NIMASA DG Rates Customs Day celebration by CGC Adeniyi as best in the last 10 years

NIMASA DG rates Customs Day celebration by CGC Adeniyi as best in the last 10 years

…Condemns incessant killings of officers by smugglers at border stations

…As Customs concludes plan to launch Time Release Study

The International Customs Day celebration, organised by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Friday, January 26, 2024, was an epoch making event with overwhelming encomiums, not only on the well thoughtout event but on the technocrat behind such excellent coordination of the entire programme.

The special occasion, which took place at Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, attracted top government functionaries, maritime agencies, security organisations, media practitioners, freight forwarders, maritime stakeholders and dignitaries from all walks of life.

The event started with a unique documentary produced by the Public Relations Unit of Nigeria Customs Service, which portrayed the challenges and dangers Customs officers face on the line of duty.

The celebration took an interesting dimension when stakeholders began showering encomiums on CGC Adeniyi, describing him as competent, experienced, highly skilled in Customs procedures and the best Man for the job.

While some stakeholders described the theme of the Customs Day celebration, ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose‘ as timely and most appropriate, others commended CGC Adeniyi and his team for their thorough preparation for the event.

In his goodwill message, the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, rated the Customs Day celebration put together by CGC Adeniyi, as the best he has attended in the last 10 years.

The words of Dr Jamoh; “This is the first time I’m attending this type of event by Nigeria Customs Service in the last one decade. They do it, but they don’t reach out widely like what I’m seeing here today.

“This is the first time NIMASA is here at International Customs Day celebration. I commend the Customs Boss for this wide consultation.
We can’t progress as a nation if we don’t collaborate and work together.

Speaking further, Dr Jamoh commended CGC Adeniyi on his loyalty to the Nigerian nation. He said;  “The Customs Boss is doing so much in revenue collection, preventing illegal items from coming into the country and inviting new hands to work with him in moving Nigeria forward.

“Working collaboration is the best way to go. With cooperation and collaboration with other agencies, we will continue to see improvement on our waterways”.

Making reference to Customs documentary played at the beginning of the programme, Dr Jamoh expressed displeasure over incessant attacks and killings of Customs officers at the border stations carrying out their statutory responsibilities in tandem with the law.

He said : “Looking at this short film, I saw another aspect of the challenge Customs face in carrying out their duties. The officers who are killed at the border stations for protecting our economy and the citizens are our brothers, but they risk their lives to protect us and save our economy. Their loyalty to the Nigerian nation must be appreciated.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports uthority (NPA), Mr Bello-Koko said ; “The theme of this International Customs Day 2024 is one that delights all of us at the Nigerian Ports Authority as traditional partners of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“We are already recording gains from our renewed collaboration with Customs, which led to noticeable reduced cargo dwell time and ship waiting time, which are already decongesting the Ports.

“I therefore wish to appreciate the CGC and his team for this new direction and assure everyone of our unwavering commitment at NPA to this noble objective.”

Speaking earlier, CGC Adeniyi disclosed plans to launch Time Release Study (TRS) by February 2024. He emphasised the pivotal role Customs plays in international trade, saying collaboration remains paramount in economic growth and development.

According to him, his guiding framework is anchored on consolidation, innovation and collaboration. As such, he is ready to work in close synergy with all stakeholders to achieve a common goal for national interest.

The programme ended after Awards were presented to NPA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Comptroller Wada Chedi, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network, among other stakeholders.

It is worthy of note to mention that the Public Relations Unit of Customs received a special award, which the CGC described as a well-deserved honour.

Our Reporter observed that the programme was orderly, well organised and properly coordinated, even as Customs Area Controllers from various Commands graced the occasion. Also, over 500 people benefited from free medical services provided by the CGC.