Wednesday, October 16, 2024

FOU ‘A’ RECORDS N5.9B IN 2017

By
Lola Adesokan
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Comptroller Uba Mohammed

Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, in its intensified anti-smuggling drive intercepted various contraband goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N4,004,258,331.52 between January to December 2017.

The unit through its interventions recovered a total of N1,956,022,531.65 from duty payments and Demand Notices (DN) on general goods that tried to beat the system from seaports, airports and border stations through wrong classification, transfer of value, and shortchange in duty payment that are meant for the Federal Government of Nigeria. Making the cumulative figure recorded by the Unit in the year 2017 to total N5,960,280,863.00

A total of 179 suspects were arrested in connection to the 1,046 different seizures made within the period, which comprises of foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, vegetable oil, smuggled vehicles, Indian hemp, arms, fake pharmaceutical/medicaments and various general merchandise.

According to the Unit boss, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba , ” despite the challenges in 2017, the Unit recorded the highest seizures and revenue so far in the history of Federal Operations Ikeja. He attributed the feat to the focused leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and the entire Management team for their efforts in recognizing hard work and putting square pegs in square holes. “Without the Management motivation and necessary logistic supports, we won’t have achieved this feat within this period”

Similarly, Comptroller Uba while commending the commitment and diligence of the Officers and Men of the unit for thwarting the antics of some dare devil smugglers who used different methods to deceive the service, he charged his officers to be professional and diligent in performing their statutory responsibilities in the year 2018; most especially in the area of anti-smuggling operations by making sure all revenue linkages are blocked.

He enjoined all hands to be on deck in the fight against the economic saboteurs who meant no good for the economy.

He further added that smuggling is a global phenomenon, which cannot be curbed entirely, but can be brought to its barest minimum. The FOU helmsman appreciated all security and sister agencies like the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON and others that rendered logistics support and cooperation towards winning the war against smuggling within the southwest zone.

He warned all intending smugglers and their accomplices to desist from such illegalities and invest their money in legitimate businesses, as the Unit has devised other operational modalities that will give them a run for their money and maximum losses, accosted with prosecution and jailed.

Comptroller Uba reminded that the Federal Government policy of banning the importation of Vehicles and Rice through the land borders is still inforce and that the Customs is ever ready and equipped to enforce these polices to the latter.

He as well thanked members of the Forth Estate of the Realm for their support and reportage in 2017, calling for their continuous partnership with the Service in the campaign against the evil of smuggling to the nation’s economy and provides necessary intelligence that could also assist the NCS do their job better in 2018 and beyond.

Customs Donates 252,666. Bags Of Rice To IDPs

By
Lola Adesokan
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A total of  421 trailer loads of rice totaling 252,666 units of 50kg bags valued at N3,789,990,000 in the last 22 months has been donated to Internally Displaced Persons  by the Nigeria Customs Service.

This was announced by the service in Lagos at a media briefing by Spokesman of the service, Deputy Controller Joseph Attah, on its activities in the year 2017
 
He told newsmen that the donations which are in line with a presidential directive on the disposal of perishable seizures after due diligence of court condemnation, were carried out in four states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Edo . The donation was carried out by the National Logistics Committee consisting members from Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Nigeria Police Force, FRSC,NSCDC, NAFDAC, NTA, NAN, NUJ and Redcross.
In addition to the rice donation, he said the customs also donated 82,140 jerrycans of 25 litre vegetable oil valued at N985,680,000;  soap worth N52,625,700 in 19,491 cartons and other items including clothing, insecticides ,foot wears,bags and 1 x40ft container loaded with frozen tilapia fish.
Attah said sustained customs anti smuggling efforts have kept customs warehouses filled with seizures despite the various donations made by the service to IDPs.
”Despite tonnes of rice and other relief items already transferred to the IDPs,  Some NCS warehouses are still filled with rice. This only shows that the sustained onslaught against unrepentant rice smugglers continues to yield positive results.
”The ones in the warehouses now are either awaiting court condemnation or forfeiture to the Federal Government or have been already allocated to governments of the affected states who pay the Army Corp of Transport and Logistics for their transportation to the IDPs
”Eventually , the seized rice and other perishable items presently in the warehouses will be given to fellow Nigerians affected by the unfortunate insurgency in the North -East” Attah said.
On the disposal of other seized items, the customs spokesman said the service relying on its extant laws, of Section 167(2) of Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 to commence an electronic auction regime aimed at eliminating human contacts and entrenching transparency.
The portal according to Attah is opened to all interested persons to bid between 12noon Monday to 12noon Wednesday of every week. A total of 5,454 persons registered while 4,865 bided and 646 bidders emerged winners.
”So far,646 number of vehicles have been won with N272,115,366 generated as revenue for the Federal Government” he said.
He said delays in disposing some seized goods in most government warehouses is associated with  court processes after  documentations and filing the court process for condemnation and forfeiture  in line with the law.
Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali had overhauled the  Ant-Smuggling units/operations resulting in a total of 4, 492 with a duty paid value of N12, 777.321.405. With 207 suspects arrested.

Customs Records N272M from e-auction

By
Lola Adesokan
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The recently introduction of  e-auction process by  the Nigeria Customs Service was based on the need to eliminate abuses associated with manual process of the past. This is to ensure maximum revenue from the process while still providing equal opportunity to all interested Nigerians to log on to the e- auction portal and bid for any item they wish

This new invention has so far yielded positive results as the Service has  generated N272,115,366 from the auction of 646 vehicles under this  electronic auction scheme.

Image maker of the service, Joseph Attah, disclosed this in Lagos when he briefed newsmen on the activities of the service in 2017.

Attah said the e-auction regime eliminates the manual process of auctioning seizures in the past which was lacking in transparency  and did not yield maximum revenue for government.

”The portal is opened to all interested persons to bid between 12noon  Monday to 12noon Wednesday of every week. So far,646 number of vehicles have been won  with N272,115,366 generated as revenue for the Federal Government” he said.

He said customs will continue to be careful in handling goods at its warehouses so as not to be dragged into unnecessary litigation by claimants as a result of illegal disposal.

Attah said the service is meticulous with seizures management  as they are properly documented and kept in government warehouse or constructively warehoused (in the case of inflammable items) following which thorough investigations and compilations of case files are done,

He added that while perishable items such as frozen poultry products and other dangerous items are immediately destroyed , others have to wait for judicial process of court condemnation before they can be disposed off in line with the law.

Revenue Generation : Nigeria Customs Service records N1.037b in 2017

By
Lola Adesokan
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 A total of N1,037,102,179,400.58 revenue collection has been generated by the Nigeria Customs Service for the year 2017.

This was made known earlier today  by the Service national image maker, Deputy Controller Joseph Attah while briefing  newsmen in Lagos on the activities of the organisation in 2017

It will be recalled that five working days to the close of the year 2017, Attah announced the collection of  N1,012,259,006,779.74 revenue which was above the service target of N770,573,730,490 for last year.

He addressed the widespread insinuation that the service recent revenue feat of over N1trillion  was inferior to previous collections due to exchange rate.

Attah listed the circumstances under which the collection was made to include low volume of trade, strict import ban policies among others.

”I am happy to announce that NCS has now collected a total sum of N1,037,102,179,400.58 at the end of the year 2017.

Reacting to this spectacular performance, some Nigerians had compared the figure with that of previous years collections, especially that of 2014 and unfortunately concluded that the depreciated naira value makes the NCS revenue collected in 2017 as being inferior to that of 2014.

”While commending these Analysts for their interest in the activities of the Service, it is imperative to state that such comparison can only be valid if the volume of trade and tariff remained the same between 2014 and 2017. There is therefore the need to draw the attention of these analysts to the following facts:

”2016 and 2017 experienced economic recession with 41 items removed from accessing Forex. Rice, which raked in N56,804,290,474.00 billion, representing 5.8% in 2014 could not even contribute up to half a billion (N264,852,633.00) in 2017.

”Data reveals that though the volume of imports declined, collection per volume increased. For example 956,574 vehicles were imported in 2014, 558,517 in 2015 and 451,507 in 2016 but in 2017 a total of 399,556 vehicles were imported. Duty collected were N122bn, N111bn and N137bn respectively.

”This was possible because of strict deployment of digital identification method which enables Officers to identify consignment such as vehicles using the mandatory vehicle identification number (VIN).

”Declarations on vessels increased drastically in 2017 due to the use of digital application to locate vessels on Nigeria waters and request for payment of appropriate duties as data of the vessels are available through the digital platform.

”The enforcement of fiscal policies of 2017 led to the decrease in the average duty rate. The average duty rate which used to be 12.54 was reduced to 11.1 due to the lowering or total removal of duty rates for national projects such as Agricultural projects. For example:

”Prefabricated Agricultural Green House from 20% to 0%;

Agricultural Machinery from 10% or 5% to 0%;

The Automotive Industry Project (SKD vehicles from 35% to 5%) and concession of one SKD to two fully-built unit (FBU) cleared without payment of 35% levy.

”With the reduction in the average duty rate, a decline in revenue could have occurred but for due diligence, tax collection per unit was increased by 15%.

”It was under this challenging time in 2017 that NCS collected the highest revenue ever for the Federal Government.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present Management of NCS is not in competition. NCS believes records are there to be broken. As performance of 2017 has broken the records of past collections, we look forward to 2018 or indeed any future NCS Management breaking this record in the interest of the nation” he said

Tincan Port Records 162,285 Metric Tonnes Agricultural Products In 2017

By
Lola Adesokan
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This  Customs Area Controller in charge of Tin Can Island Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Yusuf Bashar, has disclosed that a  total of 162,285.72 metric tonnes of agricultural products were exported outside the country through Tin Can Island Port in 2017 which is over a hundred and fifty percent increase above the 55,000 metric tonnes processed through the port in 2016.

Bashar who listed the  exported commodities to include pepper,soyabean,cocoa,rubber, milk, frozen shrimps,hibiscus flowers and ginger. Other commodities listed includes tomato paste, sheabutter, tiger nuts and many more, said cocoa topped the list of commodities exported through the port last year.,

 He emphasised that compliant import and export trade are promptly facilitated under his watch to boost the economy without compromising national security.

He said cocoa beans, which was the highest exported agricultural product through the port last year had a total of 33,294 metric tonnes followed by sesame seed and rubber which recorded 15,189.78 and 15,072.84 respectively.

Shedding more lights on the export cargoes at the port,Audu Ochuma, Deputy Controller of Customs in charge of Export, said the increase is indicative of a leap in participation in agricultural activities. He said the results shows an improvement in economic activities in the sector adding that export requires being more meticulous than importation.

According to Ochuma, it is easier doing import than export because for export, the exporter is expected to meet and abide with standards required by countries being exported to from the country of origin.He said export is not an all comers affair as it dictates that you meet the requirements of other countries.

Ochuma added that there are incentives and other benefits derivable from exports as they government is encouraging increased participation of more Nigerians and Nigerian companies in the business.He said government’s exports expansion grants helps business men who carry out a certain degree of exports ranging from financial grants and funds to expand their businesses.

Ochuma expressed optimism that volume of Nigerian exports of agricultural products will increase in 2018 while saying that Nigeria is yet to fully take advantage of the United States African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA).

”Over 5000 duty free commodities and items can be exported to the United States of America under the AGOA initiative. A US Embassy official had advised us at a function that Nigeria should concentrate on agricultural products and other specific areas outside technology or ICT products as we stand better advantage with the former than the latter.

”For instance, if we pursue exporting made in Nigeria radio, television and other household electronics, tendencies are that we wont meet the standards required by advanced countries for now. So its better we focus more on areas we are better off than them” Ochuma said

Under the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), Ochuma said Nigeria has been exporting alcoholic beverages, milk and other finished products to other West African countries taking advantage of the zero duty regime in line with the extant treaty.

He said Nigeria stands a chance to benefit more like other developing African countries like South Africa that made over $300m (USD) from export to United States alone. Ethiopia, according to him is also making some economic progress from textile export to the US and other countries.

Ease Of Doing Business : Ambode inaugurates 12 man board

By
Lola Adesokan
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In his quest to improve on  ease of doing business in Lagos, the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode  has put in place measures to aid in facilitating this drive by inauguration of a 12-man board.

Governor Ambode said the decision followed continuous reports of daily infractions on the consumer rights recorded in the state.
The board is chaired by Mrs. Olufunmilola Falana while Mrs. Ajoke Olugbode serves as General Manager and Mr. Jacobs Oduyebo as the secretary.
Part of this include the inauguration of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency. Which according to the governor will “complement reforms on the ease of doing business in the state especially as it affects the development of the industrial, commercial and consumer satisfaction value chain.”

Ambode said, “The need for the agency has become more imperative in view of the fact that Lagos State, with its huge population provides the largest commercial market in sub-Sahara Africa, with the highest reported cases of daily infractions on the consumer rights.”

POLICE ARREST BADOO CULT LEADER, CHIEF HERBALIST …Demolish Shrine In Imosan village

By
Lola Adesokan
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0
Fatai Adebayo alias Alase arrested at his shrine located at Imosan Village, a suburb of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

 

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday made a major breakthrough in the fight against the menace of Badoo cult with the arrest of the group’s herbalist, Fatai Adebayo alias Alese.

The notorious activities of the dreaded cult group prevalent in Ikorodu and Epe axis of the State had sent many of the victims to their early graves with cruel killings through the smashing of mortar and pestle on victims’ heads.

Adebayo, 34, who specializes in administering oath on members of the group before they launch any attack, was arrested at his shrine located in Imosan Village, a suburb of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The arrest of the herbalist followed the arrest of some Badoo cult suspects at the weekend including the overall head of the group.

Speaking while parading Adebayo before newsmen at the shrine, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal said the head of the group was arrested on water during an attempt to escape.

The CP, who led the operation involving the Commander of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), ACP Tunji Disu; Chairman of Lagos State Special Task Force, SP Yinka Egbeyemi, among others, said investigation was still ongoing but that the full details about the arrests made so far would be disclosed on Thursday at a press briefing.

He said: “Over the weekend, we had far reaching achievement in the fight against the killers popularly known as Badoo in Ikorodu.

“Their kingpin who is the head of the group has been arrested. He was arrested on water as he was making his escape.”

Revealing how the herbalist was arrested, Edgal said: “One of the suspects arrested confessed

Fatai Adebayo alias Alase arrested at his shrine located at Imosan Village, a suburb of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

and he led us here that before they go for any killing, the head of the group brings them to this gentleman (Adebayo) to come and carry out oath for both themselves and the piece of stone they used for their killings and that they don’t go for any killing without first of all coming for oath in this shrine and that is why we are here.

“This gentleman is an accomplice before the fact and so definitely we are placing him under arrest and as well as sealing off the shrine till after investigation.

“I will give further details on Thursday during my press briefing but I can assure the good people of Ikorodu, Lagosians and Nigerians that we will not rest until this evil is completely rooted out from Lagos State,” Edgal assured.

The CP also made a brief stop-over at the palace of the traditional ruler of Imosan Village, Chief Tajudeen Muili to intimate him of the criminal activities going on under his domain.

At the shrine located at No 38, Ayegbami Quarters in Imosan, which was later demolished by policemen, there were different charms and big stones said to be used for the illicit activities of the Badoo group.

Dakuku Set To Reposition NIMASA For Greater Efficiency

By
Lola Adesokan
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0
Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, has said  the agency’s 2018 forecast on Nigeria’s maritime business is part of the Agency’s initiative to reposition the

Maritime Industry for greater efficiency in line with International best practices.

 

Dr. Peterside who made this known in Lagos said the forcast which will deal with how developments on the international scene will affect the industry in Nigeria is intended to serve as a guide to investors and stakeholders in the Industry.

The 2018 Nigerian maritime industry forecast is expected to be a set of projections based on study of trends and patterns and it is intended to serve as a guide for investors and stakeholders in the industry.

He further revealed that it would entail the empirical projections that will determine the outlook of the industry in Nigeria by the first quarter of 2018 adding that the forecast would be released from a holistic perspective in order to know areas of advantage that would be of immense benefit to stakeholders and industry players, both locally and internationally.

According to him, “on the positive side it will look at where the opportunities will be in the year 2018 & 2019; will greater investment in oil and gas translate to more demand for offshore support vessels? What are the industry perspectives? What government and her agencies should do to attract more investment in the industry amongst other salient issues.”

The NIMASA DG noted that the maritime industry forecast will also look at whether there will be improvement in maritime security especially in the Niger Delta and what impact it will have on shipping as well as consider the impact of NIMASA’s partnership with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board NCDMB on the implementation of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Cabotage regime and international shipping including the various projected impact of shift to digital shipping in Nigeria and its attendant effect on Nigerian shippers.

Dr. Peterside also noted that the maritime forecast to be released by NIMASA will look at the impact of global emphasis on Blue Economy and how Nigerians can benefit from it.

In the area of capacity building the DG pointed out that the effect on the industry will be considered as two new specialised Universities; Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko and the Admiralty University are expected to begin academic calendar next year, in addition to an already repositioned Maritime Academy of Nigeria MAN, Oron.

Other areas of focus in then forecast includes; the government decision on investment status in port and maritime infrastructure, the impact of emphasis on reduction on environmental footprint arising from shipping.

From the regulatory perspective it will also consider the impact on coming into force of the Ballast Water Management Convention, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) mandatory compliance, among other conventions and regulations. The most likely impact of greater safety compliance enforcement by the Maritime administration of Nigeria will also be on the front burner in the report.

On the market side, Dr. Peterside noted that it wiould analyse how demand and supply will evolve in the industry. “This report would be the most informative documentation on the future of the maritime industry in Nigeria”.

Kashamu Partners NDE On Skills Acquisition Training For Constituent

By
Lola Adesokan
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As part of efforts geared towards bringing dividends of democracy to his constituents, the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu, in conjunction with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has facilitated a three-month skill acquisition programme for the people of the Senatorial District.

The scheme is targeted at addressing the issue of unemployment among the people.

In his message to the over 100 participants, the lawmaker said the training was one of its kind, adding that it was organised to prove to young school leavers in the country that white collar jobs are not enough to go round every job seeker.

“There are other things that people can do apart from white collar jobs to boost Nigeria’s economy”, Kashamu said.

He urged the beneficiaries to seize advantage of the opportunity to better their lives.

Speaking further, Kashamu said the programme is a life- changing one, adding that it will usher them to a lifetime of abundance.

He admonished the participants to be law-abiding, good ambassadors and shining stars in the society.

The training will focus on areas such as computer programming, laying of interlocking tiles, bar and liquid soap production as well as making of body and hair cream.

The elated participants thanked the lawmaker for the wonderful opportunity given to them, promising to make good use of it.

The programme will be anchored by experienced and successful entrepreneurs.

Demola Seriki Appointed Chairman Governing Council, MAN Oron.

By
Lola Adesokan
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0

Mr Demola Seriki has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Chairman Governing Council for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Seriki who hails from Lagos State belongs to the ruling All Progress Congress. He was appointed Minister of State Defence in 2009 before defecting to the APC. He holds a master of science degree from Herbert Lehman College of the City University of New York in the United States of America .

The 4-man Governing Council headed by Demola Seriki as Chairman has other members which include Taiwo Tayo Ibitola(SAN), Hon Garba Jiji and Alh Sale Kudiawa.

It will be recalled that Maritime Academy of Nigeria has been without a Governing Council since the inception of the present administration. With this appointment, the Interim Management Council of the Academy headed by Aare Adebayo Sarumi is expected to wind up.

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