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Customs Loses 70 Officers To Smugglers
No fewer than 70 personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service were lost within seven months while on duty.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a recent interview.
He also said the Service has opened collaboration with their counterparts in the Republic of Benin to facilitate trade and resolve bottlenecks affecting transhipment of goods into Cotonou.
“Customs is here to see and find solutions to the challenges hindering the smooth operations of Nigerian business operators who engage in inter-border trade and transhipment of goods from Nigeria to Republic of Benin.
“Nigeria Customs had lost 70 Customs officers between January 2016 till date while performing their duties to stop the activities of smuggling of some products such as rice, poultry products, rice and so on.
“We have made it real to visit Benin Customs and discuss on the rudiments hindering our operations.
“I believe our dialogue will bring out solutions because both countries are interdependent and this why there should be symbolic mutual relationship between them,” said Ali.
He further noted that there was the need for a level playing ground for the Nigeria Customs Service and the Beninoire Customs due to the nature of their operations as well as the law governing the ECOWAS Trade Liberation Scheme.
Ali told NAN that customs was having serious challenges with Nigerian border operators and importers because they still engaged in prohibited goods in spite of (Customs and Excise Management Act) CEMA law and ETLS, which governed both the Customs and stakeholders operations.
“When operators know that there are some certain goods that are prohibited, they still try to bring them into the country,” Ali added.
He said compliant was key to the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that it was Customs duty in making sure stakeholders operate in a conducive environment for smooth operations to enable customs to get more revenue due for government.
NAN reports that the law relating to Customs agents is contained in the CEMA Cap 45, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and the Customs and Excise Agents (Licensing) Regulations 1968 (Legal Notice 95/1968 as amended).
In his response, the Director-General, Republic of Benin Customs, Claver Tossou, said there was the need for the country to solidify the relationship between Benin and Nigeria to facilitate legitimate trade both countries.
Tossou said the coming of NCS was a right step in good direction, adding that the visit would enable them iron out the challenges and find lasting solutions to facilitate trade and protection of security among the operators.
He said that there was the need to protect the customs laws, symbol and the principles and to establish long lasting cooperation between both countries.
At the interactive session on August 3, the President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, said his member faced a lot of challenges while operating between Seme and Idiroko area of Lagos State.
Shittu said ANLCA as Customs Brokers operate at land borders, adding that the association was one of the major players operating between Nigeria and Benin.
He said Nigerian importers incurred on plate numbered vehicles 60,000 CFA, while Benin Republic plate-numbered vehicle importer paid 20,000 CFA per extra tonnage respectively.
Shittu urged the Chef Brigade at Krake Border to delegate his deputy in the command when he is not around for trade facilitation.
He requested that Customs should seal trucks coming to Nigeria and should be handed over to Nigeria Customs to open at the border for proper documentation rather than being opened by the Benin Customs to avoid collection of extra charges of 50,000 CFA, which added to cost of business.
Shittu said: “Customs should assist in mentioning the obligatory payment of between 30,000 to 50,000CFA for NAFDAC related goods which was questionable.
“Agents are not aware that such trucks will not be allowed into the country.
“Customs should assist in checking the cost of transiting ETLS goods from Ghana to Lagos so that Nigeria could provide more enhancement of trade facilitation and competition in West Africa sub region.”
Shittu urged Ali to look into the multiple checkpoints along Seme border to Mile 2 in Lagos State, saying that there is an estimate of 30 checkpoints mounted by Customs and other security agencies.
The Deputy President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief Alaba Lawson, said there was the need to facilitate trade, adding that Customs should enable the operators to know the legitimate trade they would be doing to reduce cost of doing business.
Lawson said there was the need for both countries to firm their relationship, adding that trade should be facilitated.
He said: “When we are entering Benin at the Nigerian border, we spent 30 minutes and on getting to Republic of Benin’s border we spent four hours.
“We are still encountering stress while the ECOWAS ETLS has explained the procedures of operation among regional countries.”
Lawan, however, urged NCS to strengthen the collaboration between both countries.
The President of the Rice Dealers Association, Republic of Benin, Hajia Karamotu Ibikunle, urged the NCS to make it possible for her association to bring rice to Nigeria through the border station.
Ibikunle told the Comptroller-General of Customs to enlighten her association on how to get rice to Nigeria to assist Customs in generating revenue for government.
In his response, Ali said that Customs could only instruct it’s officers, adding that he had been engaging other security agencies to reduce the checkpoints to the barest minimum.
Ali said the Federal Government was doing something about high exchange rate, adding that the floating in exchange rate had resulted to high foreign exchange.
He said: “We have a ban on importation of rice through the land borders because rice still comes through the seaport.
“It is part of our duties to protect the lives of our people and it was discovered that most of the rice coming through border had been tested by NAFDAC and it was discovered majority of the rice have expired and operators re-bagged them to sell to innocent citizens
“As a result of this, that is why we have some youths of 20s and 30s having cancer due to the foods that we eat.”
Ali said the present management of Customs was working towards providing conducive atmosphere for customs officers working along Idiroko area.
Ali said Customs officers at Idiroko were operating in one room during the day, use the same room as office and converted the same room to a residence in the evening.
He said trade was low as a result of exchange rates, which had affected revenue, adding that it was the Customs management’s responsibility to provide conducive environment for officers to carry out their legitimate functions.
NAN.
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Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Old Boiler
When to replace a boiler can begin with knowing the age of your system. Most modern boilers are built to serve their purpose for around 10 to 15 years. When your system has reached, or even passed, this mark, it may be wise to look into new, more energy-efficient systems. Technology is advancing significantly, providing better performance and reliability in new models.
- Increasingly Expensive Energy
When your monthly energy bills start increasing despite similar usage patterns, it may be a sign that your boiler is becoming less efficient. A boiler replacement can result in considerable improvements in energy consumption. Modern systems are designed with advanced energy-saving features that help maintain comfortable temperatures while operating more efficiently.
- Changes in Water Temperature
If you have noticed inconsistent water temperatures or longer waiting times for hot water, these could be signals that your boiler is working harder than necessary. Modern replacement options offer superior temperature control and faster heating responses, ensuring consistent comfort throughout your home.
- Unusual Sounds and Operations
Gentle operational sounds are normal for any boiler, but if you notice new or unusual noises, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Modern replacement systems operate quietly and smoothly, providing peace of mind along with reliable heating performance.
- Frequency of Repairs
When your current system needs more frequent attention from heating professionals, investing in a replacement may be more economical. New boilers come with manufacturer warranties and require minimal maintenance in their early years, offering greater reliability and peace of mind.
- Room Temperature Variations
If the rooms in your house feel cold compared to others, or you are having difficulties with maintaining similar temperatures, you probably have an underperforming heating system. Replacing the boiler can help ensure the heating is more uniform and consistent throughout the home.
- Environmental Factors
Modern boiler systems are designed with the environment in mind. Selecting a replacement can reduce your carbon footprint and provide better heating performance. Newer models are designed to produce fewer emissions while maximizing efficiency.
- Improved Control Options
Today’s boiler models offer smart features not available in older models. Some of these include programmable settings, remote control, and adaptive learning technologies that learn about your lifestyle and preferences.
- Space and Aesthetics
Modern boilers are often more compact and visually appealing than their predecessors. A new boiler can free up valuable space in your home while providing a more contemporary look. These newer systems can be installed in various locations, offering greater flexibility in home design.
- Future-Proofing Your Home
A boiler is an investment that future-proofs your home’s heating system by allowing installation compatible with smart home technology and integration with other heating solutions for possible upgrades or additions to the heating system in the near future.
Conclusion
Choosing a new heating system or a new boiler may lead to you making some comfortable choices with a heating upgrade that benefits the overall well-being of your house. Proper assistance from experts, the right advice on new products and techniques in current technology, and good engineering will help you acquire an ideal heater. An upgraded boiler comes with the comfort of the assurance of effective home heating provided by technology nowadays.
Brands/Products
TRUMP 2.0: How Nigerian Media Is Tracking Trump’s Presidency and Why Brands Should Care
Nigerian media has been abuzz with discussions ranging from Trump’s controversial policies during his first term to speculations about what his leadership could mean for Africa. During the inauguration, notable themes of economic revival and national pride were underscored, with Trump promising a “golden age” for America. (NPR.org) Yet, Nigerian outlets have cautiously emphasized the risks his leadership might pose to U.S.-Africa relations, focusing on issues like trade, immigration, and foreign aid.
Nigerian media monitoring and intelligence consultancy P+ Measurement Services have identified a few critical trends in Trump-related coverage within Nigeria:
- Media Exposure Share: Analysis shows that 58% of the stories about Trump’s inauguration and its potential impact on Nigeria appeared in major print and online publications such as The Guardian Nigeria, Dailypost.ng, and ThisDay. Broadcast media accounted for 29% of coverage, while social media discussions made up the remaining 13%. This distribution underscores the importance of print and online platforms in shaping public perception and discourse.
- Sentiment Analysis: Neutral to negative sentiments dominated the narrative, with 62% of analyzed articles adopting a cautious tone. Coverage focused on concerns over Trump’s history of unpredictable policies, trade wars, and his limited engagement with Africa during his previous term. Positive sentiment accounted for just 21%, largely emphasizing hopes for improved trade relations or potential policy shifts favoring Africa.
- Earned Media Performance: Media intelligence from P+ Measurement Services highlights that Nigeria generated significant earned media exposure about Trump, with mentions of “Nigeria” in U.S. inauguration coverage up by 19% compared to Biden’s inauguration four years ago. However, much of this media engagement stemmed from concerns rather than optimism.
- Reputation and Policy Context: Trump’s first presidency saw restrictions on immigration and limited engagement with African development initiatives. Many Nigerian commentators fear his return could amplify these challenges, particularly around visas, trade agreements like AGOA, and strategic defense collaborations.
The results emphasize the necessity of continuous media monitoring and intelligence for three key stakeholder groups in Nigeria:
- Policymakers: Nigerian government officials must leverage near-real-time media analysis to understand policy shifts in Washington and how they impact Nigeria. With the U.S. being a major trading partner, monitoring Trump’s statements, speeches, and executive orders can provide early warnings about potential changes to tariffs, sanctions, or aid structures. Policymakers can use this data to craft timely responses and maintain Nigeria’s strategic positioning on the global stage.
- Corporate Brands in Nigeria: Companies engaged in sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, and technology must monitor global economic trends sparked by Trump’s policies. For example, renewed energy dominance strategies by the U.S. may disrupt Nigeria’s crude oil exports. Similarly, stricter immigration laws could limit talent mobility for Nigerian tech firms with global ties.
- Global Brands Operating in Nigeria: Multinationals like Procter & Gamble , MTN Nigeria , and The Coca-Cola Company must consider how Trump’s “America First” policy could impact supply chains, investments, and partnerships. Continuous media sentiment tracking within Nigerian media offers these brands valuable insights into local consumer behavior and reputation management in response to U.S. policy shifts.
As we look ahead, Trump’s policies and their global implications will continue to shape media narratives in Nigeria. Understanding the evolving landscape requires consistent monitoring and deeper media analysis. Nigerian stakeholders—across public and private sectors—must remain agile, leveraging insights derived from structured media intelligence to safeguard their interests and anticipate changes effectively.
Philip Odiakose is a leader and advocate of PR measurement, evaluation and media monitoring in Nigeria. He is also the Chief Media Analyst at P+ Measurement Services, a member of AMEC, NIPR and AMCRON
Brands/Products
The Merits of a Digital Marketing Agency
As the business environment continues to grow rapidly in the digital era, organizations need to be strategic to survive. Marketing in the digital age is very important for clients and creating a presence on the world wide web. But the management of digital campaigns has its own time, skill, and capital. Business owners should consider hiring a digital marketing agency to make a change and really get their strategies done.
What to expect from a digital marketing agency
Expert knowledge and skills
Digital marketing agencies employ people who focus mainly on online advertising, social media marketing, SEO, and others. Their knowledge guarantees your campaigns are well strategized as well as launched to gain the intended objectives. Agencies keep updated with the latest trends and algorithms, thus the best for your business. This way, you do not have to guess which method is the best; time and money are saved as you are working with the experts. However, you get to enhance tested and working techniques that will be appropriate for your business.
Time saving solutions
It is already quite challenging to manage a business. The management of digital marketing campaigns can be overwhelming even for the most orderly teams. Some activities, such as writing content, identifying keywords, and keeping an eye on ads, are daily activities. A digital marketing agency relieves you of this responsibility. They take care of everything for you so that you can attend to other core business that your enterprise involves. It also prevents stress since it is time saving.
Cost effective strategies
It is quite reasonable to think that hiring a digital marketing agency will ultimately cost more, but in fact, it does not. Mismanaged campaigns therefore result in a lot of funds being spent without any returns. Agencies improve your ads so that each dollar you use is well spent. They also give account information where one can be able to see where the money has been spent. This is why they want to ensure that they give you the highest return on investment, hence the value of their services.
Data driven results
Another benefit of hiring a digital marketing agency is that you will be dealing with data most of the time. They point to their sites’ performance using the traffic hits, click through rates, and conversion rates among others. It is the best approach because it means that your campaigns are always being optimized. The reports and updates are made frequently to ensure that you are aware of your progress.
A collaborative partnership
Outsourcing means that you are not entirely giving total control of the process to the agency. It is however a teamwork whereby you are on the same side as the agency. First, agencies devote time to understand your business, its goals and its audience. With this partnership, the campaigns you get are based on what you want. easily get engaged in the process since there are constant communications and updates are always provided to you.
Staying ahead of trends
The digital marketing environment keeps on changing because of the SaaS development services. It is due to the fact that new tools, platforms and strategies are developed all the time. Adapting to these changes, however, may be quite difficult for business organizations. That is why digital marketing agencies are never left behind in these trends. It is flexible to make sure your campaigns are on track and responsive. This kind of approach puts your business in a vantage point especially in this ever advancing digital marketplace.
Concluding
In essence, the hiring of a digital marketing agency is laden with numerous advantages to the end user. It would mean contracting out the digital marketing mandate to an agency to ensure that you manage your business while they handle everything. It is an investment that will make you a success in this modern world market without any doubt.
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