General
Customs Boss Tasks Officers on Professionalism
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Men and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have been urged to make professionalism their watchword.
This charge was made by the Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, in commemoration of the 2017 Customs Day.
The customs boss argued that it has become much more imperative and apposite for the agency to re-strategize its operations against the sharp unpatriotic practices of smugglers and their cohorts in order to always neutralize the antics of those still engrossed in the illicit business.
He explained that the International Customs Day (ICD) is an annual event which takes place on the 26 of January to commemorate the maiden official Conference of the Customs Cooperation Council.
According to him, the theme of the celebration which is “Data Analysis For Effective Border Management” was sagaciously fashioned to highlight the essence and significance of business partnership approach.
Mr Mohammed added that it equally contributes in many areas such as trade supply chain security, world customs growth, enhancement of business standards and public private enterprises.
Mr Mohammed who expatiated on the aims and objectives of the annual august celebration said that the event plays a fundamental role in developing and in promoting business across the globe as against increasing the risks of international security.
“There is no gain saying, in the fact that International security dangers adversely affect the world business environment hence the World Customs Organization has resolved to celebrate this event every year to fulfil the requirements of the customs bodies,” he said.
He added that it also regulates the better establishment with meaningful appreciation of the business environment.
The Customs Area Controller expressed delight that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) – Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali and his management team have since key into objectives of this celebration and which he said has not only become a source of inspiration and motivation to the men of the FOU Zone C but has made them a paragon in the crusade against smuggling of illegal goods in the country.
“Our current data base in respect of checkmating anti-smuggling activities by some unpatriotic Nigerians shows that we have continued to acquire stronger fame and credibility in the onslaught against smugglers, their agents and collaborators.
However, we cannot claim to have reached the apogee because it is not yet over until it is over,” he stated.
He therefore enjoined them to redouble their efforts in order to meet the challenges ahead, assuring them that hard work, efficiency, commitment; dedication and integrity as well as application of professional ethics would not go unrewarded, reminding them that the CGC has come up with fresh motivating packages to spur them into more actions and service delivery.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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