EMBER SEASON: Comptroller Nnadi Calls for Genuine Declaration To Avoid Delay

EMBER SEASON: Comptroller Nnadi Calls for Genuine  Declaration To Avoid  Delay 

        COMPTR. DERA NNADI, CAC TINCAN  COMMAND, 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The  Customs Area Controller Tincan Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, CAC, Comptroller Dera Nnadi has stated that for  quick and smooth cargo clearance, licensed Customs  agents and other port users must comply with all rules regarding declaration of goods which will ensure that their imported goods are not seized or stuck at the port, as importation business are bound to rise during this last quarter of the year, signaling the yuletide season.

Comptroller Nnadi  said this during a stakeholders meeting  at his command today.

He said: “As a trade regulator, the Customs are aware of the struggles importers and other port users go through during the ember season, especially towards the end of the year.

“However, at Tincan Port area, we are always ready and willing to provide our services at maximum level to ensure that there are no comlains, and where there are, that all complaints are resolved quickly. 

"We assure you of genuine declarations from complainant traders will not have issues of delay, but those who think they can circumvent the system would have themselves to blame as cutting corners will not be allowed.

"We have ensured that all newly created bonded terminals dominciled at TCIP have spaces available for port users, while they go about their businesses, but at the area headquarters here, we are working to create space for port stakeholders, as renovations are ongoing within the premises.”

He urged port users to keep the port environment clean to ensure a healthy business environment.

He also emphasized that his relationship with port stakeholders and port users in 2024, themed, “A Year for Stakeholders,”  is to look out for well-being of all who come to do business at the port is his priority.

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MWUN Says It's Not Associated With Planned October 1st 2024 Protest

MWUN Says It's Not Associated With Planned October 1st 2024 Protest 

   Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli, PG. MWUN

By: Bisi Akingbade 

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria today called it's executive, members and the general public that it's not associated with the individuals planning the aforementioned  2024 October 1st protest.

In a press release issued by the President General, Dr. Adeyanju Adewale, fnli, HFCPSP, FCAI made this disclosure. 

He said " Maritime Workers Union Nigeria wishes to register its concern and apprehension regarding the impending nationwide protest slated to take place on October 1st  2024.

"We, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria hereby, notifies its membership,

executive and the general public that the union is not associated with the individuals planning the aforementioned protest. 

"As a union comprising essential service providers and critical economic actors, our members, are committed to delivering uninterrupted service, as demonstrated during the covid 19 lockdown when they worked tirelessly despite restrictive measures.

"Consequently, we wish to state clearly that whilst we do not begrudge any Nigeria citizen his or right to peacefully assemble and expression of themselves, the union and all its members do not take industrial action directive that do not emanate from the Unions' recognized organs such as the Central Working Committee (CWC).

"This planned October 1st 2024 Protest is not called by our CWC and we are therefore not obliged to participate.

"Consequently, MWUN seriously advice our members not to embark on any mass action in the ports, terminals, jetties and oil and gas platforms in all our nations ports. So not to disrupt marine operations which is the core of our economy environs.

"In this vein, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, call on all its members to maintain industrial peace and harmony and be at alert to prevent would be miscreants from penetrating and invading our ports, jetties, terminals and Oil and Gas Platforms during the impending October 1 2024 protest.

 

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74th World Customs Organization: Nigeria Customs Participates in Harmonised System Committee Meeting

74th World Customs Organization:  Nigeria Customs Participates in Harmonised System Committee Meeting

 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) delegates led by Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Hardo, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ekay Asuquo and CSC Lauretta Utubor (Team Lead Advance Rulings) participated in the World Customs Organization (WCO) 74th Harmonised System Committee (HSC) Meeting, held from 16 to 27 September 2024, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

According to reports, the Harmonised System Committee (HSC) plays a crucial role in managing the Harmonised System Nomenclature (HSN), which serves as a vital tool for facilitating global trade by providing a standardised system for the classification of goods.

As a Contracting Party, Nigeria's participation in the HSC is pivotal considering the nation's large market index in Africa leading to high volumes of imports from across the globe. The impact of these policies, particularly on customs formalities, has far-reaching economic consequences, making Nigeria's contributions to such discussions critical.

The HSC focuses primarily on the tariff classification of goods, ensuring that products are correctly categorised under the Harmonised System Nomenclature. This involves detailed discussions on goods descriptions and the appropriate tariff codes or headings that align with legal provisions and explanatory notes. The HSC ensures that global trade remains efficient, transparent, and standardised through this process.

 Additionally, the opportunity to raise tariff classification issues that may have caused prolonged disputes between customs and economic operators allows for an objective resolution aided by input from other Contracting Parties.

Similarly, a delegate from Nigeria who happens to be a beneficiary of the WCO 88th fellowship programme, CSC Lauretta Utubor, the Team Lead for Advance Rulings in Nigeria, made a presentation at the Leadership Management Development workshop on Friday, 20 September 2024.   The presentation, which also took place at the Headquarters of WCO in Brussels, emphasised the role of essential tools such as self-awareness, strategic communication, political will, intentionality, people management, and change management played towards the successful implementation of Advance Rulings in Nigeria. 

She also underscored Nigeria’s dedication to adopting global best practices and the Comptroller General Customs, Adewale Adeniyi's commitment towards promoting trade facilitation and customs modernisation.

This high-level engagement with technical experts from customs administrations worldwide enables Nigeria to enhance its decision-making capacity when issuing legally binding advice to economic operators. Furthermore, the insights gained from the 74th HSC meeting are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s customs processes and contribute to the nation's continued leadership in trade facilitation on the African continent. An

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Tantita Security Suggests Adoption of Carbon Credits As Solution To Niger Delta Gross Pollution, Earn N320m Yearly

Tantita Security Suggests Adoption of Carbon Credits As Solution To Niger Delta Gross Pollution, Earn N320m Yearly

Capt Waredi Enisuoh (1st from right) Capt Sunday Umoren, Prof Fakinlede representing the minister (4th) Dr Felicia Mogo, Managing Director of NIWA Mr Oyebamiji among other participants at the AFMESI Symposium.

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Tantita Security Services, has suggested the  adoption of carbon credit schemes to provide solutions to the gross pollution in the Niger Delta egion, which will see Nigerian coastal communities earning over N320million yearly.

The Executive Director, Operations, Tantita Security, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, made this suggestion while speaking  as  the Guest Lecturer at the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative, AFMESI 4th Annual Symposium and Workshop, in Lagos.

According to his presentation titled: "Achieving Blue Growth In A Changing Climate - Integrating the Coastal Communities" Enisuoh noted that one mature tree could absorb 80kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere in a year and noted that several developed countries had adopted the carbon credit initiative to preserve their environment.

He illustrated that "If we allocate 50,000 trees per coastal community. One carbon credit is equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide which is valued at $50. CO₂ absorption per year = 80kg x 50,000 Trees = 4,000,000kg. Earning 4,000,000kg x $50/1,000 - $200,000/уear. $200,000 x 1,600 - N320,000,000 annually,"

He noted that despite the recent signing of the Climate Change Act by Nigeria, the federal government is still investing in the acquisition of diesel-powered trains. 

Capt Enisuoh said that Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, could exchange carbon offset for funds that could be channeled into port automation, 

He, however, admonished maritime operators to approach the innovative concept with a sincere concern about the environment and not pecuniary interest.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy,  Adegboyega Oyetola, while declaring the workshop open, encouraged the participants to share viable suggestions to addressing the numerous challenges in the blue economy.

Oyetola, who was represented by Prof. Stephen Fakinlede, reiterated the Ministry's commitment to safety and sustainable blue economy.

Speaking earlier, the President of AFMESI, Dr Felicia Mogo, said that

"We aim to attract investment in sustainable ocean industries, from eco-friendly aquaculture to renewable marine energy, and to ensure that these investments benefit the communities most in need. 

``We will work with financial institutions, government agencies, private organizations, among others to achieve this goal.

"Over the years, AFMESI has championed numerous projects and initiatives in Nigeria, and across Africa, aimed at protecting our marine ecosystems, empowering coastal communities, and advancing policy frameworks that support sustainable marine practices," 

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MAJAN Recommends Permanent Solution To Hoodlums Activities At Port Access Roads

MAJAN Recommends Permanent Solution To Hoodlums Activities At Port Access Roads

.... Identifies hike in petroleum pump price as catalyst to economic hardship in Nigeria 

.... Urges FG to tell Nigerians where money removed from subsidy was ploughed into

By: Bisi Akingbade 

Maritime Journalists' Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has commended the Lagos State Government and Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, for the quick intervention in averting truckers’ planned strike as a result of extortion and harassment by hoodlums along Port Corridor.

In a communique issued  at the end of its monthly meeting held on Thursday, 12 September 2024, at its Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos, the association addressed issues affecting the State of the Nation and suggested that Lagos State Government and Nigeria Port Authority should intensify effort in tackling the extortion by mounting security surveillance at necessary points along 5 to ward off further incursion of hoodlums.

It stressed that Security agencies/personnel that will mount the surveillance points should not turn the place to another checkpoint of extortion as this will be counter productive.

Similarly, the association also identified hike in petroleum pump price as being responsible for  the economic hardship currently experienced by Nigerians, and consequently suggested that government should deploy measures to cushion the effect of this hardship.

“Government should give financial subvention, provide farming materials to farmers, subsidize transport fare, among others.  Items such as fertilizer, seedlings, herbicides, water pumping machines and hoses, animal feeds, subsidized kids and calves should be made available to farmers as an encouragement to boost productivity,” the association said.

The group wondered where the money removed from subsidy was ploughed. It urges the government to tell Nigerians how they have utilized the money removed from subsidy and what sector of the economy has the money been ploughed into.

Why urging the government to protect the consumers from exploitation,the group posited that Nigerians should hold the State Governors  and the local governments accountable for the current hardship in the land.

It noted that the monthly allocation to both the state governments and local governments are not properly utilised, and this has left the citizens impoverished.

The group also advised government to stop ad-hoc solutions to the nations economic problems ,but should rather come up with deliberate economic plans to better the future  of the country.

MAJAN also urged the government to revamp the refineries  and get them working.  It noted that if the refineries in the country are operational, the nation would not be having the current issues it is facing now.  It therefore urged the senate and the government to tell Nigerians why the  refineries have refused to function,even as government continues to pay salaries and allowances of the workers in those refineries.

Why noting the high rate of unemployment in the country, the group urged government to create an enabling environment for job creation, adding that government should make our economy a productive one and not a consumer economy, as it is presently.

Addressing the now rampant issue of danger on the wheel, popularly called "One Chance," highway robberies, where unsuspecting commuters are lured into vehicle stuffed with armed robbers, the group enjoined the State Government to beef up security on high ways.

It also urged the Police to conduct checks on commercial vehicles , periodically, as commercial buses are  mostly used by these dare devil robbers to  perpetrate their nefarious activity.

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AAAF, Afolabi provides succor to 250 widows

AAAF, AFOLABI PROVIDES SUCCOUR TO 250 WIDOWS 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation AAAF in partnership with Mrs. 

Folashade Afolabi, wife of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, has 

distributed bags of rice to 250 widows in Lagos.

The donation was aimed at providing support to vulnerable households 

facing increased food prices and other economic challenges in the country.

According to Afolabi, the rising cost of living has negatively impacted the less privileged and those with low income and noted that her partnership with AAAF was to bring relief to the selected widows.

Her word: “The Foundation works with the less privileged and has various 

programmes to support them and their households. I am partnering with the 

Foundation to further strengthen their financial capacity to discharge their 

roles more effectively and to reach more beneficiaries. The last few months 

have seen a surge in the cost of living, especially food prices. Widows, due to

their economic situation, are mostly impacted by changes in the economy. 

Mrs. Afolabi stated that the food donation is to provide succour to these widows and their families.”

On her own part, Foluke Ademokun, Executive Coordinator, AAAF 

emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities, especially widows and their children. "This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to provide relief and encouragement to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Folashade Afolabi for her motherly 

concern in supporting us to reach more beneficiaries." she said.

The widows expressed their gratitude for the foundation's thoughtful gesture.

One of them, Mrs. Egwuonwu said "This donation has come at a time when 

we truly need it, before now, I was already thinking of what my children will 

eat. It is not just about rice; it's about knowing that we are not alone in our 

struggles. We are grateful to the foundation for remembering us."

AAAF is a non-governmental organisation alleviating poverty through 

education, skills and financial empowerment for widows, orphans and 

vulnerable persons across Nigeria. 

The Foundation promotes access to skills, education and healthcare for vulnerable children, women, particularly widows and resource poor communities. In addition to providing scholarships resource poor communities.

 In addition to providing scholarships for primary, secondary and tertiary education, AAAF builds the skills of our beneficiaries through training, advocacy and viable collaboration.

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NCSB Confirms Appointment of DCGs, ACGs, Establishment of New ICT Department

NCSB Confirms Appointment of DCGs, ACGs, Establishment of New ICT Department

                                                   CGC ADEWALE BASHIR ADENIYI 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

 Nigeria Customs Service Board,  NCSB, at its 60th Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, confirmed the appointment of two (2) Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs (DCGs) and five (5) Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs (ACGs). 

The meeting, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, was held at the new corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, in Maitama, Abuja.

The newly confirmed appointments as Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs, DCGs are OA Alajogun and KI Adeola. While Assistant Comptroller Generals, ACGs,  are IG Umar, MM Tilley-Gyado, BA Makinde, OA Salefu and T Bomodi. 

According to the press release issued by the Chief Superintendent of Customs National Public Relations Officer stated that the appointments were made in response to the statutory retirement of senior officers and are in full alignment with the Federal Character Policy, as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

 In addition, the Board approved the resolution from its 59th Regular Meeting held on May 14, 2024, to upgrade the ICT Unit to a full-fledged department. This strategic upgrade is vital to the ongoing modernisation efforts within the NCS.

Similarly, DCG KI ADEOLA has been appointed as the substantive Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the newly upgraded ICT-Modernisation Department. She will be supported by an Assistant Comptroller-General and five (5) Comptrollers to ensure the successful implementation of ICT initiatives aimed at enhancing the Service’s operational efficiency and digital transformation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, extended his congratulations to the newly appointed. He emphasized the need for them to double their efforts in carrying out the critical roles of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling to bolster Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

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2024 MWP BOOT CAMP: Follow Your Passion As Female Seafarers - FESAN President

2024 MWP BOOT CAMP: Follow Your Passion As Female Seafarers - FESAN President 

Participants at the 2024 MWP Bootcamp 

"This is beautiful catch-them-young initiative is bound to stimulate interest in the sector" - MWUN PG

"Participants should engage in environmental advocacy to ensure healthy marine environment" - NOSDRA

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The President, Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria,  FESAN, Koni Duniya, has said that its a possibility  that a woman  can go on board the ship to work as a Seafarer.

Duniya said being a woman alone can be difficult in any male dominant environment to equally perform the same job.

Duniya who was represented by a female Marine Engineer, Dise Youdeowey, at the 2-day 2024 Maritime Writes Project, MWP,  Boot camp, LCCI, Ikeja,  Lagos.  with the theme 'Protecting Heritages in the Blue Economy”.

 While speaking on the course 'Inclusivity & Gender Equality: Experience of Female Seafarers In Nigeria' encourages young participants especially girls to follow her passion as a Seafarer, that the shipping industry holds numerous and rewarding opportunities for participants, especially women.

She  admonished the young participants of MWP Initiative to have children literature on the blue economy to improve the awareness about the industry in the minds of young people, thereby increasing the number of entrants that will become Marine Engineers, Ship Captains, Nautical Scientists, among others.

FESAN Rep, Dise Youdeowey, at the 2-day 2024 Maritime Writes Project, MWP,  Boot camp

On the issue of gender equality she said "Be kind to every woman that do everything humanly possible"

"For the men we are not dragging space with you as women, she goes there to make money and go happy"

She said only 2% of the global seafaring workforce are women, 

She therefore  emphasized the need for equity and balance in the industry even as she inspired the participants with the profiles of several successful Nigerian female seafarers.

"Once you are on board the ship men start berating you, you don't have the strength why are you here? So we are changing the narrative.

"Men are very distractive and annoying when women are on board the ship."

The FE SAN representative confirmed that chefs on board the ship are also Seafarers.

She added that marriage should not be an hindrance to been a Seafarer. 

Also, the President General of MWUN/Deputy  President Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju fnli, delivered a paper presentation on ‘The Struggle and Strides of The Union in Nigeria’s Blue Economy’ stressed that there has been  a decline in number of people developing careers in the maritime section globally especially in seafaring.

Adeyanju, ably  represented by the Union’s Deputy Secretary General, Comrade Oniha Erazua, stressed that there has been a decline in number of people developing careers in the maritime sector globally, especially in seafaring. 

“There is a decrease in seafarers, dockworkers, among other aspects of maritime. This is beautiful catch-them-young initiative is bound to stimulate interest in the sector. As someone who has spent several years in the sector, I can confidently say that a career in shipping and other aspects of maritime will be gratifying.”

Comrade Oniha Erazua, MWUN Deputy Secretary General 

Adeyanju said  that the shipping branch of MWUN recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with shipping agencies that places the sector’s workers minimum wage bracket at N200,000.

Stressing that this further emphasizes the high reward for practitioners in the maritime sector as young people can be inspired by this development, the unionist challenged participants to not only write stories to promote the sector but also consider its multiple career opportunities.

Adeyanju commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, for playing a strategic role in signing the agreement.

On her part, the Convener/ Project Coordinator, MWP Bootcamp, Ezinne Azunna, disclosed that the MWP is set to release 3 volumes of compendiums of short stories written by participants in the first two editions of the bootcamp.

“The 2024 MWP theme is ‘Protecting Heritages in the Blue Economy’ and it is pertinent at a time when sustainability is core. One of the things we target at the MWP bootcamp is to address the challenge of sea blindness.”

“An average Nigerian doesn’t know about the maritime industry and this plays a role in the nation’s inability to fully harness the potentials of the blue economy. This project would also grow and capture the interest of young people to become fascinated about the industry.

Yewande Obayelu, an Environmental Specialist & Advocate for Sustainable Practices of National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, during  her course called for immediate report of incidents to NOSDRA that have environmental impacts to the relevant authorities for prompt response.

She said participants should engage in Environmental Advocacy and ensuring a healthy marine environment is essential to the well being of future generation

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