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Adeniyi attributes giant stride of Tin Can customs command in revenue generation, infrastructural development to stakeholders collaboration

— commissions 47- years old renovated command’s office complex 
— hints at rewarding Nnadi with service award
Funso OLOJO 
The Area Controller of Tin Can Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, have caught the fancy of his Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as he may be conferred with a service award at the Customs’ Awards night that
will hold on Thursday, November 28th, 2024 in Abuja.
Adeniyi, who did not hide his admiration for the renovated office complex of the Tin Can Customs command, described it as an award- winning project which would not be forgotten during the award night.
The CGC praised Comptroller Nnadi and his officers for bequeathing such gigantic edifice that will clearly enhance the productivity  and efficiency of officers in a conducive working environment.
He also praised the efforts of the stakeholders who supported the project and promised that the Customs service is willing to expand the frontier of collaboration with them.
Adeniyi confessed that the magnitude of the renovated complex exceeded his expectation as he had thought the project would only be a few touches of repainting of the building.
” I made it clear on assumption of duties that one of my policy thrusts would be collaboration.
” I have discovered that there is strength in complementing what we can do for each other.
“All of us will bring different ideas and attributes to the table to arrive at common goals.
“Through collaboration, we tap into our different areas of strength and optimize the resources we can get for maximum objectives.
“We have seen this work out in several ways in the last one year.
“Our revenue generation is nothing but a product of deliberate collaboration with all our stakeholders.
“Our intelligence gathering is a product of collaboration.
“All our officers in all the commands have created an environment where we collaborate with other agencies of government for more effective results.
“And I am indeed delighted about this .
“What we are seeing today, (renovated building) is also a product of collaboration.
“Our stakeholders are now telling us that they can support us to improve the quality of our workplace and I am very happy about this” Adeniyi declared.

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The CGC therefore acknowledged the contributions of all the stakeholders to the completion of the project and promised that customs will continue to expand the frontier of collaboration in all the spheres of its operations.
He said there are so many potential for collaboration between the stakeholders and the customs.
He therefore lauded the foresight and tenacity of purpose of Comptroller Nnadi and his officers for the project, while admonishing other Area Controllers of Customs to emulate the Tin Can Customs Command helmsman by engaging their stakeholders to enhance their service delivery.
” I want to commend Comptroller Dera Nnadi and all his men for initiating this project and getting it done.
” When he told me about it, I never knew it was such a gigantic project.
” I just thought that it was something that they are going to do with few swaps of paint brush.
“But from what I have seeing, this is an award- wining project.
” The 2024 Customs service awards which supposed to have taken place two weeks ago will now take place in two days time( Thursday November 28th, 2024) and as the Comptroller General of Customs, we will not forget the project”
An elated Nnadi thanked the CGC and his team for the support and encouragement that enabled the project to come to fruition.
He said the renovation marks a significant milestone in the history of the  Command.
“As we celebrate the unveiling of this renovated facility, we must recognize the historical context of this transformation.
 “Since the inception of this Command in 1977, no major renovation has been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.
“For decades, our officers have worked diligently within the confines of outdated infrastructure, and today, we witness a transformation that will no longer be just a reflection of the past, but a symbol of the future – a future that is modern, efficient, and committed to service excellence.
“This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure; it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.
”  It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike.
“A well-maintained office complex ensures that we continue to provide exceptional service and achieve greater results in our core functions of revenue generation and trade facilitation.
“It is important to note that our work here at Tin Can Island Port goes beyond infrastructure; we are deeply committed to the economic growth of Nigeria.
“In 2024, under the leadership and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, our Command has made remarkable strides in revenue generation.
“We are proud to announce that for the first time in history, Tincan Island Port has generated over ₦1, 125,744,318,049.60 (One trillion, One Hundred and Twenty Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Forty Nine Naira Sixty Kobo) in revenue—an exceptional feat that highlights the dedication and hard work of our officers.
“This achievement is a significant leap from the ₦639,665,622,978.55 (Six Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Fifty Five Kobo) collected as at November 2023.
“The success recorded in our revenue drive reflects not only the diligence of our officers but also the collaborative efforts with other stakeholders.
“It is a testament to the positive impact of our policies and reforms, and it reaffirms the Service commitment to maximizing revenue collection for the growth of our nation.
“In addition to our successes in revenue generation, we continue to make significant strides in enforcing compliance and tackling smuggling activities.
“We are all witness to the seizure of various quantities of arms, unregulated pharmaceutical and psychotropic substances and other Un-customs goods.
 “Our achievement in this direction further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economic and security interests.
“These seizures not only demonstrate the vigilance and dedication of our officers but also highlight our unyielding commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s borders.
“We recognize the importance of preventing the inflow of harmful goods and ensuring that all imported items meet the legal and regulatory standards.
“I would like to take a moment to congratulate the officers of Tin Can Island Port Command for their unwavering commitment, determination, and excellence.
“The revenue collected, the seizures made, and the success of this renovation are all outcomes of your hard work and dedication to duty.
“This renovation is a direct result of your efforts, and I commend you all for your service to the nation” he exuded an infectious happiness.
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Customs

Customs, WCO train officers in technology- driven border security

Funso OLOJO
In a bid to strengthen border security through innovative data-driven approaches, the World Customs Organization – Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (WCO), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), concluded a five-day workshop on Friday, 6 December 2024, tagged “n-Ceen.”
The training, held at the Project Management Office of Trade Modernisation Project Office situated in the Service’s Management Quarters in Abuja, was aimed at equipping officers with skills in data gathering and analysis to enhance national security and enforcement operations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the strategic importance of the training in achieving the Service’s objectives.
According to her, “This training, organised in collaboration with the WCO, underscores the Comptroller-General of Customs’ commitment to secure our nation’s borders.
” No man is an island; we cannot achieve this in isolation. Collaboration, particularly with skilled personnel, is essential.”
DCG Adeola explained that the workshop provided officers with cutting-edge tools to protect lives and properties and also to proactively deploy interventions where most needed.
 She also stated that the training will reduce risks, including mob actions against customs personnel.
The training was meticulously planned, with participants selected from various zones and units, including enforcement, intelligence, ICT, and investigations, to ensure continuity and the dissemination of expertise.
Jean Bigirimana, a WCO facilitator from Burundi, praised the NCS for embracing technology as a critical component of border security, explaining that, “the n-Ceen tool is designed to assist member countries in gathering intelligence and making informed decisions.”
“The n-Ceen application enables Customs administrations to collect and harmonise data, which can then be used to target high-risk cases effectively.
” During this workshop, we trained participants on the features and functionalities of n-Ceen, empowering them to apply this knowledge in their respective domains.” Bigirimana said.
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Customs

From Cabin to the Cockpit

— the inspiring transformational story of DSC Balogun, the first female pilot in Nigeria Customs 
Funso OLOJO 
The remarkable transformation of Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Nafisat Balogun from being a crew member to becoming a full fledged pilot in the air wing of the Nigeria Customs Service is an inspiring one.
DSC Balogun is a study in doggedness, determination, perseverance, resilience and commitment.
Balogun has thus make history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Born in Kaduna and a native of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Osun State, Balogun’s journey began in 2002 when she was recruited as a Customs Assistant to serve as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Airwing Unit.
Speaking in a recent interview, DSC Balogun reflected on her journey, sharing how her unwavering ambition and the Service’s support enabled her transformation from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot.
“Staying in the Service when many of my colleagues opted for better-paying airline jobs was a tough decision, but I was determined to contribute to public service and achieve my dream of becoming a pilot,” she said.
Balogun’s career milestones include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, and eventually securing her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with the NCS sponsoring her training.
DSC Balogun asserted that being the first female pilot in the NCS Air wing is credited to inspiring women within and beyond the Service never to relent in pursuing their dreams.
 “My role as the first female pilot in the service reflects my commitment as a woman to advancing my passionate dream as well as the operational capabilities of the NCS” she added.
As she continues to fly for the NCS, Balogun remains passionate about inspiring others, stating, “I hope my journey motivates young Nigerians, especially women, to chase their dreams and break through barriers.”
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in a statement commended her dedication and described her achievement as a testament to the Service’s commitment to capacity building and innovation.
 “Her story exemplifies what is possible with determination and institutional support,” Adeniyi said.
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Customs

B’Odogwu, home-made customs trading platform, gains momentum at PTML 

— as more banks embrace local ICT platform 
— PTML customs reaps revenue windfall 
Funso OLOJO 
B’Odogwu, an indigenous customs trading platform currently being test run at the  Ports Terminal Multi services Limited(PTML) command of the Nigeria Customs Service,  has gained a momentum in the command as more operators are embracing the new trading platform.
Already,17 banks have indicated their interests to sign on the platform to join the existing five banks currently hooked up to the trading platform.
In addition, the PTML Customs command has started to reap revenue windfall triggered by the new trading platform as it generated N44.9 billion in November, the highest monthly revenue ever generated in the history of the command.
An elated Area controller of the command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, said B’Odogwu trading platform has come to stay in the Command.
As a pilot command for the operation of the indigenous platform,  Comptroller Daniyan advised stakeholders to embrace and rally round the new ICT platform as their own, adding that the command has parted ways with the old Customs platform NICIS11.
The Area Controller also debunked  information alleging that four vessels have been unattended to at the PTML berth due to B’Odogwu failure is untrue.
He disclosed that the command met with some of the stakeholders earlier in the week where all issues bordering on the challenges experienced by agents were addressed and they were advised to engage the implementation team for further assistance
He added that to facilitate trade, the command has bent backwards by applying manual methods to process cargoes and has established interface with the terminal operator to accommodate port users that have made entries on the platform.
The Controller said most agents claiming inability to capture have not registered on the platform and urged them to come forward for capture to address any challenge.
The CAC said “B’Odogwu is a Nigerian baby that should be fed by Nigerians .
” We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother and I urge all Nigerians to support it.
“We are not going back to NICIS II. The use of NICIS II platform has come to an end in PTML as this is the position of the Service.
” We are aware that some of our agents are yet to be fully acquainted with the additional requirements that were not involved in NICIS II.
“As the problems come up, we are solving them.
“Note that the management has dispatched an implementation team here  to ensure our stakeholders don’t suffer.
” We were disconnected from NICIS II three months ago and we have fully commenced implementation to grow our own teeth and serve the country better. We have left NICIS here in PTML.
“We are committed to get it right here before moving to Tin Can and other ports.
“Our turn around time for properly declared RoRo cargo is still two hours but this is dependent on compliance by the declarant.
“As a command, we will not sacrifice national security and revenue on the altar of trade facilitation.
” So far in November,292 bills of laden have been captured in November, 375 are yet to capture.
“As at today, Wednesday over 98 people have paid their duties under B’Odogwu platform as more banks are coming on board” he said
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