Security Challenges Worry Customs Comptroller General

Published

14 years ago

March 15, 2012

The rising wave of violence and insecurity poses a challenge to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as it must ensure that dangerous materials were not taken into the country through its borders.

NCS Comptroller-General, Alhaji Abullahi Dikko made the remark last Tuesday in Abuja when he visited the News Agency of Nigeria.

He said it was heart-warming, however, that the service had risen to the challenge by ensuring that dangerous materials were not allowed to be taken into the country through the borders.

“If you observe, towards the last quarter of last year, we have been experiencing challenges when it comes to security; you know we are partly security, partly revenue.

“When you look at the borders, we are in charge; anything that happens there is Customs because we are vested with the responsibility of checking goods that cross the border.

“Thank God that things are going well now.’’

The comptroller-general said that the service was glad to be associated with NAN while also pledging the support and patronage of the Customs Service.

Dikko stressed that the visit marked the beginning of an even stronger relationship between NAN and the service.

“NAN is the first place I have ever visited since the beginning of 2012, I am proud and glad to be associated with NAN; this is the beginning of the relationship.’’

Earlier the Managing Director of NAN, Mrs Oluremi Oyo, while thanking the comptroller-general for the visit pledged the agency’s preparedness to collaborate with the Customs Service.

She explained that NAN had the highest collection of journalists with 36 state offices, 14 district offices, five foreign offices and more than 200 subscribers.

She said plans were underway to increase the number of district offices from 14 to 40 so as to report the hinterland more effectively.

“All over the country I want to say that your men and women have been of tremendous help to us and we are grateful to you for that.

“We have 14 district offices and I hope that when the Editor-in-Chief has finished dotting the ‘Is and crossing the ‘Ts, the 14 district offices would increase to about 40.

“The idea is for us to be able to cover the hinterland and right now, NAN happily, is the leader in media photography in the country today.

Oyo said that after the establishment of the offices, more journalists would be employed to provide more media content for the nation.

‘There is no better way in which we can serve the public than for us to have information at all times and I am glad and am proud also that your service has been doing that for us.’’

NSEMA Blames Boat Mishap On Overloading

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Management of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has attributed the recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of over 29 passengers to overloading.

Director General of the Agency, Abdullahi Baba Arah, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Minna.

Arah stated that preliminary findings showed that the mishap was caused by overloading and a collision with a submerged tree stump.

“Our desk officer who’s leading the search and rescue operations confirmed that the boat left Tungan Sule with 90 people on board, including women and children, on their way to Dugga for a condolence visit”, he explained.

He disclosed that none of the passengers wore life jackets, despite repeated sensitization and government directives on water safety in the state.

“So far, 29 bodies have been recovered, 50 passengers rescued alive, while two people are still missing”, Arah added.

The Managing Director noted that search and rescue operations were still ongoing to recover the remaining victims.

“At least 29 people have been confirmed dead while several others remain missing after a boat carrying about 90 passengers capsized in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State”, he said.

Arah said the ill-fated boat set out from Tungan Sule in Shagunu Ward, and was heading to Dugga Community for a condolence visit when tragedy struck at Gausawa.

Eyewitnesses said the vessel was carrying mostly women and children on board and suddenly began to experience difficulties before it eventually capsized.

Maritime

Customs Records N3.68tn Revenue In First Half, 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said the Service has recorded a revenue of N3.68 trillion in the first half of 2025.

The Service said the amount surpassed its revenue target by N390.20 billion, equivalent to 11.85 per cent.

Spokesman of NCS Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja.

Maiwada said the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) did a comprehensive review of the revenue, which was announced at its 63rd regular meeting.

The meeting, he said, was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

The Spokesman saidthe Board linked the achievement to the effectiveness of NCS`s ongoing reforms, improved compliance by stakeholders and enhanced deployment of technology in Customs operations alongside service’s strengthened capacity in revenue mobilisation.

Maiwada said, “between 1st January and 30th June, 2025, the Service recorded a total revenue collection of N3,682,496,530,576.48, representing a remarkable performance above expectations.

“In practical terms, this signifies that within six months, the NCS has already achieved 55.93 per cent of its annual revenue target”, he said.

On the Trade Modernisation Project, he said the Board acknowledged milestones recorded, including wider deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and arrival of six scanners, including an FS6000 model to boost non-intrusive inspection.

Other achievements recorded by NCS include, procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment, setup of the Centralised Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters, and reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture.

The statement said the Board acknowledged that these developments further aligned with Nigeria’s clearance processes with international best practices.

According to Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, congratulated the newly appointed and promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Adeniyi reaffirmed the service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, and also appreciated the Minister of Finance for what called “his continued support and guidance”.

Maritime

Shippers Partner NAPTIP, MMS Against Human Trafficking

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it would partner with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Money Management Series (MMS) to eliminate human trafficking at Nigeria’s waterways.

The Council said the collaboration would boost surveillance and collaborate with NAPTIP and MMS to combat this economic crime.

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Akutah Pius, made this known recently to newsmen during an interview.

He said the Council is commitment to supporting the fight against human trafficking, particularly stowaway and related crimes.

Pius assured NAPTIP and MMS of the Council’s readiness to provide necessary support to actualize their aspirations.

Earlier, the Director, NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, outlined the importance of strategic partnerships with agencies such as the NSC in preventing and reporting trafficking activities at the country’s waters.

Bello commended the NSC’s role in overseeing critical gateways to the nation’s trade and transport system.

Also Speaking, member, Women of Fortune Hall of Fame (WOFHoF) initiative, Hajia Lami Tumaka, referenced a report by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that the global shipping industry lost $8.9 million to 364 stowaways between February 2020 and February 2021.

The statistic, she said, underscores the need for collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking.

“The NSC, NAPTIP, and MMS are set to work together to strengthen surveillance and prevent human trafficking at Nigeria’s waterways.

“This partnership aims to protect the nation’s trade and transport system from the scourge of human trafficking”, she stated.