statutory charge remittances.

In a press release  signed  by the Chief Superintendent of Customs

National Public Relations Officer

for Comptroller General of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada said that this decision follows a thorough audit and due process, aligning with the NCS's commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection. The primary objective is to ensure the accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development.

"Despite the deactivation of these banks, the Comptroller General has implemented measures to minimize disruptions for importers and stakeholders within the trading ecosystem. He assures the trading community that all pending assessments will undergo clearance processes in line with international best practices"

Ag. CGC urged importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments to utilize other Authorized Dealer Banks that comply with NCS regulations. "Stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank are encouraged to use alternatives that function appropriately".

He further  stated  that the deactivated banks will have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and settle outstanding remittances. 

Adeniyi affirmed  that collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders are underway to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the Customs Duty Collection system.

He said that "the NCS places a priority on trade facilitation, putting stakeholders and Nigerian citizens first, even in the face of non-compliance by some Authorized Dealer Banks. This action underscores the NCS's commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent customs revenue collection process", he concluded.

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IADI-ARC Appoints Bello As Vice Chairperson

IADI-ARC Appoints Bello As Vice Chairperson 

BELLO HASSAN, VCE CHAIRPERSON, IADI-ARC

By: Bisi Akingbade

The International Association of Deposit Insurers, African Regional Committee, IADI-ARC, has appointed the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Mr. Bello Hassan its Vice Chairperson. 

Accoring to the press release signed by the Director, Communication & Public Affair, Bashir Alhassan Nuhu, stated that the appointment was made at the IADI-ARC Annual General Meeting, AGM, held recently in Dakar, Senegal.

The International Association of Deposit Insurers, IADI, was formed in May 2002 as the global standard-setting body for deposit insurance systems and forum for knowledge and experience sharing through international conferences, workshops, attachments and other capacity building programs as well as research and guidance on matters relating to deposit insurance for its members.

In furtherance of its objectives, the Association develops core principles, standards and guidelines to enhance effectiveness of the deposit insurance systems in various jurisdictions.

It would be recalled that Bello was elected into the IADI Executive Council, EXCO, in October last year during the IADI’s Annual General Meeting, AGM, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

It is instructive to note that, the IADI EXCO is the governing body of the Association that ensures the smooth functioning of its affairs.

The IADI-ARC leadership noted that the appointment of Bello into the Association’s EXCO by its General Assembly and their collective resolve in appointing him as the IADI-ARC Vice-Chairperson were all in recognition of his outstanding contributions, commitment and leadership role in deepening deposit insurance practice in Africa and the globe in general.

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ACTING COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF CUSTOMS APPOINTS TWO ACTING ACGs, REDEPLOYS COMPTROLLER NNADI, BOMODI, OTHERS

ACTING COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF CUSTOMS APPOINTS TWO ACTING ACGs, REDEPLOYS COMPTROLLER NNADI, BOMODI, OTHERS

Ag. CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR

By: Bisi Akingbade

In response to the statutory retirement of some management members of Nigeria Customs, the Acting Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has approved key appointments and redeployment within the service to ensure operational efficiency.  

In a press release signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs, National Public Relations Officer for Comptroller General of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada said Comptrollers Florence Nanu Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu have been appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller Generals Training and Doctrine Command, TRADOC, and Zonal Coordinator Zone B, respectively. 

Some of the Comptrollers redeployed to various Customs formations include Compt. Jaiyeoba Jide from Oyo/Osun Area Command to Apapa Area Command, Compt. Dera Nnadi from Seme to Tin-Can Island Port, Compt. Timi Bomodi from KLT  to Seme, Compt. Ahmed Abe from PCA Zone ‘C’ to Kaduna Area Command and Compt. Babandede Mohammad from Lilypond Export Command to Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

Others are Compt. Dauda Ibrahim Chana from Investigation Headquarters to Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Compt. Martina Tilleygyado from Non-Intrusive Inspection to KLT Area Command, Compt. Oloyode Adekunle from Tin-Can Island Port to Import &/Export Headquarters while Compt. Zanna Chiroma will be leaving Import & Export for PCA Zone ‘C, among many others.

The Acting Comptroller-General congratulated the newly appointed/redeployed officers and charged them to put more effort into achieving the service’s core mandates of Revenue Generation, Suppression of Smuggling, and Trade Facilitation

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MACI flays maritime police over interception of exited cargo

MACI flays maritime police over interception of exited cargo

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative (MACI) has expressed its worry over the overbearing attitude of maritime police in cargo clearing procedure at the ports.

The group noted with concern that this attitude of the police in indiscriminately intercepting cargo exited by the Customs at the ports has caused unnecessary bad blood between the Maritime Police and other government agencies whom the police have accused of compromise in cargo clearing process at the ports.

In a statement issued by the Chairman Board of Trustees( BOT) of the group, Captain Adamu Mshelia and the Secretary, Mr Funso Olojo, MACI believes that the attitude of the police was predicated on misunderstanding of the role of the maritime police by its top officials.

"All the agencies operating in the ports, including the police,  are backed by law with specific functions, though there are some cases of overlapping functions.

"The police is to maintain law and order, make arrest where necessary and prosecute offenders.

"Its the statutory duty of Customs to release cargo after satisfactory inspection of documents by its officers and where necessary, physical examination with other agencies. 

"We know that four units of police namely K9, Bomb squad, Intelligence Unit and normal police do participate in cargo examination. 

"We then wonder what Maritime police will be looking for after four of its units have participated in the examination of cargo.

"For checks and balances, Customs management created other units like enforcement, CIU, Taskforce, Strike Force, etc. 

"These are units trained and well versed in interpretation of codes, value determination, classification, concealment, wrong declaration and what have you. 

"Even the Customs management has come to the realization that some of these units are only mere duplication of duties, hindering trade facilitation, hence the recent scrapping of Strike Force and reduction of checkpoints.

"The maritime police has its duty and we believe that no agency is stopping it from carrying it out. The only argument is modality for doing their job. 

"We know that police have the right to enter anywhere and if it has information about a container, it can trace it to the owner's warehouse.

"This is the acceptable way of working in saner climes and this is what other agencies are telling maritime police to do.

"MACI feels embarrassed by the jejune and puerile allegations from the AIG Maritime Police, Susan Akem-Horsfall that the agencies are conniving with shippers and their clearing agents to shortchange government.

"This is clearly an allegation meant to justify the unjustifiable.

"We are miffed by AIG's defence of the indefensible that nobody can stop police from stopping containers on the road.

"Maritime police is not being stopped from doing its legitimate work but what everyone is saying is that police should not cause another congestion and interfere unnecessarily with international trade with the indiscriminate and unwarranted interception of exited cargo on the road when the police can trail such suspected consignment to the warehouse of its owners", the group which is the media coalition against corruption, declared.

The group therefore  called on the Inspector general of police,  Kayode Egbetokun,  to call the AIG, Maritime Police to order with a warning to tell her officers to  strictly face police duty as only Customs officers are trained on classification, interpretation of codes, value determination, concealment, etc.

MACI also believes that the timely intervention of the IGP will stave off the brewing crisis and allow the contending issue resolved amicably in order to have a concerted efforts towards  proper  management of  the emerging blue economy.

"We believe that government has committed so much resources to decongesting the ports and facilitating trade and therefore unnecessary man-made encumbrances should not be given a space," the group concluded.

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Minister calls for concerted efforts to rehabilitate port infrastructure

Minister calls for concerted efforts  to rehabilitate port infrastructure

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for concerted efforts of stakeholders in the shipping sector to rehabilitate the collapsed quays and other port infrastructure in order to forestall a total collapse.

The minister stressed  the urgency for immediate rehabilitation of the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin Can Island Ports Complex, Apapa, Lagos.

The minister made this statement during his maiden tour of the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos. 

According to him: “To avoid the collapse of the port we need to rehabilitate the port as a matter of urgency and dredging must continue and we can put other things in place. I have gone round to see the things for myself. I have been having ministerial briefing since the last 10 days and I have seen a lot of things such as the challenges and the need to activate a lot of things about our ports.

“Infrastructure is almost collapsing with what I have seen so far and it’s a major rehabilitation that have to be carried out and the dredging has to continue.

"I am looking forward to a situation where the terminal managers will be willing to contribute to the rehabilitation of the ports. It’s important and if they do that, they will make more money for themselves, it should be a collaboration with the terminal and the government.

“We are carrying out remedial work on the quay wall very soon and I have asked them to let us have the report of what they carried out so far, we need to know the numbers so that we can get approval from the president for remedial work.

“Absolutely we need to restructure and put the right infrastructure in place and it’s a way of revitatlising the economy we rely so much on oil and there are lot of other opportunities that has remained untapped for so many years and we must commend the president for creating the ministry.”

The Minister also stated that he would engage with the Federal Ministry of Works on rehabilitation of the port access roads.

On access road, he stressed the  importance of putting it in place, hinting that he would engage the Minister of Works to see what can be done together.

Oyetola disclosed that he he had already discussed with the Ministry of Transport to see what they can do with the rail for a better port operation.

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Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Tours PCHS Terminal, Assures of Support

Minister of Marine & Blue Economy Tours PCHS Terminal, Assures of Support

By: Bisi Akingbade

The newly-appointed Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has embarked on an inspection tour of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, operator of Terminal C, Tin Can Island and subsidiary of SIFAX Group. 

He was received by the management of the terminal led by Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, Administration.

Upon arrival at the terminal, he was taken on a tour of the facilities of the terminal. 

Oyetola was excited at the level of infrastructural development and investment in the terminal and assured that the Federal Government will provide the enabling environment to make sure that investments in the maritime sector are secured.

His words “I am excited at what I have seen here today. As an indigenous terminal of repute, I take particular interest in the success of this terminal and its operations. We are working with relevant agencies to see that various issues hampering successful operations are resolved so the terminal operator can contribute more to the industry's success.

”While welcoming the Minister to the Terminal, Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, said the Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited is one of the indigenous terminal operators in the country. He hinted that the terminal is waiting for the Federal Government to resolve the logjam around the concession renewal in order for the terminal to receive more investments that would boost the economy.   

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PTML CUSTOMS: VIN Valuation Process Remains Fully Operational, Effective - Comptroller Yusuf

PTML CUSTOMS: VIN Valuation Process Remains Fully Operational, Effective - Comptroller Yusuf

... Urged Importers To Inculcate Transparency in Declaration

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Customs Area Controller,  Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited,  PTML command, Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf has dispelled the rumour that the Vehicle Identification Number has been cancelled.

According to the press release issued and signed by the Customs Public Relations Officer, CSC Yakubu Muhammad, the CAC after the  stakeholders sensitisation meeting  on Vehicle Identification Number in Lagos reiterated an earlier position on the matter issued by the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters that the VIN Valuation Process remains fully operational and effective. 

Comptroller Yusuf noted that the trim numbers are critical in identifying distinct versions or tiers within a specific car model. They delineate varying configurations, features, and levels of equipment associated different models. 

The command boss urged importers of vehicles and their agents to imbibe transparency while making declarations for their imported vehicles

He stated that the trim of vehicles are not same for all kinds while urging declarants to have their transaction values. He blamed some declarants for not being transparent because they go inputing what they think is the lowest base value which necessitates interventions like demand notice and alerts.

He advised them to apply invoice and transaction values as a way of promoting transparency and building integrity in the trade process of vehicle clearance. 

Comptroller Yusuf said Section 24 Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 provides for advance ruling for stakeholders to submit to the NCS before  a transaction and the ruling will be binding on the service and the importer or agent. This according to the Controller is a unique trade facilitation method provided for by the new law

The CAC who described the meeting as being in line with the law also said customs stakeholders partnership is a provision of section 29 NCSA 2023. 

According to him, meetings like this is meant to rub minds, identify challenges and jointly work out solutions on how best to resolve the challenges. He added that the meeting is also in tandem with WCO and WTO trade facilitation thrusts which encourage consultations. 

He reminded the stakeholders that the use of code 846 for clearing of non standard VIN has been further modified to reduce human contact through what he called e-846. This saves time and makes trade easier. 

"I must commend the system because the reduction of human contact is very effective and beneficial to all as it saves time. I personally monitor electronically from my office and can confirm that my officers are implementing it diligently. 

" Where ever you are experiencing delay in the process under my command, please draw my attention to it. My doors are open and will be more open to all of you. The help desk headed by the Command's Public Relations Officer is active and responding to all inquiries online and in real time"  Comptroller Yusuf said. 

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NNPP Suspends Kwakwanso, Others Over Anti- Party Activities

NNPP Suspends Kwakwanso, Others Over Anti- Party Activities

... Inaugurated Newly Elected NWC

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Board of Trustee, BoT, of the New Nigerian Peoples Party,  NNPP, has suspended its former presidential candidate at the last general elections, Alhaji Rabiu Kwakwanso and the members of the NWC for six months over  anti- party activities and infringement of the Mou document.

In a communiqué released during a general meeting  of the NNPP held at Rock View Hotel in Lagos, the party submits that "Constitution has being amended severally without following due process and procedure by a clique of individuals within the system.

"The MoU document has been infringed upon and violated by these NWC members.

"About 8 states Chapters of the old NNPP was unceremoniously dissolved by the incompetent NWC.

"The letters of reinstatement of the suspended executive Chairmen of the various states issued by the Chairman BOT in accordance with the Board's inherent power to call to order stands valid.

"The BoT Chairman Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; resigned and a new BoT Chairman Dr. Chief Tope Aluko was elected with Engr. Babayo Muhammed Abdulahi as new BOT Secretary, while High Chief Tony Obioha was elected as BoT spokesperson.

"BOT members take strong exception to Buba Galadima's parading of himself as BOT Secretary. This conduct is in violation of the composition of the members of the BOT in accordance with our constitution.

"The NWC was declared incompetent and due to attrition and failure of the members to follow the constitution and due process in filling of the vacant positions, the NWC can no longer perform its role and is no longer relevant in the eyes of the law.

"The appointment of new national officers headed by Dr. Agbo Major as acting National Chairman and Comrade Ogini Olaposi as acting National Secretary,  Hajia Rekia Zanlaga as National Women Leader, Mark Usman as Nat. V/C North Central, Umar A. Jubril as Nat. V/C North West, Alh. Adebaniju Wasiu as Nat. V/C South West, Alh. Tajudeen Adebayo as Nat. Fin Sec, Alh. Mamoh Garuba Damisa as Nat. Liaison officer, Abdulrasaq Abdulsalam as Nat. PRO,

Others are:  Barr. Abiola Henry Orarotimi as Nat. Auditor, Engr. Babayo Abdulahi Mohammed as National Organizing Sec., Alh. Ibrahim Yahaya as Nat. Welfare officer, Chinonso Adiofu as Nat. Treasurer, Hon/Prince Sunday Chukwuemeka O as Nat. V/C South East, Barr. Jonathan Chineme Ibeogu as Nat. Legal Adviser  were affirmed by the BOT.

"Constitutionally, the nomenclature, the national leader is not in existence for a failed Presidential candidate, so the board moved that no more Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso referenced as National Leader. Ditto state leader.

"The purported suspension of the Founder was a flagrant gross violation of the NNPP constitution such that it is tantamount to recklessness and irresponsibility on the part of the incompetent NWC.

"That our Abuja office remains plot 511, Herbert Macaulay Way, Suite A1 to A3, Willian's Plaza, Zone 4, Wuse, Abuja.

"BOT decided that material evidence in the public sector affirmed that Senator Kwankwaso was involved in anti-party activities in various meetings, suggest political discussions with Mr. President, Atiku and Obi without authorization from the board, has earned him 6 months suspension pending the outcome of investigation by the Disciplinary Committee.

"The BOT insisted that the avoidable violation of MOU between NNPP on the one part and Kwankwasia, TNM and NAGAFF on the other has no other choice than to withdraw from the partnership. It is therefore to state clearly that the MOU have been rendered invalid.

The BoT inaugurated and administered oath of office on the newly elected NWC of the party.

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