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Sambo inaugurates Taraba state APC presidential campaign council —– counsels on unity

Sambo, Minister of Transportation

The Eyewitness reporter

The Taraba State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has inaugurated the State’s Presidential Campaign Council, harping on unity and party members’ togetherness.

The State Coordinator of the campaign council who is also the Honourable Minister of Transportation said the campaign committee has been saddled with the responsibility of conducting an effective, message-driven campaign for the 2023 elections.

“I am delighted to welcome everyone to today’s Taraba State Tinubu /Shettima Presidential Campaign Council Structure Inauguration.

“At the Instance of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) we have been saddled with the responsibility of conducting an effective, message-driven campaign, leading to Tinubu/Shettima’s ticket victory in the 2023 presidential election.

“Albeit, despite the title “Presidential Campaign Council” in its official name, our responsibility is to deliver Taraba State for the All Progressive Congress in the coming election, from the councilor at the ward level to the Presidential Flag bearer.

“In the real sense, a victory for the presidential candidate alone won’t suffice and bring the coveted development to our dear state, but it will make more sense if we have an APC President, an APC Governor, APC Senators from our Senatorial Districts, APC House of Representative Members, APC State House of Assembly Members, APC Local Government Chairmen and APC Councillors.

“Therefore, in the spirit of our party symbol “the Broom” which symbolizes unity and togetherness, I call on you all irrespective of our creed, faith, beliefs, and ideology to make this happen.” He said.

Sambo while recalling how letters were sent out to all members of the structure further commended those who put their effort into the successful inauguration of the Council.

He said the Campaign structure is divided into three for effectiveness and also called on members of the council to be dedicated.

“I must thank those who co-operated and thank those who didn’t as well, the structure we are having today was birthed after a wide consultation and involvement of all our party stakeholders.

“The Campaign structure is divided into three Major Categories: The Campaign Management Council, the Campaign Advisory Council, and the State Campaign Council.

“The Campaign Management Council which is purely administrative Constitutes the State Coordinator, the Deputy State Coordinator, the three Zonal Coordinators, the Council’s Secretary/Legal Advisers, the treasurer, the Youth leader, the Organizing Secretary, the Public Relation Officer, the Women Leader, the Youth Leader, the Leader of the Disabled and the Organizing Secretary.

“Also, the Campaign Advisory Council constitutes all former Governors who are members of the Party, all former deputy Governors who are members of our party, all serving and former Senators who are members of the party, all serving and former members of the House of Representatives who are members of the party, all Ministers and former Ministers who are members of the party, all serving Ambassadors and former Ambassadors who are members of the party, all members of the National Excos and the State Chairman of the party.

“The State Campaign Council constitutes all Aspirants – Gubernatorial, Senatorial & the House of Representatives, and State Excos of our party. I am glad to say everyone in these categories has been written to and a majority have accepted, birthing this inauguration today.

“Furthermore, the task ahead may appear daunting; they might seem like a burden too great to bear. But we must not, even for a moment, abdicate our duties to work together to restore this dear land of ours for the sake of our nation, the sake of our children, and the sake of future generations,” he said.

Sambo congratulated all those nominated to serve in the Campaign Council adding that they have been selected from among the millions of party members because of their past contributions and commitment to the unity of the party.

“Naturally, not all members of our party can be in the Presidential Campaign Council. But every single member of the Taraba State APC is an important member of the party and each one of you is still entrusted with the responsibility of leading our party to victory in next year’s elections.

“Those of you who have not found yourselves in the State Presidential Campaign Council is just as important as those who have, and we do not take your contributions for granted,” he said.

Sambo further preached Unity saying that the coming days are pivotal and there is a need to come together to achieve the aim of the council.

“Finally, I call us all to Unity. Party members and Tarabans at large, Sons and daughters of my fatherland, we are Nature’s gift to the nations.

“The coming days are pivotal in the history of our dear country, this is a call to purpose, let’s come together as one. Let’s sheath our sword, let’s put aside our differences.

“We cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose, we are only as strong as we are united. Let’s put aside tribal sentiments, religious beliefs, and personal interests, and embrace the ideals of genuine brotherhood and nation-building.

“You are first my brother before any other thing,” he said.

“You are the son of my mother, the daughter of my father, my kinsman. Let the Mumuye, the Jukuns, the Fulani, the itchens, the Hausas and every tongue in Taraba come together as one”.

“Let the Pastors henceforth Preach it loud from their Pulpits. Let the Imams tell it daily to all worshippers in the mosque. Let the fathers sing it to the ears of their sons and daughters. Let’s tell it even to our Children unborn”

“The unity of Taraba is non-negotiable and I am committed to this cause. We can’t all be alike, we can’t all be the same, and our beauty is in our diversity. Therefore as a Progressive, join me to deliver Taraba state for Tinubu/Shettima and the All Progressives Congress come 2023”.

“In the spirit of our party’s symbol, the “broom”, let’s work with all stakeholders, strengthening existing structures and building new ones where necessary.”

“I am a firm believer in the ideals of our great Nation and Party. I believe the Sun will yet rise on the Mambilla. Join me as I deliver on this mandate.” he declared.

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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.