Category: Business

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

December 3, 2024
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 ”
December 3, 2024
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.

November 30, 2024
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.

November 30, 2024
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

November 30, 2024
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.

November 30, 2024
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.

November 30, 2024
Oyetola Advocates Increased Patronage of Dry Ports, Rail for Haulage

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has urged members of the nation’s business community to utilise the various dry ports across the country and utilise the existing rail infrastructure in Nigeria for haulage of cargo

Oyetola who stated these in Lagos while delivering a goodwill message at the 2024 International Customs Day, said the dry ports are located across various states in the country to promote economic development and emancipation.

The minister decried the non compliance by truck operators with the existing electronic call up system regime put in place by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and assured that the federal government is committed to addressing the infrastructure gaps that results in delay in cargo movement in and out of the nation’s ports.

Oyetola also advised port users to move their goods by rail as a viable alternative to the already pressured road infrastructure.

He added that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was established by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the goal of enhancing Nigeria’s economy by tapping into the vast potential of the maritime domain, valued at over US$24 trillion, supporting 90% of global trade, and generating millions of jobs.

The minister while congratulating Nigeria Customs Service for it’s various strides in revenue collection lauded the new Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 addresses challenges, and encourages partnership between the public and private sectors.

He described the theme of 2024 International Customs Day as relevant for for global trade and reassured of his ministry’s collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.

Oyetola said “As it has been expressed by the WCO Secretary General in his message to the global customs community and their stakeholders, collaboration is germane in achieving trade facilitation and the security of the internal supply chain. To this end, we must integrate sustainability into policies and strategies, bolster investments in ports, research, and technology, and, most importantly, foster inclusive alliances among our stakeholders and partners, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, transporters, freight forwarders, shippers, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Customs Service.

“The recent passage of the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 creates a favourable environment for trade. It recognises opportunities, addresses challenges, and encourages partnership between the public and private sectors.

“In this era of increased interdependence, Customs and its stakeholders must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of initiatives that will help unlock the immense potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation. At this juncture, let me commend the leadership of customs for agreeing to abandon the physical examination of cargoes at our ports and priotising the use of scanners. This development would not only increase revenue, it will ensure ports efficiency and competitiveness. And it will reduce drastically the cargo turnaround time.

“It is by committing to cooperation that we can enhance our effectiveness in safeguarding our waterways and facilitating global trade.

“With unwavering commitment, I assure you of my ministry’s support for collaborative engagements with stakeholders in the international trade community, aiming for a more sustainable use of Ocean and Coastal Resources for Economic Growth” he said

November 30, 2024
Eco Friendly CMA-CGM Scandola Raises Lekki’s Profile As West Africa’s Emerging Ports’ Leader

Lekki Freeport Terminal has proven to be a first among equals with capacity to handle high volume of trade with the recent reception of CMA-CGM Scandals

There is a government, industry and professional consensus that the recent berthing of CMA-CGM Scandola at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos is a sign of better days ahead for business and the environment

The vessel, with over 14,000 Twenty Equivalent Units TEUs, has a length overall (LoA) of 366 meters and a width of 51 meters. It is the first Liquified Natural Gas(LNG) -powered container vessel to sail to West Africa.

With its reduced emissions, the LNG powered ship burns cleaner than conventional marine fuels. It significantly reduces emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Most importantly, it cuts down on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 25%, which is crucial in combating climate change

This eco friendly advantage aligns with global trends on climate climate change, greener shipping and the thrust of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ,

The IMO through it’s member states has agreed to reach net-zero Green House Gas(GHG) emissions from international shipping by around 2050, with interim checkpoints of 20-30 percent by 2030 and 70-80 percent by 2040

speaking at the event Managing Director of CMA-CGM in Nigeria,Hinelder Ferreira reiterated that his company is committed to greener shipping for efficiency and cost effective import and export trade.

Ferreira said his company has invested over $50b in 20 other LNG powered ships to boost global trade in an environmentally friendly way.

He added that CMA-CGM vessels will call weekly to lift goods for import and export and achieve faster turnaround time, improving connectivity with neighbouring countries while

putting Nigeria at the heart of its operations for transhipment

Findings indicate that CMA CGM has invested over $10.2 billion in a fleet of 77 LNG-powered and “e-methane ready” vessels of which more than 32 are already in operation. The company also has six biomethanol-powered, e-methanol ready ships that are scheduled to become available by the end of 2026

Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State has described the Lekki Deep Seaport and other businesses in the Lekki Freezone ecosystem as critical contributors to Lagos being an investment and trade destination in the world.

Speaking in Lagos at the ceremony in commemoration of the arrival of -CMA-CGM SCANDOLA, largest LNG powered vessel to call at the port, Sanwo Olu said the port and other businesses in the Lekki area speak volume about Lagos’ capacity to promote trade

He said receiving a vessel of such size calls for celebration as it puts Nigeria in the global logistics map and attests to the place of Lagos recently ranked as the 19th Best City to visit in the World by a British Media and Hospitality Company.

“I think it’s a big feat, it’s something that we need to roll out drums and get proud of, because what that is highly commendable, indeed. We’re putting Lekki Freeport, we’re putting Lagos, we’re putting Nigeria into the world’s global logistics and marine business map

“This is a business that has been a privilege to a few countries, developed countries in America, in Europe, Far East and in some parts of Africa as well.

Lagos is open to business given the size of ships that can be received and given the size of the business that can come to our community,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, Du Rougang, said that the berthing of the vessel is creating a new plan for Nigeria’s ports.

“We want to ensure that Lekki Port plays a major role in the nation’s maritime industry, ” he said.

The Minister of Marime and Blue Econnomy, Adegboyega Oyetola said government will place priority on vessels that meets the requirements for environmental standards.

Oyetola who was represented at the event by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, said that the government is procuring the needed tools to enhance the capacity of the NPA for sulphur analysis.

Recall that the International Maritime Organization’s Green House Gas Strategy 2023, which envisaged a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40 per cent by the year 2030.

Speaking further, Oyetola said, “To put action behind our word, we have taken concrete steps towards the procurement of necessary tools to enhance NPA’s capacity for sulphur analysis as well as put in place a sanction regime for vessels who contravene the sulphur regulations,”

Oyetola reiterated the need to minimise air pollution created in the shipping industry by reducing the sulphur content of the fuels that ships use.

“So transition to the use of natural gas which is more environmentally friendly by vessels plying our waterways is a most welcome development. This is driven by in the larger national interest due to the fact that Nigeria’s gas quality is reputed to be high and virtually without sulphur,” Oyetola added.

According to him, “The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is convinced that shipping has a pivotal role to play in global decarbonisation efforts, this is why I will like to seize this moment to commend the management of the NPS’s compliance with the Ministerial directive to take cognizance of global energy transition in its port modernization project by deliberately factoring in measures that promote energy efficiency,”

The former Osun State Governor said that aside from the vessel’s distinctive feature of eco-friendliness, ‘Scandola’ ranks amongst the largest container ships to be calling in West Africa with 15,000 twenty equivalent-units.

He said that with shipping volumes promising to get higher, forward looking investments such as the one we are gathered here to celebrate will certainly have a big impact in the long run.

Oyetola narrated that the importance of making the Nigerian ports eco-friendly is no fluke.

“We will continue to support the NPA in its efforts at ensuring stakeholders’ compliance with the International Maritime Organizatiosulfurur Regulation on Nigerian Waterways,” the minister said.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA,Mohammed Bello-Koko joined the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders to celebrate the arrival of the largest container vessel (LNG-Powered) to berth at the Lekki Deep Seaport, Nigeria’s biggest seaport.

Lekki Deep Seaport’s natural depth of 16 meters added to its multifaceted efficiencies, state-of-the-art equipment and robust infrastructure, offers a capacity of up to 1.2 million TEUs in this phase 1. This positions the port to serve as a mega transshipment hub to Nigeria’s neighboring countries in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond.

In addition to pioneering of a full automated seaport from inception and facilitation of transshipment, the Lekki Deep Seaport has by this feat proven its readiness to exceed stakeholders’ expectations.

November 30, 2024
Train Your Drivers to Avoid Smuggling, Comptroller Chana Urges Kano NARTO

Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Command, Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana has advised the leadership of National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) , Kano State Chapter to train their members on being law abiding and avoid acts like smuggling in the course of their duties.

Comptroller Chana who said this on Tuesday when he received the Kano State NARTO Chairman Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim Balarabe and other members of the association’s leadership in his office in Kano, said there is need for orientation about what is required of the drivers on the road and how to avoid running foul of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA)2023

He also advised the Kano NARTO leadership to teach their members about import and export prohibition lists and avoid being involved in illegal activities especially in areas where the federal government has directed border closure.

The Kano/Jigawa Controller who identified transportation as a strong contributor to commercial growth, noted that it is important for persons who operate in that area to adopt basic work etiquette like addressing officers with honesty and avoid using their vehicles as means of conveyance for smuggled items

Comptroller Chana thanked the NARTO leadership for the visit and reassured them of robust customs community relationship in line with the agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the thrust of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) theme for the year which is “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”.

He reminded NARTO that customs is a worthy partner with all stakeholders in the logistics value chain and that the command will continually facilitate legitimate trade to grow the nation’s economy.

Comptroller Chana said his doors are open to reports and advise on the conduct of Customs officers on the field and that the service would not hesitate to sanction any officer found erring or exhibiting any form of indiscipline and corruption

Speaking on why he visited the Customs Controller, Alhaji Salisu Balarabe pleaded that where drivers are found to exhibit misconduct, the matter be reported to NARTO.

He thanked the controller for previous support he has gotten from the command and expressed optimism for better working relationship in Kano between NARTO and NCS in the nearest future.

Balarabe was accompanied by the Vice Chairman,Alhaji Kabir Musa Mai Lafiya, and the Vice Chairman, Kano State international Human Right Protection Service Barrister Nuradeen Muhammad Sani

November 30, 2024