Tag: Customs

 

Lagos:   (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 445 bags of parboiled rice in an operation lasting less than an hour along the Ogun Area Command.

(Comptroller Kola Oladeji with officers during the briefing of 445 bags of parboiled rice in Lagos on Tuesday.)

The Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday.

Oladeji said the interception occurred early on Tuesday at the Ijohun axis along the Ogun border.

He credited the successful operation to intelligence reports received from stakeholders.

“Our officers intercepted a truckload of rice. As soon as the smugglers saw them, they fled, leaving the truck behind,” he said.

The truck was stuck in a swampy area, so officers hired another vehicle to transport the seized rice to the unit for documentation.

(Caption :Comptroller Kola Oladeji, controller Federal Operation Unit FOU Zone A displaying intercepted rice to media in Lagos)

“The 445 bags of rice have been forfeited to the Federal Government. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no casualties were recorded,” he added.

 

He explained that smugglers usually comply with Customs’ rules of engagement, while officers prioritise protecting lives and property.

 

Oladeji praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for equipping the command and motivating officers, leading to impressive results.

He also acknowledged the support of stakeholders and traditional rulers in the zone for assisting Customs operations.

 

He warned smugglers to embrace legal businesses and support Nigerian rice farmers instead of smuggling expired rice into the country.

 

Oladeji urged them to invest in local farming and create jobs for Nigerian youths rather than supporting foreign economies like Thailand and India.

 

“Invest in legitimate business in Nigeria because we will not allow smuggling to thrive in this country,” he said. (Flowerbudnews)

 

 

 

The Tin Can Island Port Command, Nigeria Customs Service, has handed over illicit drug worth over N8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, on Monday, March 10, 2025, handed over the items to the Commander NDLEA, Tincan Island Strategic Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju, at the Enforcement Unit of the Command.

Speaking, Onyeka noted that the drugs were intercepted due to high level of intelligence gathered by officers of the Command, in collaboration with the men of the NDLEA.

The Controller disclosed that the 2X20FT containers which were intercepted in different batches, were falsely declared to contain used Cars and used Auto Spare parts originating from Canada.

He gave the breakdown of the consignments as follows:
1X20 ft Container No. TCNU 194586/1, which was intercepted on the 27 of February, 2025

“Th container was found to contain 128 packets of Cannabis Indica, which weighed a total of 63.75 kilograms with an an estimated street value of N414.3 million.

 

_The second container with no. MSMU 838666/3 was intercepted on the 12 of December, 2024 and was found to contain 97 packets of Crystals Methamphetamine, weighing a total of 78.3 kilograms with an estimated street value of N2 billion.

“Also another 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica with a total weight of 867.5 kilograms and an estimated street value of N5.6 billion.

“This brought the total street value of the seized drugs to from the command to N8.05 billion,”Onyeka

He explained further that the seizures underscored the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the Nation from the menace of illicit drugs.

Tincan Island Customs Command boss reiterated the Command’s commitment to facilitating trade, while remaining vigilant against activities that threatens National Security and public health.

He pointed out that the command will continue to enhance its operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to effectively combat smuggling and other illicit activities.

Onyeka urged all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Command in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports.

While receiving the illicit drugs from customs, the NDLEA Commander at the Tincan Island Port, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, commended NCS for safe guiding our ports and border from smugglers.

Ofoyeju warned smugglers to desist from the unlawful act and embrace legitimate business to support government in protecting security if lives and properties.

 

 

Lagos:  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday trained its officers and stakeholders on the Automated Transire Process (ATP) to enhance efficiency and remove bottlenecks in cargo processing.

The ATP is a digital procedure for tracking customs escort officers involved in the movement of containers from seaports to bonded terminals.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr Bashir Adeniyi, said that ATP was not just a technological upgrade.

Adeniyi stated that ATP was a strategic shift designed to position Nigeria at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.

(A group picture of Customs Management and officers during training of Automated Transire Process (ATP) training held in Lagos on Monday)

Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ (ACG), Charles Orbih, said that ATP represented a transformative leap forward for Nigeria’s customs operations.

(Group picture of Customs Management officers and stakeholders during training of Automated Transire Process (ATP) training in Lagos on Monday)

He said that ATP embodied the Customs’ commitment to modernising its services, ensuring that Nigeria remained a key player in global trade.

He added that ATP would also help in securing a more efficient, transparent, and accountable environment for all stakeholders.

“We also understand that change can be challenging, and the introduction of this technology may require adjustments.

“However, be rest assured that we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

“As we roll out this automated system, I must emphasise that stakeholder collaboration is paramount,” he said.

Adeniyi said that the service could not achieve these goals in isolation.

“It is only through close cooperation with all of you, bonded warehouse operators, terminal handlers, shipping lines, transporters, and barge operators, that we can ensure a smooth and seamless transition to this new process.

“Through continuous dialogue, training, and support, we will work together to ensure that the shift to this automated system is as smooth as possible,” Adeniyi said.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Modernization, Z.M. Gaji, said that the management trained officers and stakeholders on ATP to reduce bottlenecks concerning cargo processing.

Gaji described ATP as a game-changer in customs procedures, which creates more transparency in the system and reduces the human element in cargo clearance.

He said that the system was designed by officers of the service, adding that apart from enhancing efficiency, the system would improve revenue collection and enhance global best practices.

“There will be both officer and stakeholder engagement to achieve user acceptance before the deployment of the software for final implementation.

“Officers and stakeholders are urged to take advantage of the training, contribute, and share experiences to improve customs processing,” Gaji said.

The Business Process Analysis of Customs, Usman Abba, in his presentation, said that ATP was a digital procedure for tracking customs escort officers involved in the movement of containers from seaports to bonded terminals.

Abba said that part of the NCS’s plans for the “B’Odogwu” initiative was that there would be no need for escort officers for transire, as the service would be able to track the containers digitally.

“Officers at the processing center will send the document to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) after submission.

“The officer will be assigned to containers; at least one officer will be assigned to five containers at a time.

“The officers will get approval from the CAC before continuing the processing for payment validation,” Abba said.

He noted all the complaints by the customs controllers, as well as stakeholders present at the training, and promised to present them to the management for comprehensive resolution.

Abba said that ATP was flexible and better than paperwork, which would enhance efficiency and reduce the time of doing business.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, commended the effort of the ICT officers for developing the customs ATP.

He urged officers to include other operations units, especially the seaports, in the processing to enable them to access the operation and give their directives accordingly.

Olomu advised officers to integrate other sister agencies to inspect cargoes through the platform.

Also, in his contribution, the CAC of Ports and Terminal Multi-service Ltd. (PTML), Tenny Daniyan, urged the ICT department to differentiate between approval and revalidation in the ATP processing.

Another CAC in the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, observed that his command was not factored into the ATP software.

The CAC of the Tin Can Island Customs Command, Frank Onyeka, said ATP should be effective in moving deliveries in the absence of officers.

The President of the Bonded Terminal Operators of Nigeria, Mr Gerald Mbamalu, urged customs to look into the cargo process for the transit manifest, which usually delays their operation.

Mbamalu said customs should ensure getting the bill of lading immediately after cargo processing to enable them to proceed with the declaration and avoid demurrage.

 

 

 

Flowerbudnews

Lagos:  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a suspect with 142 wraps of Canadian loud cannabis valued at N290 million at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The drum seizure and suspect were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Tuesday by the MMIA Customs Command Comptroller, Mr Effiong Harrison.

He said that the Customs collaborated with other sister agencies in ensuring unwanted substances that could affect the health, security and economy of citizens did not pass through them.

Speaking at the handing over, Harrison said that the suspect and the seizure were intercepted at the point of arrival at the airport on Tuesday.

“The suspect was arrested on his arrival to Nigeria from Canada.

The Duty Paid Value of the intercepted Canadian loud cannabis is over N290 million, and we don’t want this kind of thing to enter our society because it will definitely affect our youths.

(Picture of Canadian loud intercepted by Muritala Muhammed Airport Command of Customs in Lagos on Tuesday.)

“We are handing over the illicit drugs to our sister agency for further action so that the society will be safe,” Harrison said.

He warned perpetrators of unwanted substances to desist from the criminal activities because the Customs were determined to stop entry of such illicit items into the country.

Receiving the suspect with intercepted drugs, Muhammad-Tukur Ahmad, Commander of Narcotics and Head of Operations, MMIA Command, NDLEA, commended Customs on behalf of the Director-General of the agency, Rtd. Col. Buba Maruwa.

Ahmad appreciated the Customs for continuous collaboration with the NDLEA and ensuring that the Nigerian economy remained safe from saboteurs.

( A picture of the suspect in connection with the seizure)

He thanked the comptroller for the marvellous seizure alongside arrest of the suspect.

“We are assuring the public of a thorough investigation to find out all the people connected with the seizure.

(The MMIA Customs Command Comptroller, Mr Effiong Harrison, handing over illicit drugs to the Commander of Narcotics, Mr Muhammad-Tukur Ahmad, Head of NDLEA Airport command of National Drug Law Enforcement)

“We know interception of drugs have been happening at the Muritala Muhammed Airport command at the same time interception is taking place here.

“By the special grace of God, we will inform the public of the outcome of the investigation in due time,” Ahmad said.

 

 

Ikeja:   The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has handed over 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCOSALW).

The Comptroller General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, did the hand-over at its Federal Operation Unit Zone “A” on Thursday in Lagos.

(A picture of 3,897 riffles and catrages handing over at Federal Operation Unit Zone “A” on Thursday to National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCOSALW).)

(L-R, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, Controller in charge of FOA, fourth left, Comptrollers General of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, th ‘ Director-General,NCCSALW’s Mr Babatunde Kokumo and Assistant Comptrollers General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator Zone “A” Charles Orbih during handing over the seized arms and ammunition at its Federal Operation Unit Zone “A” on Thursday said they were seized in 2018 in three containers at the Tinkan Island Por)

Adeniyi while handing over the seized arms and ammunition said that they were seized in 2018 in three containers at the Tinkan Island Port.

He noted that hand-over ceremony demonstrated the NCS’s commitment to protecting national borders and maintaining public safety.

He added that the Service would spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise the nation’s national security through arms trafficking.

The Customs boss explained that the hand-over of the weapons to the NCCSALW symbolised the Service’s commitment to proper disposal of seized arms and highlights its resolve to rid the nation of illegal weapons.

He commended the professionalism and courage of the NCS officers involved in the seizures, as well as the Forensics Unit for their role in securing convictions.

“Today’s handover encompasses a total of 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges recovered from these operations, between 2018 till date, totalling 3,897.

“In May 2018, the Service intercepted a significant cache of arms consisting of 440 pump action rifles and accessories, ingeniously concealed within 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement in a 1x20ft container with number PONU210024/1.

” This seizure coincided with heightened security challenges from armed bandits in the North-West and illegal arms proliferation in the South-East.

”This reveals the linkage between transnational smuggling networks and our domestic security challenges.

“Through sustained intelligence operations, we intercepted two additional containers – CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1 at Tin-Can Island Port, similarly concealing arms and ammunition among sanitary wares” Adeniyi said.

Adeniyi said that following the seizure, forensic deployed capabilities were deployed to conduct detailed electronic analysis of customs documentation and shipping records.

“Through established diplomatic channels, we partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Turkish Embassy, leading to definitive identification of the purchasing company.

“The investigation trail, supported by financial records obtained through court orders, enabled us to establish the identities of those behind this illegal arms shipment.

“Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, we successfully prosecuted the case (Suit No: FHC/L/339C/2018) before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

“The defendants Great James Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeuwa Moses Christ, and Emeka Umeh Festus A.K.A (Amankwa) were convicted on eight count charges.
“This prosecution success reinforces the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking and validates the effectiveness of our judicial

collaboration,” he added.
Adeniyi said that the successful prosecution of those involved in the illegal arms shipments reinforced the NCS’s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking.

He noted that the Service would spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise the national security through arms trafficking.

According to him, we stand ready to deploy our full arsenal of intelligence and enforcement capabilities to protect legitimate trade while ensuring Nigeria’s security interests remain paramount.

In his remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu while receiving the items said the Centre would take all necessary measures, in line with relevant conventions and best practices, to permanently remove these weapons from circulation.

Ribadu, represented by the NCCSALW’s Director-General, Mr Babatunde Kokumo assured that the weapons would be treated in accordance with international conventions, as Nigeria was a signatory to the ECOWAS convention.

The NSA noted that since its establishment in May 2021, the centre had spearheaded multi-stakeholder initiatives to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.

It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu had signed the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 into law on June 4 2024.

Ribadu said this swift legislative action underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and tranquility in the country and demonstrated the premium he placed on national security for all Nigerians..

The NSA said the President’s leadership supports had mitigated threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, pipeline vandalism, and other challenges to its national peace and stability in the country.

Ribadu commended all officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service for their loyalty and tireless efforts, which led to achieving the critical interceptions.

“I also wish to appreciate the leadership of all other arms-bearing and security agencies for their dedicated cooperation as we continue to press forward.
“As we mark yet another milestone in our relentless fight against illicit small arms and light weapons, I urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue our collaborative efforts.

“Together, in our unified commitment, we can ensure that Nigeria remains resilient against the scourge of unlawful weaponry and that our communities are safeguarded for future generations

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Nigeria Customs Service has decorated no fewer than 28 newly-promoted personnel with their new ranks in its Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Command on Tuesday.

The newly-decorated personnel included: 15 officers and 13 men of the Service.

Decorating the newly-promoted personnel in Enugu, the Customs Area Controller for Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Command, Comptroller Comfort Ukpanah, urged the officers and men to always reflect on the mission and vision of the Comptroller-General (C-G) of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

Ukpanah noted that all officers and men must follow the visionary leadership of the C-G of Customs as it concerns his robust plans and transformative ideologies aimed at repositioning the Service.

She said, “The C-G of Customs, on assumption of office, had categorically highlighted his commitment at creating an enabling environment for capacity building for career progression, which will ultimately motivate the workforce.

“It is therefore on record that the assumption of office of the C-G signaled a new dawn in the leadership style as promotion has become a regular feature in the Nigeria Customs Service, as against what was obtainable before his emergence.”

The comptroller noted that promotion and elevation comes with obligations and responsibilities, adding that the newly-promoted should see their new ranks as opportunity to demonstrate capacity and competence in their “Service to the Nation”.

According to her, you have been selected and found worthy after a rigorous process and it therefore expected of you to justify the confidence reposed in you by the C-G of Customs and his Management Team.

“I urge you to have at the back of your mind that true success is not measured by personal achievements but by the legacy, support and mentorship left behind.

“I, therefore, urge you to mentor your subordinate through the new roles that will be assigned to you with your new ranks, in line with the mantra of the C-G of Customs and his management,” he said.

Responding, an Assistant Controller
of Customs, Pascal Igwe, one of newly-decorated, appreciated God as well as the C-G of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for the promotion and uplift to a new rank.

Igwe, who spoke on behalf of other promoted and decorated personnel, assured the C-G of Customs and the Comptroller that “we are aware of the responsibility before us and we will redouble our dedication to achieve more.”

“We are assuring the customs authorities that we do all within our capacity to exceed all expectations attached to our new ranks and do more,” he said.

 

Lagos:  The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMA) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday revealed that the command achieved a milestone of N180.7 billion in revenue generation in 2024.

Comptroller Micheal Awe, Customs Area Controller, MMA, released the scorecard while briefing newsmen in Lagos.
He said the report showcased a comprehensive overview of the command’s performance.

He added that it also presented its commitment to enforcing the laws and regulations of the service.

(Comptroller Michael Awe, Customs Area Controller, Muritala Muhammad Area Custom Command)

Awe said the command facilitated trade and upheld the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

He said that the command surpassed the N179. 73 billion naira revenue target for 2024 by over one billion naira.

He revealed that the command in its relentless pursuit of safeguarding the nation and protecting its citizens against illicit trade, made significant seizures.

Awe listed the items seized to include 21 packages of 225mg tramadol hydrochloride, 50 round 9mm live ammunition, 54 of military hardware and 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers.

“Others are three packages of dried donkey male genitals, 55 pieces of jojel tomahawk semi-automatic rifle, 50 packages of dried Canadian cannabis.
“Also seized are 225 pieces of drones,

250 pieces of turtles, 1 package of pangolin skin, 1package of porcupine, thorns and mineral stones.

“These seized items have a cumulative Duty-Paid Value (DPV) of N10.51 billion and are a testament to the command’s keen commitment to enforcing customs laws and regulations,” he said.

The comptroller stated that the command maintained an open-door policy, engaging with stakeholders, sister agencies, and the media to resolve issues of common interest.

Awe stated that moving forward, the command would continue to innovate, strategise and block loopholes to meet revenue targets.

He restated his commitment in facilitating trade and enforcing Customs’ laws and regulations, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

 

Ikeja:   The Nigeria Customs Service, Lilypond Export Command, Lagos, says it facilitated the export of agricultural produce and manufactured goods valued at $2.1 billion in 2024.

The command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the command in Ijora, Lagos on Tuesday.

(Comptroller Aijbola Odusanya, Customs Area Controller, Liliypond Export Command)

He explained that the breakdown of the $2.1 billion export processed in 2024 included agricultural produce valued at $1.1 billion, manufactured goods worth $340.9 million and solid minerals at $335.6 million as well as other export products worth $330.5 million.

The Command boss stated that the Lilypond Customs processed 30,979 containers in 2024, facilitating smooth logistics and ensuring timely delivery of goods to international markets.

Odusanya attributed the success to the consolidation of all export seats into the command in July 2024, and stakeholders’ commitment in enhancing the quality and marketability of Nigerian agricultural products.

He said that the agricultural sector had emerged as a dominant force within the non-oil export landscape, accounting for over 53 per cent of the total export value.

While comparing the export processed in the third quarter of 2024 and fourth quarter of 2024, Odusanya said that fourth quarter witnessed an understandable decline in the export cargo processing.

He said that the declined was because of the challenges associated with the unavoidability of empty cargo boxes for stuffing and the decline in demand for exportable raw materials due to the end of the year holiday period around the world.

Odunsanya said in spite of the decline in export processed that the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue recorded, it declined to 32.5 per cent from N5.33 billion to N7.06 billion while the growth highlighted the resilience in non-oil export.

He said that the value of shipments in the fourth quarter saw a decline of 16.44 per cent from $937.3 million to $783.2 million in non-oil commercial export.

Odunsanya said that the tonnage of exported goods also declined by 22.49 per cent from 405,979.72 metric tons to 314.671 metric tons.

He further explained that duty paid on export of previously imported goods also declined by 32.39 per cent from N136.0 million to N91.9 million

Odunsanya said that on Monday, the Nigeria Customs Service joined the global community of Customs administrations to celebrate the International Customs Day 2025 with the theme: “Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”.

The Liliypond customs export boss assured stakeholders and partners in the export value chain to ensure more efficient clearance process, combat illicit trade and promote economic development.

He solicited for special attention for agricultural products, particularly those from far-east nations like China, Japan, Thailand and others.

According to Odunsanya, the use of chemicals on agricultural goods should comply with the international standards, where preservation techniques are critical to maintaining product integrity during transit.

He said the Nigeria Customs Service’s export activities in 2024 had demonstrated the potential for growth within the non-oil sector, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and prioritising compliance with international standards.

“We can position Nigeria as a leading exporter in the global market. Let us work together to build on our successes and make 2025 an even more prosperous year for Nigeria’s export sector.

“Considering recent developments, we must emphasise the importance of compliance with international standards regarding quality and preservation to enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.

“Exporters are urged to familiarise themselves with these standards to ensure that their products meet the expectations of the international market,” Odunsanya said. .

 

Ikeja:    The Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday decorated no fewer than 106 newly promoted officers with their insignia of office in Lagos.

The decorated officers included 39 Comptrollers and 67 Deputy Comptrollers of Customs.

(The Zone “A” Coordinator Zone “A” of NCS, Assistant Comptroller General, (ACG) Charles Orbih, Comptroller Aliya Shuaibu and his mother while decorating Shuaibu as Comptroller of Customs.)

The Zone “A” Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Orbih, while speaking at the ceremony, urged the newly promoted Comptrollers and Deputy Comptrollers to prioritise revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling efforts.

Orbih commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for recognising and rewarding the most hardworking and brilliant officers for their dedication and hard work.

He said that the newly promoted officers had demonstrated a remarkable proficiency in embracing modern customs procedures and ensuring that high standards were exhibited.

(From L-R Comptroller Akinola Odusanya, CAC Lilypond Customs Export Command., Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, CAC Western Marine Command; The Zone “A” Coordinator Zone “A” of NCS, Assistant Comptroller General, (ACG) Charles Orbih, and Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Customs Command; during decoration of Comptroller and Deputy Comptrollers at Training school on Lagos on Thursday)

“A lot is expected of you. Your commitment to continuous learning and adaptation will significantly contribute to achieving a vision of a modernised and efficient customs service.

“Moving forward. these promotions carried the weight of great responsibilities, aligning with our core values of integrity and professionalism.
“Our newly promoted officers must

continue to uphold the highest standards of service delivery and ethical conduct. Much more is expected of you by the Service because of this well-deserved promotion bestowed upon you today,” he stated.

(The Zone “A” Coordinator Zone “A” of NCS, Assistant Comptroller General, (ACG) Charles Orbih, Comptroller C Gabriel and his wife during decoration to Comptroller cadre in Lagos on Thursday.)

Orbih reminded the promoted officers of the three transformative pillars guiding the Service: consolidation of automation processes, enhancement of digital infrastructure and collaboration with stakeholders and sister agencies to improve trade facilitation.

He urged officers who were not promoted to redouble their efforts in service, as this would enhance their chances for promotion in the next promotion exercise.

In a goodwill message, Mrs Jean Adapoyi, a Deputy Controller with the Nigerian Immigration Service, who represented her coordinator,

congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to put more effort into their new roles.

The National Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Segun Oduntan, conveyed greetings from the National President of the association to the newly promoted officers.

Oduntan expressed that ANLCA, with over 4,000 licensed members, would continue working with Customs to help surpass their targets and emphasised the importance of maintaining engagement with stakeholders.

One of the decorated Comptrollers, Comptroller Aliya Shuaibu, who was decorated alongside ACG Orbih, expressed his gratitude for being considered worthy of promotion.

He thanked God, his mentors, parents and family for their unwavering support, which had enabled him to reach a leadership position in the Service.

Another Comptroller, Wale Adenuga, also thanked God and pledged to double his efforts in ensuring the Service achieves its mandate.

Several Public Relations Officers of Customs were promoted and decorated as Deputy Comptrollers, including Abdullahi Maiwada, Abubakar Usman, Muhammed Yakubu, and Akaninyene Edeminam, among others.

The decoration ceremony was attended by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Customs Command; Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, CAC Western Marine Command; and Comptroller Akinla Odusanya, CAC Lilypond Customs Export Command, sisters agencies as well as stakeholders in the industry.