Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disbursed N7.61 billion to nine Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for the payment of retirement benefits to 4,237 retired Customs officers, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of its former personnel.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a dialogue with retired officers held on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, where he announced that the funds had already been released to the PFAs for immediate credit to the retirees’ individual Retirement Savings Accounts.

According to the beneficiary breakdown, Premium Pension has the highest number of beneficiaries with 2,268 retirees, followed by Access-ARM Pension Managers with 1,223.

Leadway Pensions will pay 403 retirees, TrustFund Pensions 156, FCMB Pensions 144, Veritas Glanvills Pensions 28, Norrenberger Pensions 11, while Fidelity Pension Managers will pay four retirees, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 4,237.

Addressing the retirees, Adeniyi stressed that the Customs Service remains committed to ensuring the welfare of both serving and retired officers, noting that the institution’s future is closely tied to how it treats those who devoted their careers to its service.

He said the Service must remain financially strong and capable of meeting its obligations, emphasizing that retirees deserve dignity and timely access to their benefits.

The CGC also called for sustained engagement between the Service and its retirees, explaining that the dialogue was convened to address concerns, foster mutual understanding, and dispel misinformation.

“I acknowledge your concerns and suggestions, and it is in view of this that we convened this dialogue to promote better understanding and reduce the effect of rumours and unofficial information on the relationship between the Service and its retired personnel,” Adeniyi said.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Tijjani Abe, and other members of the Customs Management Team, who assured the retirees that the issues raised would receive due consideration at both the Board and Management levels.

The retired officers commended the Comptroller-General and the Management for creating a platform for direct interaction, describing the engagement as timely and beneficial.

They appealed for the dialogue to become a regular feature to strengthen the bond between the Service and its retired workforce.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing Federal Government efforts to improve pension administration, following plans to review relevant statutory provisions, including Section 15(4) of the Pension Reform Act 2014, in line with Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the aim of enhancing the welfare of pensioners across the public service.

Gloria Odion,  reporter

The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative (MACI) has commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its outstanding role in protecting Nigeria’s extensive oil pipeline network from vandalism and crude oil theft.

The group, an association of journalists committed to promoting transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption, said Tantita’s pipeline surveillance operations have significantly reduced revenue losses to oil theft while contributing to increased crude oil production and improved foreign exchange earnings for the Federal Government.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Funso Olojo, and Secretary-General, Tunde Ojudun, MACI observed that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism had for decades remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent economic challenges, costing the nation billions of naira in lost revenue.

According to the group, the financial losses have not only weakened the country’s economy but have also deprived Nigerians of resources that could have been invested in critical infrastructure, healthcare, education and other social services.

MACI, however, noted that the situation has witnessed a remarkable turnaround since August 2022, when the Federal Government engaged Tantita Security Services to undertake surveillance of critical oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.

“Since the award of the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services in August 2022, Nigeria has recorded significant improvements in crude oil production as a result of the drastic reduction in oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” the statement said.

The group praised the company for what it described as its professionalism, commitment and unwavering dedication to protecting national assets.

“As an organisation actively involved in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, MACI commends TANTITA for its dedication and commitment to securing the nation’s oil pipelines without compromise.

“This aligns with our anti-corruption campaign, and we believe TANTITA has set a commendable example worthy of emulation.”

MACI stressed that the Niger Delta remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, making the protection of critical energy infrastructure essential to the country’s economic stability.

According to the group, Tantita’s proactive surveillance strategy has led to a significant decline in incidents of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, thereby restoring confidence and enhancing peace and stability across the region.

The organisation also applauded the company for creating employment opportunities for youths and residents of host communities, describing the initiative as a major contribution to socio-economic development in the Niger Delta.

“Beyond safeguarding critical national assets, TANTITA has empowered local communities through employment, providing legitimate means of livelihood that help discourage illegal activities and foster greater community participation in protecting national infrastructure,” the statement added.

MACI further commended the company’s ethical business culture and transparency, noting that it has maintained high professional standards while executing its responsibilities.

“The company has remained committed to integrity and transparency in its operations, setting a benchmark for others in the security and surveillance sector.

“It is truly commendable that TANTITA has accomplished what many once considered an impossible task—effectively securing the nation’s oil pipelines without compromising its ethical standards.

“We hope its achievements will inspire other organisations and stakeholders to join the fight against corruption and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

“TANTITA has demonstrated that with dedication, professionalism and ethical conduct, lasting solutions to long-standing national challenges are achievable,” MACI concluded.

Gloria Odion, Reporter

FirstLove Assembly, Rukpokwu, Port Harcourt, has unveiled an impressive lineup of keynote speakers for its Annual Faith Conference and 13th Anniversary Leadership and Business Session, scheduled to hold from August 12 to 16, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The conference will feature renowned leadership expert and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, as the keynote speaker.

Peterside,an acclaimed author of Leading in a Storm and Strategic Turnaround, is widely recognised as a management turnaround expert, leadership coach and thought leader.

Also billed to deliver keynote addresses are the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, a respected leadership scholar, and the Chief Executive Officer of Tico’s Kitchen, Mrs. Tina Osuji, who will share practical insights on entrepreneurship and business growth.

According to the organisers, the 2026 Faith Conference will commence at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026  while the mornings of August 13 to 15 will feature leadership, enterprise and career development sessions.

These sessions are designed to strengthen leadership capacity, foster innovation and inspire participants to achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives.

One of the major highlights of this year’s conference is “The Exchanges,” a structured networking initiative aimed at connecting the hundreds of participants expected from diverse industries, professions and backgrounds.

The organisers said the platform would provide attendees with opportunities to build lasting professional relationships, exchange ideas and unlock new avenues for personal and career advancement beyond the conference.

Dr. Peterside’s keynote address is titled, “The Ten Greatest Leadership Lessons I Learnt From Public Service — And Why Every Entrepreneur Should Know Them.”

In a statement jointly signed by the Resident Pastor of FirstLove Assembly, Rukpokwu, Pastor Alfred James Abu, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Boma Waribor, the church described the 13th Anniversary Faith Conference as “a prophetic season of new beginnings for our branch,” adding that the programme is deliberately structured “to equip participants for this new season and higher service.”

Other ministers expected to speak during the evening sessions and the thanksgiving service include the Overseer of FirstLove Assembly Worldwide, Rev. Simeon Afolabi; Rev. Chris Oarhe; Prophet Joseph Akanya; Pastor Wisdom Osiri; and the host, Pastor Alfred James Abu.

They will minister on the conference theme, “The Supernatural Life,” with messages aimed at inspiring participants to embrace purposeful, impactful and transformational living.