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Showing posts from August, 2023

Oyetola Receives Briefings From Heads Of Agencies, Departments … Says Rehabilitation, Modernisation Of Ports To Commence Soon

    The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, yesterday received briefings from heads of agencies and departments under his ministry, saying that rehabilitation and modernisation of the nation's ports would soon commence   This was disclosed in a statement from the Media Office of the Honourable Minister, Marine and Blue Economy    shortly after the newly inaugurated minister concluded his interactions with     the heads of the agencies and departments under his purview.  According to the statement, the minister    started his interaction with    Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),    Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Inland WaterWays Authority (NIWA) and Nigeria Shippers' Council.  He rounded off the interactive secession on with the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN). After receiving the briefs from the agencies, the Oyetola promised to look

Auto Importers Urged To Inculcate Transparency in Declaration … As PTML Customs Sensitizes Stakeholders On VIN Valuation

  The Customs Area Controller of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, has once again urged importers of vehicles and their agents to imbibe transparency while making declarations for their imported vehicles Comptroller Yusuf who said this at a stakeholders sensitization    meeting held on Wednesday August 29, 2023 on Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation    dispelled the rumours that the VIN method has been cancelled.  According to a press release by the command’s image maker, CSC Yakubu Muhammad,, the Area Controller reiterated an earlier position on the matter issued by the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters that the VIN Valuation Process    remains fully operational and effective, he added that the trim numbers are critical in identifying distinct versions or tiers within a specific car model. They delineate varying configurations, features, and levels of equipment associated different models.   T

Enhanced Trade Facilitation: Customs Synergies with NPA

In a bid to further enhance trade facilitation in Nigeria, the Ag. Comptroller-General of     Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed commitment to enhance the output of designated export processing terminals. The Customs Boss made this revelation on Monday 28th August, 2023, in his Office, when he received the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello Koko, and his entourage on a courtesy visit.   The Ag. CGC, who spoke about some recent developments at Lilypond, told Mr. Koko that the two organizations need to synergize to streamline the operations of the nation's seaports. “We need to form a joint team that will engage other Government Agencies to refine the activities of exporting goods through the installation of trackers to avoid delays in the diversion of goods - and I want to assure you that the Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service will work with you.” Ag. CGC said. While speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Po

MACI Condemns Incessant Attacks On Customs Operatives … Calls For Special Incentives For Patrol Officers

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative (MACI) has expressed concerns over the incessant attacks on Customs operatives on anti smuggling patrol duties.   In a press statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the body, Captain Adamu Mshelia and the Secretary, Funso Olojo, the Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) expressed sadness over the spate of the attacks, especially those ones which involved the patrol officers at the Katsina and Kebbi commands, which came in quick succession and where the customs recorded casualties. "We view    this as one attack too many; "We condemn in totality the attacks on Customs operatives who are on their legitimate duties, especially the two attacks that occurred last week in Kebbi state where two officers lost their lives and one operative fatally wounded in Katsina State. MACI sent its condolences to the grieving Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, and the entire service as well as the families of the deceased. "

2 Suspects Nabbed By TinCan Customs In Connection With Importation Of Illicit Drugs

Two suspects have been apprehended     by the TinCan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in connection with the importation of dangerous unregistered pharmaceuticals through the command. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Oloyede A. A made this disclosure yesterday at a media briefing with newsmen at the command”s conference hall. According to the CAC, the illicit drugs which were concealed in two (2) by 40ft containers are regulated products by NAFDAC and lacking the required permits and certificates for importation into the country. Comptroller Oloyede informed that the Command received a timely intelligence from its Intelligence Unit on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs concealed in 2 by 40ft containers with Bill of lading Nos 227578945 and 227898171. On arrival of the vessel at the Tincan Island Container Terminal, the containers (MRSU 592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1) were transferred immediately to the Enforcement Station fo

NIMASA DG HAILS PBAT OVER THE CREATION OF MARINE And BLUE ECONOMY MINISTRY

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry and the appointment of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to man its affairs.   Jamoh in a press release signed by Osagie Edward, the Assistant Director, Public Relations    of NIMASA said that with the creation of this "long overdue ministry" it will give a massive boost to plans and programmes the President intends to deploy. And more importantly, support the diversification of the economy. Efficient management and sustainable exploitation of the marine resources in Nigerian seas and oceans thereby providing a veritable tool for  Economic Growth.   While expressing optimism that the maritime industry is large enough to engage the teeming youths in the country adequately, he urged them to take advantage of the opportunities in the Nigerian maritime sector and explore    the conce

NIMASA REFUTES FEMI FALANA’S UK PROPERTIES ACQUISITION ALLEGATIONS …Mandate Him to Take Responsibility and Retract False Claims

  The public has been advised to disregard the allegation leveled against the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, bordering on acquiring three properties in England under this regime by Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, The management, through a press statement by the Assistant Director, Public Relations of the agency, Osagie Edward, stated that the allegation made by the Senior Advocate on Friday    during a live programme in Channels Television ‘Sunrise’    is false, emphasizing that NIMASA has not acquired any property in any foreign land in the last 30 years not even the present administration as claimed by the Femi Falana SAN While cautioning the legal icon and members of the public to verify their facts before going public with any information, the management wish the learned silk take responsibility of his actions and retract the false claims he made against the agency.   The statement reads in part,  “We wish to state that

CUSTOMS FOU, ZONE ‘A’ SEIZES 299 CARTONS OF CODEINE SYRUP AND OTHER SMUGGLED ITEMS

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of     299 cartons of the codeine syrup and other smuggled goods in its anti smuggling battle.   The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Wale Adeniyi, MFR on Wednesday made this disclosure to newsmen during a media briefing he held in Ikeja, Lagos,  He stressed that this feat was executed through credible intelligence gathering which guided the FOU officials to flag down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction, and an examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. The Customs boss also revealed that a total of 4, 252 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg each) were intercepted at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, and Okoko Mile 2 Axis in Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State. The Ag. CGC also announced that the FOU Zone A in the las

MMA Command Generates Over N47 Billion Within Seven Months

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has     generated a total of Forty seven Billion, Two hundred and forty nine million, Seven hundred and eight five thousand, Twenty Naira forty five kobo (₦47,249,785, 020.45) between January and July 2023, representing 83.24% of of the command’s annual target. When compared to the same period in 2022 of Forty Billion, Three hundred and thirty five Million, Six hundred and seven Thousand, Six hundred and fifty four Naira, Ninety Kobo. (₦40,335,607,654.90) a progressive difference of Six Billion, Nine hundred and fourteen Million, One hundred and seventy seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty Five Naira, Fifty five Kobo (₦6,914,177,365.55k) representing 17.14% increase.” The  Command, through its Anti- Smuggling team and in synergy with other critical stakeholders also intercepted six packages of suspected dried Shark Fins with FOB Value of Two Hundred and Twenty one Million, Eight Hundred and eighty five Thousand, Se

MAJESTIC RIG INCIDENT: NIMASA DISPATCH SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), in line with it’s core mandate has dispatched a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State. Initial findings, according to official statement from NIMASA, confirmed that the ill-fated Rig is Panama Flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without requisite approvals from the Agency. The ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was been towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State. The statement also confirmed that NIMASA has initiated contact with the Clean Nigerian Associate, a conglomerate of all International Oil Companies (IOCs’) responsible for the cleaning of Tier 2 oil spill, to establish th

Overview OF NIMASA's Ratified Conventions And SPOMO Act Under Jamoh’s Administration

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has brought the country to speed in the maritime world with     the ratification of 6 conventions within the three years of Dr Bashir Yusuf Jamoh OFR, led Management.   Between 2020 and 2023, NIMASA has doubled Nigeria's momentum for a viable blue economy that seeks to harness maritime potentials for economic sustainability and growth. While Jamoh's implementation drive has earned Nigeria some accolades, it is noteworthy that a lot couldn't have been achieved without reliable legal backing either as legislations or international conventions which Nigeria acceded to. Not less than 6 International maritime conventions have been ratified by Nigeria for proper governance of the country's maritime space. These ratified conventions spell out proper mode of governance for various areas such as standards of training, certification and watch keeping for the fishing sector, pollution management and carriage of passen

NDLEA Arrests 100 Drug Suspects in Katsina State

The Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it arrested over 100 drug suspects in the state between July 10 and August 10. According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, the katsina state commander, Hassan Sani-Abubakar, who is barely a month in office, disclosed this at a press conference in katsina yesterday; informing that, after investigations, the suspects would be charged in court. The commander stated that, from his assumption of office on July 10, the command has also seized about 70 kg of different exhibits across the state. Sani-Abubakar, a Commander of Narcotics, revealed that the command had also intensified its operation to ensure that the state was rid of drug abuse. He also pledged his readiness as the new commander to go through nooks and crannies in the state where the drug dealers and users hide. The commander said he had visited all the security agencies in the state and other stakeholders to seek their support towards the fight a

Nigeria Faces Worsening Situation As Flood Ravages 20 States

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that the 2023 flood situation across the country is worsening as 20 states, and 46 Local Government Areas have been hit by different degrees of flooding which has resulted in the death of about five persons. This was disclosed at the National Emergency Coordination Forum, organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja. The Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA), Clement Nze, in his address at the forum, noted that in February 2023, NIHSA presented the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook to the public. The general outlook shows that 178 LGAs falls within the high flood risk areas spreading over 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while 224 LGAs fall within the moderate flood risk areas, as the remaining 372 LGAs fall within the Low Flood Risk Areas,” Nze stated. Providing an update on the flood situation in Nigeria, with respect to the projections in the 2023 AFO, he said, “So far, not

NCS Pledges Renewed Collaboration With Yobe State

The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reaffirmed his resilience and commitment to collaborate with Governor Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe State to ensure the state continues to benefit from the Service. He made this re-assurance on Wednesday, 9 August 2023, when he received the Governor and his entourage at the Customs    Headquarters, Abuja, on a courtesy visit. While describing Yobe as a strategic point of operation for the Nigeria Customs Service, the CGC affirmed that Yobe state is a very strategic place and critical in customs    operation having Customs station located in Geidam being an international boarder with Niger republic. The Customs boss assured the Governor that the Service would continue to engage the state in making significant interventions for his citizens and would do everything possible to fulfil the promises to render support to Yobe State Government, he also urged Governor Mai-Mala Buni to assist the Service in all ramifications. Earlie