Headlines

Oyetola, Mobereola upbeat about 2024 World Maritime Day

Funso OLOJO

.As Nigeria joins the rest of global maritime community to celebrate the annual ritual of World Maritime Day, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola and Dr Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have reiterated the commitment of Nigerian government to enhanced safety standard in its maritime domain.

Speaking ahead of the commemoration of the annual jamboree scheduled for Lagos on Thursday, September 26th, 2024,

Oyetola emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that its agencies operate in accordance with globally recognized standards.

“This year’s theme for World Maritime Day is particularly relevant, as safety is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving a robust and business-friendly maritime sector.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to ensuring that the Blue Economy makes a significant contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”. Oyetola said.

“On his part, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), took the opportunity to assure stakeholders and investors that Nigerian waters are safe for investment and pledged to create an enabling environment for growth in the sector.

In the words of Mobereola, “Safety is at the core of our mandate at NIMASA.

“Whether it’s the safety of lives and property at sea or the safety of investments, we are forward-looking and committed to implementing government policies that will ensure a sustainable future for maritime in Nigeria”.

The President of the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES), Engr. Israel Obada disclosed that the issue of safety could not be over-emphasized in the daily operations of the Nigerian maritime sector.

“As Surveyors, it is pertinent to state that the health of the vessels plying our waterways matters; because the classification of vessels plays a key role in assessing their overall health, which in turn impacts the maritime sector as a whole.

“This makes safety a priority in the sector, not only in Nigeria, but globally”.

Engr. Emmanuel Ilori, a member of AMES, reinforced the importance of prioritizing safety.

He added that they are eager to collaborate with the Agency, while also ensuring that all ships that ply Nigerian waters are safe, thereby enhancing the safety of lives and property.

“This aligns with the goals of the Blue Economy for a sustainable ocean.

World Maritime Day was first celebrated in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the IMO Convention.

Since then, celebrations have taken place worldwide to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment, while emphasizing specific aspects of the IMO’s work.

The Honourable Minister, Oyetola, along with all the agencies under the Ministry, are expected to be in attendance.

Customs

Nnadi, 7 other senior officers make new Customs management team

–-4,291 senior officers get promotion to next rank.

—as board grants 12- month service extension to six retiring senior officers

Funso OLOJO

As a follow up to the recent promotions of 1,419 junior officers of the Nigeria customs service, the board of the paramilitary agency, led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has approved the appointment of one DCG, eight ACGs and promotion of 4291 senior officers of the service.

In addition, the board granted six senior officers, who were supposed to retire from the service this December, a service extension of 12 additional months.

The elevation of senior officers was part of the gale of promotions and appointments of deserving personnel unleashed on the service at this Christmas period.

According to the statement by the service, the appointments of the DCG and the ACGs have led to the reconstitution of the management team as the newly appointed officers replaced those who have retired on the board.

Consequently, the new management team members include DCG S Chiroma (North-East) and ACGs ZM Gaji (North-East), OA Adebakin (South-West), GM Omale (North-Central), MS Yusuf (North-Central), DA Nnadi (South-East), HK Ejibunu (North-Central), and D Hassan (North-East).

“These appointments are to fill the vacancies created based on the retirement of some management team members from the affected geopolitical zones of the federation” the service explained in the statement.

It also claimed the action further aligns with the Service’s commitment to national inclusivity, institutional balance, and adherence to the Federal Character Policy as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Furthermore, the promotion of senior officers highlights the exceptional performance of both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel during the 2024 promotion exercise.

A breakdown of the 4,291 officers elevated are as follows: 80 Deputy Comptrollers (DC) advanced to Customs Comptroller (CC), 151 Assistant Comptrollers (AC) to Deputy Comptroller (DC) and 612 Chief Superintendents of Customs (CSC) to Assistant Comptroller (AC).

Others are 641 Superintendents of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), 392 Deputy Superintendents of Customs (DSC) to Superintendent of Customs (SC), 590 Assistant Superintendents of Customs I (ASC I) to Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC), 965 Assistant Superintendents of Customs II (ASC II) to ASC I, and 860 Inspectors of Customs (IC) to ASC II.

Recognising extraordinary contributions, the Board also approved special promotions for sixteen (16) deserving officers to the next higher rank based on their exceptional performance in various assigned responsibilities.

In the same vein, the Board equally approved a posthumous promotion in honour of the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away on June 25, 2024, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.

” This gesture acknowledges his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication, a testament to the organisation’s appreciation of exceptional service and commitment” the statement declared.

As part of its drive for enhanced service delivery and streamlined administrative processes in line with global best practices, the Board approved a strategic restructuring, transferring the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit directly to the Office of the Comptroller General from the Tariff and Trade Department.

This pivotal unit, now elevated in status, will be headed by an Assistant Comptroller General, ensuring stronger oversight, increased efficiency, and alignment with the Service’s commitment to excellence in operational standards.

To safeguard operational continuity and preserve the wealth of institutional knowledge amid the retirement of numerous senior officers, a 12-month service extension has been granted to selected distinguished senior officers representing the six geopolitical zones of the Federation.

The extension of service for these officers, ratified by the Board meeting, follows the Presidential approval for the measure meant to address the current high rate of NCS management turnover.

The officers granted this esteemed extension include Assistant Comptrollers-General B Imam (North-East), IG Umar (North-West), KC Egwu South-East) as well as Comptrollers F. Abdulqadri (North-Central), MT Awe South-West, and OF Ojiefor (South-South).

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi ,on behalf of the NCSB, congratulated all newly appointed, promoted, and retained officers, urging them to uphold the Service’s core mandates and pursue excellence.

He extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to all and expresses deep gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Finance for ensuring the timely conclusion of the 2024 promotion cycle.

In celebration of this milestone, the CGC also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to fostering a motivated workforce with assured career progression and a steadfast focus on excellence.

Headlines

NPA’s leadership role in implemention of naira for crude sale attracts presidential commendation

Funso OLOJO

The Chairman, Technical Sub-Committee, on the implementation of the Federal Government’s policy on domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira, Zacch Adedeji, has commended the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) team, led by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for ensuring smooth operations.

Speaking when he visited the NPA Headquarters on Thursday 19th December 2024, Adedeji, who is also the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), thanked the team led by NPA for “playing a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the presidential directive on the domestic sales of crude oil and refined products in Naira”

Adedeji said: “We recognize that this pioneering effort is a significant achievement, and no doubt reflects your commitment and patriotism”.

“Thus, we encourage you to maintain the hard work and dedication that has made this initiative a success.

“We also extend our gratitude to all participating agencies for their invaluable cooperation and support.
“Thank you for your outstanding teamwork and service to the nation”.

The Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Datsotho said “This commendation can only spur us to do more in advancing this noble initiative.

“Let me seize this moment to especially appreciate the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola for providing the leadership that catalyzed our success on this venture”.

“We also thank the tireless Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee, Zacch Adedeji for the unwavering support that culminated in this milestone”.

“With the success of this audacious initiative to sell crude and allied products in Naira to domestic refiners, President ,Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has in addition to saving losses running into billions of Naira, guaranteed national energy security, deepening the balance of trade and creating jobs, also sustainably put an end to the scarcity of petroleum products and the excruciating queues that hitherto characterized the yuletide season.

This development is coming on the heels of the announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery of a reduction in the ex-depot price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦899.50 per liter.

Other members of the team are drawn from NIMASA , NMDPRA ,NUPRC
Chief of Naval Staff, NEPZA, Nigeria Customs Service
Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service, FIRS ,Port Health Service, NNPCL, NDLEA and Dangote Group.

Other members include the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) constitute the OSS team.

Customs

Adeniyi, Abejide charge Customs Officers to uphold professionalism

Funso OLOJO

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, on Monday, December 16, 2024, held a graduation ceremony for 100 officers who completed Senior Course 11 and Junior Course 20.

The event was attended by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide, as the Special Guest of Honour.

Both dignitaries, in their addresses, emphasised the crucial role of professionalism in effectively discharging the duties of a customs officer and contributing to national development.

In his remarks, Adeniyi commended the graduates for their commitment throughout the six-month training, urging them to uphold professionalism, discipline, and the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

He highlighted the importance of utilising their newly acquired skills to strengthen border security, combat smuggling, and enhance revenue generation.

Hon. Abejide congratulated the officers on completing the demanding training programme, describing it as the foundation for the professionalism required to execute their duties effectively.

He encouraged them to adhere to the recently enacted Customs Act 2023 and emphasised the need for continuous learning and dedication to their roles.

The Commandant of the College, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General (Ag. ACG) Oluyomi Adebakin, conferred the titles of Pass Senior Course (PSC) and Pass Junior Staff Course (PJSC) on the graduates.

She commended their resilience and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, and discipline as they returned to their respective postings.

One of the graduands, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Ibrahim, praised the Service for its foresight in prioritising capacity building.

According to him, “Discipline, harmonisation of customs procedures—the way we do things differently—and the ability to work under pressure are some of the cardinal lessons taught in the college.”

He thanked Adeniyi and his management team, the former Commandant, ACG Kingsley Egwu, and the current Commandant, Ag. ACG Oluyomi Adebakin, and all the directing staff of the college for the knowledge imparted to him and his colleagues.

The ceremony was preceded by a regimental dinner on December 12, 2024, a longstanding tradition of the College.

During the dinner, CGC Adeniyi underscored the importance of discipline, camaraderie, and teamwork, encouraging the graduates to apply these values in their service to the nation.

The event reinforced the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to training and developing officers to meet the evolving demands of border security and revenue generation.