ICAN Commends NDIC on Integrity, Transparency, Professionalism in Promoting Financial System Stability

ICAN Commends NDIC on Integrity, Transparency, Professionalism in Promoting Financial System Stability

Bisi Akingbade 

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Chief Davidson Chizuoke S. Alaribe, has commended the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC for its continuous compliance to the highest standards of integrity and transparency which is critical to the success of its operations in safeguarding depositors’ funds and ensuring the stability of the financial system.

This formed part of the ICAN President’s remarks during a courtesy visit of the ICAN Governing Council to the NDIC Management in Abuja. 

Chief Alaribe said, the NDIC has been recognised as a formidable organisation due to its commitment to compliance with standards of corporate governance, zero-tolerance for corruption and effective internal controls. He added that the Corporation’s commitment has been recognized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which awarded NDIC the top position in its 2023 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard,  Ethics

While underscoring the relationship between his Institute and NDIC, Chief Alaribe disclosed that ICAN has also established the ICAN Accountability Index to promote integrity in key sectors of the economy, focusing on budget, credibility, asset and debt management. 

According to the press statement issued by the Ag. Head, Communication & Public Affairs, Hawwau Gambo stated that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDIC, Mr. Bello Hassan congratulated Chief Alaribe on his appointment as the 60th President of ICAN. Hassan, himself a Fellow of the Institute, described ICAN as a strategic stakeholder of the Corporation. He therefore reiterated the need for the Institute to ensure its members uphold the highest values of integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties as auditors, as NDIC and the Central Bank of Nigeria,  CBN, continue to rely on their work as external auditors in their risk-based supervision of banks. 

Reflecting on his earlier call for stronger collaboration with ICAN, the NDIC Boss stressed the need for the introduction of Deposit Insurance module in the curriculum of ICAN examinations. He emphasised that this initiative is essential to enhance understanding of the Deposit Insurance Scheme among ICAN members, who represent a significant portion of potential bankers and bank examiners. 

Hassan restated the Management’s commitment towards strengthening the partnership between ICAN and the Corporation in contributing to the stability of the banking sector and the nation’s financial system as a whole.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

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Nigeria Customs Hits Economic Saboteurs, Seizes 199,495 Litres of Smuggled Fuel

Nigeria Customs Hits Economic Saboteurs, Seizes 199,495 Litres of Smuggled Fuel

Bisi Akingbade 

In view of the consequences caused by the economic saboteurs against the citizens, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing nearly 200,000 litres of petroleum products in Adamawa State under Operation Whirlwind.

Announcing the latest development in Yola, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi condemned smugglers' continued sabotage of Nigeria’s energy sector by describing their actions as a direct assault on the economy.

“Despite the well-articulated economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to stabilise the energy sector, some unpatriotic elements remain determined to undermine these efforts through complex smuggling operations.” CGC Adeniyi said.

According to him, intelligence-driven operations by NCS officers in the Adamawa/Taraba Command led to the interception of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), adding that, “the operatives of Operation Whirlwind had successfully seized fuel, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦199,495,000, being smuggled across borders using tankers, jerry cans, and drums.”

The CGC also detailed the tactics used by smugglers, including night-time river crossings at Dasin Waterways, illegal storage facilities near border towns, and concealment in unauthorised dispensing points. 

“These economic saboteurs are determined to inflict hardship on law-abiding Nigerians, but let it be clearly understood that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its mandate to protect our national economy.” He stated.

According to him, Customs operatives carried out targeted interceptions at strategic smuggling routes, including Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridor.

The CGC, however, assured Nigerians that the NCS would continue to adapt its strategies, strengthen intelligence gathering, and collaborate with security agencies to close in on smugglers, adding “There will be no safe haven for them within our operational areas.”

In his closing remarks, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance and Administration, ACG Hussain Ejibunu, praised the Customs chief for his leadership and the officers' dedication. 

He also highlighted the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

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CGC Honours Trade Modernisation Project Limited for Aiding Customs' Technological Advancement

CGC Honours Trade Modernisation Project Limited for Aiding Customs' Technological Advancement

L-R CGC, ADEWALE ADENIYI, MD, TMP,, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola,

Bisi Akingbade 

The Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi MFR has  recognised the Trade Modernisation Project, TMP, limited for its contributions towards improving the Nigeria Customs Service’s technological capabilities, particularly in ICT-driven customs operations and as a partner in the ongoing deployment of newly developed B’odogwu application. 

The award was presented at the Auditorium of the Customs House, Maitama District, Abuja, during the International Customs Day celebration with the theme "Customs Delivering in its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity".

Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the impact of the project on modernising Customs processes, making trade more efficient, and strengthening revenue collection, noting that "partnerships like the one with TMP were crucial in transforming Customs operations."

"As part of our drive for efficiency, we have modernised our processes, and through collaborations like this, we have significantly improved trade facilitation, risk management, and overall performance." He said.

Receiving the award, TMP’s Managing Director, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, expressed gratitude, describing the recognition as a reflection of the dedication and hard work of her team.

"This award reflects our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that simplify customs procedures, reduce clearance delays, and enhance revenue collection. We value our partnership with the NCS and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of digital transformation in trade." she said.

The event also celebrated outstanding customs officers in revenue generation, technology, and innovation alongside key stakeholders who have contributed to the Service’s success.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, praised the Service for its role in securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring smooth trade operations.

"Security cannot be achieved without Customs because you are involved in every aspect of trade and border control. Your adoption of technology and commitment to national security are commendable, and we in the Armed Forces will continue to support your efforts." CDS Musa said.

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World Customs Organisation Recognizes SIFAX Group

World Customs Organisation Recognizes SIFAX Group

Bisi Akingbade                                                                                          

The World Customs Organisation, WCO, has commended SIFAX Group for its strategic importance and the excellent service that has become the hallmark of the business conglomerate.

This recognition was given during the presentation of a “Certificate of Merit” to the company by WCO during this year’s International Customs Day celebration in Abuja, Nigeria, with the theme “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”

The World Customs Organization, WCO is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. WCO works on customs-related matters including the development of international conventions, instruments, and tools on topics such as commodity classification, valuation, rules of origin, collection of customs revenue, supply chain, security, and international trade facilitation, among others.

SIFAX Group is one of the few organisations recognized from Nigeria by WCO at the event.

The award was presented by the Chief of Defence of Staff, General Christopher Musa.

According to Ian Saunders, WCO Secretary General, the honour was bestowed on the company “for rendering exceptional service to the international Customs community.”

While responding to this recognition, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group lauded both WCO and the Nigeria Customs Service for identifying and honouring the critical role the company has played in facilitating trade globally in its over three decades of operations.

He said: “SIFAX Group has received different awards from stakeholders and governments all around the world, but this honour is special because of the critical role WCO plays in supporting customs administrations globally to facilitate trade and deliver efficient services.

“SIFAX Group has over the years developed a culture of excellent service, stakeholder management, relationship building and community impact for the overall good of the business ecosystem. We are glad that our impact is felt and rewarded not only in Nigeria but globally. We want to thank WCO for this honour and promise this will spur us to up our game in meeting and exceeding expectations in quality service delivery and societal impact.”

Afolabi also lauded the Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Wale Adeniyi, for his exceptional leadership that has resulted in unprecedented achievements by the Service since he assumed office.

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No Truth to Viral Claims: SIFAX Group Clarifies Container Sale Rumours

No Truth to Viral Claims: SIFAX Group Clarifies Container Sale Rumours

Bisi Akingbade 

SIFAX Group a leading multinational organization with investments in maritime, aviation, logistics, oil and gas, hospitality, and financial services. With decades of experience and a commitment to operational excellence has said that it's attention has been drawn to a viral video claiming that one of its subsidiaries, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, has put up over 3,000 containers for sale. 

According to the press statement issued by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande indicated that:

"We wish to categorically state the following:

False Representation of SIFAX Group’s Employee:

The individual featured in the video, who identified himself as Oloja Oluwasegun, was seen wearing a SIFAX-branded reflective jacket. After a thorough internal investigation, we can confirm that this individual has never been employed by SIFAX Group or any of its subsidiaries. The misuse of our branded attire is both misleading and concerning.

Unauthorized Sale of Containers:

SIFAX Group operates in full compliance with industry regulations and standards, and at no time have we authorized the sale of containers, whether empty or overtime, as alleged in the video. The claims made in the footage are baseless and do not reflect our organization's policies or practices.

"We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could mislead the public. 

We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could mislead the public. 

"SIFAX Group is currently working closely with law enforcement and other relevant agencies to uncover the source of this misinformation and bring those involved to justice.

"We appreciate the trust our clients, partners, and the general public have reposed in SIFAX Group, and we stay true to our unwavering commitment to professionalism and service delivery.

"SIFAX Group continues to drive economic growth and development across Africa and beyond.

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MMA Customs surpasses revenue target for 2024, generates N180.7b revenue

MMA Customs Surpasses Revenue Target for 2024, Generates N180.7b  Revenue 

   CAC MMA, Comptroller Micheal Awe 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Customs Area Controller of Murtala Muhammed Area Command, MMA,  Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller Micheal Awe has revealed that the command achieved a milestone of N180.7 billion in revenue generation in 2024.

Comptroller Micheal Awe, released this scorecard while briefing pressmen in Ikeja,  Lagos.

Comptroller Awesome said the report showcased a comprehensive overview of the command’s performance.

He added that it also presented its commitment to enforcing the laws and regulations of the service.

Awe said the command facilitated trade and upheld the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

He said that the command surpassed the N179. 73 billion naira revenue target for 2024 by over one billion naira.

He also  revealed that the command in its relentless pursuit of safeguarding the nation and protecting its citizens against illicit trade, made significant seizures.

Awe listed the items seized to include 21 packages of 225mg tramadol hydrochloride, 50 round 9mm live ammunition, 54 of military hardware and 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers.

“Others are three packages of dried donkey male genitals, 55 pieces of jojel tomahawk semi-automatic rifle, 50 packages of dried Canadian cannabis.

“Also seized are 225 pieces of drones,

 250 pieces of turtles, 1 package of pangolin skin, 1package of porcupine, thorns and mineral stones.

“These seized items have a cumulative Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of N10.51 billion and are a testament to the command’s keen commitment to enforcing customs laws and regulations,” he said.

Comptroller Awesome stated that the command maintained an open-door policy, engaging with stakeholders, sister agencies, and the media to resolve issues of common interest.

He stated that moving forward, the command would continue to innovate, strategise and block loopholes to meet revenue targets.

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PBAT CONGRATULATES CGC ADEWALE ADENIYI ON HIS 59TH BIRTHDAY

PBAT CONGRATULATES CGC ADEWALE ADENIYI ON HIS 59TH  BIRTHDAY

... Says his leadership has enabled the NCS to surpass revenue targets substantially and bolstered trade facilitation, yielding widespread positive effects on the national economy

By: Bisi Akingbade 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Adewale Adeniyi, the 14th Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  on his 59th birthday, January 19, 2025.

The President commends Adeniyi for his pivotal role since taking leadership of the Customs Service in June 2023. Under his guidance, the agency has witnessed significant progress through the steady digitalisation and automation of its operations, a renewed commitment to professionalism, and an uplift in officers' morale, enhancing high performance.

His leadership has enabled the NCS to surpass revenue targets substantially and bolstered trade facilitation, yielding widespread positive effects on the national economy.

In a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu applauds the innovative anti-smuggling strategies initiated by the Customs Chief. These strategies encompass equipping the youth with new skills for alternative livelihood opportunities, fostering engagements with traditional institutions, and nurturing a culture of effective communication and mutual respect.

The President recognises the Comptroller-General's other notable achievements, including the remarkable seizures of arms and ammunition and the revitalisation of the Comptroller-General's Annual Conference, which aims to assess and enhance the agency's operations.

President Tinubu affirms that Adeniyi's extensive experience of over 30 years in service and adaptability to change has greatly enriched the Customs Service.

The President offers prayers for divine wisdom, robust health, and continued strength for Comptroller-General Adeniyi as he serves the nation.

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NNPP CHANGES DATE, VENUE OF NATIONAL CONVENTION

NNPP CHANGES DATE, VENUE OF NATIONAL CONVENTION 

  Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, NNPP Chairman, Board of Trustees

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees. of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam ,has announced a change in the date of Congress and venue of the National Convention to be 20th of January, 2025, now at Rock View Hotel, Apapa - Lagos State.

Dr. Aniebonam, according to the letter addressed to the Chairman,

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu

stated that 'In furtherance to the  notification letter conveying dates and venues of the congresses and the National Convention of New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP, I earlier sent to your commission in accordance with the Abia State High Court judgement, Suit No HUZ/11/2024, I wish to officially inform you of some slight changes in the dates of Congresses and venue of the National Convention schedule as follows: National Convention - 20th of January, 2025. at Rock View Hotel, Apapa - Lagos State. Time : 9pm - 6am

NNPP Chairman further stated that "Consequently, the dates  for Ward, Local Government and Zonal congresses  communicated in our earlier letter are slightly changed as follows; Ward Congress scheduled 13th of January 2025, Local Government Congress scheduled for 15th of January, 2025., State Congress scheduled for 16th of January 2025 while Zonal Congress to come up 17th of January 2025.

"Every inconvenience caused by this sudden change of dates and Venue are highly regretted.

"Noting the presence of your noble commission's officials to observe and monitor the aforementioned congresses and Convention shall be highly appreciated. You are duly invited. 

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Maritime Journalists to Honour Customs CG with “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award"

Maritime Journalists to Honour Customs CG with “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award"

      CGC BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

All is set for Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NMJ) award to be conferred on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024”.

The need for the Nigerian maritime media practitioners to honour the CGC is a unanimous decision by all maritime journalists covering the maritime beat, cutting across print, electronic and online media, led by the different beat associations.

These include the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), League of Maritime Editors (LOME), Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Online Maritime Media Association of Nigeria (OMMAN) and Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners  (CONMMEP). 

They believe that CG Adeniyi has registered sterling and excellent performance since his assumption of office as the Customs CGC.

According to a nomination letter sent to the CGC by the Secretary, Award Planning Committee, Mr Innocent Orok, “there is no gainsaying you have redeemed and repositioned the Service in all areas. These include revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, trade facilitation, national security, staff welfare, inter-agency collaboration, infrastructural upgrading, Information and Communication Technology, and Corporate Social Responsibility, among others.

“It is also incontestable that your record-breaking performance has attracted national and international laurels to you, the Service, and Nigeria as a whole. Unarguably, it is partly for these reasons that the Leadership Newspaper Group recently honoured you with the award of the Public Service Personality of the Year.

“We, the maritime journalists, comprising both print, electronic and online media covering the beat, are happy to be part of this history-making with you as partners in progress.

“In appreciation of your superlative performance and, by extension, your unrelenting support to the media, especially the maritime media, we nominate you as the ICONIC MARITIME PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR.”

On his part, the Chairman of Award Planning Committee, Dele Aderibegbe, explained that “the award is coming at no better time than during the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is looking for focused and dedicated leaders to take the Nigerian economy out of the woods.

According to him, “this honour is very symbolic. First, this is the first time in the maritime sub-sector that all the journalists covering the beat will come together to honour a deserving performer per excellence, who has made the Customs and Nigeria proud by his purposeful, professional and patriotic leadership.

“Secondly, the Nigeria Customs Service under Adewale Adeniyi has been reconnected to international frontiers and leading in revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, trade facilitation, ICT, modernisation, and inter-agency collaboration, among others.

“This honour by maritime journalists is also to set an agenda for other agencies of government and their appointees that the ever vibrant and dogged maritime media are watching them.

“We are inviting special guests, especially other agencies’ heads and maritime stakeholders to come and witness this great event, which is first of its kind in the Nigerian maritime industry.”

The award ceremony is coming up on Thursday, 16th January, 2025 at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Awolowo Road Ikeja, Lagos State  at 6:00pm prompt.

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Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command Generates N71.6bn Revenue for the Year 2024

Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command  Generates N71.6bn Revenue for the Year 2024

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Command has generated a total sum of ₦71,633,687,108.84 for the year 2024, surpassing its revenue target.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Effiong John Harrison, expressed delight over the record-breaking revenue achieved by the command. He described the 2024 revenue as unprecedented, noting that it is the highest ever generated in the history of the command.

A detailed breakdown of the revenue underscores the remarkable achievement of the command in revenue generation. During a meeting with his management team, the CAC revealed that the command had exceeded its annual revenue target of ₦56,861,094,269.07 by generating ₦71,633,687,108.84, representing a 20% increase, amounting to ₦14,772,592,839.27. He further highlighted that July 2024 was a standout month, with the command recording its highest-ever monthly revenue of ₦12,084,020,992.46.

Comparing the command's performance in 2023 and 2024, Comptroller Harrison noted a significant revenue increase of ₦41,130,179,709.75 in 2024  to the ₦30,503,507,399.09 generated in 2023, reflecting a 135% growth. He attributed this exceptional performance to the dedication, commitment, and adherence to high operational standards by the officers and men of the command. The CAC commended the officers and men of the command for their relentless efforts, which were instrumental in achieving this milestone and urged  them to intensify their efforts to maintain these standards in order to generate more revenue into the Government coffers in the year 2025.

Comptroller Harrison expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their unwavering support to the MMIA Command. Furthermore, he extended special appreciation to critical stakeholders and other government agencies, acknowledging them as invaluable partners in the command's continued success in 2024. He expressed optimism that the command will achieve even greater milestones in fulfilling its core mandates in 2025.

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Nigerian Maritime Journalists to Honour Customs CG with “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year”

Nigerian Maritime Journalists to Honour Customs CG with “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year”

CGC, NCS, BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

All is set for Nigerian Maritime Journalists, NMJ, award to be conferred on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024”.

The need for the Nigerian maritime media practitioners to honour the CGC is a unanimous decision by all maritime journalists covering the maritime beat, cutting across print, electronic and online media, led by the different beat associations.

These include the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN,  League of Maritime Editors, LOME,  Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria,  AMJON,, Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN, Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Online Maritime Media Association of Nigeria, OMMAN and Congress of Maritime Media Practitioners, CONMMEP. 

These groups believed that CG Adeniyi has registered sterling and excellent performance since his assumption of office as the Customs CGC.

According to a nomination letter sent to the CGC by the Secretary, Award Planning Committee, Mr Innocent Orok, “there is no gainsaying you have redeemed and repositioned the Service in all areas. These include revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, trade facilitation, national security, staff welfare, inter-agency collaboration, infrastructural upgrading, Information and Communication Technology, and Corporate Social Responsibility, among others.

“It is also incontestable that your record-breaking performance has attracted national and international laurels to you, the Service, and Nigeria as a whole. Unarguably, it is partly for these reasons that the Leadership Newspaper Group recently honoured you with the award of the Public Service Personality of the Year.

“We, the maritime journalists, comprising both print, electronic and online media covering the beat, are happy to be part of this history-making with you as partners in progress.

“In appreciation of your superlative performance and, by extension, your unrelenting support to the media, especially the maritime media, we nominate you as the ICONIC MARITIME PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR.”

On his part, the Chairman of Award Planning Committee, Dele Aderibegbe, explained that “the award is coming at no better time than during the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is looking for focused and dedicated leaders to take the Nigerian economy out of the woods.

According to him, “this honour is very symbolic. First, this is the first time in the maritime sub-sector that all the journalists covering the beat will come together to honour a deserving performer per excellence, who has made the Customs and Nigeria proud by his purposeful, professional and patriotic leadership.

“Secondly, the Nigeria Customs Service under Adewale Adeniyi has been reconnected to international frontiers and leading in revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, trade facilitation, ICT, modernisation, and inter-agency collaboration, among others.

“This honour by maritime journalists is also to set an agenda for other agencies of government and their appointees that the ever vibrant and dogged maritime media are watching them.

“We are inviting special guests, especially other agencies’ heads and maritime stakeholders to come and witness this great event, which is first of its kind in the Nigerian maritime industry.”

The award ceremony is coming up on Thursday, 16th January, 2025 at the Apapa Port Customs Command Auditorium, at 12: 00 noon prompt.

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2024 ITF Women Delegate Conference Elects Executive

2024 ITF Women Delegate Conference Elects Executive 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The 7th International Transport Workers Federation, ITF, Women Delegate Conference held in December, 2024, has elected the following executives as listed below:

Comrade Funmi Fasan - Chairperson (MWUN), Sister Omolabake Adelakun - Vice Chairperson (ROAD), Sister Safiya Araya - Vice Chairperson,  NUATE, Sister Amos Chidiebele - Secretary, M/Navy, Sister Rukayat,  Shuaibu - Asst Secretary, ATSSAN, Sister Ayegba Sarah - Treasurer, RAIL,  and

Sister Ogochukwu Ibegbunam - Financial Secretary, ANAP. 

Others are: Comrade Sister Modupe Odunmuyiwa- Auditor, ROAD, Sister Onyeka Anthonia - Welfare, RAIL, 

Sister Okezie Dickson Ijeoma - 1st Trustee, M/Navy, Sister Uguru Fidelia Uwaoma - 2nd Trustee, NUATE,

Sister Oloyede Olaide - 1st PRO ATSSAN, Sister Popoola Temitope - 2nd PRO (MWUN) and Comrade Sister Igbokwe Ngozi Tochi - Ex-Officio.

The conference which began with an opening and closing prayers after a very successful quadrennial delegate conference from the aforementioned affiliate Unions to the ITF (Women's Wing) as recorded against their names are the elected executive officers in their various designations and are to serve for the next four years as stipulated in the constitution.

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NCS Recruitment Process: An Overall Success - Maiwada

NCS Recruitment Process: An Overall Success - Maiwada 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The image maker of the Nigeria Customs Service, AC Abdullahi Maiwada, has disclosed that the recruitment process which started last year December 2024 is an overall success.

AC Maiwada made this known during an interview with Trendcast Naija on TikTok.

According to Maiwada, he said that the massive response was unexpected, but the Service managed the process efficiently to accommodate all applicants.

Maiwada who also revealed that the Service experienced server downtime due to the overwhelming number of visits for the recruitment process, couple with other responsibilities as revenue generation.

He said to address the downtime issues,  the NCS help desk is available 24/7, and live chat support is accessible throughout working hours.

Maiwada warned the public about fraudulent activities, emphasizing that the recruitment process is free, fair, and credible. He cautioned applicants not to make any payments, as the NCS will never request payment for recruitment.

He said ”The NCS received 573,519 applications for 3,927 vacancies, with four invalid applications”.

"249,218 applied for General Duty under the Superintendent Cadre, while 287,722 applied for Support Staff under the Superintendent Cadre.

“Additionally, 115,634 applied for General Duty under the Inspection Cadre, and 12,952 applied for Support Staff under the Inspection Cadre. For the Customs Assistant Cadre, 153,593 applied for General Duty, and 14,400 applied for Support Staff”.

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Alpha Circle Celebrates 35 Years of Existence, Inducts New Members

Alpha Circle Celebrates 35 Years of Existence, Inducts New Members

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Alpha Circle Club of Nigeria has celebrated 35 years of its existence and also inducted some new patrons on Monday, 6th of January 2025, at Ikoyi, Lagos.

Addressing newsmen, the President of the billionaire charity club, Mr Leonard Okafor had cause to glorify God for upholding the organisation for the past 35 years,.

He appreciated members for their resilience and unwavering efforts towards building the club into it’s present enviable status; 

“Today’s occasion is both unique and special, in the sense that we have every reason to rejoice and celebrate ourselves. 

“The major reasons for creating the club was for friendship, charity and working together to the benefit of its members.

“Any members whom child is above 28 years and working automatically becomes a member of the billionaire social club,which helps to bring in the younger generation into the club,”he said.

He stressed that the club had achieved a lot in charity activities, adding that every year the club goes for charity and reach out to it members when the need arises.

He urged Nigerians to keep good Faith, assuring Nigerians that really times were hard but there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

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Kano/Jigawa Area Command Records Significant Revenue Performance

Kano/Jigawa Area Command Records Significant Revenue Performance 

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Kano/Jigawa Area Command under the leadership of Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved remarkable success in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. 

Comptroller Chana stated that the command realized a total of N102,503,573,383.31, representing an impressive 94% variance when compared to the record from last year.

"The command's strategic approach to revenue collection, which integrates innovative policies, robust enforcement mechanisms, and available technology, has proven highly effective. This approach, combined with enhanced border security operations that prevent smuggling and other illicit activities, has fortified the integrity of the revenue collection system. 

"Moreover, effective stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with local communities, businesses, and international partners, has fostered trust and cooperation. 

"These concerted efforts have culminated in significant and sustained revenue growth, thus consolidating the command's pivotal role in economic development and national security.

The CAC affirmed that the command has also realized a total of N235,290,320 as duty paid value from its intensified anti-smuggling operations, making notable seizures, including: "Over 136x50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, 238 cartons of spaghetti, macaroni and couscous; 534 cartons of foreign non diary creamer milk, 210 kg of kola nuts and about 552 bales of second hand clothing, 191 blocks of compressed blue cannabis handed over to the NDLE,A, 74,870 tablets of Tramadol hydrochloride tablet and 280 blocks of Indian Hemp also handed over to the NDLEA, 5,066 Cartons of foreign GIV Soap and 58 pieces of used tires.

He said a total of 1,290 packs of expired/fake pharmaceutical products which were handed over to NAFDAC, 1 sack of 750 pieces of Otrivin bottle of 15ml each was handed over to NAFDAC.

According to the press release issued by the Public Relations Officer,  Kano/Jigawa Area Command, CSC Saidu Nuruddeen highlighted that "the command also intercepted 2,231kg of pangolin scales earlier and then followed up with 2,179 kg, and arrested one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State, in a joint operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The combined total stands at 4,410 kg of Pangolin scales arrested.

The command also fostered strong relationships with sister security agencies, leading to collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges, coupled with a proactive engagement with terminal operators, licensed agents, and market associations has facilitated trade and improved compliance.

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the profound contributions of sister security agencies and critical stakeholders in achieving these impressive results.

Comptroller Chana reiterated that  Kano/Jigawa Area Command remains committed to its core mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security. The command will continue to strive for excellence and contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation. 

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COWA: AREA 2 COMMAND ONNE DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO LESS PRIVILEGE, ORPHANAGE HOME, EMPOWERS 40 WIDOWS

COWA: AREA 2 COMMAND ONNE DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO LESS PRIVILEGE, ORPHANAGE HOME, EMPOWERS 40 WIDOWS

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Chair Lady Customs Officers Wives Association, COWA, Onne chapter Hajiya Amina Aliyu Babandede has donated food items like rice, indomie, cooking oil to orphanages and less privilege people to celebrate new year. 

Hajiya Amina Babandede also empowered 40 widows  with grinding mills and sewing machines to mark the end of the year.

In her address at the event held at the Customs house Onne, the Chair Lady formally on behalf of the COWA members Onne chapter appreciate the President of COWA Mrs Kekilemo Adeniyi fpmc for her unwavering support and sincere commitment to the course of Customs Officers Wives Association.

She also appreciate her Husband the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede for encouraging the association and being a father to all COWA members.

Present at the occasion were the Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command Onne, the Chair Lady Nigeria Immigration Service Wives Association Rivers State marine Command, representative of The Port Manager NPA Onne, representatives of the Commandant NDLEA Port Command, the State Commander Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service among others.

Priest Hood Orphanage home, Onne gives a vote of thanks to the Chair Lady for the show of love towards the Children resident at the home.

The Widows within Ebubu Barracks community also thanked the Chair Lady for the sewing machine and grinding machine given to them.

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