TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • Nigerian box office hits N8.76 billion towards blockbuster December

    Nigerian box office hits N8.76 billion towards blockbuster December

    The Nigerian cinema industry has achieved significant growth in 2024, with box office revenue reaching N8.76 billion year-to-date, reflecting a 59% increase compared to the same period last year.

    While ticket admissions have declined by 0.5%, higher revenue indicates increased average ticket prices and strong performance from high-grossing films.

    One of the standout contributors to this surge is newcomer Disney’s Moana 2, which is on track for an opening weekend surpassing N100 million.

    If achieved, this would set a new record for animated films in Nigeria, overtaking the N28.4 million debut of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in 2023.

    The film’s strong performance highlights the continued appeal of family-oriented international titles.

    Nigerian productions continue to dominate the market, accounting for over half of 2024’s total box office revenue. Local films have maintained impressive momentum, with at least one title crossing N100 million in earnings each month.

    Funke Akindele’s upcoming Everybody Loves Jenifa, set for release on December 13, is one of the most anticipated titles this year. Akindele’s films have been major contributors to the industry’s growth, with her releases in 2023 alone grossing over N1 billion. Other December releases include Toyin Abraham’s Alakada: Bad and Boujee, Seven Doors, Thin Line, and Christmas in Lagos.

    December has become a key month for Nigerian cinema, a trend established by the success of The Wedding Party in 2016. That film held the record for the highest-grossing Nigerian film until it was surpassed by Omo Ghetto: The Saga in 2020. The tradition of releasing star-studded blockbusters during the holiday season has continued to drive audience engagement and boost revenues.

    Despite a slight dip in admissions compared to the previous year, the Nigerian film industry has leveraged its ability to produce consistent hits, both domestically and internationally. With major titles scheduled for release in December, the industry is poised for a record-breaking conclusion to an already remarkable year.

    Backstory  

    According to a presentation given by Moses Babatope, CEO of NILEgroup, the possibilities for a major turnaround for the industry.

    Babatope alluded to 2004 when there was only one cinema in Nigeria; now, we have about 90 cinemas and 325 screens across Nigeria and Ghana. While this is modest growth, it’s still far from matching our population or output as a content-creating industry,” he explained.

    Despite challenges such as foreign exchange pressures and rising costs, Babatope remains optimistic. “We hope to see attendance growth of 10-15% by year’s end. The resilience of cinemas in times of economic uncertainty is a clear indicator that there’s something fundamental about the Nigerian audience’s connection to the big screen.”

     

  • Malaria vaccine rollout to begin in Kebbi, Bayelsa states on December 2 – NPHCDA

    Malaria vaccine rollout to begin in Kebbi, Bayelsa states on December 2 – NPHCDA

    The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that the long-awaited malaria vaccination campaign will commence in Kebbi and Bayelsa states on December 2, 2024.

    According to the NPHCDA, this initiative forms part of Nigeria’s continued efforts to curb the devastating impact of malaria, which remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

    Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, shared details of the campaign during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
    He noted that the malaria vaccine, which has shown promising results in trials, would be administered to children under the age of five in both states.

    According to Aina, the vaccine will enhance current malaria prevention strategies, including the distribution of insecticide-treated nets and the provision of antimalarial drugs.

    He described the introduction of the vaccine as a significant milestone in the country’s fight against malaria.

    “The launch of the malaria vaccine in Kebbi and Bayelsa states marks a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to eliminate malaria, a disease that continues to pose a major public health challenge,” he said.

    Reaching 1.5 million children
    Aina explained that the vaccination will target an estimated 1.5 million children in the two states, with health workers visiting homes and health centres to administer the vaccine.

    “The program will receive support from state governments and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF,” he said.

    Aina urged residents of Kebbi and Bayelsa to actively participate in the vaccination drive, emphasizing its safety, efficacy, and importance in achieving Nigeria’s malaria elimination goals.

    “The introduction of the malaria vaccine is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to reduce malaria cases by 40% by 2030, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s global malaria strategy,” he explained.

    Vaccine rollout builds on new milestone
    Nigeria’s malaria vaccine rollout follows the recent introduction of a vaccine developed by Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India and Novavax.

    Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate confirmed that the country has already received 846,200 doses, with an additional 153,800 expected, bringing the total to one million doses.

    Malaria remains a deadly challenge: Malaria, which causes over 600,000 deaths annually, continues to be a major health challenge for Nigeria, accounting for 31% of global malaria deaths. The free vaccine marks a significant step in reducing these alarming statistics.

     

     

     

  • EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    Abuja Estate, EFCC, EFCC historic asset recovery, Ola Olukoyede

  • Africa advances HIV fight: 7 nations meet UNAIDS targets, 21.3m on treatment – WHO Regional Director

    Africa advances HIV fight: 7 nations meet UNAIDS targets, 21.3m on treatment – WHO Regional Director

    The African region has emerged as a global leader in advancing the 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV targets, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti.

    In a statement on Friday, to mark World AIDS Day 2024, Dr. Moeti highlighted the significant strides made in testing, treatment, and viral suppression across the continent.

    Dr. Moeti revealed that seven African countries have already achieved the 95-95-95 targets, which aim to ensure 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

    “The region’s overall rating currently stands at 90-82-76, underscoring its impressive progress in bridging treatment gaps and improving health outcomes.”

    According to the regional director, about 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy.

    Despite having the highest HIV burden globally, and comparatively fewer resources to fight the epidemic, African countries have made significant progress. Dr. Moeti noted that the change in the trajectory of the epidemic over the past decade is evidence of the notable successes in HIV control and response.

    She explained that HIV is a complex health challenge, inseparable from social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence, and complicated by stigma and discrimination, especially amongst marginalized populations.

    “Protecting human rights is a key component of achieving universal HIV care and breaking down these life-threatening barriers to access.”

    “As we come together with the international community to mark World AIDS Day 2024 on 1 December, this year’s theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” is a timely reminder of our responsibility to safeguard human rights as we pursue the goal of HIV elimination by 2030,” Dr. Moeti noted.

    She emphasized that World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the achievements.

    Botswana and Namibia recognized for maternal HIV transmission control
    Dr. Moeti highlighted Botswana and Namibia’s remarkable achievements in curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates. Botswana has earned a silver-tier status, while Namibia holds a bronze-tier status for achieving the required indicators of the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017.

    Expanding access to biomedical prevention methods
    The African Region is also implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods. With countries quickly adopting and implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations and ensuring increased access to options such as oral and long-acting injectable PrEP, and the dipivefrine vaginal ring.

    Dr. Moeti lauded these advancements but stressed the need to ensure universal accessibility to maximize their impact.

    “Despite the increased availability of scientific knowledge and tools for preventing new HIV infections, and effectively treating people living with HIV, the value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility,” she said.

    “This is an issue that requires further investments and policy reforms going forward.”

    The need to tackle stigma and discrimination
    Dr. Moeti emphasized the collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live.

    “Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress, “she cautioned.

    She also emphasized that it is indeed possible to eliminate HIV with the combined efforts of governments, partners, health care providers, civil society and, crucially, communities.

    “Communities are key partners in co-creating strategies and jointly implementing interventions to address human rights-related barriers to care, and we must ensure their voices are heard,” she added.

    Strengthening health systems amid challenges
    The HIV response in Africa faces challenges from recurring disease outbreaks that strain already fragile health systems.

    Dr. Moeti emphasized the importance of strong, integrated, and person-centred healthcare approaches to meet the needs of vulnerable populations optimally.

    The HIV response is complicated by the ncreasing incidence of disease outbreaks in the African region, which negatively impact our already struggling health systems.

    Dr. Moeti stressed “As we accelerate our response to the epidemic, it is important that we remain mindful that strong health systems and integrated, person-centred approaches to health care are essential to optimally meet the multiple needs of our vulnerable populations,” she said.

    Renewing the commitment to an AIDS-free generation
    Reflecting on the achievements and ongoing challenges, Dr. Moeti called for a renewed commitment to eliminating HIV. “By protecting everyone’s right to health and reducing new HIV infections, we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response.”
    As the global community pushes towards the goal of HIV elimination by 2030, Dr. Moeti reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts from governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities.
    She urged that all stakeholders uphold the rights of individuals living with or at risk of HIV and ensure equitable access to care.
    “Let us use this World AIDS Day to reflect on our progress, address the gaps, and commit to ending AIDS as a public health threat,” she concluded.

     

     

  • NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a counterfeit alcohol production site on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island, following a public complaint.

    The site, a shop converted into a fake alcohol manufacturing hub, was raided on Monday.

    Assorted counterfeit beverages were destroyed on-site, while packaging materials, empty bottles, and repackaged drinks were seized.

    NAFDAC revealed in a statement shared via its official X handle, that the estimated value of the destroyed and confiscated items exceeds N30 million.

    The agency announced that it has initiated further investigations and advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from reputable vendors.

    It also urged the public to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    More Insights 

    Todaypriceng recently reported that NAFDAC dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State.

    • During the raid, over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials for fake alcoholic beverages, valued at approximately N2 billion, were confiscated.”
    • Also, the agency has shut down another counterfeit alcoholic factory in Abuja and Kaduna.
    • While intensifying its campaign against counterfeit alcohol, NAFDAC dismantled an illicit production operation in Lugbe, Abuja about a few weeks ago.
    • The raid uncovered large quantities of fake alcoholic beverages and expired ingredients with altered dates, underscoring NAFDAC commitments to clamping down on dangerous, substandard goods.
    • In the operation led by Shaba Mohammed, director, of NAFDAC’s Federal Task Force and its enforcement teams, the agency seized the counterfeit alcoholic beverages and equipment used in repackaging these products in reused bottles.

    “This operation is part of a broader effort to target hotspots for counterfeit goods,” said Mohammed. “Lugbe has become a focal point for producing and distributing these fake alcoholic products, with bottles labeled to mimic popular brands and expiration dates altered to deceive consumers. 

    The confiscated products have been packed in residential settings, where counterfeiters relied on imitation packaging materials to produce fraudulent versions of popular alcoholic drinks. Tamanuwa Andrew, deputy director of investigation and enforcement for NAFDAC in Kaduna, reported similar findings in Wuse Market and Mararaba, a community bordering the FCT and Nasarawa.

    “We’ve seen an increase in unregistered herbal remedies and pharmaceutical products alongside counterfeit alcohol,” said Andrew.” Our surveillance is ongoing, intending to clear these products from the markets and protect public health ” 

  • 2023: MMIA Customs Collects N30.5b, Intercepts Drones, Military Wares From Smugglers

    2023: MMIA Customs Collects N30.5b, Intercepts Drones, Military Wares From Smugglers

    The Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command of Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed a total collection of N30,503,507,399.09 as revenue collected from January 1 to December 31, 2023 and made 125 seizures comprising of sophisticated, drones, military wares artefacts and other items.

    Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Charles Orbih, who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos, said the command will continually intercept goods brought to the airport in contravention of the

    Comptroller Orbih said the 2023 collection surpassed the N29,148,944,769.82 target set for the command by N1,354,562,629.27 which is equivalent to a five percent increase.

    He added that a comparative analysis of the revenue collected for the corresponding year 2022 which was N20,898,557,880.11 shows an increase of 46% in total revenue collection with a difference of N9.6b
    Speaking on the revenue strides of the command under his watch, Orbih said the command has consistently surpassed it’s monthly target since he assumed office in September 2023.
    He said “Since my assumption of office in the Command, it is worthy to note that the Command has consecutively surpassed its monthly target from the month of September to December 2023 as represented in the total revenue collected within the period under review. At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, permit me to state that it is the first time in the annals of this Command that in the month of December 2023, the Command collected an unprecedented sum of N4,768,922,080.68.This could be attributed to the doggedness of the officers of the Command towards achieving set goals and objectives.

    “According to Section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 which empowers a Customs Officer to seize and detain prohibited goods, the Command also made 125 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N801,561,962 for the year 2023”

     

    Orbih listed some of the seized to include

    89 Seized Drones;330 Military and other Security Wares;700 rolls of Cigarettes each containing 10 packs that were concealed;126 Walkie Talkies and their Accessories;87 pieces of Artifacts and Antiquities and 22 pieces of Elephant Tusks

     

    Other seizures listed include10,000USD counterfeit notes handed over to Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC);8,800USD concealed in an album;300 pieces of Ladies Footwears; 2 bags of Precious stones and other items.

    He said three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures. While investigation is ongoing before they will be charged to court as soon as it is completed.

     

    He attributed the successes achieved to teamwork and cooperation while expressing appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale for creating an enabling environment for the attainment of the various feats achieved in the command

    According to him “The commitment and diligence of the officers and men of the Command and other Units including the Valuation Unit, Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and the Customs Police enabled seamless operation of carrying out these enormous tasks.

     

    “I will like to appreciate the Controller General of Customs (CGC), BA Adeniyi Psc(+) MFR and his management team for creating an enabling environment for the Command to actualize its core mandate of generating maximum revenue, suppression of smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade and national security.

     

    “The Command will not rest on its oars in this new year 2024 by improving on its operations and facilitating legitimate trade while not compromising the security of the country. It is also important to appreciate the synergy that exist between us and other Government Agencies working in the airport. The cooperation has indeed boosted and helped in achieving our core mandate thereby strengthening our mode of operations.

    Going forward, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Command will continue to discharge its duties and responsibilities as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023” he said.

    Giving an insight into the drones seized from smugglers, Orbih said some of them have 5000 grams capacity with ability to carry weapons and first aid box. While explaining that drones are not absolutely prohibited, he disclosed that the ones with 250 grams are allowed into the country but will require end user certificate issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

  • CBN disburses $61m to foreign airlines to settle foreign exchange backlog

    CBN disburses $61m to foreign airlines to settle foreign exchange backlog

    The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, says it has disbursed 61.64 million dollars to foreign airlines through various Deposit Money Banks, DMBs.
    According to a statement issued by its acting director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, in Abuja on Sunday, the disbursement is in fulfilment of CBN’s commitment to eliminate the backlog of pending matured foreign exchange in DMBs.
    Ms Sidi-Ali said that the initiative was part of the CBN’s efforts to reduce its remaining liability to the airlines.
    She said that in the past three months, the CBN had also redeemed outstanding forward liabilities of close to two billion dollars.
    “This underscores the CBN’s commitment to the resolution of pending obligations and a functional foreign exchange
    “These payments signify CBN’s ongoing efforts to settle all remaining valid forward transactions, with the aim of alleviating the current pressure on the country’s exchange rate.
    “It is anticipated that this initiative would provide a considerable boost to the Naira against other major world currencies and further increase investor confidence in the Nigerian economy,” she said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the total trapped fund of foreign airlines in the country is pegged at about 800 million dollars.
    This led to the International Air Transport Association, IATA, threatening that some foreign airlines may be forced to quit the Nigerian markets if nothing is done about the monies, which are majorly from ticket revenue
    The Association said that the Nigerian government is currently holding the highest amount of airline-trapped funds globally.
    NAN
    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.
  • Customs Honours Umar, Intelligence Chief , Others for Outstanding Performances

    Customs Honours Umar, Intelligence Chief , Others for Outstanding Performances

    The Controller of Customs Intelligence Unit, Abuja Comptroller Isa Umar has been honoured with an award of excellence for proactive deployment of intelligence in the fight against smuggling and prevention of government revenue leakage in Lagos

    Umar, who oversees the secret police branch of the Nigeria Customs Service was described as a dedicated and diligent officer who is making indelible contributions to the overall achievements of customs enforcement function nationwide.

    The award ceremony also featured honours for other officers of FOU Zone A for various outstanding feats in interdiction, arrests of suspects and seizure of wares from smugglers

    Deputy Comptroller General of Customs Mohammed Abba-Kura, DCG Enforcement,Investigation and Inspection (EI&I) who led the award presentation disclosed that the present management of the service is committed to honoring exceptional performances instantly.

    Abba-Kura directed Comptroller Ejibunu to forward the names of all officers who bagged awards for more rewards from the top heirachy of the NCS

    Ejibunu who lauded the Customs CG,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his invaluable support at all times,declared that 2024 will be a year of increased commitment to work by the operatives of the unit.

    He added that last year featured zero casualties on the part of the unit as no life was lost despite the many seizures and arrests made by the unit in 2023 unlike in 2022 when the unit lost 8 officers in the line of duty

    He called for a minute silence in honour of the deceased officers

  • Revenue: Tin Can Customs Targets N1.130tr, Declares 2024 Year of Stakeholders

    Revenue: Tin Can Customs Targets N1.130tr, Declares 2024 Year of Stakeholders

    Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi has disclosed that the command aims at collecting N1,130,768,051,851 as revenue for 2024 while declaring that the year is dedicated to stakeholders

    Nnadi who said this in Lagos at a press conference, expressed optimism in meeting the target with the cooperation of customs operatives and other stakeholders including importers, freight forwarders, haulage operators, the media and others.

    He said the command has been mandated by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to engage all stakeholders in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and foster a culture of compliance that would lead to enhanced revenue collection and trade facilitation.

    Giving a breakdown on how the revenue target would be achieved, Comptroller Nnadi said the command is aiming to generate 4,332,444,643.22 daily collection; 21,662,223,216.16 weekly and 94,230,670,990.11 monthly to meet up with the target.

    He said the command started 2023 with enhanced recovery guidelines, mitigating the risks of non compliance, achieved automation of its bond seat and revamped the command’s dispute resolution committee

    Comptroller Nnadi added that under his watch,the command has supported moves to decongest port corridors through regular engagement with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders in the logistics chain of the Lagos port corridor

    On capacity building, Nnadi said the command aligned with the 2023 theme of International Customs Day which was ” Nurturing the Next Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-sharing and Professional Pride in Customs” to evolve a sustainable succession plan for the NCS.

    While declaring 2024 as a year of the stakeholders in Tin Can Island Port, Nnadi lauded compliant importers, freight forwarders and their agents for contributing to the revenue collection strides of the command and urged all other port users emulate the virtue of compliance through sincere declaration and prompt duty payment.

    He said “In the area of trade facilitation, the Command continues to provide a conducive environment for trade through continuous engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders and regulatory agencies of Government.

    “The Command has had several meetings with stakeholders in 2023;

    Meeting with fast track beneficiaries in the Command, addressing their challenges and opportunities for growth.

    “Engagements with NPA and Terminal Operators on the need to decongest the port corridors for free flow of import laden containers.

    “Collaboration of the Command with terminal operators on schedule and modalities on the overtime clearance of cargoes in TCIP.

    The shipping lines in TCIP are constantly inundated on the need to guide their NICIS access as the incidence of fraudulent/double transmission of bill ladings has become too prevalent in recent times.

    “Regular meetings with compliant and high net worth stakeholders like Crown Flour, Promasidor Nig Ltd, Hurlag Nig ltd, BUA etc. The Command encourages their businesses and proffer avenues for improvements in areas they need help.

    “Additionally, the dispute settlement structure of the Command aligns with the provisions of the import duty mechanism outlined in paragraph (H) subparagraph (8) of the Import Guidelines, Procedure and Documentation Requirements which allows an importer to take delivery of his cargo in the case of persistent dispute after securing a bank bond, the total duties and taxes payable on the item being disputed” he said

    In the area of Enforcement and Anti-smuggling activities of the Command, there were a total of 96 Detentions and 47 seizures made in 2023. The seizures include; 1264 packages weighing 473.50kg of Colorado (Cannabis Indica )with a street value of =N=118,381,184

    concealed in various containers from 8 seizures, 10 sacks of used clothing and 5 used fridges with a DPV of =N=3,170,821in 1x40ft Container, DFSU 6858264. Other detentions are; 3028 pieces of matches, 435 Cartons of De Ruth Tomato Paste, Unregistered Pharmaceutical Products in 1x 40ft Containers, MRSU 5923970, MRKU 5534321 and MRSU 5923970 respectively. 7X40ft Containers containing Bulk Charcoal with a DPV of =N=24,769,161. Twelve (12) different Arms, Six (6) different pistols, Five Hundred (500) Ammunition of Different Caliber extracted from 1X40ft Container, CMAU 8834719. 58 Bags and 3 Bags of Used Shoes concealed in 1X40 ft TGBU 4466688 and 1X40 ft MEDU 7552832 respectively, 987 bales of used clothing extracted from 3 Containers, suspected concealment in 2X20 ft declared as gauze rolls, one (1) unit of Land Rover Discovery with Chassis number, SALCT2BG4FH527794, Suzuki Carry with Chassis number, MHYESL4152J115591, Mercedes Benz C300 WITH Chassis number, WDDGF8BB9AK093016S. In addition to the above, other detentions made include; supermarket items extracted from various containers, 32 packs of 50 pieces each of Toilet Paper, 531 cartons of pharmaceutical products and 80 cartons of beauty products.

    Seizure was also made of 615 sacks of Water Buffalo Horns, 2500 Cartons of frozen poultry with a DPV of =N=47,365,957, 3642 Bags of Basmati Rice of 20kg each, household goods, arms and ammunition and military wears concealed in 1X20 ft Container, TGHU 0510362. The total DPV of the seized goods and street value of the narcotics amounted to =N=3,160,972,083.50.

    Additionally, there were 50,297 containers with a breakdown of 15, 289 20ft containers, 34,55740ft containers and451 45ft containers used as means conveyance of goods through January to December, 2023 at Tincan Island Port. Also, there were 1,430 units of new vehicles and 4,342 units of used vehicles imported through the ports. In terms of revenue generation, the enforcement unit through painstaking efforts and interventions aided the Command through Demand Notices to the sum of =N=210,781,823.00.

    In terms of Export, the total of tonnage of goods exported through Tincan island Port for the year under review in Metric Tonnes was 623,694.7 MT with a total F.O.B. of =N=489,221,453,693. Nnadi described it as an impressive growth with a notable increase of 85.5% in tonnage and 101.9% increase in FOB Value when compared to the year, 2022.

    The products exported through the command in the year under review include;

    Agricultural Products like Cocoa Beans, cashew Nuts, Sesame seeds, Soya Beans, Hibiscus Flower, etc.

    Locally Manufactured Goods like Cosmetics, Hair Attachments, Indomie Noodles, Beverages, Cigarettes, and Insecticides.

    Mineral Resources such as Lithium Ore, Tin Ore, Fluorite Ore, Aluminium Ingots and Lead Ingots and others.

    Goods previously imported after the payment of 2.5% levy on the current value of the goods with government permission.Other various exports like Charcoal, Personal Effects, Items for Repair and Return.

    He acknowledged the critical role played by the other customs units and sister agencies like the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Valuation unit, Customs Strike force, Federal Operations Unit as well as interventions by sister regulatory agencies such as NDLEA, NAFDAC, DSS, SON, the Nigeria Police and others in making these seizures and detentions.

  • INTERVIEW: We Recorded Revenue Increase After FG Lifted Ban on 43 Items – Nnadi

    INTERVIEW: We Recorded Revenue Increase After FG Lifted Ban on 43 Items – Nnadi

    Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command responded to reporters’ questions shortly after unveiling the command’s target of N1.130 trillion for 2024
    He talked about the service management drive to achieve non intrusive cargo examination where more containers will go through scanning than the ones being physically examined. According to him, this is easily achievable in an atmosphere of cargo integrity premised on compliance with import/export guidelines and sincere declaration by port users
    Ismail Aniemu was there
    Q: You just declared  2024 the year of stakeholders. What should we expect differently from your interactions with members of the port community
    All the successes we made as a command were not done in isolation. They all made contributions to it. This year we want to improve in carrying everyone along
    by introducing a watch system that will make sure that any importer, exporter or agent that is so compliant gets accelerated action in clearance of his cargo.
    At national level, we already have the fast track, the CGC upon resumption has also launched the AEO programme authorized  economic operators Programme all to reward compliance of traders who do it right.
    What we want to do particularly in Tincan Island Port is to further entrench what we started in 2023 which are: extended work hours, 24 hours operation, weekend operations. As I declared in 2023, the Ports weekend should not be translated into ‘owanbe’ weekend.The port is 24 hours operation, 7 days a week.I do not see the reason why our ports stakeholders in Lagos should devote weekends to parties and weddings.We have to be coming to work during weekends.
    In the past,we blame our stakeholders for every infractions in the system.I have told the officers that I will no longer be blaming just the stakeholders.For every declaration made by stakeholders, but released by an officer, and is intercepted through the supply chain, that officer will have to answer at enforcement.We will give a window to allow stakeholders and declaring agents to breathe
    Q: Last year you told us that you  generated N716 billion and this year they have given another target of  N1.130 trillion.Is this revenue target not putting much emphasis on revenue collection than trade facilitation?
    This has been a global question in Customs.Nigeria economy is  an import dependent economy.Therfore, we cannot neglect issues of internally generated revenue.We must emphasize it .Like I have already declared, 2024 is the year of stakeholders.We will match revenue generation and collection side by side with service delivery
    Let me point out one thing.The freight forwarder is not afraid to comply if you give them service delivery .A freight forwarder will rather be happy that he pays his duty and his container is delivered in 24 hours and 48 hours at maximum than for him to stay in the port for one week or two weeks paying demurrage.We have already mapped out strategies to make sure that no importer or freight forwarder spends longer time than necessary and accumulate undue demurrage.This is one of the strategies we will adopt.I don’t think it will be a big issue for them but let me ask if anybody has ever asked why Nigeria is import dependent? People tend to think that we don’t manufacture enough.We do manufacture a lot.The Nigerian population is so big.Over 200 million people.We consume what we manufacture and because we are not manufacturing enough, we have to import.Because we also manufacture, we have to import raw materials.People should not be scared when we mention issues of collecting revenue  through import.Do not be surprised that this same country collects revenue from excise duties.There are other items that pay excise like alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
    People tend to think that when such huge amount is mentioned, It is going to be a function of not only cargo . It’s the volume of cargo that comes in that will be taxed.It is only going to be a function of ensuring that even the few that may come in will maximize collection from them through encouraging voluntary compliance by our traders.
    Q:You talked about 24 hour service delivery as part of the strategies you have implored to ensure you get your target this year.How about the other strategic stakeholders like terminal operators and others? Are we going to be seeing this seamless synergy that will also ensure that we drive this weekend operation so that it is not just your officers you are talking to but that the other agents are part of this logistics chain? 
    Let me say that I am an incurable optimist.I recall that in 2008, we introduced scanning operation in the ports in Apapa ,when I was PRO. This same issue came up.How will people cope? Banks don’t work during the weekend.If we scan a container over the weekend, how do people collect revenue? I suggested then that money can be domiciled inside an account and covered by bond so that over the weekend, if you scan your container and there is need to pay more revenue , you can take your container and we will go to that account to collect duty .
    Now , from your phone, you can pay customs duty over the weekend.You don’t need banks to open.You can have a wallet app with which you can pay Custom duty over the weekend including Sundays.We have engaged with our stakeholders and they are in tune with our obligations, expectations and what we are doing.
    Nigerian Ports Authority have pledged to assist by providing security along the corridor.They are doing that already and Lagos State is doing that too.I held a meeting with some of the people to clear people who constitute obstacles to the movement of trucks from this road. They also pledged to provide light along the corridor.The people who manage our scanners have been working with us in the night.
    TICT that provides  containers to the scanner have been providing containers in the night.Other government agencies, particularly those that are involved in seaside operation and enforcement are already used to working in the night.The NDLEA  and others are already working.What we are saying is that those freight forwarders who are not yet embracing it should join us.Some of them are embracing it.
    Q:Currently, what is your stock of fleet of scanners available and as at 2023, what volume of Cargo were you scanning?
    Just yesterday, the CGC met with the Minister of Finance , Minister of Transportation and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.They discussed the issue.The CGC made a pledge to prioritize scanning operation. Acknowledging the pivotal role of non-intrusive cargo examination and actively decongesting the Port
    The meeting entrusted the CGC with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods”.It is already in national discuss that scanning is a priority. If you ask me ,I will say that for now, we have only one scanner in Tincan Island Port but we also have plans to increase the scanners.I know that before the end of this year, more scanners will be introduced.
    Last year, at Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, we conducted our Customs CG conference where the theme was anchored on ” Data Analytics and Geospatial Technology”. Based on that, permit me to read out the volume of containers we treated here on a whole.
    We handled 131,686 TEUs. that were examined in 2023.Out of these114,935 were examined physically.Unfortunately, only 16,751 were scanned.For me, this is not a good record because globally, what should be obtained should have been the opposite.
    More containers should have been scanned and not more physical examination.It is hoped that with this new enthusiasm between the CGC and the leadership of this Sector, led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority, the terminal operators, we hope that we are going to make the best out of this initiative and get more scanners into the ports, get more containers scanned .
    Scanning of containers should not serve as the ultimate.The ultimate eventually should be cargo integrity.Scanning of containers is not an end, it should still be a means to an end.The end should be enhanced cargo integrity.If a particular declaration has infractions.If we scan that container, and we see the infractions,we will still subject it to physical examination.
    That even becomes worse because we are now conducting two examinations on that container.If we scan a container, and there is an infraction, we will still subject that container to physical examination in order to correct that infraction.I will advocate that our importers should embrace genuine declarations, improved cargo integrity such that when we scan those containers, they should go immediately.
    However, the CGC in our last meeting also advocated something.They are planning that perhaps as those containers are being offloaded from the vessel, they will be scanned and the images forestalled. Those that are found without infractions during examination, will be allowed to go back and go through the scanning systems.Those found with infractions will be examined.That way , we will save time and cost.
    Q:N1.130 trillion for me appears to be a tall order and it is good that it is coming at this time. Is there a reward system for your officers? 
    NCS has been rewarding officers.Some of us have been rewarded.I have received awards too.Some of us have also received commendation letters.Some officers were recently given special promotions during the last promotion excercise.One of such officers is an officer who was promoted from the rank of  Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptroller of Customs as a reward for him collecting and recovering N16 billion for Federal Government of Nigeria through NCS.
    There is already a reward system for us.There are some  other officers whose names have been submitted.Very soon, we will hear about such rewards.An Officer of Tincan Island Port too was given such promotion from SC to Assistant Controller of Customs.During the last promotion exercise, nine officers of this command were promoted to Comptrollers and that is unprecedented.Tincan Island Port has remained a breeding ground for intellectuals.Besides promotion of those officers,  the management through the new NCS Act signed into law in April 2023 has recommended financial reward for officers that excel in their job if they recover tremendous revenue. It is already entrenched in the law.It is not just about the CG doing it.It is now a law.
    Q:Since the lifting of ban of forex on the 43 items, how far have those items increased revenue generation?
    Sometimes, statistics don’t lie.I am one person that will always want to work with statistics and evidence.I am not a trouble maker and I am not giving anyone trouble.If I am making trouble, I will not declare 2024 as a year of stakeholders.I have always said that we couldn’t have collected this revenue alone but for the help of our stakeholders.
    There are some people that in their attempt to maximize profit, may want to be non- compliant.My responsibility here is to make sure  that I keep an antidote to prevent that. If it is interpreted as being troublesome, I apologise
    The ban was lifted sometimes around June 2023.Reading from statistics, to see the impact of the ban lifting, ” In January 2022, total collection for Tincan was N45 billion.For the same period in 2023, it was N42 billion.In February 2022, collection for Tincan was N39 billion.In February 2023, it was N41 billion.In March 2022, collection for Tincan was N51 billion.In March 2023, it was N42 billion.In April, it was N40 billion .In 2023, it was N36, billion.In May 2022, it was N42 billion , in May 2023, it was N46 billion.In June 2022, it was N55 billion, in June 2023 it was N50 billion and the ban was lifted. In July 2022, we collected N48 billion, in July 2023 it was N72 billion.That shows the impact of that lift.In August 2022, N55 billion was collected, in August 2023 ,it was N84 billion.Two things combined, Adewale Adeniyi MFR was appointed CGC and that ban was lifted.The two has to be correlated.In September 2022, N51 billion was collected, in September 2023, N61 billion was collected.In October 2022, N49 billion was collected.In October 2023, N86 billion was collected.In November 2022, N48 billion was collected, in November 2023, N75 billion was collected.In December
    2022,N46 billion was collected, in December 2023, N76 billion was collected”.A combination of the officers here, a combination of the appointment of new management of Customs and the lifting of that ban translated into a tremendous increase in our revenue collected.