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Smuggling Of Petrol Persists Despite Subsidy Removal, Says Nigeria Customs
Smuggling Of Petrol Persists Despite Subsidy Removal, Says Nigeria Customs....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Despite the elimination of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) confirmed on Thursday, September 28, that the smuggling of this product to the West African coast continues.
The acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, affirmed this during a World Press Conference held in Abuja to mark his 100 days in office. Adeniyi stated that an NCS intelligence report has revealed that Nigeria’s petrol is favored over that of other West African countries, not only because of its lower cost but also due to its superior quality.
Adeniyi did acknowledge that while smuggling of petroleum products out of the country still occurs, there has been a reduction in such incidents. He further disclosed that the NCS has reevaluated its strategies to combat petrol smuggling.
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The Customs chief referred to statistics from a report presented to him from Seme Border before the press conference, which indicated a decline in the smuggling of petroleum products. Adeniyi expressed, “The issue of smuggling petroleum products isn’t solely about the comparative cost; sometimes, smugglers and their customers consider the quality of the PMS. However, our seizure reports show a significant reduction in incidents. We are working toward complete control and management of fuel smuggling across our borders. We are currently reviewing our strategies. Just before I came to this press conference, I was dealing with a report from Seme Border about the weekend’s activities.”
Responding to questions about whether the NCS could achieve its 2023 revenue target, Adeniyi expressed confidence that despite revenue shortfalls recorded in the first half of the year, the NCS would surpass the revenue target of N3.6 trillion in 2023. He attributed these shortfalls to uncertainties, currency fluctuations, and the impact of general elections in the first half of 2023. Adeniyi revealed that the NCS had revised its strategies, achieving a monthly average revenue collection of N343 billion in July and August, as opposed to the previous monthly average of N200 billion.
Adeniyi remained optimistic that if the service could maintain the momentum observed in July and August, it would exceed the N3.6 trillion 2023 revenue target, which represented a 70.13% increase in revenue collection. He emphasized the commitment to minimize deviations from the target, especially considering substantial shortfalls in the first half of the year.
To address trade facilitation challenges, Adeniyi mentioned that the NCS is collaborating with the National Committee on Trade Facilitation under the guidance of the World Customs Organization. This collaboration will conduct a time release study in a pilot port from January to March 2024. The goal is to scientifically determine the duration required to clear goods in Nigeria’s ports, identify and understand delays, and implement measures to address them. Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to support this project, aiming for a scientifically conducted study widely accepted by all parties involved.
The Iyaloja General Movement held a prayer session in Lagos on Thursday, seeking victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The event, part of the ninth Annual Ramadan Lecture, special prayers, and palliative distribution, was attended by traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, market leaders, political and community stakeholders, as well as APC supporters from across the country. Notable traditional rulers present included the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Isiba; the Alaige of Orile Agege Kingdom, Oba Ambaliu Adegbeyi; and the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Latif Egbeyemi.
Mutiullahi Oladeebo, the group’s coordinator, said the gathering aimed to support Tinubu’s re-election and mobilize grassroots backing for APC candidates in the upcoming polls. “We are praying for our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his victory in the forthcoming general election. As Muslim faithful, we believe Allah answers prayers during Ramadan,” he said.
Oladeebo added that the event also included distributing food palliatives to vulnerable community members to ease the effects of fasting. He expressed confidence that the APC and its candidates would win and highlighted the group’s role in mobilizing support.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed globally as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity, with religious and socio-political gatherings often seeking guidance for national peace and development.
A 44-year-old trader, Ebere Ezetoha, was arraigned on Friday before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The prosecutor, Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the child’s mother discovered Ezetoha inserting his finger into the girl’s anus after hearing her cry, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Ademigbuji stated that the alleged incident occurred on February 14 at Ezetoha’s residence at 35, Prince Ibeh Arinze Crescent, Ago Palace, Lagos. The act is said to contravene Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Ezetoha pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Chief Magistrate Omolara Kushanu granted him bail of N500,000 with two sureties and adjourned the case until April 9 for mention.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the construction of buildings on land allocated to foreign embassies in Katampe Extension, Abuja, describing them as illegal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Friday during a tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, Wike said the unauthorized structures would be demolished.
During the inspection, the minister visited several roads and projects, including the route linking Wuse to the Central Area, a road near the Body of Benchers complex, and the Tungan-Madaki road off the airport corridor. He expressed confidence that many of the projects would be completed ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
On the illegal constructions, Wike explained that the plots were originally allocated on March 18, 2008, to various diplomatic missions for residential use. However, an illegal developer seized the land and began construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
“This land was allocated to various embassies in 2008. Someone just took over and started developing it without FCDA approval. We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue,” he said.
The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Part of the land had also been reserved for a 132/133KV power station for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Wike stated that the FCTA has directed the Department of Development Control to demolish all illegal structures and restore the land to its original purpose. “I have instructed that every building on this land be brought down,” he said, adding that the embassies would be formally notified to take possession of their plots.
The minister also revealed that the suspected developer had been arrested and would face prosecution. “The man has been arrested, and the police are investigating. He will be charged in court soon,” Wike said.
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