Tag: Customs

  • Area Controller pledges zero tolerance for smuggling at PTML

    Area Controller pledges zero tolerance for smuggling at PTML

     

    Lagos:  The newly redeployed Customs Area Controller, Ports Terminal Multi services Ltd (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has pledged to sustain zero tolerance for smuggling.
    He also vowed to promote genuine trade facilitation.

    Anani made the pledge while assuming leadership of the command from the newly promoted Assistant Comptroller General, Tenny Daniyan, in Lagos on Friday.

    (The new Assistant Controller of PTML, Comptroller Joe Anani, receiving the service flag from the outgoing controller and newly decorated Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, Tenny Daniyan, in Lagos on Friday)

    He praised the organisation of the command and stakeholders, promising to build on the pioneering feats achieved under ACG Daniyan’s leadership.

     

    Anani highlighted revenue generation and trade facilitation milestones achieved through the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu, as key legacies he would sustain and improve upon.

    (A cross section of Customs officers during the handing over ceremony of Comptroller Joe Anani in Lagos on Friday)

    He called on customs officers, sister agencies, private sector operators and stakeholders to support him in maintaining PTML’s strong records of performance and compliance.

     

    Anani urged stakeholders to remain compliant with regulations, noting that they stand to benefit more by staying on the right side of the law.

     

    “I will strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling. I promise to be accessible, and everyone should feel free to interact with me,” Anani said.

    He thanked the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve, stressing that success must remain a collective responsibility for officers and stakeholders.

     

    Anani pledged to improve on gains achieved by his predecessors, especially in faster cargo clearance, which aligns with the World Customs Organisation’s Time Release Study programme.

     

    He noted PTML already maintains an outstanding two-hour cargo release record for compliant RoRo consignments, which could be shortened with improved compliance and efficiency.

     

    “Compliance is the key to trade facilitation. It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners,” he stated.

    He warned that non-compliance results in interventions, demand notices, delays, seizures, detentions and possible arrests, stressing that compliance benefits all by saving both time and money.

     

    Anani reaffirmed his commitment to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling, adding that PTML must remain a model port of efficiency, security and effective trade facilitation.

     

    He commended ACG Daniyan for successfully piloting and deploying B’Odogwu across commands, describing his leadership as trailblazing in revenue, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling and stakeholder engagement.

     

    President of APFFLON, Mr Frank Ogunojemite, described Daniyan as a leader whose achievements speak volumes, urging him to take his zeal to NCS management.

     

    Chairman of ANLCA PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne, hailed Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving a “certificate of project completion” for consolidating the success of B’Odogwu.

  • Babadede takes over Customs Zone ‘A’ , pledges to achieve 100% revenue target

    Babadede takes over Customs Zone ‘A’ , pledges to achieve 100% revenue target

     

    Lagos:   The newly appointed Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ACG Muhammed Babadede, has pledged to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation.

    Babadede, who replaced newly promoted DCG Charles Orbih as Zonal Coordinator, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, made the commitment on Friday during the official handover ceremony in Lagos.

    The Senate has approved a 2025 revenue target of N10 trillion for the Nigeria Customs Service.

    (-The new Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Zone ‘A’ , and Zonal Coordinator Muhammed Babadede receives the service flag from the out going Zonal Coordinator and newly decorated Deputy Comptroller-General, DCG Charles Orbih, in Lagos on Friday day)

     

    Babadede thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for entrusting him with the leadership of what he called the service’s “superliner zone.”

     

    He said: “The CGC appointed me ACG of Zone ‘A’ and instructed me to align with his agenda of revenue collection and trade facilitation.”

     

    ( The new Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Zone ‘A’ , and Zonal Coordinator Muhammed Babadede, after mounting is flag as the command coordinator.)

    He stressed that issues compromising national security or public health would not be tolerated under his leadership.

     

    “Zone ‘A’ is the main baby that lays the golden eggs for customs revenue generation,” Babadede said.

     

    He added that Zone ‘A’ is the highest revenue earner for the service and all officers must work together to surpass the 2025 revenue target.

    Babadede urged officers to collaborate, maintain integrity, and uphold the ethics of the service, noting that teamwork would help them reach their goals.

     

    While handing over, DCG Orbih expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General for providing clear direction and elevating him to the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General.

     

    He also praised God and the CGC’s administrative dynamism, which, he said, had significantly improved customs operations nationwide.

     

    Orbih commended Babadede’s past contributions as Port Harcourt Controller and lauded Comptroller Muhammed Shu’aibu’s commitment to the service as FOU Zone ‘A’ leader.

    He described Zone ‘A’ as a hub of excellence, professionalism, and national service, from which the entire customs service draws strength and character.

     

    Orbih praised officers of the zone as “unsung heroes” whose sacrifices have powered the service’s success.

     

    He said serving as Zone ‘A’ Coordinator was one of his career’s highest honours, leaving him with lasting relationships, lessons, and memories.

     

    Orbih described Babadede as a leader of exceptional calibre, proven integrity, and deep knowledge of customs operations, urging officers to extend him maximum cooperation.

     

    In his remarks, Comptroller Rolland Nwankwo, speaking on behalf of officers, congratulated Babadede and pledged maximum support to help him achieve the service’s objectives.

     

    The handover ceremony was witnessed by Babadede’s wife, customs officers, stakeholders, and friends of both the outgoing DCG and the incoming ACG.

     

     

  • Area Controller pledges zero tolerance for smuggling at PTML

    Area Controller pledges zero tolerance for smuggling at PTML

     

     

    ((A cross section of Customs officers during the handing over ceremony of Comptroller Joe Anani in Lagos on Friday))

     

    Lagos:  , The newly redeployed Customs Area Controller, Ports Terminal Multi services Ltd (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, has pledged to sustain zero tolerance for smuggling.

    He also vowed to promote genuine trade facilitation.

    Anani made the pledge while assuming leadership of the command from the newly promoted Assistant Comptroller General, Tenny Daniyan, in Lagos on Friday.

    (The new Assistant Controller of PTML, Comptroller Joe Anani, receiving the service flag from the outgoing controller and newly decorated Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG, Tenny Daniyan, in Lagos on Friday)

    He praised the organisation of the command and stakeholders, promising to build on the pioneering feats achieved under ACG Daniyan’s leadership.

     

    Anani highlighted revenue generation and trade facilitation milestones achieved through the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu, as key legacies he would sustain and improve upon.

     

    He called on customs officers, sister agencies, private sector operators and stakeholders to support him in maintaining PTML’s strong records of performance and compliance.

     

    Anani urged stakeholders to remain compliant with regulations, noting that they stand to benefit more by staying on the right side of the law.

     

    “I will strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling. I promise to be accessible, and everyone should feel free to interact with me,” Anani said.

    He thanked the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve, stressing that success must remain a collective responsibility for officers and stakeholders.

     

    Anani pledged to improve on gains achieved by his predecessors, especially in faster cargo clearance, which aligns with the World Customs Organisation’s Time Release Study programme.

     

    He noted PTML already maintains an outstanding two-hour cargo release record for compliant RoRo consignments, which could be shortened with improved compliance and efficiency.

     

    “Compliance is the key to trade facilitation. It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners,” he stated.

     

    He warned that non-compliance results in interventions, demand notices, delays, seizures, detentions and possible arrests, stressing that compliance benefits all by saving both time and money.

     

    Anani reaffirmed his commitment to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling, adding that PTML must remain a model port of efficiency, security and effective trade facilitation.

     

    He commended ACG Daniyan for successfully piloting and deploying B’Odogwu across commands, describing his leadership as trailblazing in revenue, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling and stakeholder engagement.

     

    President of APFFLON, Mr Frank Ogunojemite, described Daniyan as a leader whose achievements speak volumes, urging him to take his zeal to NCS management.

     

    Chairman of ANLCA PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne, hailed Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving a “certificate of project completion” for consolidating the success of B’Odogwu.

  • New MMIA Customs boss pledges stronger revenue, trade facilitation

    New MMIA Customs boss pledges stronger revenue, trade facilitation

    New Customs Area Controller of MMIA, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie (left), receives the service flag from the outgoing Controller, Comptroller Effiong Harrison, during the official handover ceremony as Harrison bows out of service in Lagos on Thursday

     

    Lagos: The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, has pledged to strengthen revenue collection, curb smuggling, and boost trade facilitation.

    Nwokorie, who assumed duty on Thursday following the retirement of Comptroller Effiong Harrison, made the commitment during the official handover ceremony in Lagos.

    He promised that the command would intensify efforts to collect customs duties and other import charges, intercept prohibited goods, and ensure compliance with regulations while supporting legitimate trade.

    He also pledged to adopt an open-door policy, promote inclusiveness, and work closely with stakeholders to enhance performance.

    “I want to thank the Almighty for a special day like this. I also thank the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, for finding me worthy to represent him here.

    “While sitting here, there’s no way I’ll know everything happening around. You, the officers on the field, are my eyes.

    “I strongly believe we will all work together in peace and harmony,” Nwokorie said.

    In his farewell message, Harrison, who retired after 35 years of service, thanked officers for their dedication and professionalism during his tenure, noting that no dismissals or interdictions occurred under his watch.

    He praised Nwokorie’s posting as “a welcome development,” expressing confidence that his experience and national security consciousness would further strengthen the command.

    Harrison urged officers to extend their loyalty and cooperation to the new controller to sustain the progress achieved.
    ============

  • The Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Mr Olanrewaju Hakeem, assured Oshoba of continued support.

    The Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Mr Olanrewaju Hakeem, assured Oshoba of continued support.

     

    The Chairman of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Mr Olanrewaju Hakeem, assured Oshoba of continued support.

    (A cross-section of stakeholders and senior officers at the handover ceremony to the new Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, in Lagos on Monday)

    The African Industry Group (AIG) Manager, Mr Shahab Ahmad, hailed Olomu’s leadership and promised support to help the command surpass its 2025 revenue targets.

    Other goodwill messages came from media representatives and industry players, who lauded Olomu’s openness and urged officers to continue projecting the Service’s positive image.

    (The new Customer Area Controller of Apapa, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, receives the service flag from the outgoing Comptroller and newly decorated Assistant Comptroller-General, ACG Babatunde Olomu, in Lagos on Monday)

    The ceremony was attended by senior customs officers, sister agencies, freight forwarders, and other well-wishers.

  • Customs free trade zone command generates N459bn in 8 months

    Customs free trade zone command generates N459bn in 8 months

    The Customs Area Controller, Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), Comptroller Olanrewaju Olomu hands over to Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar in Lagos.
    Customs

    ‎The Customs Area Controller, Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Olanrewaju Olomu, says the command generated a total revenue of N459.8 billion between January and August.

    Olumoh,,a Comptroller, said this in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abiola Abdullahi-Lagos.

    Dr Olumoh made the disclosure during his retirement speech and handing over of the new leadership of the command.

    He commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, and officers of the command for the successes recorded during his stay.

    He said that they made him achieve steady revenue growth by building stronger partnerships with stakeholders, operators and sister agencies.

    Olumoh said that he deepened the culture of professionalism and discipline within the command, while the service also carried out Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) in their host communities.

    According to him, the command recorded significant increase in revenue generation due to supervision of the Free Zones and Port activities, stricter enforcement, compliance and stronger collaboration with key stakeholders.

    “We have sustained a cordial and cooperative relationship with other sister agencies as well as port health through regular joint operations, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement activities.

    “The culture of professionalism and discipline among officers of the command was a hallmark of my administration.

    “Through continuous engagement, strict adherence to Customs procedures and collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and Customs Police Unit (CPU).

    “In the area of CSR, the Command made meaningful impact through the renovation of the Roman Catholic Primary School in Lekki,” Olumoh said.

    He said that the initiative provided pupils with a more conducive learning environment, enhanced the school’s infrastructure and underscored the command’s commitment to community development

    He said that beyond improving facilities, the command also strengthened the bond between the service and the host community, while projecting the NCS initiative to advancing education and societal growth.

    “My journey in customs may have ended, but the Service remains eternal. The baton has been passed, and I am confident that the future of the Nigeria Customs Service is bright.

    “As I step into retirement, I carry with me not only memories of services, but the assurance that I leave behind men and women who will continue to defend the honour of this noble Service.

    “I urge officers to redouble the support and dedication to the newly deployed comtroller of the command, Mrs Hauwa Abubakar, to enable the service surpass the 2025 revenue targets, ” he said.

    Olumoh thanked his family, colleagues, and the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for their support and cooperation.

    ‎In her remarks, the new Customs Area Controller of the LFTZ command commended the excellent performance of her predecessor.

    Abubakar pledged to build on the successes of Olumoh, and appreciated the comptroller-General for giving her the opportunity to stear the affairs of the command.

    She sought the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the press, to make her tenure more successful with tremendous achievement.
    ===========

  • Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    (NAFDAC DG. Prof Mojisola Adeyeye)

     

    By

     

    Lagos:  , Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday handed over expired pharmaceutical products valued at N3.77 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, in Lagos.

    (Picture of some of the expired pharmaceutical products handed over to NAFDAC by FOU Zone ‘A’ in Lagos on Tuesday)

     

    Abdullahi said that the handover took place during a visit by the new NAFDAC Director of Enforcement and Investigation, Dr Martin Iluyomade, to FOU Zone ‘A’ on Aug. 25.

    The Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to upholding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NCS and NAFDAC.

    This, he described as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fake and counterfeit products.

    (Some of the Management staff of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ and officials of the National FOU Zone ‘A’ hands over N3.7bn expired pharmaceutical to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NADAC) visited the Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone ‘A’ in Lagos on Tuesday)5

    “What we are witnessing today is a follow-up to the MoU between the two agencies.

    “This MoU emphasises the importance of collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to continuously thwart the smuggling and importation of harmful consignments,” he said.

    Shu’aibu disclosed that three trucks loaded with various expired pharmaceutical products were handed over. The items, packed in sacks and cartons, included Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others.

    “The wide range of these products poses serious risks to public health if not properly regulated.

    “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the expired pharmaceuticals stands at N3.77 billion,” he added.

    He stressed that the Service remained committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines in Nigeria and that expired products would be handled with utmost seriousness.

    According to him, the handover is not a one-off event, as more consignments will be transferred to NAFDAC after ongoing investigations.

    He further assured Nigerians that Customs would continue to prioritise public health by preventing expired and counterfeit drugs from circulating in markets.

    Receiving the consignments on behalf of the NAFDAC Director-General, Iluyomade commended the NCS for its unwavering commitment to the MoU, describing the collaboration as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public health.

    He noted that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in combating the smuggling of counterfeit and fake pharmaceuticals.

  • Customs Kirikiri command generates ₦89.2bn, seizes expired codeine

    Customs Kirikiri command generates ₦89.2bn, seizes expired codeine

     

     

    Lagos:  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command says it generated ₦89.2 billion from imports between January and June 2025.

     

    Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Esohe Edelduok, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing in Lagos.

     

    Edelduok said revenue in the second quarter of 2025 rose by ₦34.3 billion, a 63 per cent increase from the same period in 2024.

     

    “When compared with the ₦54.8 billion recorded in the second quarter of 2024, it reflects a clear increase of ₦34.3 billion, or 63 per cent,” she said.

     

    She attributed the growth to effective revenue collection strategies and the dedication of officers in combating smuggling and illicit trade.

     

    She stressed the command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement through an open-door policy, fostering positive relationships and promoting compliance.

     

    Edelduok handed over two 40-foot containers of expired pharmaceutical codeine, with a duty paid value of ₦130 million, to NAFDAC for further action.

     

    The two seized containers were re-examined on Thursday by customs and NDLEA officers, who confirmed the figures before the handover.

     

    No arrest was made over the seizures. The drug, imported from India, contravened the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

     

    Edelduok thanked stakeholders and partner agencies for their cooperation and urged them to continue working together for national development.

     

    She expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support and the platform to excel.

     

    “The command remains committed to transparency, efficiency, and national security in all operations,” Edelduok said.

     

    She praised officers of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for integrity in tackling smuggling, urging them to strictly observe rules of engagement.

     

    The Comptroller encouraged officers to maintain high standards and uphold service values in all engagements.

     

    Receiving the expired products, NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Ashiru Abdullahi, commended customs for its sustained fight against illicit substance smuggling.

    Abdullahi urged fraudulent importers to desist, describing them as economic saboteurs.

  • Customs intercepts ammunition, cannabis, others worth N10bn, arrest 5 suspects

    Customs intercepts ammunition, cannabis, others worth N10bn, arrest 5 suspects

     

    (Comptroller Babatunde Olomu and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, displaying intercepted ammunition at Apapa port in Lagos on Monday)

     

    Lagos:  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 16 containers of contraband valued at more than N10 billion and arrested five suspects in connection with the seizures at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

    Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi disclosed this at a news conference on Monday.

    He state that the seizures followed weeks of intelligence gathering, coordinated inspections, and inter-agency collaboration.

    Adeniyi said the intercepted items included cannabis indica, arms, expired pharmaceuticals, counterfeit goods, frozen poultry, and used clothing.

    He explained that three suspects had been charged to court and remanded in Ikoyi Prison, while two others were on administrative bail pending further investigation.

    According to him, a 40-foot container with number MRSU6407089, initially cleared as clean cargo, was discovered during a joint examination with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to contain 202 cans of Canadian cannabis.

    He said it also included two pump-action rifles, 25 cartridges, a Smith & Wesson pistol, 55 rounds of ammunition, and other accessories wh was consigned to a Lagos-based importer, identified as Mr Babatunde Ogidioglu.

    The customs boss said other seizures included seven containers of expired drugs and banned medicaments, three containers of expired food products, mainly margarine, three containers of prohibited used clothing, and two 40-foot containers with 1,290 sacks of frozen poultry each.

    Adeniyi added that one container with number ZZSU7277511 held 305 cartons of unregistered toothpaste concealed under beads and jalabiyas, while two other containers of expired chest and lung tablets without NAFDAC registration numbers were intercepted.

    He boted that two newly arrived 40-foot containers of codeine syrup were also traced to the same syndicate.

    Adeniyi placed the duty-paid value of the seized goods at over N10 billion, stressing that the street value in the hands of criminals would be far higher.

    He said the operation demonstrated the NCS’ determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for harmful imports.

    He also confirmed that prosecutions had begun and warned that the service would sustain strict checks on pharmaceutical imports.

    According to him, this will be by stopping the transfer of such containers to bonded terminals outside the ports.

    He also citied operators’ failure to meet compliance standards.

    The NCS chief commended the efforts of the Apapa Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, and the cooperation of sister agencies, including NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

    He said that Nigeria had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 10 countries to checkmate importation of illicit substances into the country.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Olakunle Olaniyan, NAFDAC Director of Ports, said the intercepted pharmaceuticals were fake and dangerous to public health.

    He noted that NAFDAC had inspection offices in China and India to monitor exports before they arrive in Nigeria.

    Also, NDLEA Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Buba Wakawa, confirmed that the cannabis indica was imported from Canada and posed more harm than the locally grown cannabis sativa.

    The Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, retired Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Alamutu, commended the NCS for consistently supporting the agency’s work against illicit arms trafficking.