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Following the prevailing high cost of living in the country, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved an increase of between 25% and 35% salary increment for Civil Servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures. A statement signed by the Head of Press of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, said the increases take effect from 1st January 2024 The statement added that the government has also approved increases in pension of between 20% and 28% on the Defined Benefits Scheme with respect to the six consolidated salary structures with effect from 1st January 2024. The Salary Structure is the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Stru...

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command said it intercepted an Ethiopian Airline passenger with hard drugs, The Command revealed that through collaborative effort with other sister security agencies made a significant seizure at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. It was disclosed that at  01:00hrs on Saturday, the command, during a joint security check intercepted a passenger's luggage arriving from Cairo via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET941 and on examination of the passenger's luggage, it revealed 241 empty packages of OTRAVIN and 80 pieces of OTRAVIN nasal drops. NAFDAC, a key partner in the joint security check, has expressed interest in the seized items, particularly the nasal drops. In accordance with due process, the items have been detained, and a smooth transfer to NAFDAC is being facilitated. According to a statement signed on behalf of the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Compt Dauda Ibrahim Chana by the Public Relations Office...

Following the rumours that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is rationing fuel supply to depots and directing them to Abuja as reasons for the long queues at the fuel stations within the South West states, the company has denied a claims and set the records straight.  Some marketers and NNPCL officials had claimed that the national oil company was rationing petrol supply and prioritising supply to Abuja, thereby causing scarcity in the South-West They added that hundreds of trucks loaded on Saturday were sent to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) based on the NNPCL directive. According to a Punch report over the weekend, the spokesperson for the NNPC, Olufemi Soneye stated that the claim was totally false. Soneye stated that if there are disruptions in fuel distribution for three days, it usually takes twice that time to return to normal. The NNPC spokesman, however, noted that the national oil company has petroleum products available...

T he Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has urged the embattled immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello to take the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the court of law. According to the group, it has become necessary for Bello to clear himself of the allegations of financial malfeasance while in office. The EFCC had filed 19 criminal counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.246 billion before a Federal High Court in Abuja against the former governor and others.

In a heartwarming gesture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone "A," Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024. The Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS's deepest condolences to the family, stating, "We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being". This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service's commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by t...

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a renowned banker and businessman, Mr Jim Ovia, CFR, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This was contained in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, on Friday. “Mr. Ovia is the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.” “He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana. “The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths. “The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage. “The President...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commenced the sensitisation program on Monday, 22 April, 2024, for the enrollment of an automated retiree verification system for high-ranking officers who have retired from the Service. The programme, the first of its kind, was designed to serve as a platform through which all retired Deputy Comptroller Generals (DCGs), Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs), and Comptrollers could be electronically verified to modernise the analogue process of benefits application for retired officers. Addressing the retirees at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in-charge of Finance Administration & Technical Service, Festus Okun, described the initiative as timely and assured them of a seamless verification exercise. He said, "Esteemed retirees, it is with great honour that I address you today on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bas...

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko have held talks with officials of the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands on port management system. This is in line with efforts to further boost the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigeria’s seaports, which have in the recent past witnessed a massive infrastructure upgrade, which has boost their efficiency It may interest you to note that the Port of Rotterdam is rated as one of the most efficient in the world and it operates a landlord port model, which is also operated in Nigeria. The Minister and the NPA MD are members of the Presidential delegation to Netherlands led by President Bola Tinubu. The duo therefore used the opportunity offered by the trip to visit the Port of Rotterdam, where they exchanged ideas on efficient port operations.

Rotary Club of Egbeda has appointed Interactor Onyeji David Chimbuchi as the Rotary District Interact Representative for Lagos and Ogun State of Rotary District 9110. Interactor Chimbuchi, a member of Ikotun Senior High School's Interact Club in his acceptance speech, emphasized the significant impact of youth empowerment and service. While expressing gratitude in a heartfelt address, David thanked his family, mentors, and community for their steadfast support. He specifically recognized the instrumental role played by his parents, school authorities, and fellow Interact Club members in shaping his leadership journey. He commended Prince Bashiru Adebowale, the Tutor General and Permanent Secretary District 1, Lagos State Ministry of Education, for his guidance and acknowledged the Rotary Club of Egbeda for their mentorship and backing. He also extended appreciation to the Rotaract Club of Egbeda and highlighted the visionary leadership of Rotary District 9110. Quoting Mahatma G...

In an efforts to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its dedication to promoting gender equality in decision-making processes within the service. At a capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity, co-organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the NCS in Abuja on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive environment within the service. Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan, represented the CGC at the event, where she emphasised the need for clear policies and procedures to address gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within the NCS. "Our aim is to create a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the service's success, regardless of gender," the CGC said. "We are committed to addressing gender discrimination, harassme...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, over an ongoing N8,069,176,864.00 money laundering probe. The indicted former Minister of Aviation arrived at the Federal Capital Territory Command of the EFCC at about 1:00 pm yesterday, Tuesday, April 23th 2024. Following his arrival at the command, according to an EFCC source, Sirika is currently meeting with EFCC investigators to answer questions on alleged fraudulent contracts awarded by him to a company known as Engirios Nigeria Limited, owned by his younger sibling, Abubakar Sirika. “Yes, that was Hadi Sirika who was taken into our FCT custody. He is currently meeting with EFCC investigators over the alleged N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud,” a source revealed. Another source noted, “The N8,069,176,864.00 aviation ministry contract fraud was carried out in connivance with his younger brother, Abubakar Sirika, through the latter’s company.” A credible source ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to make the completion of  East-West Road as one his administration's top priority due to its crucial significance not only to the Niger Delta states but to the entire nation. This was revealed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu who represented President Bola Tinubu at 6th meeting of the National Council on Niger Delta (NCND). He emphasized that the government is restructuring the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to unify all developmental plans of agencies and partners operating in the region into a single integrated regional development plan to fulfill their mandates effectively. The president reaffirmed his dedication to reviving the country’s refineries to ensure the availability of petroleum products and a decrease in retail prices. He stated, “It will gladden you to note that my administration has demonstrated interest in repositioning the ND...

The Federal Government of Nigeria  has taken a decisive decision in the mining sector by revoking about 924 dormant licences across various segments, including Exploration, Mining, Small-Scale Mining, and Quarrying. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake made this pronouncement today during a press conference held in Abuja. While emphasizing that the revocations were in line with constitutional provisions and due process, with adequate notice provided to all concerned parties, he said the revocations were officially communicated through the Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, No. 227, published on December 27, 2023.  The Minister said the move aligns with the president Tinubu's administration commitment to optimizing the mining industry’s efficiency and ensuring that resources are effectively utilized for national development

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi MFR, on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, played host to the Nigerian Financial Intelligent Unit (NFIU) delegation, led by Director General Hafsat Bakari, at the Service's Headquarters in Abuja. CGC Adeniyi's meeting with DG Bakari centred around sealing a strong partnership that will enable the two agencies to take measures of enhancing border security through intensifying onslaught against smugglers and money launderers and other terrorism financing activities. The CGC, while addressing the NFIU officials, congratulated DG Bakari for her appointment to head the organisation. He expressed Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to support NFIU by way of establishing a joint team that will be tasked to address some pressing issues. "I want to wish you a successful tenure. I see, through your passion, your commitment to Project Nigeria, and I also see the collaborative spirit that you brought on board. These are all things ...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will  today April 23, depart Abuja for  an official visit to the  Netherlands. This was made known in a statement on Monday evening by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. The visit, which is on the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, will  see the President Tinubu engage in high-level discussions with the Prime Minister, as well as hold separate meetings with His Royal Majesty, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Kingdom. The Queen is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA). While in the Netherlands, PBAT will participate in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum that will bring together heads of conglomerates and organizations in both countries to explore opportunities for collaborations and partnerships, especially in agriculture and water management towards innovative solution...

The new Controller of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service,  Comptroller PK Bamisaiye has assured stakeholders and operators within the Command of an open door policy in a bid to ensure a greater win-win business relationship. Comptroller Bamisaiye stated this on Tuesday 16th  April 2024 as he took over the mantle of leadership of the command during a brief hand-over ceremony at the Command’s headquarters in Ibafon Apapa, Lagos. While appreciating the good foundation his predecessor, Comptroller Salefu was leaving behind, he further assured the stakeholders of an open door, insisting that in return, they must demonstrate enduring honesty. The new controller concluded by thanking the Comptroller General and his management team for the faith reposed in him and promised to execute his responsibilities effectively and efficiently. In the meantime, Compt. Salefu appreciated the officers and men of the Command for the Cooperation shown to him during his tenu...

Federal High Court sitting at Ikoyi, Lagos, has discharged and acquitted former director-general of the Nigeria Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi of an alleged N8,537,586,798. 58 billion fraud, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Justice Ayokunle Faji, discharged and acquitted the former NIMASA director-general, today April 22, 2024, while delivering a ruling on a no-case submission filed by him and four defendants, in a 22-count charge against them. Recall that Akpobolokemi was arraigned before the court alongside Major-General Emmanuel Atewe (rtd), a former Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, and two other staff of the agency, Kime Engonzu and Josphine Otuaga. In discharging and acquitting Akpobolokemi and one Josephine Otuaga, a staff of NIMASA, Justice Faji held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie (sufficient evidence) case against them. However, he ruled that a for...

The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated an impressive revenue performance in the first quarter of 2024, recording a growth of  139per cent surplus over its revenue target for the first quarter. Recalling  the revenue target of N1.13trillion given to the command for the 2024 fiscal year,  this proves that the command is expected to generate N94.23billion on a monthly basis, N21.7billion weekly and N4.32billion daily, which the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni had then described as ‘a no mean task, but surmountable’. According to a statement released last week by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Okwara, show that a total of N303.9billion revenue was collected by the command under the review period as against the N126.9billion collected in the comparative period of 2023. This represents a surplus of ₦177.1billion when compared the 2023 figures and 139per cent when compared to the targeted quarterly revenue ...

. .. As CGC Commends Directing Staffs And Instructors for Dedication to Service The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, marked a significant milestone on Friday, April 19, 2024, as it graduated 50 officers from Junior Course 18. The ceremony which was held at the Ahmadu Makarfi Hall of the college,  was attended by top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, family members, and friends of the graduating officers. Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi MFR who represented by Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development Greg Itotoh, commended the directing staff and instructors for their exceptional input throughout the training session. He praised the graduating officers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to enhance the service's operations. While emphasising on the importance of capacity building in achieving the Nigeria Customs Service's stra...

The House of Representative Public Accounts Committee has given an opportunity to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Fiscal Responsibility Commission to amicably settle the differences on the alleged non-remittance of over N45 billion to the Consolidated  Revenue Fund. Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam gave the directive on Monday in Abuja during the Committee’s public hearing on leakages of government revenue. The FRC had alleged the SEC did not respond  to its report issued in 2022 where N45b unremiited operating surplus was  recorded against the Commission from 2007 to 2021. The Director General of SEC, Lamido Yuguda, while reacting to the allegation said the Commission had reconciled its operating surplus with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). “I think if the FRC had actually done a little more work, they would have seen from the OAGF all the efforts that we have made to reconcile the surplus figures from 2007 when FRSC...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared  every April 7th as National Police Day. This was revealed by the president at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja yesterday. Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, identified a complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the force into a modern, professional and accountable institution. According to him, his administration had initiated a wide range of reforms to revitalize the nation’s police force since assumption office in 2023. He, therefore, stressed the need to engage men and women of the police force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the arduous task of modern policing. He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the first week of April as police week and the last day o...

...As CGC Inspects Ongoing Projects At Seme Area Command The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, last week led a high-powered delegation to Benin Republic to the meet with the Director-General of the Customs Administration that country. The meeting which took place on Thursday, April 11, 2024 is in an  efforts to strengthen the longstanding cooperation between the Customs Administrations of both countries. According to a report, the primary focus of the meeting, as stated by the Nigeria Customs boss was to hold talks on strategies aimed at amplifying trade activities between the two nations and ensuring the seamless implementation of recommendations previously discussed during their rendezvous in Cotonou. Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, the CGC said: “We are cognisant of the established framework for cooperation between our respective Customs Administrations. This framework was established at a higher level by the ...

... Targets Two Hour Clearance Time for Vehicles The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has posted  the sum of N66,920,181,586.30 as revenue generated by the command in the first quarter (January  - March) of 2024 The figure, which shows a clear difference of  N22,198,965,809.55 higher than N44,721,215,776.75 generated  by the command within the same period January and March in 2023 represents an increase of  49.6 percent. Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command who described the increase in revenue collection as a laudable feat,  said the command is more committed towards trade facilitation and support government drive for ease of doing business. According to a statement issued on  behalf of the Area Controller by  the Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSC Muhammad Yakubu, the Controller thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR ...

The embattled former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele was today, 12th April 2024 granted bail by Justice Rahmon Oshodi granted bail in the sum of N50 million. (Fifty Million Naira ) only. Emefiele who has being facing 26 counts charges relating to alleged abuse of office and irregular allocation of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion, respectively but he has always pleaded innocent to all the charges As part of the bail conditions, Emefiele is required to provide two sureties in like sum. The embattled ex-CBN Governor has been facing several charges filed against him by the federal government since he left office in 2023. However, the court has yet to determine and decide any of the cases brought against him.

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians on a toxic cough syrup already in the market. The syrup, which the agency has also recalled due to recent toxicity findings is known as Benylin Paediatric Syrup manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in Cape Town South Africa with batch number 329304, the product was manufactured in May 2021, and it is to expire this month, April 2024. Laboratory analysis according to finding by the agency revealed an unacceptably high level of Diethylene glycol. “Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” NAFDAC said NAFDAC has directed the marketing authorization holder to initiate the recall and urged caution within the supply chain to avoid substandard products. Consumers are advised to discontinue use, r...

The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, has reacted to the boat mishap that claimed the lives of actor Pope Odonwodo and four others in Anam river in Anambra state on Wednesday, April 10. According to an interview with Vanguard, the state Area manager of NIWA, Suleiman Nicholas, said contrary to the claim that the incident happen in Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, of the state, the accident actually happened at the Akpaka Area a suburb of Onitsha and Nsugbe Anambra East Local Government Area, when the victims were going to Anam, where they went to shoot a movie. He disclosed that they were twelve in the ill fated boat, seven of the victims were rescued alive, two were recovered dead while three are still missing and out of the three missing, two are female, while one is male. He stated that NIWA officials alongside Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and Marine Police are currently at the scene of the incident in Akpaka Area of Onitsha and Nsugbe, conducting rescue a...

A former Governor of Abia State who was once a Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is reportedly dead. The governor who was also a former chairman of the now defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, was said to has passed on earlier today at an Abuja hospital, he was aged of 72 after a brief illness. According to  a statement from Jackson Udeh, First Civilian Governor of Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has passed on this morning in an Abuja hospital.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC)  of Apapa Customs Command,  Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba has commended the officers of the Non Intrusive Inspection Technology Unit (NIITU) for their invaluable contributions to the overall success of the command. Comptroller Jaiyeoba who was on an unscheduled visit to the scanning  site reminded the officers of the importance of team work as a strong basis to sustain the gains of compliance and revenue collection recently recorded by the command. He thanked Deputy Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, the Officer in charge of scanning site and encouraged the unit not to be deterred by complaints coming from persons who were made to pay accurate duties to government after issuance of demand notices. According to him ,  no business person who is made to part with money will be happy with officers that refused compromising the ethics of their job These were as contained in a statement circulated by the command's Public Relations Officer, ...

An afternoon fire has destroyed property worth millions of naira when  a three-storey building in the Apongbon area of Lagos State was engulfed in fire. It was gathered that the fire incident, which started at about 1pm  happened at 48, Breadfruit Street, Apongbon, Lagos, just barely two weeks after fire a similar  incident destroyed four buildings in Dosunmu Street, Idumota, Lagos. It was further learnt that the fire started from the second floor of the three-story building, primarily housing various hair wigs, but officials of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) prevented it from spreading to other buildings. Director, LSFRS, Margaret Adeseye, said the agency received a distress call at about 12:24.p.m and immediately initiated a comprehensive operation to contain the outbreak. “The call prompted a swift and coordinated response from multiple fire crews, including those stationed at Ebute Elefun, Sari Iganmu, Dolphin, and Alausa of the agency, as well as the...