Business

Oyo/Osun Customs Net N20.48bn In Feb … Make N165.3m Worth Seizures

Published

12 months ago

March 5, 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/ Osun Command, has announced the collection of ?2,048,487,969.00 as revenue covering the period of 1 February to 27 February 2025.

Briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, said the Command has been able to reduce tax evasion through deployment of improved data analytics to monitor trade flows.

According him, “Under my leadership, the Command was able to collect the sum of ?2,048,487,969.00 (Two billion and forty-eight million, four hundred and eight seven thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) as revenue covering the period of 1 February to 27 February 2025.

“This revenue collected reflects the diligence and efficiency of our Officers and men in ensuring compliance with extant Customs laws and policies.

“The Oyo/Osun Area Command has significantly reduced tax evasion through the adoption of advanced technology, such as the deployment of improved data analytics, which has enabled the Command to monitor trade flows and identify discrepancies effectively”.

Comptroller Adelaja continued that “One of the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service is the suppression of smuggling, which undermines national security and economic growth.

“The Oyo/Osun Area Command has made significant strides in curbing smuggling activities, safeguarding the nation’s economy, and protecting local industries from the harmful effects of illicit trade.

“Within 2 weeks of my assumption of duty, the Command has intercepted and seized several high-profile smuggling consignments, including the seizure of foreign Rice, Second-hand clothing, Premium Motor Spirit and used tyres. These seizures have a duty paid valued of ?165,387,000.00k (One and sixty-five million, Three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only).

“The interception and seizure of these prohibited and uncustoms items have prevented the illegal inflow of products that undermine local industries, particularly rice farmers and manufacturers in the region.

“On this note, the interception of prohibited foreign parboiled rice has led to the increase in production and consumption of the local rice in Oyo and Osun State respectively”.

The seized items includes: 1043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg), with duty paid value of ?114,730,000.00k; 452 Pieces of used tyres, valued at ?43,392,000.00k; 2 bales of used clothes valued at ?1,440,000.00k; and 233 Kegs of premium motor spirit (25 Litres), at ?5,825,000.00k, with total duty paid value of ?165,387,000.00k.

“The Command in a bid to enhance border monitoring has intensified its surveillance of key entry points and transit routes within the Oyo/Osun region through a combination of physical inspections, surveillance technology, and intelligence sharing with other security agencies”, he explained.

He further said the command’s Anti-smuggling operations have been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Immigration Service, (NIS).

These partnerships, he said, “have facilitated the exchange of intelligence and allowed the joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region.

“The Command will further prioritize the sensitization of the members of the public to raise awareness about the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and the well-being of the nation.

“The economic downturn facing Nigeria has created a number of challenges for the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in revenue collection and the prevention of smuggling.

“The low level of importation, fluctuating exchange rates, and inflation have all contributed to the economic challenges being faced”.

He, however, said the Command has responded strategically to these challenges, ensuring that the Command remains resolute on its mission.

Business

Fidelity Bank To Empower Women With Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skills, HAP2.0

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship women-empowerment initiative, the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 (HAP 2.0).

According to the report, the programme is designed to equip women with practical, income?generating skills and structured pathways to entrepreneurship.

Accordingly, the HAP 2.0 will build on the success of its inaugural edition held in 2023.

During media chat with journalists to herald the launch of HAP 2.0, the Divisional Head, Product Development, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osita Ede, explained that the initiative has been enhanced to deliver greater impact.

He said HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 reflects their commitment to continuous improvement, having evaluated feedback from the first edition, they have returned with stronger partnerships and deeper mentorship programmes to ensure that women acquire not just skills, but sustainable economic opportunities.

Mr Ede, who said the programme is guided with real?world learning, also said that participants will undergo intensive apprenticeship training under reputable institutions and industry experts across selected fields such as hair styling, shoe making, auto mechatronics, and interior decoration.

Additionally, he said HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme 2.0 goes beyond skills acquisition by offering participants a wide range of business advisory services.

These include business and financial literacy training, mentorship support throughout the apprenticeship journey, access to Fidelity Bank’s women?focused and SME financial solutions, as well as guidance on business formalisation and growth strategies.

Emphasizing the bank’s vision further, Ede said: “By integrating structured mentorship with entrepreneurial development, Fidelity Bank is positioning women not just as trainees, but as future employers, innovators, and economic contributors within their communities.

This aligns with our mandate to help individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper”.

It is noteworthy that interested participants are encouraged to indicate their interest by visiting https://bit.ly/Apprenticeshipbyherfidelity.

It is important to note that Fidelity Bank Plc is ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, with a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, with 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

It is reported that the Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

By: Nkpemenyie mcdominic, Lagos

Business

President Tinubu Approves Extension Ban On Raw Shea Nut Export

Published

22 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts for a further one year, from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on (Information and Strategy) who disclosed this on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 stressed the Federal Government remains committed to policies that promote inclusive growth, local manufacturing, and position Nigeria as a competitive participant in global agricultural value chains.

The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to advancing industrial development, strengthening domestic value addition, and supporting the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ban aims to deepen processing capacity within Nigeria, enhance livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and promote the growth of Nigerian exports anchored on value-added products.

To further these objectives, President Tinubu has authorised the two Ministers of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to coordinate the implementation of a unified, evidence-based national framework that aligns industrialisation, trade, and investment priorities across the shea nut value chain.

He also approved the adoption of an export framework established by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX) and the withdrawal of all waivers allowing the direct export of raw shea nuts.

The President directed that any excess supply of raw shea nuts should be exported exclusively through the NCX framework, in accordance with the approved guidelines.

By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Business

Crisis Response: EU-project Delivers New Vet. Clinic To Katsina Govt.

Published

23 hours ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

A Non – Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mercy Corps, has handed over a newly constructed Veterinary Clinic and a rehabilitated structure in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA), to the Katsina State Government.

The project, which included a 20,000-litre capacity upgraded solar-powered borehole, was executed under the European Union-funded Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Wednesday, the Commissioner for Livestock and Animal Husbandry in Kastina State, Prof Ahmed Bakori, commended Mercy Corps and its partners on such commitment to support peace and development in the state.

While praising the state government for restoring peace and stability, the said project would improve livestock services and the welfare of farmers who depend on animal health services for livelihood.

Bakori buttressed that improved security in the state had enabled development partners to implement meaningful interventions in communities affected earlier.

He said, “Recently, Gov. Dikko Radda was in South Africa to explore strategies for boosting livestock production and strengthening the livestock value chain in line with the government’s economic development agenda.”

In his remarks, Mercy Corps Senior Programme Manager, Mr Philip Ikita, expressed satisfaction on the timely and successful implementation of the project in Danmusa.

He stated that although Mercy Corps began its operations in the state in 2023, security challenges, had initially prevented the organisation from accessing some areas, including Danmusa.

Ikita said that the project would improve access to essential services, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to sustaining peace in the community.

“The project involves the upgrade of a veterinary clinic from a two room structure into a fully functional six office facility, embarked on to strengthen livestock healthcare services in the area.

“The programme builds on the success of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project and seeks to promote long-term peace and stability in Northwest Nigeria.

“It works across 48 communities in Zamfara and Katsina States, addressing the root causes of conflict, enhancing community resilience, and strengthening socio-economic recovery,” he said.

Also, the District Head of Danmusa, Ahmadu Abubakar, expressed appreciation to Mercy Corps and its partners for the intervention, describing the projects as timely and beneficial.

Earlier, the Chairman of Danmusa LGA, Ibrahim Na-Mama, represented by his Deputy, Musa Muhammad, expressed appreciation for the projects, assuring that the council would support efforts to safeguard them.