Headlines

Buhari fetes former cabinet members on surprise birthday visit

The Eyewitness Reporter

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2015 – 2023), Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday 17th December 2023 hosted some of his former cabinet members who had paid a surprise visit to him to felicitate with and pray for him, on the occasion of his 81st birthday, at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

The birthday visit was led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, accompanied by Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Justice/AGF; Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, former Minister of Transportation; Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Alh. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, former Minister of State, Agriculture and Rural Development; Mohammed Abdullahi, former Minister of Environment;, Umana Okon Umana, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub, former Minister of State, Works and Housing, representing FEC members, 2019-2023.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was visibly surprised and grateful, thanked his former cabinet members for taking out time to travel all the way to pay him such a visit on his birthday.

In a brief speech, Mr Boss Mustapha, while thanking him for his service to our great nation, eulogized the attributes of the former President.

“Your Excellency sir, joining other cabinet members, we have come to pay a special homage on the occasion of your birthday.

” You are an incorruptible and exemplary leader. May the Almighty Allah bless you for all your efforts and service to our great Nation.

” You have certainly earned your place in history. Thank you for your exceptional leadership and dedication.

” May the Almighty Allah bless you for all your efforts and service to our great Nation” he said.

He also noted that the former President looked well-relaxed and his skin glowed like a newborn.

The Cabinet members prayed for the former President, asking the Almighty God to keep him healthy and protect members of his household.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mr Boss Mustapha thanked God for the life of the former President and stated that as former cabinet members, they were bound to honour him on such a special day, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari was a blessing to Nigeria.

He said he was excited to see the President relaxed and glowing.

While fielding questions from journalists, the former Honourable Minister of Justice/AGF, Abubakar Malami, eulogized the former president. “President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a blessing to Nigeria and the records are there. Such a great man deserves to be honoured, not only on his birthday but always” he said.

On his part, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, the former Minister of Transportation noted that he had been a strong admirer of President Muhammadu Buhari, as far back as the 1970s while in Secondary School in Maiduguri when the President served as the Military Governor of the then North Eastern State.

“Little did I know that one day I would work so closely with this unique man of impeccable character,” he said.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s contribution to the development of our great nation, especially in infrastructure development and securing our maritime waters against piracy will not be forgotten in a hurry.

“He was an incorruptible leader and father of the nation indeed. He prayed that the Almighty Allah will sustain Baba Buhari in good health and grace him further with a long and fruitful life.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.