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Nigeria Customs Generates N2.74 Trillion In Six Months, Processes 620,467 SGDs

July 30, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With a revenue target of N2.54 trillion, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, said it realized N2.74 trillion for the half year 2024

This is even as it announced the processing of 620,467 Single Goods Declarations, SGD, within the same period under review.

Giving an account of his stewardship between January and June ,the NCS Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the N2.74 Trillion generated surpassed the target by 8% ,as well as an of 127% increase over the N 1.395 Trillion generated within the corresponding period in 2023.

In a press statement issued on Monday, July 29, 2024, by NCS National Spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the CGC attributed the remarkable success to key initiatives such as e-auction platform which he noted generated N1.34 billion and the 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles which added N4.37 billion to the revenue profile.

These measures he informed, have significantly enhanced transparency, compliance, and efficiency in customs processes .

“The Service intensified its anti-smuggling operations in the first half of 2024, resulting in notable achievements.

“From January to June 2024, the NCS made 2,442 seizures with a Duty paid value of N 25,520,652,942.87 which is 203% higher than the DPV of seizures in the first half of 2023.

“In the second quarter of 2024 the NCS made 1,334 seizures with a DPV of N17,564,384,378 representing a 121% increase over the first quarter of 2024.

“The top items seized include wildlife, vehicles, arms and ammunition, foreign rice, pharmaceuticals and narcotics with 32 suspects in custody.

“Trade facilitation remains a core priority for the NCS. In the first half of 2024, the Service processed 620 ,467 Single Goods Declarations SGDs reflecting a reduction of approximately %39 compared to the same period in 2023 .

“Despite this decline, the NCS has implemented several key initiatives to simply and expedite customs processes .

“These include reinforcement of NCS automation procedures capacity building programs for officers ,and public-private partnerships to enhance customs clearance efficiency .

“These efforts are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic growth” CGC Adeniyi noted .

But despite all the achievements, the CGC acknowledged several challenges within the same period .

Such challenges, according to him, include significant fluctuations in the exchange rate, a lower volume of transactions ,low compliance levels among importers and exporters and periodic downtime

These hiccups, he noted, negatively impacted revenue collection and over all operational efficiency. To address the challenges, and enhance revenue ,Adeniyi said the NCS implemented several strategies including real-time system auditing, post-clearance audits, verification of documents for the PDE-Arrival Assessment Report ensuring compliance with import guidelines, and the implementation of a pilot test for the Authorized Economic Operators AEO scheme.

“Additionally. the NCS has recently introduced the Advanced Ruling System ARS ,a legally binding decision on classification ,valuation and rules of origin before the importation or exportation of goods .

“Other pragmatic measures implemented to increase revenue despite a drop in cargo include establishing a robust framework for dispute resolution ,launch of Operation Whirlwind, reshuffling strategic-level officers and robust stakeholders”, the CGC said.

He commended officers and men of the Service for their dedication, and commitment while also acknowledging the invaluable support and cooperation of all stakeholders to the modest achievements recorded.

House Of Representatives Members Recalled From Break, To Sit Wednesday

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the House of Representatives are expected to break their ongoing eight weeks recess to attend a plenary session on Wednesday.

Spokesman for the green chamber, Akin Rotimi Jnr in a statement on Monday stated that a directive to that effect had been issued by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

“Honourable Members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session.

“This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.

“The House had commenced its annual recess on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The Annual Recess provides Honourable Members with the opportunity to engage extensively with their constituencies, ensuring that the legislative process remains attuned to public input.

“This period also allows for in-depth engagements at the grassroots, facilitating a deeper understanding of the constituents’ needs and priorities.

“It is, however, customary for the House to reconvene from recess to address pressing national issues.

“The forthcoming session will focus on critical matters requiring immediate legislative attention. Honourable Members are expected to make the necessary arrangements to ensure their presence.

“Additionally, the reconvening will facilitate a significant engagement with young Nigerians through a town hall meeting hosted by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., on Wednesday at the National Assembly.

Newly Recruited Police Constables Set To Resume

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Police and Police Service Commission (PSC) may have finally resolved disagreement on the list of candidates recruited as constables into the Force.

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun had taken up the PSC on the recruitment, which he said did not comply with the set standard.

The Police Recruitment Board has approved the 10th of August 2024 for the commencement of training for successful applicants of the 2022 Constable Recruitment exercise.

Specialist applicants are to resume training two months after that of their General Duty counterparts. Information on date and venues for their own specialized training will be announced in due course.

A statement on Monday said “The Police Service Commission wishes to appreciate the applicants for their patience and understanding while efforts were made to ensure that the exercise was inclusive and generally acceptable.’

The Commission also stated that it will continue to ensure that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is based on merit and respect for the Federal Character principles.

It enjoins the successful candidates to see their new status as a call to duty for the Nigerian nation, stressing that the Commission will monitor their training programmes to ensure that they come out prepared to join forces in fighting the security challenges facing our nation.

Ikpa’s Declared Week Long Sit-At-Home, Nationwide Protest: Imo Police Mounts 24 Hour Security Surveillance

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 30, 2024

Aboki Danjuma - Imo Commissioner of Police — Aboki Danjuma, Imo state Commissioner of Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Security has been enhanced in, and around some strategic areas in Imo State.

This followed renewed threats by some elements suspected to be members of the Simon Ikpa-led Autopilots, a breakaway faction of the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB to enforce a week long sit-at-home on residents, effective from Monday July 29 2024.

The Imo State Police authorities said they have deployed enough men and materials to ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding residents.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson Henry Okoye, the State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, informed that collaborative efforts have been made with sister security agencies to forestall the break down of law and order in any part of the state .

CP Danjuma, therefore, called on law abiding residents to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation.

The Source reports that Ikpa had proclaimed a one week sit-at-home order in all the South-east States beginning from Monday July 29.

The Enugu State Police Commissioner, CP kanayo Uzuegbu, had, on Tuesday July 22, warned that dire consequences await anyone and/or groups that will attempt to enforce sit-at-home under any conceivable guise.

CP Uzuegbu who spoke at the end of a security council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mba, noted that: “Sorry will be the name of any anyone who try to impose the proclaimed week long sit-at-home order in Enugu state.

“We are just coming out from a Security Council Meeting with His Excellency, the Governor, with all the Security Chiefs in attendance.

We took some strategic and Threat Of Simon Ikpa Declared Week Long Sit-At-Home,Nationwide Protest ; Imo Police Mounts 24 Hour Security Surveillance.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi.

Security has been enhanced in and around some strategic areas in Imo state ..

This followed renewed threats by some elements suspected to be members of the Simon Ikpa led Autopilots ,a break away faction of the Nnamdi Kanu led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB to enforce a week long sit-at-home on residents effective from Monday July 29 2024 .

The Imo state police authorities said they have deployed enough men and materials to ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding residents.

In a statement issued by the Command spokesperson Henry Okoye ,the state Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma ,informed that collaborative efforts have been made with sister security agencies to forestall the break down of law and order in any parts of the state .

CP Danjuma therefore called on law abiding residents to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation.

The Source reports that Ikpa had proclaimed a one week sit-at-home order in all the Southeast states beginning from Monday July 29.

The Enugu state police Commissioner CP kanayo Uzuegbu had last week Tuesday July 22, warned that dire consequences await anyone and or groups that will attempt to enforce sit-at-home under any conceivable guise .

CP Uzuegbu who spoke at the end of a security council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mba ,noted that ” sorry will be the name of any anyone who try to impose the proclaimed week long sit-at-home order in Enugu state “.

“We are just coming out from a Security council meeting with His Excellency ,the Governor and with all the security chiefs in attendance.

“We took some strategic and critical decisions to ensure that the security architecture in the state is further strengthened .We have to give the good people of Enugu state security guarantee .

“We, also, resolved that sit-at-home remains an aberration in Enugu State. People should go about their lawful businesses.

“Any activities and/or actions by any persons and or group of persons that are considered inimical to the existing peace of the State will be ruthlessly dealt with”, the Enugu CP insisted.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police in the statement assured that under his watch, security of lives and properties will not be compromised

Further speaking, CP Danjuma sounded a note of warning to would be trouble makers who may wish to capitalize on the planned nationwide protest to breach the peace and security of the State, to rather have a rethink.

He insisted that the Imo Police Command will not tolerate any forms of violent demonstration that will lead to the destruction of properties of law abiding citizens and loss of lives

He called on parents and guardians to caution their wards against involving themselves in acts capable of attracting the ire of security agencies.

The Imo CP, however, expressed the readiness of security agencies to provide adequate security within the period of the nationwide protest.

According to him, security personnel drawn from the police, army, and other security arms have been strategically deployed and tasked to carry out a 15-day show of force and confidence building patrol of all the 27 Local Councils of the State.

Edo Guber Update: INEC Closes Registration Of Party Agents Tuesday

Ayodele Oni

July 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties to upload the details of their polling agents on the dedicated portal ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo Governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, who made this call on Monday during the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, said that Tuesday is the deadline and that the commission’s portal will automatically shut.

According to INEC Chairman, 14 political parties have so far uploaded the details of 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents for the Edo State Governorship election.

Three parties are yet to upload a single polling agent and five parties have not uploaded agents for Ward, Local Government and State collation centers.

Yakubu urged political parties to meet the deadline of Tuesday, July 30, when the portal automatically shuts down at midnight, to enable the commission produce accreditation tags and deliver them to their agents in good time.

“As the Edo State Governorship approaches, I wish to remind leaders of political parties of your obligation to submit the list of your agents by uploading the required information, including photographs, to the dedicated portal.

“This requirement is listed as item 9 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election released by the Commission nearly a year ago on 26th September 2023.

“As at yesterday, Sunday 28th July 2024, 14 political parties have uploaded the details of 38,354 polling agents and 819 collation agents for the Edo State Governorship election.

“Three parties are yet to upload a single polling agent while five parties have not uploaded a single agent for Ward, Local Government and State collation centers.

“The deadline is tomorrow Tuesday 30th July 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down at midnight. I urge you to ensure that you meet the deadline so that the Commission can produce the accreditation tags and deliver them to you for distribution to your agents in good time.”

The INEC chairman also reminded political parties that campaign is in full swing, urging them to demonstrate compliance with the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, especially the aspect dealing with rallies, processions, and campaigns.

President Tinubu Signs Minimum Wage Bill To Law

Ayodele Oni

July 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has signed the minimum wage bill into law, ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.

Tinubu signed the Bill at the State House in Abuja days after the National Assembly had passed it.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, among others.

The Senate had last week passed the National Minimum Wage Act from N30,000 to N70,000 after the first, second, and third readings on same day.

President Tinubu had earlier on sent the bill to the House of Representatives to make ₦70,000 the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

This comes after the President and labour leaders agreed earlier on the amount .

All the senators unanimously adopted the motion when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

With the President’s assenting to the bill, governments at all levels and employers of labour are now bonded to pay their workers the wage.

The law is however subjected to another review after three years of implementation.

FG Orders Crude Sale To Dangote In Naira As Petrol Scarcity Bites

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 29, 2024

The federal government has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Limited to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira.

The development comes after a resolution to that effect by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting held on Monday, according to Bayo Onanuga, a spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The magazine reported a spat between the owner of the refinery and Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote, and the NNPCL after the former accused the government-controlled oil firm of plot to kill the refinery.

Dangote had accused NNPCL and International Oil Companies, IOC, of frustrating production after they refused to supply crude to the refinery.

In a statement Onanuga posted on his X handle, the federal government has offered to sell to the refinery four cargoes of crude out of the 15 crude cargoes it required annually to support production in the refinery owned by Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote.

The aim, according to the presidential spokesman, is to ensure stable price of pump price of petrol in the country.

Onanuga said Dangote would be used as a pilot for the Naira-for -crude arrangement as other domestic refineries will also benefit, adding that Afreximbank would serve as the facilitator of the deal between Dangote and NNPCL.

The statement said, “To ensure the stability of the pump price of refined fuel and the dollar-Naira exchange rate, the Federal Executive Council today adopted a proposal by President Tinubu to sell crude to Dangote Refinery and other upcoming refineries in Naira.

“Dangote Refinery at the moment requires 15 cargoes of crude, at a cost of $13.5 billion yearly. NNPC has committed to supply four.

“But the FEC has approved that the 450,000 barrels meant for domestic consumption be offered in Naira to Nigerian refineries, using the Dangote refinery as pilot. The exchange rate will be fixed for the duration of this transaction.

“Afreximbank and other settlement banks in Nigeria will facilitate the trade between Dangote and NNPC Limited. The game changing intervention will eliminate the need for international letters of credit. It will also save the country of billions of dollars used in importing refined fuel.”

Meanwhile, the petrol scarcity which started last week is having a serious toll on businesses and movement across the country, according to on-the-spot assessment by The Sources correspondents, who said a litre of petrol is now being sold for as much as N1,250 in some parts of the country, even as long queue have returned to many filling stations.

The NNPCL has says a hitch in the discharge operations of some vessels carrying fuel is the cause of the current scarcity. .

Bailout: NCC Orders Telecom Operators To Reactivate Disconnected GSM Lines

Ayodele Oni

July 29, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Communication Commission, (MCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by Reuben Muoka Director Public Affairs of NCC.

Citing inadequate time for subscribers to link their lines with their NIN, NCC however advised those affected to make use of the extension period to regularize their numbers.

The statement reads ‘Over the weekend many telecom subscribers/consumers were unable to access their phone lines because of the inability of many telecom consumers to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).

“This meant that their numbers were blocked by their telecom service providers in keeping with laws and policies of the NIN-SIM linkage.

“Telecoms consumers and the public will recall the compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM which began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM cards and SIMs that were not linked to NIN.

“Since December 2023, the Commission has since reviewed the deadline a few times; April 15, 2024 was set as the deadline for the full network barring of subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.

“This deadline was then reviewed to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified. Despite these extensions, many phone lines have yet to be linked with verified NINs.

“The objectives of this exercise by the Federal Government of Nigeria include enhancing national security and ensuring the national SIM ownership database is accurate.

“The NIN-SIM linkage policy aids in verifying and protecting users’ identities while also providing a critical infrastructure that assures access to the benefits of a robust digital economy for the citizenry.

“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs.

“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM.

“Members of the public who have yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.”

Nationwide Protest: FG Directs Vice Chancellors To Secure University Community

Ayodele Oni

July 29, 2024

Prof Tahir Mamman - Minister of Education

By Ayodele Oni

The federal government has placed vice chancellors of universities on alert, ahead of the planned nationwide protest, scheduled to begin on August 1.

In a statement on Monday, titled “Urgent Arrangement For Security and Safety of University staff, students and Property During Proposed Nationwide Protest,” it directed the Vice Chancellors to take proactive actions to safeguard the academic community.

The circular, from the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, was passed through the National Universities Commission, (NUC) to respective institutions and signed by the acting Secretary, Chris Maiyaki.

The circular reads “The Federal Ministry of Education has directed that the attention of the Vice Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protest.

“The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerians to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and universities property should there be protest.

“Consequently, the Honourable Minister of Education has directed that Vice Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the University community including staff and students.

“In addition, Vice Chancellors are to please issue specific statement to assure staff and students of their safety.

“It is also advisable that students remain on campus and focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protest.”

Hunger: Tinubu’s Daughter Stages “Say No To Protest” Rally In Abuja

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 29, 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo has kicked off her own protest to express her support for the federal government against the upcoming hunger and hardship protest by some Nigerians.

Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the controversial daughter of the president started the protest In Abuja, on Monday, in support of her father few days after she warned women not to allow their children participate in the hunger protest slated for August 1-10 by angry Nigerians.

Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja of Lagos state had last week, warned the women not to allow their children to be killed by security agents while addressing a crowd of people in the state.

The remark had not been well received by many Nigerians who insisted that the protest must go ahead in less than 72 hours, despite the government’s efforts to get it canceled.

The government has been meeting religious, traditional and other opinion leaders to ensure that the protest did not hold.

Leading some women at the Eagle Square, on Monday in Abuja, the Market Leader who has been appealing to Nigerians to give the president time to correct the ills in the country, saying Tinubu is not a magician, was seen in a viral video shaking hands and exchanging hugs with some women groups across the country.

The crowd, mostly women representing some states in the country, carried placards captioned “Say No To Protest” signaling the president daughter’s opposition to the 10 days planned protest tagged ‘Days of Rage” by the organisers.

Speaking against the Hunger Protest last week, Tinubu-Ojo said the country has made noticeable progress since her father came to office last year, pleading to Nigerians to give Tinubu’s government more time.

She called on the protesters to engage the government on how to move the country forward.

Tinububu-Ojo said, “Let’s talk to ourselves, our children and our families that there is nothing like protesting in Lagos, it is just a ploy to destroy the country. See the last protest and the damage that was caused. Let’s not because a party is paying some people to fight, let’s not allow our children to participate.”

“There is nothing like protest in Lagos State because the government of Lagos State is making us proud. They are making us happy, they give us a sense of belonging.

“The government at the center just assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it last three years, at least.

“Prevention is better than treatment. We will not suffer loss of lives. Let everyone warn her children.”

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