Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Bankers Institute partners University, LIMBsimple to upscale entrepreneurial training

    Bankers Institute partners University, LIMBsimple to upscale entrepreneurial training

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has partnered with James Hope University and LIMBSimple Company Ltd. to promote inclusive growth through enterprise development within the banking and finance ecosystem.

    The partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday at the Bankers House in Lagos.

    CIBN’s President, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, said the partnership was aimed at boosting academic excellence, professional growth, and entrepreneurial development in the banking and finance sector.

    He said the agreement would establish the CIBN’s MSc. Finance and Chartered Banker (ACIB) linkage programme, allowing students to earn dual qualifications: an MSc. in ACIB professional certification.

    According to him, the programme is a Nigerian adaptation of the renowned Chartered Banker MBA (CBMBA) programme, jointly delivered by Bangor Business School and the Chartered Banker Institute, Scotland before now.

    He said the partnership with LIMBsimple Company Ltd. would also empower professionals, entrepreneurs, and retired bankers with structured entrepreneurial training.

    “It will also provide SME clinic, improved access to funding, global learning platforms, and robust mentorship support.

    “We are indeed delighted to formalise our collaboration through the MSc. Finance and Chartered Banker (ACIB) Linkage Programme.

    “This is a bold and forward-thinking initiative designed to offer students and practitioners the unique opportunities of graduating with dual qualifications: an MSc. ACIB professional certification.

    “The concept of extending the linkage programme to postgraduate studies was initiated in 2015.

    “With today’s signing, James Hope University becomes the 13th institution to join the elite league of universities in Nigeria, participating in the M.Sc, MBF and MBA ACIB linkage programme,” he said.

    Olanrewaju noted that the initiative aligned with the “Y” pillar of the LEGACY Agenda, focusing on youth and entrepreneurial engagement

    “The two agreements we are executing today reflect our broader institutional strategy to build a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative financial system.

    “This is a vision deeply rooted in my LEGACY Agenda as the 23rd President and Chairman of Council of the Institute.

    “Let us therefore move forward, hand in hand, to build a future where academic excellence, professional certification, and entrepreneurial resilience are accessible to all,” he said.

    Also, Prof. Abiola Babajide, Ag. Vice Chancellor, James Hope University, appreciated the CIBN for the collaborative opportunity to advance the vision of the university.

    Babajide said, “James Hope University Business School was established as a forward-thinking postgraduate institution, designed to bridge the critical skill gaps and address the growing capacity challenges in business, management, and the social sciences.

    “We recognise the urgent need for a new generation of professionals, equipped not only with knowledge but with the mindset, leadership, and innovative skills required to drive transformation across the continent.

    “I thank the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) for this collaborative opportunity to advance the vision of the University.

    “James Hope University Business School is not just a school. It is a movement. A movement committed to excellence, leadership, and the future of Africa.”

    Chief Executive Officer of LIMBSimple, Mr Ezekiel Solesi, noted that the firm was established 15 years ago.

    ” It has been providing simplified, technical, inspirational, and motivational information that will make deliberate improvements in people’s lives and businesses.”

    He said that having worked with over 4,500 businesses in the last 15 years, the partnership would help these individuals gain access to additional knowledge on accessing funds.

    “So, on one hand, we’re providing our technical expertise to the entrepreneurs within the CIBN community, trying to help them figure out strategies on how to scale their businesses.

    “On the other hand, CIBN is also providing for us access to high-level bankers and banking opportunities.

    “And then they’re also going to be able to bring their banking knowledge into our community to get our people ready.

    “So we want to take a deliberate step in getting our people to be ready for funding, and CIBN is the banker’s bank.

    “They’re the ones that can provide us with all that knowledge, resource people that can get our 4,500 member community ready for the opportunities for funding within the banking sector,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

  • Worsening Insecurity in Nigeria: President Tinubu’s Directive to Governor Mutfwang Is a Positive Development;

    Worsening Insecurity in Nigeria: President Tinubu’s Directive to Governor Mutfwang Is a Positive Development;

     

    –  State Governors Must Now Take Responsibility, Arm Their People, and Confront Terrorism Head-On – No More Excuses!

     

    By Sylvester Udemezue

    An Arise TV report of April 15, 2025, titled “Tinubu Tasks Governor Mutfwang to Confront Plateau Crisis Head-On, Says ‘Enough is Enough’,” stated that President Bola Tinubu directed Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to take decisive action to resolve the ongoing crisis and bring lasting peace to the state.

    This followed the killing of 54 people in Zike-Kimakpa community, Bassa Local Government Area, in an attack by gunmen—just a week after another assault in Bokkos Local Government Area that claimed 61 lives. The Vanguard Newspapers’ version under the headline, “Plateau, Benue Killings: Gov Alia Threatens, Tinubu Gives Mutfwang Marching Orders,” reporting that the President ordered Governor Mutfwang to take political action to resolve the crisis.

    The directive has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians criticizing it as an abdication of responsibility, questioning how governors can protect citizens without control over security agencies. Meanwhile, in response to the renewed wave of terror attacks across Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has emphasized that tackling insecurity is a collective duty of both the Federal and State Governments. In a recent statement, the NBA President noted that Section 14(2)(b) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution mandates that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” and called on President Tinubu and state governors to implement coordinated security strategies focused on intelligence gathering, rapid response, and protecting vulnerable communities. See: “NBA to FG: Prioritise intelligence gathering to curb nationwide killings”; The Cable; April 15, 2025.

    *Below Is My Take On The Presidential Directive To Governor Mutfwang:*

    1. By issuing the directive, the Federal Government has effectively—and indirectly—acknowledged its inability to tackle worsening insecurity alone. In doing so, it also concedes its limitations and implicitly endorses the late Governor Akeredolu’s call for decentralized and localized policing, as highlighted in his 2022 statement. See: “National Insecurity Requires Decentralised and Localised Policing, says Ondo’s Akeredolu”; SkyDaily; July 4, 2022.

    2. In view of this, and while I respectfully urge the Federal Government as a matter of national emergency, to intensify its efforts in addressing the escalating security challenges across parts of Nigeria, I submit that state governors must urgently take bold and proactive measures to confront insecurity within their jurisdictions. Specifically, governors should consider establishing state security outfits and equipping them with modern tools and resources necessary for effective security operations.

    3. Given the President’s directive to Governor Mutfwang and the earlier advice by the Director General of the SSS/DSS, it’s reasonable to conclude that if states establish and equip security outfits, no federal authority would have grounds to object. Speaking earlier at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, on 14 February 2025, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, had called for the arming of local communities for self-defence. He emphasized that communities should be empowered to act as the first line of defence against insurgency, ahead of intervention by the police, military, and other security agencies. See: “Insecurity: Why Nigerian communities should be armed for defence – SSS DG”: Premium Times; 14 February 2025.

    4. Accordingly, instead of criticizing the President’s directive to Governor Mutfwang, the directive should be commended as a broad mandate empowering all state governors to address security challenges in their states. This move effectively cedes a part of the responsibility to the governors, leaving them with no excuse for inaction against insecurity and terrorism.

    5. While the President’s directive is commendable, I believe the directive is incomplete. Mr President should go further by officially authorizing governors, as Chief Security Officers of their states, to procure modern arms — including AK-47s — and other necessary security equipment. Additionally, he must assure governors that there will be no interference in any lawful actions they take to combat insecurity. This is crucial, especially considering past tensions, such as the clash between the Federal Government and Governor Akeredolu over his efforts to arm the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State. See: (1) “Insecurity: Akeredolu Vows to Acquire Weapons for Amotekun, Blasts FG on Double Standards,” adding, “We believe in one Nigeria, but we cannot have one country, two systems.”; Premium Times; September 22, 2022. (2) “Insecurity: No State Has Approval to Procure Automatic Weapons–Presidency.” BusinessDay; September 29, 2022.

    6. Meanwhile, it must be re-emphasized that the directive by Mr. President does not exonerate the Federal Government for its failings, nor does it imply that the Federal Government will now abandon the states to their fate in this regard. I believe the directive is aimed at establishing a first line of defence in the ongoing war against insecurity in Nigeria. I accordingly submit that President Tinubu’s directive must be understood in the context of an earlier declaration by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), who stated that “the practical approach to mobilising people is that you have to get everyone involved.” The DG had further explained:

    “You do not expect the Nigerian army, police, DSS, to protect every Nigerian. It is not going to work. How can you create the first line of defence? The military, police, and other security agencies have to deal with the bigger ones, like organised crime. It is unimaginable that any security agencies have the resources to deploy to every community. What we have to start experimenting with is how we can make the community be a fist in the first line of defense.We have to allow some level of armament for the communities and they can serve as the first line of defence”.

    7. *Conclusion And Recommendation:* The REALITY is that, if we fail to rise now and defend ourselves against the terrorists who are determined to erase indigenous populations from Nigeria, we may one day wake up to find they have succeeded. The bandits and criminal elements wreaking havoc across the country are not acting randomly—they are on a deliberate mission. The sooner we acknowledge this harsh reality, the better. Prayers alone will not save us. The time for pragmatic, decisive action is now. We must take our destiny into our own hands if we hope to secure a safe and stable Nigeria for both present and future generations. Let us, therefore, be careful not to ignore this REALITY —because anyone who succeeds in ignoring reality will not succeed in escaping the consequences of doing so.

    ✔️To be continued.

    (Respectfully,
    §¢µð𝓮̂𝓶𝓮̂𝔃µ𝓮̂
    Sylvester Udemezue (udems),
    Legal Practitioner, Law Teacher, and Proctor of The Reality Ministry of Truth, Law, and Justice (A Public Interest Law Advocacy Group).
    08021365545. TheRealityMinister@gmail.com
    Date: 14 April 2025)

  • Rector harps on building insurance resilience amid uncertainty

    Rector harps on building insurance resilience amid uncertainty

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Dr Chizoba Ehiogu, Rector of the College of Insurance and Financial Management, has unveiled adaptive strategies to enhance insurance companies’ resilience in times of uncertainty.

    Speaking at the 2025 Business Day Insurance Conference on Wednesday in Lagos, Ehiogu stressed the importance of resilience amid weak consumer confidence, persistent inflation, and currency instability.

    Addressing the theme, ‘The Business of Insurance: Building Resilience in the Face of Economic Uncertainty’, she urged insurers to explore strategic alliances.

    She recommended partnerships with banks, fintech firms, and reinsurers to extend reach, share risks, boost resources, grow market share, and improve credit ratings.

    Ehiogu also advised insurance firms to reassess existing portfolios frequently and adjust offerings in line with current economic realities.

    “Regularly evaluate products to meet shifting needs. During hardship, offer affordable options to attract cost-conscious customers and boost policy renewals.

    “Enhance customer journeys by improving digital interactions and providing personalised services tailored to individual preferences and behaviours,” she said.

    She further encouraged the use of data analytics to refine products, improve engagement, foster loyalty, and enhance customer retention.

    Ehiogu highlighted the role of human capital and leadership in navigating industry challenges and driving sustainable growth.

    She emphasised retaining skilled employees, noting that a motivated workforce is vital for successful adaptation and long-term stability.

    “Focus on employee well-being and offer incentives to reduce turnover and maintain essential skills,” she added.

    She also stressed the need for resilient leadership capable of managing disruptions and swiftly addressing emerging risks.

    “Strong leaders ensure agility, adaptability, and guide strategic responses to enhance market competitiveness,” Ehiogu said.

    She recommended attracting top talent in technology and digital innovation through competitive packages and career development opportunities.

    On financial performance, Ehiogu noted the importance of sustaining solvency and profitability amid inflation and forex volatility.

    “This can be done through strict cost control, especially in claims and administrative processes.

    “Streamline operations and use technology to reduce inflationary pressures while supporting profitability and efficiency,” she said.

    She added that improving working capital and accelerating cash conversion would also help maintain solvency.

    Mr Aminu Tukur, Vice Chairman of Noor Takaful Insurance Ltd., also addressed the event and called for deeper insurance penetration.

    He noted that conventional insurance still struggles to reach the grassroots due to trust issues, religious concerns, and affordability challenges.

  • Coalition seeks probe of $1.5bn investment in Port Harcourt Refinery

    Coalition seeks probe of $1.5bn investment in Port Harcourt Refinery

     

    Flowerbudnews

    A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has called for investigation into the $1.5 billion investment in Port Harcourt Refinery by the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari.

    The coalition, Situation Room on Transparency and Accountability, led by its Convener, Mr Michael Omoba, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Omoba said that Nigerians were made to believe that the funds allocated by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in 2021, were meant for a comprehensive rehabilitation of two refineries but was spent only on Port Harcourt refinery.

    “The said refinery turned out to be non-functional, failing to meet the least functional or industrial standard that was expected of such an investment.

    “Indeed, such fiscal mismanagement would have been the subject of a rigorous criminal investigation involving every national and international party.

    “Why was the initial plan of rehabilitating two refineries abandoned without justification? Who are those responsible for this national capture of our resources?” he queried.

    According to him, that such colossal sum was spent with no concrete outcome and accountability says a lot about the Kyari-led administration.

    The coalition convener said that the gross mismanagement of funds in the oil and gas sector over the past five years had stifled the country’s economic and infrastructural development.

    He also said that it had impoverished citizens who had been making their tax contributions and sabotaged sustainability.

    “It is a plain example of what erodes investors’ confidence and invites speculative capital, rather than stable foreign direct investment (FDI).

    “This NNPCL revelation reveal an elite syndicate conspiracy against the citizens of this great country.

    “It is a betrayal of the Nigerian dream and this economic hemorrhaging must stop.

    “In addition to the many atrocious adventures of Kyari’s leadership, the suspension of the Naira-for-crude policy under his tenure was a monumental disservice and disability to our local economy,” he said.

    Omoba, therefore, called for an immediate constitution of a special commission of inquiry to investigate the full financial activities of the NNPCL in the last five years under the Kyari’s leadership.

    He also called for a forensic audit of all NNPCL financial transactions, adding that those found culpable should be made to face the full weight of the law.

    He further recommended a legislative hearing to ensure that the National Assembly maintained the highest transparency standard for the newly-appointed NNPCL board.

  • Easter: There are signs of hope for economic wellbeing for Nigerians – APC Chieftain

    Easter: There are signs of hope for economic wellbeing for Nigerians – APC Chieftain

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews
    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Hycienth Ngwu, says there are signs of Hope for economic wellbeing for Nigerians under programmes of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Ngwu, who is the former South-East Publicity Secretary of the APC, said this on Thursday in Enugu in his Easter Goodwill Message to Nigerians.


    He noted that the Tax Reform Bills and deepening the Naira for Crude policy “will further and positively” stimulate the country’s economy for the benefit of millions of Nigerians.

    According to him, the Senate should make the passage of the Tax Reform Bills as a priority, just like the House of Representatives did.

    “When passed, the implementation of the new tax laws will bring about a tremendous relief to ordinary Nigerians.

    “The implementation of the Naira for Crude is already driving down the price of vehicular fuel and will certainly moderate inflationary pressure.

    “Alll these and more are signs of hope, which the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda seeks to give Nigerians,” he said.


    The APC chieftain, however, urged Nigerians to persevere, adding that “after Easter comes the salvation, and so shall it be to Nigeria.”

    He said that there is no genuine success without sacrifice.

    “Easter reminds us how Jesus Christ endured hardships, sacrificed leisure and embraced strict discipline and at the end, became the darling of the world.

    “Nothing good comes so easy.
    Gold usually undergoes through tough refining processes to become the king of jewelries.


    “I believe that Nigeria is undergoing necessary processes that will make it stand out as a developed nation that will cater to all Nigerians.

    “Let’s like the gold bear the refining processes we are currently undergoing so that at last we shall laugh the best,” he added.

  • Easter: Gov. Bassey Otu Offers Free Transportation for Cross Riverians

     

    By Biola Lawal

    FLOWERBUDNEWS:  In the true spirit of Easter and as a reflection of his compassionate leadership, His Excellency, Senator (Prince)

    Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has offered free transportation Governor, is once again demonstrating what it means to lead with love, empathy, and purposeful impact.

    As we enter this sacred season of renewal and celebration, Governor Bassey Otu has graciously approved free bus and boat transport services across Cross River State, a thoughtful gesture to ease the burden of transportation on our people and ensure everyone, regardless of background or status, feels the joy and sweetness of Easter.

    From the bustling streets of Calabar to the heart of the northern, central, and southern zones of our dear state, these free buses will circulate widely, making movement easier for families, workers, students, and visitors alike.
    And for our riverine brothers and sisters, free boat services from Calabar to Odukpani have also been made available, a true mark of the Governor’s determination to carry everyone along.

    This initiative is more than a policy, it is a bold statement of love, reminding us all that we are stronger together and that under this administration, the people come first.

    As you travel to celebrate with loved ones, attend church services, visit hometowns, or simply embrace the beauty of the Easter season, remember that this gift is a reflection of the Governor’s resolute loyalty to touch every life with the Sweetness of Democracy.

    Let us move in joy, peace, and gratitude and say a prayer for a leader whose heart truly beats for his people.

    Happy Easter, Cross River State!
    Sweetness is not just a slogan, it’s a way of life.

    – Barr Dr. Akiba Ekpenyong
    Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties

  • NAFDAC DG Cautions Nigerians Against Use of counterfeit Aflotin drugs

    NAFDAC DG Cautions Nigerians Against Use of counterfeit Aflotin drugs

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has cautioned Nigerians against use of counterfeited Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets with the brand name Aflotin 20/120.

    In a public alert on the Agency’s X handle, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that the counterfeited product was discovered and reported to the Agency by the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited from Mumbai, India,

    ”“Genuine Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (20mg/120mg) and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.

    She said Ajanta Pharma disclosed that it manufactured the counterfeited product with batch number PA2128L in December 2018, with an expiry date of November 2020.

    Ajanta Pharma said that the batch was created for Combisunate 20/120 (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg Tablets), with a pack size of 30 x 24 tablets, but had now been counterfeited and was being sold as Aflotin 20/120mg with a pack size of 1 x 18 tablets.

    The company added that the overprinted matter did not match Ajanta’s overprinting style.

    Prof. Adeyeye said that the company had confirmed that the Aflotin 20/120mg with Batch No: PA2128L available in the Nigerian market was a counterfeit, as determined by the investigation carried out and observations made on the product.

    “The genuine Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (20mg/120mg) and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite,”  She said.

    The NAFDAC Boss emphasised that counterfeit medicines endangered people’s health because they do not comply with regulatory standards, which meant the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products are not ensured.

    “The use of counterfeit medicines often fail to treat diseases or conditions effectively, leading to serious health consequences, including death,” the NAFDAC DG said.

    She directed all NAFDAC coordinators to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found within their zones and states.

    Prof. Adeyeye also urged distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.

    She advised that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. (

  • 151 false beacon emergency satellite alert received in 2024 – NEMA-NIMCC Centre

    151 false beacon emergency satellite alert received in 2024 – NEMA-NIMCC Centre

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The National Emergency Management Ageney (NEMA) says its Nigeria Mission Control Centre (NIMCC) received a total of 151 false beacon emergency satellite alert throughout the country in 2024.

    The Agency’s NIMCC centre lamented that it was unfortunate that all its total 151 beacon emergency satellite alert received by
    NIMCC in 2024 were all false alerts; thus, wasting manpower and logistics spent by emergency response centres to track the alerts.


    The Director of Search and Rescue Department of NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, in an adress on Wednesday in Enugu during a Sensitisation and Awareness Campaign/Training for COSPAS-SARSAT Beacon Users in Nigeria, noted the need for greater responsible usage of beacons.

    Represented by the Director of NEMA South-East, Mr Wilson Brandon, Oyong appreciated the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, for granting approval for the conduct of the vital training programme.


    According to him, the Director General of NEMA visionary leadership and unwavering support for enhancement of our capabilities in Search and Rescue Department in NEMA has been a source of inspiration to us all.

    He said, “As we gather here today, I want to emphasise the critical importance of safety at sea, in the air, and on land.

    “The COSPAS-SARSAT (Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking) system is a vital component of our national safety infrastructure, providing distress alert services to those in need.


    “However, the effectiveness of this system relies on the proper use and understanding of COSPAS-SARSAT beacons by users.

    “This is why we are here today to sensitise beacon users on the proper deployment, operation and maintenance of these life-saving devices. Our campaign aims to reach all beacon users in Nigeria, including maritime, aviation and land-based users.”

    The director said that the training would cover topics such as: “The Overview of COSPAS-SARSAT System”; “The Importance of COSPAS-SARSAT Beacons in Emergency Situations; and Proper Installation, Testing, and Maintenance of Beacons.”


    He notes that other topics to be treated in the training would be
    “Understanding False Alerts and How to Prevent Them”; and “Best Practices for Beacon Use and Emergency Procedures.”

    The Head of Mission Control Centre, Commander Ademola Oriyomi, noted that the training was meant to get stakeholders to use the beacon responsibly.

    Oriyomi noted that the responsible and effective use of beacon would enhance effectiveness of national search and rescue operations.


    “We want to ensure that NEMA carrys all stakeholders using beacon technology along and achieve zero-false beacon alerts/calls moving ahead,” he said.

    The commander noted that beacon technology experts would share their thoughts, insights and experiences on various topics and thereafter, there would be an interactive session to encourage collaboration among participants and among NEMA-NIMCC officials.

    During the training, Mr Salami Abdullahi lectured on: “Prevalence of False Alerts in Nigeria and its Implications; while Mr A.O. Ayorinde lectured on: “Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Beacon Handling, Maintenance and Coding Method among others.


    The participants at the training were drawn from National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA); the Nigerian Air-Force, FRSC, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, private/commercial airline officials and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) among others.

    The training is themed: “Keeping Abreast with Emerging Technology”.

  • Customs command generates N45.7bn in Q1

    Customs command generates N45.7bn in Q1

     

     

    Flowerbudnews

    Lagos;   (NAN)/Flowerbudnews :  The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Command, Comptroller Michael Awe, says the command generated N45.7 billion in Q1 2025.

     

    Awe disclosed this during a news conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, where he highlighted the command’s improved revenue performance compared to Q1 2024.

    (A cross section of The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammad Command, Comptroller Michael Awe, and his management team during a briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.)

    He noted that the revenue in Q1 2025 surpassed the N45.4 billion recorded in Q1 2024, indicating an increase of N276.9 million.

     

    This growth, he said, represented a 0.61 per cent rise, reflecting the command’s improved operational strategies and stakeholder compliance.

     

    Awe credited the performance to increased stakeholder compliance, strict enforcement of trade rules, and timely blockage of revenue leakages through prompt interventions.

    (The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Muritala Muhammad Command, Comptroller Michael Awe.)

    He praised the command’s compliant traders and stakeholders for their continued support in driving revenue, aligning with the service’s core mandate.

     

    On anti-smuggling, Awe said the command recorded several seizures during the period under review, including four packages of immigration camouflage uniforms in rolls.

     

    Other seized items included 19 packages of two-way Motorola walkie-talkies and three packages of Colorado CAT leaves.

     

    The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these items stood at N132.4 million, underscoring the significance of the interceptions.

     

    He said the seizures were enabled by intelligence sharing, officer vigilance, and regular profiling of high-risk shipments.

     

    “Let me reaffirm that the command is committed to thwarting all forms of illegitimate trade through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command.

     

    “We shall enforce all applicable laws and regulations with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Awe said.

     

    He stated that a strong relationship with stakeholders, sister agencies, and strategic partners had been instrumental in achieving these results.

     

    This collaboration, he said, ensures timely intelligence exchange, swift operations, and seamless coordination across functions.

     

    Awe described stakeholder engagement as central to his strategy, fostering trust, openness, and mutual respect within the trading community.

     

    He said such engagements had enhanced compliance and improved capacity to respond to emerging trade and security challenges.

     

    Looking ahead, Awe assured that the command remained focused on boosting revenue and facilitating legitimate trade in Q2 2025.

     

    He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his team for their strategic guidance and support.

     

    Awe also thanked the officers of the command for their dedication, vigilance, and professionalism, calling them the foundation of the command’s success.

     

    He acknowledged the media’s role, appreciating journalists for their prompt, accurate reporting which helps foster transparency in customs operations.