CSW 2025: SIFAX Group Demonstrates Commitment to Service Excellence Across Subsidiaries

CSW 2025: SIFAX Group Demonstrates Commitment to Service Excellence Across Subsidiaries

L-R: SIFAX Group's Head of Admin, Mr. Jalade Omotayo; SIFAX Group's Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, Oliver Omajuwa; SIFAX Group's Head of Marketing & Customer Service, Catherine Abuah; Special Assistant to the Chairman, Barr. Ezekiel Ajewole and SIFAX Group's Head of Audit, Mr Olusola Akinbote cutting the cake at the grand finale of the 2025 Customers Service Week held on Friday at the Group's head office in Lagos.

Bisi Akingbade 

SIFAX Group has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction as it joined organisations across the world to celebrate the 2025 Customer Service Week themed “Mission: Possible.”

The weeklong celebration, which took place across all SIFAX subsidiaries, was designed to appreciate both internal and external customers, reinforce teamwork, and deepen the company’s customer-first culture.

The Group Coordinating Director, Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, at the grand finale  reiterated the company’s pledge to continuously improve customer experience through staff empowerment and innovation.

“At SIFAX, our customers, internal and external, are at the heart of everything we do. Their satisfaction defines our success, and we will keep investing in people and processes to make service excellence a lifestyle,” she stated.

She further commended employees and customers for their loyalty and contributions to the company’s success. She appreciated staff for their hard work and dedication, urging them to keep raising the bar in service delivery.

She said that this is an opportunity to reflect on the company’s growth journey, appreciate those who had served faithfully, and remember colleagues who had passed on over the years. 

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations,

Mr. Oliver Omajuwa, noted that the theme “Mission Possible” captures the essence of SIFAX’s service philosophy, which views every challenge as an opportunity to excel through the right attitude and teamwork.

Omajuwa said “There are two categories of customers -- the external customers who patronise us, and the internal customers who work within the company. The way we treat one another internally reflects in how we treat our external customers.” He urged staff to see colleagues as family and to ensure that personal differences never interfere with service delivery.

Earlier in the week, Ports and Cargo Handling Services, SIFAX Logistics and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), subsidiaries took part in the weeklong events that showcased SIFAX’s unified customer-service philosophy. Employees participated in scenario plays, orientation sessions, and team-building exercises designed to improve communication and responsiveness.

 From the decorating of offices and customer appreciation gestures to the Role-Swap Day, where Managing Directors and Heads of Business Units took turns serving as customer service representatives, each activity was designed to help leaders and employees experience service from different perspectives.

The Group also prioritised staff well-being through a Health and Wellness Day, offering free blood pressure, sugar level, and BMI checks for staff and customers. Health experts engaged participants in an eye-care awareness session that stressed the importance of preventive care and workplace safety, particularly for employees who work long hours on computers.

An interactive Experience Sharing Session coordinated by Mrs. Catherine Abuah, Group Head, Marketing and Chairperson of the Customer Service Week Committee, provided a platform for employees to exchange practical insights on handling customer concerns and improving internal processes.

The grand finale, featured trivia, games, and a cake-cutting ceremony. Departmental representatives participated in friendly competitions and photo sessions that fostered unity and joy across teams.

The 2025 Customer Service Week celebration, which ran from October 6 to 10, once again highlighted SIFAX Group’s commitment to building a workplace where employees feel valued and customers receive exceptional service at every touchpoint proving that for SIFAX, Mission: Possible is not just a theme, but a culture.

Media Contact:

Olumuyiwa Akande

Group Head, Corporate Communications.

Olumuyiwaak@sifaxgroup.com

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Customs Urges Collective Commitment to Success of National Single Window Project

Customs Urges Collective Commitment to Success of National Single Window Project

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS,  has called for collective commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the National Single Window, NSW, initiative aimed at simplifying Nigeria’s import and export processes through a unified digital platform.

The call was made by the Zonal Coordinator for Zone 'A', Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, Mohammed Babandede, during the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Lagos. 

The event was jointly organised by the National Single Window Project Secretariat and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, drawing participants from government agencies, import and export sectors, and trade associations.

In his opening remarks, ACG Babandede emphasised that the success of the project requires collaboration and adaptability from all players in the trade ecosystem.

"The success of this project does not rest on the shoulders of the government alone. It requires all of us in this room to play our part. It requires openness to change, willingness to adopt new ways of working, and patience as we navigate the inevitable challenges that come with any major transformation," he stated.

He added that improving efficiency at the nation’s ports would enhance competitiveness and predictability for manufacturers and traders. "You will agree with me, the more we make our ports efficient, the more it will be competitive. And so also manufacturers and stakeholders will be able to predict what will be the outcome."

The Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Tola Fakolade, highlighted the importance of the engagement as the project nears its first phase launch. 

"As we are getting close to the launch of the first phase of this project, this is very important to ensure that all our key stakeholders, really understand the scope of what we are doing and how this project is going to impact what they do."

In his keynote address, Registrar and CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, noted that the National Single Window is vital to Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He highlighted that the NSW has become imperative for Nigeria to fully participate in AfCFTA by ensuring trade processes align with continental and global best practices. "These practices include reducing costs and integrating free trade agreements into the National Single Window system through the B’Odogwu platform of the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance effective classification and duty payments.”

The forum featured a panel discussion on global benchmarking, coordination, and cooperation among trade actors, as well as an interactive question and answer session that allowed participants to engage directly with project leaders.

The National Single Window platform is designed to allow importers and exporters to submit all required trade documents through a single digital portal, connecting all relevant government agencies and reducing bottlenecks in the clearance process.

The launch of the first phase is expected to take place in March 2026, while the second and third phases are projected to be completed before the end of 2026.

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SEME BORDER COMMAND GENERATES N1.5BN WITH EXCEPTIONAL INCREASE OF OVER 182%

SEME BORDER COMMAND GENERATES N1.5BN WITH EXCEPTIONAL INCREASE OF OVER 182%

Bisi Akingbade 

in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated a total of One Billion, Five Hundred Million, Twenty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Naira and Eighty-Eight Kobo (₦1,500,029,233.88) in September 2025, compared to Five Hundred and Thirty-One Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Two Naira and Forty-Five Kobo (₦531,462,332.45) only collected in August 2025, representing an exceptional increase of over 182%

 The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga made this disclosure while briefing the journalists at Seme Krake Border. He said that this outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the CGC’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency and data-driven monitoring of goods as well as the dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service.

He said that the command facilitated the export of Fifty-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Point Four Six Metric Tonnes (53,989.46) metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of Seven Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira and Seventy-Eight Kobo (₦7,969,376,198.78) only.

"The total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at Thirty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Naira, Forty-Two Kobo (₦39,868,354.42) only.

"These exports, comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods, demonstrate the renewed confidence of exporters in the Seme Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

Comptroller Adenuga stated that on anti-smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability. 

The Seme Border command boss disclosed that during the period under review, through intelligence and inter-agency collaboration notable seizures were made.

"During the period under review, our operatives through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration, made significant seizures notably:

Five (5) trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ten Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,210,300,000.00) only, intercepted in a joint operation with NAFDAC.

He noted that the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications and undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.

"One Thousand One Hundred and Four, (1,104) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) intercepted through actionable intelligence. The social and psychological toll of such substances on our youth can not be overstated.

One Hundred and Twenty (120) packs of tramadol 120mg seized by our operatives, with Two (2) suspects handed over to the NDLEA, Seme Command on October 7th, 2025 for further investigation.

"Other seized items include:

2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 

150 bales of second-hand clothing,

169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine, and used vehicles

"The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stands at One Billion, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Ninety-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Nine Naira (₦1,999,093,429.00) only. 

Comptroller Adenuga commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy (NN), for their support in the fight against smuggling in this corridor. The NN FOB Badagry has demonstrated that we are partners in this fight against smuggling by severally handing over foreign parboiled rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and its surrounding.

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NDIC APPOINTS NEW MD

NDIC APPOINTS NEW MD

NEW NDIC BOSS - THOMPSON OLUDARE SUNDAY 

Bisi Akingbade 

Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation,NDIC has appointed  Thompson Oludare Sunday as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation on the 25th of July, 2025 as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, following his nomination by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his confirmation by the Senate.

According to the press release issued by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Communication & Public Affairs Department,  Alfred Ijah, stated that  Oludare Sunday acquired a high-end knowledge in Central Banking, spending 24 unbroken years in banking supervision. While his vast experience is in the regulation and supervision of licensed institutions

Thompson, his deep expertise spanned corporate governance, risk management and compliance as veritable tool for ensuring the safety and soundness of institutions. He is a highly analytical and cross functional team worker with strong interest in building individual and institutional capacity for transformation and excellence. 

Thompson's skills and experience were horned by several key responsibilities and special assignments he handled for the apex Bank. He was Chairman of the Bank-wide Committee for the Review/Drafting of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, LFN 2004, leading to the enactment of BOFIA 2020; member of the Expert Committee for the Harmonisation of Risk-Based Supervision Frameworks for the West Africa Monetary Zone, member West Africa Committee of Experts on Risk-Based Supervision; and member of the Review for the CBN Financial Stability Report.

His extensive experience is also underpinned by the various sensitive committees on which he served, including the CBN/NDIC Technical Committee on Problem Banks; Banking Sector Consolidation Committee 2004 – 2005; and Banking Sector Reform – 2009. 

He also anchored the development of major policy frameworks such as the Guidelines for Consolidation in the Banking Industry and Code of Corporate Governance and Framework for the Regulation and Supervision of Domestic Systemically Important Banks.

Thompson represented the Central Bank of Nigeria as Independent External Examiner in Heritage Bank from 1st February 2023 to 31st January, 2024, serving on the Board and as part of the Executive Management Team.

Thompson is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, and Doctoral Fellow, Institute of Professional Financial Managers. 

The sterling regulatory and supervisory accomplishments that adorned Thompson’s career path did not pass without due recognitions by the hierarchy of the CBN. He was Best Staff of Banking Supervision Department for 2001; and recipient of Letter of Commendation from the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009 for Outstanding Performance, High Sense of Responsibility and Moral Uprightness in Executing Assignments during the Banking Sector Reforms Programme, amongst others. 

He retired from the Central Bank of Nigeria as a Director in November, 2021. 

Thompson’s academic pathway was as decorated as his career trajectory. He graduated with First Class Honours in Business Administration, Finance from the reputed Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1985. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the same institution, Zaria in 1988 before capping it with a Doctorate Degree in Management from the St. Clements University in 2009. 

His outstanding academic prowess earned him the Federal Government of Nigeria Merit Award for Academic Excellence, 1985; and Prize for Best Graduating Student of Business Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, also in 1985.

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Customs: FOU ZONE 'A' Intercepts Contrabands With DPV Worth N1.89BN.

Customs: FOU ZONE 'A' Intercepts Contrabands With DPV Worth N1.89BN.

Bisi Akingbade 

Federal Operations unit, FOU, ,Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has made 125 interceptions of Contrabands  with the duty paid value of N1.89 billion in six weeks within the South West axis of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and Ogun States.

The Customs  Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu made this disclosure at a press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos.

He stated that the seized items include 5,015 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 15 used tokunbo vehicles, 640 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, weighing approximately 431.8kg and  460 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit about 11,500 litres

Other seized items are 143 bales of used clothing, two  jumbo sacks of used shoes one sack of used clothing, 390 bottles of Codeine, 310 foreign-branded drugs and 19 cards of Tramadol.

Comptroller Shuaibu affirmed that four suspects were arrested over the seizures while the seized Cannabis Sativa and pharmaceuticals were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

He said 210 pieces of used tyres,

One 20-foot container (ONEU 2419369 FTC) containing 752 cartons of Calcium Lactate, were also intercepted “for false declaration.”

Comptroller Shuaibu reminded the public that “the 2016 federal government fiscal policy that bans the importation of foreign parboiled rice through land borders is still enforced.”

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