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Buhari challenges NIPSS graduants to justify government investments in the institute

 

The Eyewitness reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has charged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to surpass the best think-tank amongst policy Institutes in the world.

The President made the charge during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course No 44, 2022 at NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.

The President,who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said he was delighted to be at the ceremony because of the historic role the national policy think-tank has played in people’s lives and the potential it has to do better for the nation.

The President revealed that he was particularly impressed as the graduation loudly attests to the consistency that NIPSS stands for.

“This is an integral aspect of the dreams of the founding fathers of the Institute. It is also an assignment in which the Institute has never failed no matter the challenges, not even in the era of COVID-19.

“While I congratulate the Institute for being resiliently consistent, I also wish to remind the Institute of the other aspects of your mandate, which is to evolve ideas, new techniques, skills, policies, and new directions to guide policymaking at the highest level.

“In other words, you need to follow the global dynamics in policies and guide the nation on the application of global best practices.

“I use the opportunity offered by this special occasion to challenge the National Institute to strive to be at par or even surpass the best think-tank amongst policy Institutes in the world.

” We will do our best in supporting you to fulfill this charge and other mandates,” he said.

The President commended NIPSS and described the Institute as a strong and dependable ally of the government.

He said NIPSS’ effort at engaging the best brains on critical national issues hasn’t gone unnoticed just like its submissions on the issues have also proved to be very useful in resolving many issues.

“At this juncture, let me place on record that this administration, like the ones before it, find in NIPSS a strong and dependable ally.

“Your submissions on course themes every year have either evolved a new policy addressing a major national issue or resulted in a review of existing policies to accommodate current realities.

“We look your way in determining solutions to several issues as well as your recommendations in charting specific paths to achieving these solutions.

“I urge you to come up with more innovations, be more committed and remain focused on your mission of a better society,” he said.

Buhari further gave assurances that the government will continue to support NIPSS towards achieving sustainable development as a nation.

“As a responsible and responsive government, our foremost desire is to provide good governance at both the national and sub-national levels.


“Our very strong desire is for all government interventions to cascade to the local levels including permeating all strata of society.

“This informed the choice of the course theme for this year. It underscores our trust in you as a strong ally in our efforts towards sustainable development as a nation.

“To achieve this, we gave you the best as participants to be groomed and guided by your world-class faculty members and facilities,” he said.

The President also advised graduands to sustain the level of seriousness with which they handled the course themes as they are of great importance to the Government.

“To the graduands, the activities and your experiences through the duration of the course must have impacted positively on you.

“I am delighted to know that you are leaving the National Institute with a better understanding of our great country and better knowledge of issues and problem-solving skills to enable you to take on more responsibilities and perform optimally at your duty posts in the interest of our nation.

“Having invested so much in you, the nation expects you to bring to bear the novel ideas you have acquired from Kuru.

“I assure you that the findings and recommendations contained in your report will be promptly attended to and applied by my government and those to come after me for the good of our dear country.

“I congratulate you all and members of your family on your graduation and wish you the best as you resume to your positions or assume higher responsibilities in your various fields of endeavors.

“To the management and staff of the National Institute, I commend you. The government buys into your mission of working towards a better society and is ever willing and ready to support you in achieving it for our nation.

“Thank you for producing very excellent results even in the face of stiff challenges. Thank you and God bless you all,” he said.

The Minister later commissioned, on behalf of the President, the Nursery/Primary School, and e-learning center donated by the graduands to the children of the NIPSS staff and the Kuru community as well as a weather center established by the Graduands in collaboration with the NIMET.

He also congratulated the Honourable Minister whose younger brother, Bello Jaji Sambo, a Director with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was among the Graduands.

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Customs

Comptroller Anani  vows not to compromise on compliance with Customs extant laws, warns defaulters of dire consequences 

— seeks support of stakeholders 
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The new Customs Area Controller of the  Tin can Island Port Command, Comptroller Joseph Anani, has hit the ground running after few days of assuming duties at the command.
To show his determination to sustaining  the tempo of operational success at the command, Comptroller Anani has warned the trading public plying their trade at the command of dire consequences for flouting any of the operational guidelines as spelt out in the Customs Act of 2023.
He also pledged to enhance trade facilitation, build robust synergy and collaboration with sister agencies and sustain the cordial relationship with stakeholders through constant engagement and collaboration.
The ensure successful tenure at the command, the Comptroller Anani engaged in a series of engagement with his officers at various formations, the terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other sister agencies where he sought for their collaboration and support.
He flagged off the engagement with a tour of Customs formations and terminals within the Command to obtain first-hand knowledge of available facilities, assess officers’ working conditions, and evaluate the overall operational environment.
The tour was aimed at improving workplace standards and ensuring that officers are adequately positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Following this, the Comptroller convened a strategic meeting with major freight forwarding associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), APFLON, and other industry players.
During the engagement, he emphasized the importance of compliance, professionalism, and partnership in achieving seamless trade operations.
Comptroller Anani outlined a blueprint anchored on total compliance with all Customs procedures and extant laws, particularly the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He called for higher standards in all port transactions and warned against any form of indiscipline, misconduct, or practices capable of undermining the integrity of the Service.
“We are setting a new tone anchored on compliance, collaboration, and service excellence. Every stakeholder has a role to play in making Tin can Island Port a model of trade facilitation and operational efficiency.” he said.
The Comptroller also hosted key stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and captains of industry, at a roundtable meeting designed to chart a progressive course for the Command.
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy and pledged to create a conducive environment that supports legitimate trade and economic growth.
He further urged terminal operators to improve infrastructure within their facilities and create additional operational spaces capable of attracting more vessel traffic, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency at the port.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving national security objectives, Comptroller Anani paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western Command), CP Toyin Agbaminoja.
During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on issues relating to national security, port operations, and the safety of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force through intelligence sharing and operational collaboration.
In a similar move to reinforce the fight against illicit trade and transnational crimes, Comptroller Anani visited the Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commander Solomon Omotosho.
During the visit, both agencies discussed strategies for sustained synergy in combating drug trafficking and the activities of drug peddlers operating within and around the port environment.
 They emphasized the need for intelligence-driven operations, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to prevent the movement of illicit narcotics through the nation’s gateways.
Comptroller Anani expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as the Customs Area Controller of the nation’s premier port command.
 He pledged to justify the trust by consolidating on existing achievements while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Controller noted that the Command will continue to draw from the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, as guiding principles for enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and national security.
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Headlines

Rolling Gazing Terminal excites NAGAFF, says it meets standard for bonded facilities

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for its operational standards, saying the facility can improve cargo efficiency and reduce port congestion.

NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee gave the commendation Thursday during a nationwide inspection of licensed bonded terminals. NAGAFF Founder Dr. Boniface Aniebonam led the delegation.

Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling infrastructure and security systems. He said the facility reflects the standard required to strengthen trade facilitation and address logistical challenges.

“The infrastructure is available, the equipment is functional, and the operators are fully prepared for business,” he stated.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the terminal is adequately equipped and shows strong commitment to service delivery. He added that the facility can evolve into a major logistics hub due to location and expansion space.

Operational Manager Stanley Enoma said the terminal runs TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding capacity to 5,000 TEUs.

NAGAFF said the assessment will continue at other bonded terminals to identify gaps and promote efficiency.

NAGAFF has commended Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal for meeting operational standards expected of Customs bonded facilities. The commendation followed an inspection by NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee on Thursday as part of a nationwide assessment of bonded terminals.

NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam praised the terminal’s automation, cargo handling equipment, security systems and operational preparedness, saying it can improve cargo movement and reduce seaport congestion.

Committee Head Dr. Increase Uche said the facility is adequately equipped and has potential to become a major logistics hub due to location and expansion capacity. Operational Manager Stanley Enoma disclosed the terminal operates TOS and EDI platforms and is expanding to 5,000 TEUs capacity. NAGAFF said it will compile a report and continue inspections nationwide to identify operational gaps and promote trade facilitation in the maritime sector.

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Customs

Apapa Customs commences stricter crowd control measures to enhance security at command

Funso OLOJO, Editor
In response to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure that only authorized persons gain entry into the command to conduct official business.
As part of the new security arrangement, all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies operating at the command have been directed to submit the names of three representatives through Customs Form C-30, who will be authorized to carry out daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
The NCS Form C-30 is an operational document that serves as proof of authorization for a licensed clearing and forwarding agent to operate within a designated Customs command. It is a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
The initiative comes amid heightened efforts by government agencies and private organizations to strengthen security protocols and protect personnel, facilities, and critical national assets from emerging threats.
Speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure is aimed at reducing the number of visitors to the command and enhancing access control in response to growing security concerns nationwide.
According to him, the requirement for clearing and forwarding agencies to nominate representatives for Customs transactions is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, although it has not been fully implemented.
He disclosed that the Apapa Command has decided to activate the provision in view of the prevailing security situation in the country.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy.
“In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks.
“We have to be proactive and not wait until an unfortunate incident occurs before taking action.
“America never expected the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“It is for these reasons that the management of the Service has decided that the enforcement of the crowd-control provisions contained in the Customs Act 2023 should commence at the Apapa Command, given its status as the largest and flagship Customs command in the country,” Oshoba stated.
The Customs Area Controller explained that restricting physical access to accredited company representatives would not only strengthen security but also improve operational efficiency and facilitate better monitoring of activities within the command.
He further disclosed that the policy, which is scheduled to take full effect next week, will significantly limit the movement of unauthorized persons within the command premises.
“The accredited representatives of all registered clearing and forwarding agencies will be issued official duty identification cards, which will grant them access to the command.
“Whenever there is a change in personnel, the concerned agency will notify the command so that the necessary adjustments and replacements can be updated in our system.
“Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards.
“This is a standard practice globally. I am aware that terminal operators such as Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals at Apapa Port already operate similar crowd-control mechanisms,” he noted.
The new access-control regime follows recent efforts by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to improve security, operational efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.
It could be recalled that between May 14th and 16th,  2026, PEBEC, led by its Director-General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, coordinated a major enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors in Lagos to dismantle illegal checkpoints and extortion points obstructing cargo movement.
The operation targeted notorious extortion locations, including Liverpool Bridge, the Terminal International Container Terminal (TICT) Second Gate, NAGAFF Junction, ETISALAT Roundabout, and Fidelity Roundabout.
Working in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government, PEBEC sought to restore order and eliminate unauthorized checkpoints that had become a major impediment to trade facilitation.
The exercise resulted in the immediate removal of illegal structures and unauthorized personnel operating along the corridor, while authorities issued a stern warning against any attempt to re-establish the extortion checkpoints.
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