Headlines

Marwa advocates drugs integrity tests on University students

Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman

Eyewitness reporter

Worried by the prevalence of drug abuse among youths in the country, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has advocated for the conduct of drug integrity tests among university students in the country.

The move, he said, will stem the rising cases of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.

This was contained in a statement released by the Director, Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi.

The statement said that Gen. Marwa made the call at the University of Abuja while launching the drug-free university campaign.

According to him, the anti-drug agency boss also called for a partnership between the NDLEA and the university system that will allow the agency to set up outposts on campuses to further strengthen the authorities in fighting the scourge.

According to him, part of the measures to reduce drug use in the university is the proposed introduction of the Drug Integrity Test for both new and returning students.

The Drug Integrity Test is anticipated to metamorphose into an anti-drug policy for all higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. It is expected that the University of Abuja, being the University of National Unity, will be the first public university in Nigeria to adopt the Drug Integrity Test for fresh and returning students of the institution.

The Drug Integrity Test is not a punitive measure; rather it is an early detection tool to ascertain an individual’s drug use status for appropriate intervention, and timely treatment and care.

This will also entail that the university will develop a drug policy and make such available to each student.

Equally important is the need to create an NDLEA outpost on the campus where well deploy our men to assist the authorities, deter drug dealers and users within the university.”

While commending the management of the University of Abuja for collaborating with NDLEA to organise the launch, he said the theme, Drug-Free University and Tertiary Institutions, is apt and timely as there is no better time than now to combat the drug challenge in the university community and among students.

He said the menace of drug use in the country is of worrisome dimension, especially among the youth population.

“The truth on the ground indicates that our society needs to do more.

“The National Drug Use and Health Survey of 2018 showed that Nigeria has a peculiar drug use prevalence.

“And it is instructive and worrisome to know that drug use was common among those aged 25-39 years, while the age of initiation was 22 years for heroin and 19 years for cannabis.

“Note that these age groups are comprised of young people who are either in secondary or tertiary institutions or are on the cusp of graduation. To simplify the report of the survey: young people are overwhelmingly the majority of drug abusers in Nigeria.

“That is a jolting reality because youths are the building blocks of every developed nation and anything that affects the youth population affects the nation. The youth population constitutes the country’s workforce and the stronger the youth of a country, the more developed that country would be.

“One, then, wonders what will become of Nigeria with about 70% youth population, if the future of its youths is ravaged by drugs.

“To aggressively reverse the trend, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, GCFR, launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign on 26th June 2021 to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The goal of WADA is to mobilize all Nigerians, especially the youth population, for active participation in the process of ridding our society of the drug menace.

As one of the worst-hit age groups by the drug menace, Nigerian youths are critical stakeholders to the attainment of the laudable goals of WADA.

Since the launch of WADA, the Agency has initiated evidence-based prevention activities, which include focused advocacy, drug awareness campaign, sensitization, treatment and care of People Who Use Drugs (PWUD).

“We have launched a renewed campaign and intensive sensitization, targeting youths in schools at all levels as well as youths out of school” he stated.

The NDLEA boss added that some years ago, the agency opted to address the drug problem among youths by setting up in schools the Drug-Free Clubs.

The pervasiveness and magnitude of the drug use problem have necessitated the change in the name of the club from Drug-Free Club to War Against Drug Abuse Club―WADA Club for short―to inject a renewed vibe and vigour into the club and its members.

He said the essence of the event was to officially launch the WADA Club in the University of Abuja and to formally inaugurate the War Against Drug Abuse Ambassadors (WADA Ambassadors) among the staff of the institution.

He charged the students in the spirit of true patriotism to desire and work towards a country devoid of drugs and its attendant consequences.

Freight Monitor

Freight forwarding business under threat as Customs Agents lament high cost of goods clearance at ports

— We are diversifying into other businesses to stay afloat– ANLCA Chieftain cries out.

Funso OLOJO

This is not the best of times for freight forwarders who ply their trade at the Nigerian ports.

This is because their cherished trade is under threat due to the astronomical increase in the cost of clearance of goods at the ports.

Due to the plethoral of charges slammed on importers/ Shippers at the Port, most of them could not afford to bring in as many containers as before while others have outrightly stopped the importation business.

This development, our reporter gathered, has therefore put the freight forwarding business on the brink of collapse due to lack of patronage.

According to the cost analysis of cargo clearance procedures at the Port, an average importer, using the Nigerian ports, pays more than six different exorbitant charges apart from customs duties.

For instance, before an importer could exit his goods from the ports, he pays the following charges.

a. N500,000 NAFDA Certification

b. N500,000 SON Certification

c.45 per cent( up from 30 per cent) terminal operators and shipping companies service fees/ charges

d. N 150,000 to N200,000 NESREA/ other Environmental Agencies charges

e. N45,000 per day demurrage on 20- footer container

f.N68,500 per day demurrage on 40- footer container

g.20 million Customs duty on 20- footer container

h.26 million Customs duty on 40- footer container.

In addition to these charges, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recently increased its tariff by 15 percent.

It could also be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service only recently put on hold the 4 per cent Free on Board (FOB) charge on imports due to the outcry of freight forwarders .

However, the FOB charge would eventually be reinstated later after sufficient consultations and sensitization are carried out by the customs.

Alhaji Mukaila Abdullaziz, the former Sole Administrator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) said the listed bills are more than that.

“What you have just listed was an average cost, they are more than that” he declared with a hint of bitterness in his voice, when asked to confirm the cost analysis as the foremost freight forwarder in the industry.

” The Customs’ Federal Operations Unit(FOU) is still there.

“Their officers will lay siege on the road for a container that have already paid the exorbitant fees you have mentioned.

“They too will slam their panthom charges on the already exited container and if you don’t pay, they will impound it and take it to their office” the ANLCA Chieftain declared.

When asked how freight forwarders break even in the face of these multiple charges, Abdullaziz retorted;

” We are not breaking even .No agent is breaking even except the dare- devil ones who are ready to do anything to break even.

“But for some of us who are old hands on the job and have names to protect, we are not breaking even because we are not ready to compromise the system”

“That is why most of us have diversified into other businesses to stay afloat”.

“The freight forwarding industry is dead” he said with a hint of regret in his emotion – laden voice.

Our reporter could confirm that most of the old hands in the freight forwarding business have diversified into hospitality business as they are owners of choice hotels spread across Lagos and other commercial cities in Nigeria.

Headlines

Dantsoho,NPA MD, plays host to Japanese agency, Vicky Haastrup for strategic collaborations

Funso OLOJO

In continuation of his strategic engagements with institutions and individuals that would drive the operational efficiency of the agency, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abdulahi Datsotho, has played host to Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Mr. Yuzurio Susumu at the NPA Headquarters Marina.

The meeting focused on harnessing the technical and allied synergies necessary to actualize the Dantsoho-led Management team’s quest to deepen the eco-friendliness of Nigerian Ports through renewable energy and increased automation.

JICA is an implementing agency of Japanese Official Development Aid (ODA) for the purpose of supporting the socioeconomic development and economic stability of developing regions.,

Similarly, Dr Dantsoho received in audience Olori Vicky Ayodele Haastrup, the wife of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland at the NPA Headquarters.

Princess Vicky Haastrup, who is also Chairperson Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) pledged the institution’s support for the Dantsoho-led management team’s renewed effort at advancing the frontiers of trade facilitation.

Customs

Apapa Customs concludes three-day refresher training for promoted senior officers

Funso OLOJO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has concluded

a three-day refresher training programme for its newly promoted Deputy Controllers (DCs) and Assistant Controllers (ACs).

Declaring the training open on Monday, 10 February 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, emphasised the Command’s commitment to continuous professional development.

“For newly promoted DCs, you are captains of vital entry and exit points and responsible for overseeing all operations, among others.

” Your leadership skill must be instrumental in optimising efficiency and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism within your terminals”, the CAC stated.

He also highlighted the newly promoted Assistant Comptrollers’ crucial role.

“Similarly, for the ACs, you are gatekeepers responsible for the final checks and approvals that allow goods to move in and out of the port.

“Your attention to detail and understanding of regulation, among others, is paramount in preventing revenue leakages and ensuring national security”, he added.

Comptroller Olomu described the training as an interactive forum for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and clarifying any ambiguities in Customs procedures.

He assured of the Service’s management team’s commitment to providing the necessary tools and support required for the success of personnel.