[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said it generated N299.56 billion in 2017 – its highest revenue in five years.NPA made this known in a statement signed by its General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Abdullahi Goje.
The last time the agency yielded a remarkable income was in 2015 when it recorded a revenue of N180.50 billion.It generated N154.50 billion in 2013, N159.30 billion in 2014 and N162.20 billion in 2016.
“The 2017 figure declared by the authority is made up of revenues from traffic, harbours, administrative and others sources in the sum of N136.04 billion, N66.80 billion, N86.06 billion and N10.75 billion respectively,” the statement read.In December, NPA Managing Director, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said the agency surpassed its 2017 revenue target.
Comptroller Uba Garba Mohammed CAC, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he fear of the proactive Customs team of The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by Smugglers and dubious importers is the beginning of wisdom for them. The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ said it seized items worth N1.6 billion due to various infractions within the month of January, 2018. The Unit also said it recovered the sum of N91.366 million within the period making a cumulative of N1.709 billion.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Uba Mohammed said among the seized items are 31 exotic cars which include four Rolls Royce, 1 Porche Panamera, 1 Jaguar, 1 Bentley, 2Lexus jeep, 2G Wagon, 1Toyota Land Cruiser, 5 Toyota Corolla, 7 Mercedes Benz among others mostly 2017 models.
According to Mohammed, the duty paid value of the vehicles is worth N1.4 billion. He said some of the cars were intercepted along Ijebu Ode road while some others were carted from private facilities as empowered by section 147of CEMA Cap 45 laws of the federation of Nigeria.
Other items seized within the period include 8,400 bags if foreign parboiled rice with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.4 billion; 835 jerry cans of vegetable oil with DPV of N4 million.
10 sacks bags of Indian hemp, 2,208 pieces of used tyres, 159 bales of used clothing, imported used compressors all with a DPV of N23.6 million.
The Controller added that a 20 feet container was intercepted for false declaration saying the container was carrying 537 cartons of Indian Hemp Whisky declared as yeast.
Another 1×40 container was seized for carrying 60 pieces of used Chest freezers and 570 bundles of gas hose as against condenser for steam polysonic amounting to false declaration.
Comptroller Uba Mohammed however urged the vehicles owners to come forward with valid customs clearance documents, failure which he said the cars would be liable to seizure and forfeited to the federal government. He said, “Let me seize this opportunity to warn all would-be smugglers to desist from any act of illegal trade and invest their money in a legitimate business that will yield dividend on their investments.
“There is no amount of resistance from the smugglers and their mob accomplices that will deter us from performing our statutory responsibilities in all aspects especially in suppression of smuggling within southwest zone.”
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ur distinguished Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly and Senate Committee Chairman on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has renewed his commitment to continue to negotiate better deals for the good people of Anioma at the National Assembly. Speaking at an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting of Delta North PDP, held at Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa west local government area, he expressed his deep heartfelt appreciation to the party faithful on their steadfastness and support which saw all the PDP candidates in the area emerging victorious in the just concluded local government polls.
He noted that the landslide victory recorded by the party in Delta North was a crystal clear indication and pointer to the fact that Delta North is predominantly PDP and belongs to PDP. He commended the unity and solidarity which have been existing amongst the leaders of the party in the district while he equally urged them to continue to sustain the laudable tempo.
Senator Nwaoboshi particularly thanked the leaders and stakeholders of PDP in Delta North for the enormous supports given to him upon assumption of office as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also assured them that he would not renege to fulfill his campaign promises to the people as he would continue in his task of advancing the course of the Anioma people and nation at the National Assembly.
Barrister Nwaoboshi stated that as a first term Senator, he had, through the support of the Anioma people achieved some remarkable milestones in the National Assembly.
He hinted that in his primary function as a lawmaker which is predicated on the business of lawmaking, he had made some indelible marks for the Anioma people with several bills and motions to his credit.
He listed some of these bills to include the Bill seeking to reposition the NDDC for better service delivery to the Niger Delta People which has received the presidential assent, Bill for an Act to establish a Federal Polytechnic to be sited in Ndokwa Nation, amongst others, as evidence of his legislative prowess.
He further asserted that apart from the primary duty of lawmaking, he had also attracted and influenced quite a number of infrastructural projects to the Anioma people by the instrumentality of his Niger Delta Affairs led Committee in the Senate.
He listed some of the road projects to include the resuscitation of the Utagba-Uno-Isumpe Road project which was long abandoned, the awarding of the Abbi-Ogume Road project, Ushie-Ashaka Road in Ndokwa East LGA amongst many others.
He also informed the Delta North constituents of his ability to use his position as Chairman Niger Delta Affairs Committee in the Senate to secure another 20 road projects to be distributed across the towns and villages of the Anioma Nation.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi while calling on the good people of Anioma Nation to continue to support him as he strives more to bring development to the region equally urged the people to continue in their support and prayers to the Governor to enable him deliver on his promises of prosperity to the people in line with the Governor’s avowed mantra of prosperity for all Deltans.
In all, one thing is certain. Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, today, was shown that he is truly and exceptionally endeared to the hearts of the people of Delta North and come 2019, he will be massively voted for. Again. Again. Again and Again.
[dropcap]U[/dropcap]nited players Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Eddie Colman, Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor died in the accident, as well as three members of club staff. Eight journalists and four other passengers also lost their lives. United played Sheffield Wednesday just 13 days after the tragedy, winning 3-0.
A passage from chairman Harold Hardman published in the programme that day was read out by club chaplain Rev. John Boyers, who led the service. “Although we mourn our dead and grieve for our wounded, we believe that our great days are not done for us,” it read.
“The road back may be long and hard but with the memory of those who died at Munich, of their stirring achievements and wounded sportsmanship ever with us.”
Plenty of former United players also paid their respects on social media, including ex-England captain David Beckham who posted: “We Never Forget.” United defender Chris Smalling described the “Busby Babes” as his “inspiration” while Ashley Young urged fans earlier in the day to remember those who had died.
Young went on to post on Twitter: “The Munich Air Disaster is something I was always aware of growing up but in truth I didn’t understand its influence on @ManUtd until I joined the club.
“You still sing about Sir Matt Busby and about playing football ‘the Busby way.’ We have a duty to keep that spirit alive and keep making you proud to support this team.”
Two of the club’s former defenders, Ronny Johnsen and Gary Neville, also reflected on the tragedy, with the latter posting a video of Tracey Malone singing “The Flowers of Manchester.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association posted: “Today, on the 60th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, we remember those that tragically lost their lives.
“They will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with those affected by the disaster. £FlowersofManchester.”
Bayern Munich also paid their respect in a lengthy post, which began: “Exactly 60 years have passed since the Munich air disaster — the biggest tragedy in Manchester United’s long history, but the memory of those lost lives on.” British Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking at an event elsewhere in the city, also acknowledged the disaster.
“Today marks an important and sombre anniversary in the history of this great city,” she said. “Sixty years ago today, the Munich air disaster claimed the lives of 23 people, with many more suffering life-changing injuries. The crew, journalists and, of course, the talented footballers who died that day will never be forgotten.”
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he operatives of the Lagos State Task Force alongside officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps on Tuesday impounded 196 motorcycles and will prosecute 72 arrested riders at a Mobile Court in Oshodi, Lagos
The enforcement operations was jointly carried out based on series of complaints from innocent members of the public on criminal activities perpetuated by these motorcycle riders/operators around 2nd Rainbow, Festac and Mile 2 areas.
Investigation conducted revealed that the activities of these motorcycle riders/operators were on the increase as they terrorised innocent members of the public both day and night by dispossessing them of their valuables such as phone, jewelleries and bags.
The investigation further revealed that these motorcycle riders/operators around these areas were responsible for series of attack on vehicle owners/drivers whenever there is traffic at night around Mile 2 bridge towards Festac.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, advised motorcycle riders/operators to properly screen out criminals amongst their members and educate others to stop plying any of the restricted 475 routes, which includes highways and bridges across the State.
He enjoined private power bike (200cc above) owners/operators, particularly corporate bodies, to warn their despatch riders to stop engaging in illegal commercial activities as any one caught violating any sections of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 would be prosecuted.
Egbeyemi confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgar Imohimi, has directed that all those arrested during the operations be immediately charged to court for prosecution.
A resident, who simply identified himself as Engr. Damilola Okanlawon, said majority of the motorcycle riders plying restricted routes “could hardly speak and do not even understand simple English”.
Okanlawon confirmed that many of them were from neighbouring countries who migrated to Lagos without any legitimate means of livelihood other than using motorcycle to commit crime.
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or what they described as his giant strike in Anioma nation during his administration as Transition Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta state, the Oshimili North Political Revolutionary Force, (ONRF), a political pressure group of Oshimili North, Delta North senatorial district, Delta State, has adopted a former Transition chairman, presently the Delta North representative in Directorate of Orientation since 2015 till date, Coordinator of Oshimili North Laison Officers (2017), Director-General, State Community Youths Association (2017 till date) Hon. Innocent Esewezie as its House of Assembly candidate for the 2019.
The group in a statement signed by its National Leader, Austine Okolie, and Director of Mobilization, Barrister Grace Odum, made available to Grassroots Publishers, said “In conformity with the agreed rotational formula, Ibusa axis should produce the next Assembly Member in Oshimili North and we adopt the candidacy of Hon. Innocent Esewezie as our House of Assembly candidate for the 2019.
“We, the members of Oshimili North Political Revolutionary Force have had the delightful opportunity of consulting with leaders and women leaders at various levels in our communities. Such consultations have taken us to every ward of Oshimili North Local Government Area in the past few weeks. The tour also afforded us the opportunity of seeing the realities on ground in each ward visited. Hon. Innocent Esewezie is the top candidate for the House of Assembly and he is trusted and trustworthy.
According to the group, “He is the most respected of all the candidates, he is a planner and strategist,a grassroots mobilizer, philanthropist, and a man of integrity. He is development-oriented and that is what Oshimili North wants, besides that he cares for the downtrodden,”Hon. Esewezie, when he was Oshimili North Transition Chairman, he left a landmark which no one has beaten even till today, the group asserted.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said the Asaba International Airport will be functional in the next four months. Governor Okowa made the disclosure at Kwale during a meeting of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta North Senatorial District.
According to the Governor, his administration is committed to delivering dividends of democracy to Deltans, noting that the Asaba International Airport is very important to the socio-economic development of Delta State and neighboring states. “I want to tell you that the contract for the construction of the Asaba Airport project has been awarded to Setraco; Setraco is a reputable company and in the last one week a lot of construction work has been witnessed in the airport,” he said, adding, “the company have a mandate of four months to deliver the project; the amount that Setraco quoted for them to deliver the job was lesser than the amount the contract was awarded the former contractor.”
The Governor who scored his administration high in project delivery, disclosed that his administration has mapped out a holistic programme to tackle flood in Asaba and Okpanam stating that while work has commenced in the construction of storm drains to check flood at the Direct Labour, Jesus Saves Roads, contract has also, been awarded for the construction of drains to check flooding of the Delta broadcasting Service, Mariam Babangida Way and Junior Staff quarters areas of the state capital while the contract to check flood water on Okpanam road will soon be awarded.
While noting that the construction of a multi-billion naira secretariat complex will check accommodation problems of Ministries, Department and Agencies, Governor Okowa thanked Deltans for their continual support.He congratulated members of the PDP for the success recorded by the party in the January 6 local government elections and called for a more united PDP where there will be mutual respect and understanding.
Those who spoke at the meeting including the Chairman of the party in Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Moses Iduh commended Governor Okowa’s administration for providing good governance which has given a boost to the fortunes of the party in the state.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency has been urged to ensure that a person with a resounding voice and impeccable character is voted to represent the area in the forthcoming 2019 General Election. Making the call is a renowned Politician and an astute administrator, Elder Anene Chigbue, and Director General, Movement for Democratic Emancipation, MDE, in Asaba recently when he spoke with some media practitioners.
According to him, for the area to have a good representation, the people have to look to Hon Ndudi Elumelu to give them that resounding voice at National Assembly, who will give them quality representation.
Elder Chigbue, said that concerted effort and passionate appeal have been embarked upon, by the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili and everything is being done to ensure that Chief Elumelu is convinced to accept the plea of the well-meaning people of Aniocha/Oshimili for him to return to the green Chambers, where his excellent representation, which brought massive dividends of democracy to the people and the constituency, is urgently needed.
“The people of Aniocha/Oshimili have produced highly eminent people in all areas of human endeavour and the area is richly blessed with human and material resources, which needs a re-sounding voice at the vibrant Green Chambers of the National Assembly, to fully utilize and harness it. “Believe you me, we have for these past years, missed tremendously for not having Elumelu at the Federal House of Representatives. We have missed his intellectual capacity, his reach, connections and influence”, the seasoned elder statesman noted.
Speaking further, he said: “The people of Aniocha/Oshimili cannot continue like this; the vibrancy, the tenacity that their representation is known for at the Green Chambers of the national Assembly, is no longer there”.
“We are no longer at the front burner when it comes to the scheme of things at the House, just for the fact that Hon. Elumelu is no longer there to showcase the sagacity and doggedness that is always geared towards bringing home the much needed democratic dividend.” He said.
However, Chief Chigbue noted enthusiastically that there is joy in the Federal constituency with the hope that a renewed and rejuvenated Hon. Ndudi Elumelu would heed the plea of the people.
But now, the people have decided the best option and that is, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu should go back with a view to giving us resounding voice,” he stated. He further affirmed, that Elumelu’s return to the National Assembly as the representative of the people of Aniocha/ Oshimili, will in no small measure, bring back unparalleled democratic benefits to the people of the constituency, stressing that his worth of experience and maturity politically and generally will always act as a propeller in his representation of the people.
He stated that Chief Elumelu’s achievements as a person and at the National Assembly as the representative of the Constituency were outstanding, impressive and noteworthy in the history of the Constituency, while describing him as a highly humble, hospitable and accessible personality that is extremely committed to the needs of the people.
“Hon. Elumelu is an amiable and notable philanthropist with an avowed commitment to improving the condition of humanity, especially the poor, underprivileged and widows,” Chigbue revealed adding that talks and negotiations are ongoing by eminent persons, including youths and women, with a view to making Hon Elumelu understand the importance of him returning to the National Assembly to salvage the integrity and values of the people of the area come 2019.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he National Assembly Conference Committee on Electoral Act (amendment) Bill on Tuesday adopted the reordered sequence of the 2019 General Elections, making presidential election last.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the House of Representatives had few weeks ago, began process to amend the Electoral Act 2010 with the inclusion of section 25(1) in the law.
This was to reorder the sequence of the elections, to commence with National Assembly, followed by Governorship and State House of Assembly, and Presidential as last.
This is against the sequence rolled out by Independent National Electoral Commission late 2017, which put Presidential and National Assembly elections first and governorship and state assembly to follow.
Chairman of Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Suleiman Nazif, said that the bill did not in any way violate any provisions of section 76 of the 1999 Constitution which empowered INEC to fix dates and conduct elections.
He said the words “empowering INEC’’ to that effect were duplicated in the bill just as powers conferred on the National Assembly by section 4 (2) of the Constitution were exercised in relation to rescheduling of elections.
Nazif said that inclusion of section 25(1) which changed the sequence of election different from the one earlier released by INEC had not violated any provisions of the laws governing the operations of the electoral body.
In his contribution, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on INEC, Edward Pwajok, said that what the House concurred to with the Senate was very necessary in giving credibility to the electoral process.
Pwajok said: “The sequence of election provision in the bill is not targeted at anybody but aimed at giving credibility to the electoral process.
“This is by giving the electorate the opportunity to vote based on qualities of candidates vying for National Assembly seat.”
Pwajok added that if the bill was given assent by the President, the lawmakers, who based on national interest, adopted it, would invoke constitutional provisions at their disposal to make it see the light of the day.
He said: “Whether it would be assented to or not by the President, as far as we are concerned, remains in the realm of conjuncture for now but if such eventually happens, we will know how to cross the bridge.”
A member of the Committee, Senator Dino Melaye, said that while date for election was the prerogative of INEC, extant laws gave schedules for such elections as sole responsibility of the National Assembly.
Melaye said: “So contrary to reports and comments by some Nigerians on the reordered sequence of election, National Assembly has not overlapped its boundaries.”
ACG Aminu Dahiru, Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Aminu Dahiru in this exclusive interview with Shulammite ‘Foyeku, identifies lack of functional scanners, poor documentation and the perennial Apapa gridlock as factors impeding quick cargo clearance at the ports. He also stresses the need for clearing agents to improve on their customs documentation to avoid post-clearance hassles.
Excerpts.
Customs Zone A, based in Lagos, is expected to generate 75 percent of the N1.3trillion overall target of the Service for the year. How do you intend to achieve this target?
People say that the Zone accounts for 75 percent but sincerely speaking I think it is more than that. It is close to 80 percent because if you add up all the activities of the other Zones, they are not up to what we produce in Lagos. We have already begun strategizing and I have met with the Area Controllers last week to look at how activities can be improved upon. However, we are still waiting for the take off of business in the zone because the year is just starting. The strategies that yielded result last year are still on and where we notice failure, we will look at it critically and see where we need improvement. In addition to that, we are going to have some slight changes in the posting of officers, and when change occurs, we expect that something positive may likely happen. Although we are yet to release the posting, there are some Area Controllers that may likely be changed. Some will be promoted, while some will be redeployed for other designations and others, I learnt, will be going for course. So by the time we take off, I can assure you that we will perform better this year. The Nigeria Customs Information System (NICIS) platform is also intended to cover all areas and with its positive actions, we expect that it will help us in our collection. I have no doubt in my mind that with our supervision, with the capacity and ability of the officers we have in the field and other innovations, I think the sky is the limit. The seizure of arms and ammunition made last year at the Tin Can Island Port command is also historic because it has never happened before. We believe it is only a stepping stone. We are not going to relax or feel that something has been achieved but continue to do more and improve on our strategies.
What is Customs doing to curb the frequent clashes between officers and suspected smugglers which often times have led to the killing of innocent lives?
Such activities of frequent clashes between officers and smugglers always happen in OgunState because of the many border towns around the area. People from the border always see smuggling as their right because of their proximity to the border. We are trying to avoid all these instances of clashes, and that is why we call on people as well to try as much as possible to pursue legitimate trade which is permitted by law so they can ease our work. When we have prohibition list, it is very limited but because of selfishness of some people, they will always want to engage in smuggling because it brings more money to them within no time, but outside the law. They see us as enemy because we are the agent, which the government specifically assigned to check their excesses. The populace haveto help us too. They should be educated that when somebody runs to them to take cover, let them throw the person back to take responsibility for his action. We should always see this as something that could be avoided if we get the cooperation of people. We will continue to interact with traditional rulers as well as political leaders to make their people understand that smuggling is not the only way to make a living. There are many ways of making legitimate earning without subjecting yourself to many bad things. On our part, we always try to remind our officers of the rules of engagement. Many a times, we allow some goods that should be arrested go to save situations even for our own safety. Sometimes, you can pursue but on getting to a point, you will discover that you have to give up because insistence means invitation to danger. One aspect of our job that is almost ignored but in recent times is being revived is taking our officers for arms training because before we discover that arms handling was never something that we held with much concern but now it is not.
How far have you gone to address complaints about the activities of operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) intercepting already cleared consignments on the highway?
Since the meeting I had with members of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in respect of interception by FOU and other issues, I have never received complaint from any agent. I believe there is an understanding, not only between agents and FOU but even between the area commands and FOU. When the pressure is there, it is not for the agents alone to bear but even the area command. No good Area Controller will want a container released from his end and intercepted by another unit in the name of check and balances. As the Zonal Coordinator, I have my responsibility and the Area Controller has his own. In the discharge of my responsibility, it does not mean I will cover an Area Controller who has failed in his duties. I also want to believe there could be improvement in our documentation and procedures as well. When I came in, I tried as much as possible to make it known to all that if we can improve on our documentation, a reasonable percentage of the problem will be solved because all this interception after release sometimes are based on wrong documentation and we get them on information. For example, if an importer uses someone for some nefarious activities and suddenly, he decided to drop him, he could turn against the importer and the information could be passed to an active officer who doesn’t play with information and the container will be intercepted. Many a times, we don’t even know but with information, sometimes unsolicited, containers are intercepted. We don’t do interception blindly unless we have some good grounds to do it. Where we have to caution our officers, we do, but NAGAFF and other associations should equally try to sensitize their members that there is nothing as good as being law abiding. With that, you can sleep with your two eyes closed.
Officers, especially those on patrol, are said to be working under harsh conditions to intercept smuggled goods. The situation is so bad as some of the officers claim they fuel and maintain patrol vehicles from their own pockets. What are you doing to address this?
The truth of the matter is that any Customs officer who complains in that regard is best described as an ingrate. I for one on assumption of office in September received my Authority to Incur Expended (AIE) in October, November and December and I have all the confidence that I will receive that of January before the end of this week. Sincerely speaking, I don’t have any course to source for any money to fuel my vehicle. At the same time, I am not trying to say that there may not be some kind of truth in their complaints but what I know is that the Customs Service for the past 25 years has never had it so good like this time around. You can come across an officer who served for the past 27 years and has not enjoyed 28 days (leave) but it was paid in the last moment. I receive my AIE and I am not trying to insinuate that some Area Controllers do not release theirs to the best of my knowledge but I am also calling on them to do the right thing.
What challengesis your zone facing?
The greatest problem that our operation is faced with is the gridlock on the Apapa and Tin Can roads. We release the goods at the right time but you will find that the whole blame will be on Customs because we are like the major player when it comes to release of goods. No matter how quick we want your goods to be release, we can’t do anything about the delay caused by the traffic because it is not our responsibility. Second is the issue of documentation. If we could have documentation as it is enshrined in our import and export guidelines, more than 60 percent of our problems are solved. But people are so fond of cutting corners most especially Nigerians. Even when you try to be fair, it will be as if you are coming from another planet because it is almost a general belief that if you are fair, you are stupid because you are expected to cut corners and have your way. As for officers, we are growing everyday in our capacity development. I always see Customs has been ahead when it comes to ICT development. For example, we have the single window platform, which is intended to assist even other agencies, so that we can facilitate trade but many of them refused to key in. All the regulatory agencies including the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), with that window can achieve a lot within a short time but yet, here we are. Thirdly, our scanners are indeed in bad condition and I feel it is not the responsibility of Customs to provide scanners. If scanners are operating properly, clearance procedure will equally be less cumbersome and in no time, you’ll have your container released from Customs custody.
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