MWUN COMMENDS POLICE, OTHERS OVER NATIONWIDE PROTEST

MWUN COMMENDS POLICE, OTHERS OVER NATIONWIDE PROTEST

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria , MWUN , under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, HFCPSP, has commended the Inspector General of Police; the Lagos State Police Command; and the Ports Authority Police Command over the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, nationwide peaceful protest.

The Union observed a well conducted officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force taking proper control of law and order in a protest that was devoid of anarchy and chaos for the very first time in our nation's political history.

The Police Force indeed displayed a high sense of responsibility, discipline, and patriotism in the discharge of its duty across the country during the protest; and in view of this, MWUN wish to commend the IGP for giving the Force a new face.

"The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria wish to commend the Commissioners of Police, Lagos State Command and Port Command, Apapa, Lagos respectively for a job well done during the protest, both at the ports and within the State at large.

"As a Union, we are proud to say that the Nigeria Police Force has acquired a "New Force" under the watch and command of the IGP as the Numero Uno Cop of Nigeria.

"The Nigeria Police Force under your watch, no doubt, displayed the fairness and friendliness expected of the Police with members of the public that ensured maximum cooperation during the peaceful protest.

"Once again, the Union is proud of today's Nigeria Police Force under your control as the IGP, and we say, Keep the flag flying.

However, the Congress had since suspended the nationwide protest urging the Federal government to expedite action on the "October 2, 2023 Agreement" as endorsed with the Congress to alleviate the hardships and sufferings meted on Nigerian Workers and the entirety of impoverished Nigerians by its ill-timed and ill- implemented policies.

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Customs Collaborates DG TAXUD EU For Efficient Export Monitoring, Trade Facilitation

Customs Collaborates DG TAXUD EU For Efficient Export Monitoring, Trade Facilitation

 

... “We are also going to launch a similar exercise to have a scientific measure of how long and how much it costs our businessmen to export their products. The most important part is to identify if there are bureaucratic modules, procedures, or laws that are creating delays so that people can get their things off our port with speed” - CGC

By: Bisi Akingbade

 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has collaborated with the Directorate General Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD,  of the European Union, EU, for efficient export monitoring and trade facilitation. 

During a meeting that took place at the Corporate Headquarters of NCS  on Tuesday. the Comptroller General of  Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced that the service is collaborating with DG TAXUD for efficiency in Export Monitoring and documentation. 

With the Nigeria Customs Service as the competent authority for rules of origin, the Comptroller General assured that the Service will do all it can to facilitate the process, adding that peace will prevail if trade is permitted to flourish.

Notwithstanding, the CG acknowledged the initiative as a welcome idea working towards economic union by bringing the two economic blocks together. He said the initiative of the Registered Exporters is a welcome development.

CGC requested a framework between Customs and DG TAXUD that can be used to verify and validate export commodities. He stated the service is interested in a digital platform that will enhance the validation of documents.

According to the Comptroller General, “As part of our outreach program, we are also working with other agencies of the Nigerian government so that we maximize these opportunities. In the past, we’ve had goods from Nigeria returned because of quality, storage, and all of that”.

He said, “We’ve moved to establish a ‘one-stop-shop’ export seat for export documentation so that it will help us reduce the time taken for Nigerian exporters to get their goods out of our port. Earlier this month, we launched the Time Release Studies, which we are targeting towards importing of goods and how much it takes for businessmen to clear their goods in the port”.

Still speaking, he said, “We are also going to launch a similar exercise to have a scientific measure of how long and how much it costs our businessmen to export their products. The most important part is to identify if there are bureaucratic modules, procedures, or laws that are creating delays so that people can get their things off our port with speed”.

The CGC said, “My intention for us is to have a system that is better, faster, and easier for us to confirm your request within a very short period. I want us to talk about exportation like we all talk about importation”.

Also speaking, Gary Wilkinson, who works in the Rules of Origin in the Directorate-General Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) in the EU, said the tariff discount for exported products is 4 percent, so when Nigerian products are exported, they get a discount. 

He emphasized that as part of the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) scheme, they occasionally travel to developing countries to ensure that products sent to the European Union are indeed of Nigerian origin. 

He stated that specific rules have been put in place to ascertain the origin of products under the GSP scheme. He said all their trade agreements are based on cooperation between the two Customs departments.

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NDIC Executive Management delegation led by MD/CE, Mr. Bello Hassan to parents of late Access Bank MD/CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe during a condolence

NDIC Executive Management delegation led by MD/CE, Mr. Bello Hassan to parents of late Access Bank MD/CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe during a condolence

CAPTION:

NDIC Executive Management delegation led by MD/CE, Mr. Bello Hassan (4th left); including Executive Director (Operations), Mr. Mustapha Ibrahim (2nd left) and Executive Director (Corporate Services), Mrs Emily Osuji (3rd left) gives some words of comfort to Elder Shyngle and Mama Stella Wigwe, parents of late Access Bank MD/CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe during a condolence.

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Customs Confirms Stampede, Fatalities, Injuries, Death During Subsidised Rice Intervention

Customs Confirms Stampede, Fatalities, Injuries, Death  During Subsidised Rice Intervention

CGC, BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI

..."The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded" - CG OF CUSTOMS

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has confirmed that there was stampede during the  noble intervention aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and improving access to essential food items through direct disposal of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies, which has  resulted to some fatalities, injuries and death.

According to the press statement made available to journalists by NCS, and  signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs/National Public Relations Officer,  Abdullahi Maiwada, the CGC said that"It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on the directive of Mr. President, announced the commencement of a noble intervention aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by Nigerians and improving access to essential food items through direct disposal of seized edible goods condemned in competent courts of law and certified fit for consumption by relevant government agencies. Consequently, a pilot exercise was conducted on Friday, 23 February 2024, at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos state. 

"The exercise was conducted following meticulous planning to address all potential risks that may emerge during the exercise. As part of our process and control measures, we had Nigeria Police and military personnel to ensure crowd control. We also fully equipped a medical team on ground in anticipation of potential risks during an exercise of that magnitude. Their presence was part of our proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. 

"The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs. We enjoyed the cooperation of the large crowd that obliged us, giving preferences to the elderly, people living with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians who showed up for the exercise. This was the case up until about 1700hrs, as attested to by the over 5000 beneficiaries and members of the press. 

"However, unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome. The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded. 

"The Nigeria Customs Service extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with Hospital Authorities to establish contact and engage directly with the victims' families on their next steps. Following this incident, an internal investigation was initiated to understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event. 

"As a service deeply committed to the welfare and safety of Nigerians, we recognize the need for heightened sensitivity and preventive measures in all our operations. Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February 2024. This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians as we work towards addressing the challenges facing our nation's food security. 

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MWUN TO JOIN NLC 2-DAY NATIONWIDE PROTEST

MWUN TO JOIN NLC 2-DAY NATIONWIDE PROTEST

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria,  MWUN,  under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, HFCPSP,  has declared that it will be joing the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,  2-Day Nationwide Protest holding on the 27-28th, ( Tuesday and Wednesday) of February, 2024

Comrade Adeyanju stated "the Congress after its NEC-In-Session rose from a meeting held today 26, Monday, February 2024 in Abuja, directing all its affiliate members across the nation to strictly comply.

In a press release by the union, signed by the Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, noted that the protest is coming on the backdrop of the Federal government's refusal to honour the "October 2, 2023 Agreement signed with the Congress.

"However, the Congress believes that if the Agreement had been honoured and implemented, it would have gone a long way to ameliorate the sufferings and hardships of the ill- conceived and ill- implemented policies have brought upon Nigerian Workers and the citizenry of the Country".

"In view of this, MWUN as an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress would in totality comply with the NLC directive.

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Lagos State Government: Teachers To Receive Additional Support

Lagos State Government: Teachers To Receive Additional Support 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured that other civil servants, such as teachers, would receive additional support to work five days a week.

Speaking about his administration’s efforts to alleviate hardship, the governor also disclosed a reduction in the number of days civil servants are required to work from the office.

Sanwo-Olu stated that civil servants from level 1 to 14 would now work from home twice a week, while those from levels 15 to 17 could work remotely once a week.

“We want to begin with our public servants. Starting next week, civil servants at lower levels will work three times a week, while those at levels 15 to 17 will work four times a week,” he explained.

Additionally, he announced the commencement of a 25% reduction in transportation fares for the State Public Transport system, including BRT, Train, and Ferry services, beginning from the upcoming weekend.

Furthermore, the governor disclosed that the state was expecting 300 trailer loads of foodstuff, with measures in place to ensure equitable distribution to those in need. He also mentioned plans to construct four food hubs to facilitate a more efficient food distribution system and combat rising food costs.

“We will establish Sunday Markets in at least 42 identified markets across Lagos State, where residents can purchase food items at discounted prices. Purchases will be capped at N25,000,” he elaborated.

In addition to the food hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, the government is constructing four more food hubs, with seven additional locations identified for future development.

He clarified that not all government functions would cease, but a structured approach would be implemented. 

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Customs: 4,000 Nigerians benefit from sale of Seized Rice by Customs

Customs: 4,000 Nigerians benefit from sale of Seized Rice by Customs

By: Bisi Akingbade

Following the directive by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on Thursday 

that the seized rice by the Nigeria Customs Service be sold to members of the public at a subsidised rate of N10,000 per 25kg bag.

No fewer than 4,000 persons has benefitted from the sale of rice seized by the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS.

The CGC  directed that beneficiaries must produce their National Identification Number to benefit.

While addressing pressure groups, religious leaders and other beneficiaries of the gesture, Adeniyi pleaded with them not to divert the rice to markets.

He assured that more Nigerians would benefit from the gesture as the rice would be sold at subsidised rate at all Customs commands in the country.

He said the Federal Government instructed that the less-privileged be given priority in the sale of the rice.

Some of the beneficiaries who included artisans, teachers, religious bodies, physically-challenged persons and street sweepers,  commended the Federal Government and the NCS for the kind gesture.

Operatives of the police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and those of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority provided security at the sales venue.

A physically-challenged beneficiary, Msr Taiwo Lawal, broke down in tears while appreciating the Federal Government for the gesture.

“This has never happened in the history of Nigeria where majority of Nigerians will benefit from relief items genuinely and without discrimination.

“If government engages in more of this gesture, prices of goods will reduce and common people will be able to afford them,’’ Lawal said.

Another vulnerable person, Mrs Amdalat Balogun, who lost her sight at birth, said she got the news on radio and quickly borrowed N10,000 from her neighbour to enable her to benefit from the gesture.

Balogun said she bought the rice preparatory to the forthcoming month of fasting by Muslims and expressed appreciation of the NCS and the Federal Government.

She pleaded with government to sell more subsidised food items to sustain the lives and livelihood of ordinary Nigerians.

In his remarks, Chief Imam of Magodo Phase 2, Central Mosque, Lagos, Imam Abdul-Semiu Kelani, thanked the government  and said the gesture would go a long way to ease the hardship of Nigerians. He prayed for the success of the present administration.

Rev. Emmanuel Omoroke of St. Louis Catholic Church, bought rice on behalf of indigent members of the church and also commended government for the gesture.

A street sweeper engaged by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Mrs Morufat Bello, also appreciated government’s gesture after she bought the rice.

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