Customs: Forges Collaboration With Nigerian Navy To Combat Smuggling

Customs:  Forges Collaboration With Nigerian Navy To Combat Smuggling

... We also need to tap on the experience of the Nigerian Navy to enhance the capacity of personnel serving within the Customs Marine Units." - CGC

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters Abuja, to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service NCS and the Nigerian Navy,  NN.

The CGC reassured his commitment to enhancing the relationship between the two agencies for effective anti-smuggling strategies across Nigerian waterways.

 He said, "It is important for us to participate in joint operations to combat smuggling activities. We also need to tap on the experience of the Nigerian Navy to enhance the capacity of personnel serving within the Customs Marine Units."

The CGC further highlighted the NCS's possession of ocean-going and creek-going vessels in its fleets while stating the plan underway to transport the two ocean-going vessels to the Nigerian Navy Dockyard for maintenance. 

"It is necessary for us to prioritize intelligence-driven operations. This could be achieved through intelligence sharing between the two agencies," He emphasized.

Reacting to the Comptroller General of Customs, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel  Ogalla, expressed gratitude for the visit and underscored the Nigerian Navy's commitment to assisting in enforcing Customs laws. He stressed the importance of reciprocal collaboration and assured that Nigerian Navy training facilities would be made available to the NCS at no cost.

Vice Admiral Ogalla also addressed the need for deeper collaboration with an outfit of the Nigerian Navy meant for clearing items imported by the agency to mitigate all incumbrances. 

He also shared a five-year-old Harmonized Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) for monitoring maritime crimes and advocated for review considering the prevailing situation.

The meeting signifies a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and curbing smuggling activities along Nigeria's coastal waters. The commitment to collaboration and mutual support sets a promising precedent for future joint efforts in safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity.

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NAGAFF Compliance Team Defends Interest of Freight Forwarding Sector

NAGAFF Compliance Team Defends Interest of Freight Forwarding Sector

Dr. Ibrahim Tanko.  National Coordinator,  NAGAFF Compliance Team 

By: Bisi Akingbade

Following its  mandate as the enforcement arm of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, the  Compliance Team has won the long drawn battle with the Port Standing Task Team, PSTT.

Recall that in the last quarter of 2023, a committee was established by the office of the former Vice- President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to oversee activities at the seaports appeared at the APMT terminal with a letter directing the Deputy Comptroller to summon a stakeholders meeting, and further directing that examinations must  start by 9am and end by 2pm. 

In a statement issued by the National Coordinator of Compliance Team, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, the group noted that it questioned the authority of PSTT over the numerous summons and directives.

He said "PSTT went ahead to set up a stand at the terminal, APMT, fully armed participating in cargo examinations and carting away samples."

"We challenged them, physically obstructing their activities, removed their stand, seized the samples collected and ensured their exit. They thereafter resorted to all sorts of intimidations, blackmail and harassments."

"The home of our national coordinator was besieged on several occasions at very ungodly hours, attempting to arrest him, with invitations from the DSS, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, and the Zone 2 headquarters of the Nigeria Police."

The group noted that Mr. Kayode of the APMT operations was arrested and interrogated at the state headquarters of the DSS and Zone 2, with the spurious allegation that he connived with the Compliance Team in ejecting PSTT from the seaports.

According to the Compliance Team, PSTT replicated the same corrupt operations executed in Apapa at the Tin Can Island Port.

Noting that the port industry is already overburdened by the large numbers of government agencies at the ports, Tanko argued that foisting another agency would further slow down the clearing process, making the ports one of the most expensive and cumbersome in the world.

"We are glad to report that the Port Standing Task Team has been ordered never to encroach on the activities of port users and the community. Since they claimed to operate from the Shippers Council, they were to restrict themselves to their mandate and never to interfere with customs and Terminal operations".

"By this victory, the Compliance Team reiterates its readiness to defend the interest of freight forwarders in line with our mandate as the punching arm of NAGAFF. 

"We thank the following persons for their solidarity and support; the then Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Apapa Command, Auwal Baba Mohammed,  the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, Force headquarters, the MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko the former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers' Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime and the management of the APMT".

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PBAT Food Security Agenda: NCS Implements Measures To Mitigate Challenges

PBAT Food Security Agenda: NCS Implements Measures To Mitigate Challenges

CGC, NCS, BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI

... Will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, has reaffirms his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda, which is deeply rooted in the NCS's core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.

In line with this vision, the service has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains. This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens. 

In the press release made available to pressmen, stated further that, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government. These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations.

The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation's food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation.

CGC, NCS, BASHIR ADEWALE ADENIYI

... Will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, has reaffirms his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda, which is deeply rooted in the NCS's core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.

In line with this vision, the service has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains. This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens. 

In the press release made available to pressmen, stated further that, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government. These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations.

The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation's food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation.

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Haulage Stakeholders Inaugurate New Taskforce To End Truck Accidents

Haulage Stakeholders Inaugurate New Taskforce To End Truck Accidents

Group picture of stakeholders at the joint National Transport Safety Committee during the stakeholders meeting in Lagos 

By: Bisi Akingbade

 The Joint National Transport Safety Committee has inaugurated a new Task Force to ensure the safety of road haulage system across the country.

The  National Chairman, Joint National Transport Safety Committee,  Mr Taiwo Mogbojuri, disclosed this at the stakeholders meeting in Lagos.

Mogbojuri said that the taskforce would proffer solutions to the frequent cargoes, general haulage and petro-gas trucks accidents on Nigerian roads.

According to Mogbojuri the stakeholders meeting  with the theme "Implementation of Safe Trucks Transportation System in Nigeria" was held to ensure safety cargoes, freight and petroleum products on road transportation system.

He said the  forum will ensure effective collaboration with all stakeholders toward saving cargoes, general haulage and to also proffer solutions to frequent truck accidents.

He applauded Dr Odutola Tajudeen Kasali, Chairman Advisory Board of the Committee, for his commitment and support towards promoting trucks operational safety compliance in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

“We are pleased to inform you of the appointment of Comrade Moruf Ayobami a.k.a Sanwo Ayaluu as the Chairman of Taskforce Operation Lagos State and Free Trade Zones Corridor, Ibeju Lekki Lagos.

“The stakeholders meeting became necessary to discuss issues on how to mitigate incessant heavy duties trucks accidents on Nigerian roads and the implications to the economy.

“Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed incidents, featured trucks tumbling over and spilling their contents. Lives have been lost, limbs broken and vehicles, roads and adjacent property damaged .

“We recall the tragic incident that occurred on Otedola Bridge on June 28, 2018; at this incident, 12 lives were lost, many people were injured and at least 55 vehicles were lost to the inferno.

“The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency revealed that in 2022, out of the 1,259 emergency calls it received concerning vehicle disasters, 368 incidents involved truck/tanker accidents, 536 other vehicle accidents.

“A total of 46 trailer accidents between January 2021 and October 3, 2023, 81 persons died in tanker explosions and fire,” Mognojuri said.

The National Chairman said that the committee would use the platform of the general meeting to interact with stakeholders, especially to discuss and proffer solutions to major operational challenges facing the

industry and the nation at large.

“We wish to assure you that the committee is ready to work with all stakeholders to drive and enhance good business practices and safety culture in the downstream sector and the petroleum Industry as a whole.

“The forthcoming general meeting and inauguration ceremony have been planned to sharpen our regulatory initiatives to ensuring better safety,  especially in the road haulage system across Nigeria.

Mogbojuri said that the committee’s inter-governmental partnership cut across the relevant federal and state government agencies which included, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigerian Police Force,

Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Works, Nigeria, Shippers’ Council and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

He said that other tripartite

partners include Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, Lagos Association of Maritime Contractors, Petro and Gas Servicing Operators and Water Transporters, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Nigeria

Employers Consultative Association and Lekki FTZ Unified Transport, Trucks and Trailers Hub.

Mogbojuri said that major stakeholder units expected to participate in the proposed meeting includes executives of Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum

Regulatory Commission, Nigeria Port Authority, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

He also mentioned the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Federal and State Fire Services Lagos and National Emergency Management Agency, Shipping Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners, Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD,  Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPMAN, 

Also to be included are the Independent Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria,  MOMAN, Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria, LUPAN, Association of Maritime Trucks Owners, The Container Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, Allied Truck Transport Association of Nigeria and Association of Nigeria Custom License Agents.

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