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Customs Comptroller slumps, dies at Aminu Kano Airport

Comptroller Ayalogu, the deceased
—–as CGC mourns death of Comptroller Ayalogu
The Eyewitness reporter
The entire men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service were gripped with grief following the sudden death of one of their own,  Comptroller Anthony Ayalogu.
According to the public announcement by AA Maiwada of the Public Relations Unit of the service, the deceased died on active service.
He was said to be in transit on an official assignment when he suddenly took ill upon arrival at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where he slumped and lost consciousness.
” All efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead at 2020 hours on Monday 17th October 2022 at 465 Nigerian Airforce Hospital Kano. He was aged 57.” the statement said.
Until his death, Comptroller Ayalogu was the Customs Comptroller in charge of the Trade Facilitation Unit of the Service.
He died at the age of 57 years.
He hailed from Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra state.
 He held a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany from the University of Port Harcourt. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service on 24th September 1991 as cadet Assistant Superintendent.
Comptroller Ayalogu,who was a Fellow at the World Customs Organization (WCO) took over as Comptroller, Trade Facilitation on 31 January 2022.
 He had an outstanding career as the reform champion of the Nigeria Customs Service and had previously served at the System Audit Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department.
He is survived by a wife and children.
The Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), and the entire Officers and men, who are in mourning mood, had sent their condolences to the family and friends of the Late Comptroller Anthony Ayalogu.
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Customs

We feel your pains — Customs seeks support of stakeholders over introduction of 4 percent levy on customs operations

Funso OLOJO
Nigeria Customs service has explained the rationale behind the introduction of the 4 percent  levy on the value of imported goods which has now become a subject of controversy among the freight forwarders.
The levy, which is the 4 percent Free on Board (FOB) of imported goods, was introduced into the assessment notice of a cargo declarant.
This has caused an outrage among stakeholders, especially the freight forwarders who have vowed to resist it.
However, in its official reaction to the new fee, the Customs management sought the understanding of the agitated stakeholders, acknowledging their importance relevance and invaluable contributions to the emergence of the new Customs Act.
Explaining the rationale behind the new fee, the Customs said this was in line with the provisions of the Customs Act of 2023.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) proudly recognises the invaluable
contributions of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
“This landmark legislation, which replaces the long-standing
Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and other related laws is a product of extensive consultations, constructive dialogue, and collaborative efforts with key industry players, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
“Their insights, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a robust legal framework that enhances efficiency, promotes innovation and strengthens transparency in customs operations.
“In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is
implementing a 4% charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports.
“The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading, is essential to driving the effective operation of the Service”
The customs also acknowledged the  concerns raised by stakeholders over the
sustained collection of 1 pet cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee (a regulatory charge imposed for funding Nigeria’s Destination Inspection
Scheme) alongside the 4% FOB charge.
“As a responsive and responsible government agency, the Service wishes to assure the general public that extensive consultation is ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Finance to address all agitations raised by our esteemed stakeholders” the service pledged
 “Under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, the NCS reaffirms its commitment to transparency, fair
trade practices, and efficient revenue management.
“All stakeholders are urged to
support this legally binding initiative, as the measures introduced in alignment with the NCSA 2023 reflects a balanced approach born out of extensive consultations with industry players, importers, and regulatory bodies, the service concluded.
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Customs

ANLCA divided over increment in CISS fee

Funso OLOJO 

There seems to be a discordant tune from the umbrella body of the freight forwarders in Nigeria, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) over the increment of the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme(CISS).
It would be recalled that the Customs brokers woke up on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 to discover that the CISS fee, which used to be 1 per cent of the value of Import has been jerked up to 4 per cent.
The increment,which they claimed was slammed on them without a prior notice, has therefore sparked off heightened tension among the agitated freight forwarders who were said to be calling for a showdown with the customs.
While some of them were hinting at possible shut down of the Port to give vent to their anger and frustration, the National President of ANLCA, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji, has backed the decision of the Customs to increase the CISS fee.
Apparently scolding those who are allegedly “spoiling for war” with the Customs for their lack of knowledge of Customs law, Emenike said the Customs acted within the 2024 Customs Act to make the increment.
“I am not aware that ANLCA is protesting over the increment of the CISS from one per cent to four per cent.
“What I am aware of is that the ANLCA NECOM is meeting to take a decision on the increment.

“I, however, know that the increment is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The increment is in the Act. That is where they brought it from” Emenike declared.

He however expressed his disappointment over the manner the customs jumped the increment on Customs brokers.
“They( Customs )should have, however, held sensitisation meetings to ensure all stakeholders are well aware.

“The increment started today. NECOM will be meeting very soon to take a stance on the new development.”, the ANLCA high Chief stated.

His stance on the issue contradicted the position of Alhaji Mukaila Abdullaziz, the former Sole Administrator of ANLCA who believed the increment by the customs may spark off an outrage among freight forwarders.
Also, Segun Oduntan, the Vice President of ANLCA holds contrary view with his principal, Mr Emenike when he allegedly issued 24 – hour ultimatum to the Customs to reverse the increase or get prepared to contend with the wrath of the irate customs brokers.
“We noticed the NCS has introduced 4% and renamed it Customs Operation Finance as appeared on this assessment.
“The Customs CG needs to call for an emergency meeting within 48 hours to address this development because it is already causing uproar in the freight forwarding system.

“All the freight forwarding associations would have to come together on this matter” Oduntan thundered .

Kayode Farinto, the former Acting National President of ANLCA however advised freight forwarders not to pay the increased tariff, asking the Customs authority to give the Customs brokers 90- day window through which the trading public will be adequately sensitized about the new fee
Meanwhile, the customs authority has said it would respond to the development as soon as possible in order to douse the gathering tension.
The CISS is a regulatory fee charged by Customs on all imported goods into Nigeria.
The fee, which used to be 1 per cent of the FOB (Free on Board) value of the shipment, has now been adjusted to 4 per cent, according to Section 18 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
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Customs

Customs plans to integrate B’ Odogwu with National Single Window for transparency , operational efficiency

– eyes less than 48- hour cargo clearance time at port.

Funso OLOJO 
As the Customs’ trade modernisation platform, B’ Odogwu, is gradually gaining momentum among the customs brokers and other stakeholders, the Nigeria customs service said it was making preparation to integrate the indigenous platform with the National Single window.
This is aimed at making the customs operations transparent where all the stakeholders, including  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would be able to clearly see and monitor goods clearance procedures at the Ports.
The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs(DCG) Kikelomo Adeola, Head of Customs Information Communications(ICT) and modernisation project make this known while interacting with terminal operators at Apapa customs command.
DCG Adeola, who had so far held series of discussions with freight forwarders, shipping companies and terminal operators to enlighten them on the launch of B’ Odogwu in Apapa and Tin Can Island commands of the customs, said integrating the indigenous platform with National Single Window is what the customs desires and ready to do because everyone will see what the customs and other agencies are doing.
” Even the president will be looking at it” she declared.
She said the users of this platform have nothing to worry about as the new concept,  which was wholly conceptualized, developed and deployed locally, is meant to simplify clearing process in the most transparent manner.
DCG Adeola, who was joined in the interactive session by the Area Controller of the Tin Can Island ports, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the representative of Area Controller of Apapa customs command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Ahmed Ogunsola and Dr Jummai Umar of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, assured the apprehensive stakeholders that Customs training team will be attached to the two commands where they will engage stakeholders in an intensive training  before the new concept is deployed.
According to DCG Adeola, the modernisation indigenous platform is a  bold and transformational concept aimed at addressing inefficiencies, improving transparency, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global trade.
 She stated that the initiative is built on cutting-edge technology designed to streamline processes and ensure smoother operations across ports and terminals.
“This project is not just about deploying technology; it’s about creating a robust system that enhances trade facilitation and revenue generation.
“We are addressing critical issues such as smuggling, administrative bottlenecks, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms,” DCG Adeola noted.
She noted that the new concept, when it was first introduced at the PTML command in October, 2024, has gone through some transformational stages with some teething problems which the service has resolved.
Adeola believed that before the automated platform is deployed at the Tin Can and Apapa customs commands, all the identified gaps at the pilot stage would have been closed.
She said the objective of the service is to ensure that goods are cleared in less than 24 hours by the time the indigenous platform is fully deployed.
However, the Customs chief allayed the fears of some stakeholders who expressed worries over possible technical glitch or downtime.
 
Adeola disclosed that there was no single incident of downtime since October,2024 when the pilot scheme of the platform was launched at the PTML.
 
She further declared that the training programmes for the stakeholders have commenced and the customs would ensure that about 90 percent of stakeholders are well grounded in its operations before it takes off at both the Tin Can and Apapa customs commands.
 
Adeola further  assured the inquisitive stakeholders that 20 banks have so far been linked with B’ Odogwu platform, saying more are going to be added as times goes on.
 
She however warned them not to pay to the non- compliant banks so their goods would not be trapped.
She also asked them to make diligent inquiry about the banks which are linked with the indigenous platform to avoid unpleasant situation.
 
 Dr. Jummai Zainab Umar-Ajijola, Managing Director of the Trade Modernization Project Limited,  credited the success of the modernization initiative to strong coordination between the NCS and its partners.

“The partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Trade Modernization Project Limited has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.

She praised the efforts, commitment and resilience Comptroller-General of Customs , Adewale Adeniyi and DCG Adeola for the modest success the new concept has so far recorded.

Dr Ajijola emphasized that B’Odogwu; the newly introduced unified customs system, represents “strength and resilience” and is a homegrown solution that positions Nigeria as a leader in trade facilitation.

“Our goal is not just to modernize customs operations in Nigeria but to create a model that will be adopted across Africa and beyond,” she added

She disclosed that stakeholders are the core components of the project which, if well harnessed, would drive the success of the concept.

” That is why our management at the Trade Modernisation Project Limited emphasized the importance of stakeholders in this new concept and we believe that if we can achieve 80 per

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