Nigeria suspends import duties on selected food items

Rising demand pressures spark global food concerns –FAO

The Nigeria Customs Service Board has reiterated that the temporary implementation of a zero-duty levy on selected food imports is designed to alleviate the current food shortage and reduce soaring food prices across the country.   This was disclosed in a post is the Federal Ministry of Finance official X handle on Wednesday, September 11.   The post reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service Board addressed the press on a key decision concerning the temporary implementation of a zero-duty levy on selected food imports.   “The measure is designed to alleviate the current food shortage and reduce soaring food prices, which have been a major contributor to inflation across the country.   “‘We discussed how to collaborate effectively to make food more affordable and accessible in the short term’, the Minister explained. He emphasised that while this initiative offers immediate relief, President Tinubu remains focused on long-term solutions, particularly boosting domestic food production. HM Edun highlighted ongoing efforts to increase the availability of essential farming inputs, such as fertilizer and seeds, particularly for small-scale farmers, which is expected to enhance local food production and ensure food security in the long run.   “In addition to the zero-duty measure, the Minister commended the Nigeria Customs Service Board for its regular meetings to review the Service’s financial performance and operational activities. He praised the Comptroller General and the leadership of the Service for upholding the core values of Transparency, Integrity, and Merit, noting these values are essential for effective governance and the efficient operation of the Service.   “The Minister concluded by reaffirming the President Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to tackling both short-term and long-term food security challenges, while continuing to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of key policies.”  

Customs seizes N22.8m smuggled items in Adamawa

Customs seizes N22.8m smuggled items in Adamawa

The Adamawa and Taraba Area Command of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has seized smuggled items with Duty Paid Value of N22.89 million in the last six weeks. The Area Comptroller, Salisu Abdullahi-Kazaure, made this known while briefing newsmen in Yola on Friday. According to him, the command made 16 seizures from May 6 to June 16. Abdullahi-Kazaure said the siezed items included 494 bags of NPK fertiliser, 14,980 liters of petrol in Jerry cans and drums, and three vehicles used for smuggling activities. Others, he said, were 90 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice from Cameroun and 960 pieces of foreign soap. He explained that the siezed petroleum product would be auctioned, in accordance with NCS Standard Operating Procedure. Abdullahi-Kazaure said though fertiliser was not a contraband, it was siezed because some criminals were using it to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices.

Customs seizes goods worth N34.2m in 2 months

IMG X

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, says it has seized goods worth N34.17 million in the state between April and May. The Area Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde, made the disclosure at a news conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday. Makinde said that the command was able to make the seizures through strategic deployment of intelligence across the state. “The command welded its big stick on unscrupulous traders who engaged in illicit trade during the period under review and was able to record spectacular seizures.”he said. The area controller said the illicit goods seizures under the period review included three foreign used luxury buses which were being smuggled into the country through Ohumbe border on May 15. He listed other items to include two Toyota Hiace buses of 2022 model, with chassis number JTHN9CPOP6018610 and JTGHN9CP7P6019835. Makinde said they were also intercepted and seized by eagle-eyed officers on a bush path along the Sawojo/Imasayi communities on May 29. Others seizures recorded are 6,924 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each,which is equivalent to 11 trailer loads:PMS; used tyres; Cannabis Sativa and others prohibited items. He added that the total Duty Payable Value(DPV) of the seizures was N335,855,989. Makinde explained that the command also generated the sum of N34.17 million compared to N10,61 generated in the corresponding period 2022. The area commander noted that there was a differential of N23,56 million, which represented an  increase of about 69 per cent. He reiterated the command’s commitment to continue to its mandate through revenue generation and suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation. Makinde urged the business community to avoid illicit trades and activities capable of adversely affecting the economy and reputation of the state. He applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, for creating enabling environment and vigorously implementing the anti-smuggling campaign of the service. “I also want to commend the other sister security agencies for their maximum co-operation and great deal with their co- operation and team work toward fighting smuggling activities in the state,”he said. Makinde commended its officers and critical stakeholders of the service, such as traditional rulers, community leaders and other youths for their collaboration

Ali inaugurates $3.2bn e-customs project to end manual administration

Comptroller General Of Nigeria Customs Hameed

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has inaugurated a 3.2 billion dollar modernization project to end manual administration. Ali while inaugurating the Project Management Office in Abuja, said the project, aimed at full automation of NCS was a dream come through. According to him, the service embarked on the project, which is being handled by Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), to strengthen the processes of the service and eradicate corruption. “Today we are witnessing the state of the art technology. “So, it is with pride that we reflect on the journey we embarked upon since 2015,” he said. Ali said the NCS decided on automation because of its numerous benefits, adding that “digitisation drives efficiency, transparency and effectiveness.” He said the project would help NCS adapt to changing market dynamics while assisting to automise operations and unlock revenue to contribute to economic growth and wellbeing of Nigerians. On challenges encountered in actualising the project, the comptroller-general said, although there were obstacles, they persevered. He said “The inauguration is a celebration of NCS” determination, resilience and foresight. “Every step that has been taken has been a testament to our commitment to embracing the power of digitization.” On concerns that adopting the technology would reduce the use of manpower, Ali said such assertion was unfounded. According to him, modernisation will engender the service’s desire to recruit more personnel. He added that the project would require a lot of manpower to effectively cover the borders and ensure security of the people. “We need to be at par with global practices, “he said. Mr Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman, TMPL, said the project would “invest 3.2 billion dollars over a 20 year period. According to him, the investment will generate over 200 billion dollars in revenue generation. “Financing for the first stage of the project is in the sum of 300 million dollars. “This is with a cash-backed $9 million performance fund, which has been secured through financial partners, “he said. Ahmadu said capacity building was one of the priorities of the project, adding that a “substantial part of the project will go into building the capacity of staff.” The former minister of state, budget, and national planning, said the federal executive council on April 20, approved the implementation of the e-customs project to a concessionaire. The concessionaire is Bergman securities consultant and suppliers limited as the project sponsor, Africa Finance Corporation, UFC as the lead financier, and Huawei Technologies will be trained as the lead technical service provider. The concessionaire, he said has furnished the government with 9 million dollars (N4.135 billion) in security from the satisfactory performance of the project. They have also executed the depth facility tensions of 300 million dollars  (N138 billion) to finance the first phase of the project. “The revenue sharing arrangement is 45 per cent of accruals to the comprehensive input service scheme going to the concessionaire and 55 per cent going to the federal government, five per cent of what accrues to the Nigerian responsible action scheme, and 75 pe rcent federal government,” the former minister said. 

Buhari to commission Customs’ N19.6bn smart corporate HQ in Abuja

Nigeria Customs Headquarters

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to commission the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) N19.6 billion smart Corporate Headquarters. The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, made this known at a news conference in Abuja. Adeniyi, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the building has a 12-floor tower with five floors on both wings of the tower and “bridges” linking the two wings. The chairman said construction of the building commenced in 2007 following the need to build a befitting edifice for the service. He further said that the need for more space in view of the capacity of the service also informed the construction of the building, Adeniyi said the building, having undergone redesigning and remodeling, was set for commissioning. According to him, the Commissioning would be carried out by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday. He said “His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari has conveyed his approval to commission the just completed Corporate Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service. “We will also be expecting ministers, heads of agencies as well as the diplomatic corps. “The new headquarters of the service is a technologically friendly building, with all the facilities to monitor the different borders and commands across the country from a centralised system. “The Comptroller-General of Customs made it a priority that the building will be delivered during his tenure and that is what we are witnessing today.” The chairman said the building, sitting on approximately 25,000 square metres, was designed and constructed by indigenous firms. He said the height of the building above the ground was approximately 40 metres and one of the tallest buildings within the Business District of Maitama, Abuja. Adeniyi said the building would be serviced with modern and up-to-date mechanical and electrical services installations. The deputy comptroller-general of customs said the service was proud to state that “such an architectural masterpiece is cost efficient.” On the challenges encountered during the construction of the building, Adeniyi said there were challenges ranging from variations and adjustments in the model of the building. The Corporate Headquarters building referred to as “Customs House”, is located in Maitama, one of the high-brow areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The project was conceived in 2002 to provide a comfortable and conducive working environment for staff and authorised visitors to the building.