PH Area 1, Customs Revenue up by 10.6% as it Rakes In Over N57 Billion in 7months

The Nigeria Customs Service Area 1, Command Port Harcourt Rivers state says that despite some daunting challenges in the Maritime sector, the Command had been able to generate and collect the total sum of Fifty Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Five Million, Eight hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Four hundred and Twenty Naira and Sixty Eight Kobo (₦57,405,834,420.68) from January to July, 2023.

Disclosing this to newsmen Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, the Customs Area 1 Controller, Comptroller CD Wada said When compared to the corresponding period of 2022, which stood at Fifty One Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty Eight Million, Three hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Three hundred and Ten Naira, and Fifty One Kobo (₦51,868,334,310.51),there was a  significant difference of Five Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand, One hundred and Ten Naira (₦5,537,500,110.00)which was realized. 

According to him, the difference in these figures represents a 10.6 per cent increase in the revenue figure.

He noted that apart from the month of April where the Maritime sector experienced a global shipping downtime, which affected the revenue of the Command’s records, every other month had surpassed its corresponding months of the year 2022, adding that  the significant milestone was achieved in the month of March where the sum of Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy Five Million, Nine Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty Seven Naira and Ninety Nine Kobo (₦11,675,918,637.99) was realized, as against Eight Billion, Three Hundred and Ten Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Three Naira and Sixty Nine Kobo (₦8,310,978,933.69) of March 2022.

Comptroller Wada however, stressed that such "feat could not have been achieved without painstakingly engaging with our critical stakeholders through several forms of sensitization programs and other forms of training particularly on issues of Non-conformity with statutory clearance procedures." even as he emphasized that  the feedback the Command got could be attributed to some of their successes. He said the Command also insisted that all unpaid assessment must be paid.

Speaking on intervention, in terms of additional value through interventions, the Command generated a total sum of Nine Hundred and Eighty Eight Million, One Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Four Naira (₦988,127,504) in the period under review. He added that "this interventions were derived from Demand Notices (DN) issued to importers with infractions on their importation." 

In the aspect of Anti-Smuggling activities, Comptroller Wada also disclosed that the Command had put more emphasis on 100 percent physical examination policy of the service, and as a result, some containers suspected to have falsely declared had been placed under detention, pending further investigation. Comptroller warned any would be smuggler to avoid Area 1 Command, as according to him their containers would be seized and culprits arrested and prosecuted in the court of law. 

Speaking further, he stated that within the period under review, the Command had embarked on a working tour to Bayelsa and Ahoada Out-Stations to appraise the Customs activities in those Areas saying "the visit to Bayelsa State also afforded us the opportunities to pay courtesy visits to the heads of other Government Security agencies. The purpose of this visit was to seek further collaboration and synergy with them in order to foster a better working relationship and to achieve National interest in line with the extant guidelines."

I am very optimistic that with the Command’s strategy of maximizing the collection of Customs duties, other levies, and payment of all unpaid assessments, the Command will surpass the revenue collected in 2022 even as he said 

“We cannot thank the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs BA Adeniyi MFR and his management team enough for their timely support and encouragement towards the achievements of these successes." 

"Also a big thank you goes to the stakeholders, especially the compliant traders among them and the distinguished gentlemen of the press for their professional reportage.

 

Written by Bon Peters

 Rivers State, Port Harcourt

 

Ibori, Symbol of Unity, Says Uduaghan

 ....Praises Ex-Delta Governor For Building Infrastructure, Institutions, People

 

 .....Calls Him Exceptional, Courageous Man

 

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has been described as a rare gem, prime nationalist and redeemer of the masses.

 

“Chief James Onanefe Ibori is a leader of great stature, a symbol of unity and the well-being of individuals within and outside the country”, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, said on Monday.

 

Uduaghan in a statement in Abigborodo acknowledged Ibori’s ability, will,   humility and dogged commitment to the Nigerian project.

 

He praised the heroic deeds of the former Delta State governor in the struggles leading up to the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy.

 

“Delta State is blessed to have a personality of great honour and a man of the people in person of Chief James Onanefe Ibori.”

 

Popularly called “Mr. Resource Control”, Uduaghan described Ibori as a brave man, bridge builder and totally detribalized Nigerian.

 

He commended Ibori for giving a new dimension to Nigerian politics, promoting harmony, diversity, and inclusivity.

 

“Chief James Ibori is a practical, rational person by temperament. He is also a fine example of how to contribute while not holding a legal post” the business mogul said.

 

The statement underscored strength, encouragement, purposeful direction, Nigeria’s unity, peace and stability.

 

The statement also emphasized problem solving capacity, Ibori’s policy of accommodation, foresight in economic development, his magnificent achievements in the country and Uduaghan’s deepest respect for the former governor of Delta State.

 

Particularly, the man of high title applauded Ibori for providing important political guidance on the development of Nigeria, upholding Christian values, strengthening the traditional institution of family, putting feelings first and responding to the needs of the people with understanding regardless of their appearance, reputation or mood.

 

“Thank you for the great job you do for the family, Delta State and for our country” Uduaghan, a brilliant, very generous and tolerant man, said.

 

Ending the statement, the Warri High Chief and Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies said “I wish His Excellency robust health, much joy, unlimited strength and energy, as well as productive activities to the benefit of the Nigerian people.”

Ogonis in Diaspora Wants Nigerian Senator Barinadaa Mpigi Investigated For Murder

 The National Union of Ogoni Students, USA, also known as NUOS USA, a not-for-profit refugee agency with headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, has called on Nigeria's Acting Inspector General of Police to direct the Rivers State Police Commissioner to launch an investigation into the alleged involvement of Senator Barinada Mpigi in the attempted murder of Chief Gani Topba. Gani Topba was shot  in Bori, Ogoni.on Sunday, March 12, 2023. He survived that attack.

 

President of NUOS USA, Freddie Idamkue made the call in a statement released at the end of its mid-year emergency meeting held in Phoenix Arizona USA. Idamkue said the insecurity situation was creating a refugee crisis and forcing migrations especially in Ogoni where a lot of high profile killings are never investigated. 

 

Chief Gani Topba had on Saturday July 22, 2023 while featuring on "Point Blank", a current affairs radio programme on Super FM 93.3 Port Harcourt accused the current Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District Barinada Mpigi of being behind the assassination attempt.

 

Chief Gani Topba had also accused the Senator of poisoning the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on two occasions.

 

Reacting to the allegation, Idamkue said the police cannot treat such a weighty allegation lightly especially given the level of high profile killings which has ravaged Ogoni without anyone being held accountable.

 

Chief Gani Topba had challenged the Senator, Barinada Mpigi to act in denial of the allegations by petitioning the state security if the allegations are false.

 

Idamkue said Senator Mpigi was also named in the January 2nd 2020 assassination attempt on the life of the president of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke. MOSOP President Nsuke escaped by the whiskers and remained in police detention for two days before his release in the late evening of January 4.

 

Citing other high profile killings in the Ogoni area,  Idamkue said Barr. Joseph Paago, a university lecturer was adopted in Kira, and murdered in cold blood in Agbonchia Eleme  on his way to Port-Harcourt. The police have not identified his assailants since then.

 

Richard Nimaa, a MOSOP chieftain and an aspirant for the chairmanship of Khana local government area of Rivers State and native of Sogho was assassinated in his home in Eleme just before the party primary elections. 

 

In 2010, Mr Pius Gbarazia, an Ogoni born Canadian who visited Nigeria and a lecturer at the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, Engr. Clement Faah, both native of Yeghe in Gokana local government, were killed by gunmen in their hometown. There have been no investigations into those killings.

 

On 25th, March 2019, Mr. Fidelis Nwiyor,  a Director of Federal Ministry Education who visited his home town Bien-Gwara for his brother's funeral was assassinated without arrest or investigation until date.

 

It is disturbing that relatives, like the wife of late Dr.Lucky Kina,  a Port-Harcourt based ophthalmologist assassinated on 24th November 2018 and others who attempt to seek justice for the victims are trailed by assailants (unknown gunmen) who kill and persecute citizens with impunity.

 

Prior to the 2016 election rerun for the Rivers South East Senatorial District, at least 26 persons were killed including traders and students who came to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic to pick up their NYSC call-up letters. No one had been held accountable for these killings.

 

The disappearance of notable persons and killing of political actors is  something that deserves more serious attention especially with the revelation by Chief Gani Topba that Senator Barinada Mpigi is responsible for the attack and attempt to murder him in March 2023.

 

NUOS expects and demands that public officers and a serving Senator, as in this instance, should live above board and uphold the integrity that is expected of holders of such positions. 

 

NUOS USA notes that it is particularly striking that Chief Gani Topba during the radio programme challenged Senator to prove him wrong and repeatedly emphasised his readiness to prove his case.

 

NUOS USA makes bold to state its rejection of people whose credibility are questionable from holding public offices that require trust and integrity and notes that this instance involving Senator Barinada Mpigi is not only an embarrassment to the nation but could suggest a strong alliance between the police and criminal elements in the Ogoni area if no serious action is taken.

 

Recalling the role of some police officers in the attempt on the life of the president of MOSOP on January 2, 2020, NUOS USA believes that an investigation into the strong allegations made by Chief Topbaa will not only expose one of the criminal cabals in Ogoni but also help the dwindling reputation and negative image held about the Nigerian Police especially in respect of dealing with politically motivated murders.

 

 

Signed

 

Freddie Idamkue

President 

Group Applauds Customs New MGT Team

 

The Business and Maritime Writers' Association of Nigeria, BUMWAN, has congratulated the newly appointed three Deputy Comptroller Generals of Customs, DCGs, and three Assistant Comptroller Generals of Customs, ACGs, by President Bola Ahmed TINUBU.

 

Recall that the Nigeria Customs service has announced the appointment of DCG Festus OKUN, DCG MUSA Baba Abdullahi, DCG Albashir HAMISU, ACG Kamarudeen   OLUMOH, ACG AUWAL Baba MOHAMMED and ACG Adeogun OLAJOGUN as the new management team that would pilot the affairs of the service following the appointment of acting Comptroller General of Customs and the retirement of some senior officers.

 

This decision was reached at an emergency executive meeting held today in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. 

 

Commenting on the development, BUMWAN National president, Peter Ihejirika applauded the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rewarding what he termed as hard work and dedication shown through the appointment of those whom he said have grown through the ranks and have contributed immensely to the soaring venue profile of Nigeria Customs Service over the years.

 

Ihejirika, posit that, "With the recent appointment , the Nigeria Customs Service will witness an astronomical growth both in manpower development, service delivery and in fact the federal government fiscal policy stimulus which would be enhanced."

 

Adding,  "Smugglers and those that engage in unwholesome trade should think of another business as the new management team are known for their averred compliant with extant laws guiding import, export and cargo clearance and also the core mandate of Nigeria Customs Service which includes Revenue generation, Trade facilitation, Anti-Smuggling among others."

 

He enjoined all officers and men of the service, other stakeholders in the Maritime industry to work together with the new management team to ensure the achievement of their mandate.

 

In his remarks, the National Secretary of BUMWAN, Apostle Tony Nzekwe, said, “The appointment of the six senior customs officers is an affirmation of Merit, Professionalism, discipline and productive results driven Nigeria Customs Service. It’s a new dawn of enhanced technological driven Service delivery, robust stakeholders synergies and improved geometrical revenue generation into the federal coffers."

 

He asserted, "The newly appointed 3 DCGs and 3 ACG s are Senior Customs Officers who have consistently over decades remained astute, Pragmatic, Transparent, resourceful and compliant to the fiscal policies of the federal government of Nigeria."

 

His words: "These are distinguished Senior Officers who have killed self interest over national interest, Security and Prosperity. And all critical stakeholders and operators in the Maritime industry should give them adequate and needed cooperation and support to excel in their new assignment."

Neuro Spinal Hospital and Rivexcel Health Partner to Give Africans Affordable World-Class Healthcare in Dubai

RivExcel Health, a leading international medical tourism facilitator, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Neuro Spinal Hospital (NSH), a renowned healthcare institution with advanced services in comprehensive oncology, orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, and spinal surgery.

RivExcel in a statement circulated to media houses said, “This collaboration aims to expand and enhance the medical tourism services provided by RivExcel Health, further solidifying their commitment to offering high-quality medical solutions to patients from Africa seeking treatment in Dubai.”

The press release noted that, “as part of this partnership, RivExcel Health has independently vetted and selected NSH based on their exceptional reputation, expertise, and commitment to patient care. Neuro Spinal Hospital, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled medical professionals, aligns perfectly with RivExcel Health's mission to connect patients with reputable healthcare providers in Dubai.”

"Our partnership with Neuro Spinal Hospital marks a significant milestone for RivExcel Health," said Tonye Princewill, CEO of RivExcel Health. "Neuro Spinal Hospital's specialization in oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, spinal surgery and rehabilitation perfectly complements our existing network of healthcare providers. We are confident that this collaboration will greatly benefit our patients by providing them with access to world-class medical expertise and cutting-edge treatment options."

The statement read further, “Through this partnership, RivExcel Health will offer patients seeking the

latest treatment options, a seamless and comprehensive experience. In addition to connecting patients with Neuro Spinal Hospital's highly skilled specialists, RivExcel Health will provide personalized assistance with travel arrangements, visa applications, language interpretation services, accommodation, and overall patient comfort. This holistic approach ensures that patients can focus on their health and well-being while receiving top-quality medical care in Dubai.

“RivExcel Health and Neuro Spinal Hospital are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of patient safety, quality of care and ethical practices. By combining their expertise and resources, both organizations aim to provide patients with unmatched medical solutions and an unparalleled experience throughout their medical journey.”

About RivExcel Health: RivExcel Health is an international medical tourism facilitator that connects patients from Africa with reputable healthcare providers across the globe. With a commitment to exceptional patient care, RivExcel Health offers a wide range of medical solutions and personalized services, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for patients seeking treatment in Dubai. The website www.rivexcelhealth.com is simple and easy to navigate, a perfect gateway to all your medical needs.

About Neuro Spinal Hospital: When commissioned in 2002, Neuro Spinal Hospital was the first private subspecialty hospital in the region. Over the years NSH has grown their patient base and reputation as a dynamic medical and academic centre and remains today, the leading centre of referral for complex neurosurgical, spinal, orthopedic and rehabilitation diseases. NSH has launched its NSH Cyberknife cancer centre using robotic technology to treat tumors without surgery or anesthesia and minimal side effects, the most comprehensive cancer centre existing in the UAE.

Combining expertise from around the world with cutting edge technology, NSH provides patients access to the latest diagnosis and treatment options, such as the first Cyberknife in Dubai. Now patients can have all they need from diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation under one roof. The values that drive NSH are all centered on the needs of patients and their families. Its purpose is noble; to bring patients the best care possible in a compassionate environment and to raise the standards of healthcare in the Arab world.

 

 

Basketball Africa League (BAL), Rwanda Announce Five Year Extension

 ***BAL to Collaborate with RDB on Building African Talent

 

*** RwandAir To Continue As Official Airline

 

KIGALI, RWANDA, June 19, 2023 – The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) today announced a 5 year extension of their existing collaboration that will see the BAL continue to play games at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda each season, including the BAL Playoffs and Finals in 2024, 2026 and 2028.  The BAL and RDB will also collaborate on youth development and social impact programs.

 

The extension will see “Visit Rwanda” - the country’s marketing and tourism initiative - continue as a Foundational and Host Partner of the BAL.  Through the agreement, Visit Rwanda will continue to be showcased on BAL team uniforms and at the BAL Combine. [RwandAir - Rwanda’s national airline - will continue as the Official Airline Partner of the BAL and facilitate travel to and from Kigali for select BAL teams and staff.]  

 

“The Rwanda Development Board, as a Foundational Partner, has been integral to the launch and continued growth and success of the Basketball Africa League over our first three seasons,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “Coming out of our most competitive and compelling season yet, we’re excited to renew our collaboration with RDB that will bring BAL games as well as youth development and social impact programs to Rwanda for years to come.”

 

“We are excited to extend our collaboration with the Basketball Africa League,” said RDB CEO Clare

Akamanzi.  “We have seen tremendous success and return on investment over the last three years and look forward to doing much more together. In the first two years of the partnership Rwanda saw a net benefit of 9.1 million dollars to the Rwandan economy. BAL has proven to be a great unifier, and we remain committed to showcasing the best Rwanda has to offer in terms of tourism, investment opportunities, talent development, made in Rwanda products and much more to the world. With the BAL and other major events, Rwanda is the home for sport, not just basketball in Africa.”

 

Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said: “RwandAir is proud to be a partner of the Basketball Africa League and we are excited to see the Rwandan Development Board continue to bring world-class basketball to Rwanda. 

 

“We know how sport can bring communities together as teams compete to win and celebrate the power of teamwork and know the extended partnership will further strengthen those bonds.

 

“We are also focused on our goal of delivering world-class customer service as we bring people together through our extensive route network, and we look forward to flying fans and players over the coming years.”

 

Hon Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports noted: "This partnership renewal seals our commitment of being home of the most prestigious basketball league in Africa. We will keep ensuring that this partnership strengthens the core of our sports industry, from talent development programs to capacity strengthening initiatives to further job creation opportunities for Rwandans."

 

On May 27, 2023, Egypt’s Al Ahly defeated Senegal’s AS Douanes 80-65 to win the 2023 Finals,

which took place at BK Arena and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages.  In conjunction with the 2022 and 2023 BAL Playoffs and Finals, the BAL and NBA Africa held a variety of youth development and social impact programming in Rwanda, including in collaboration with RDB.  Activities to date have included Jr. NBA, Special Olympics and coaches clinics; an environmental day of service; innovation summits that brought together African leaders from business, entertainment, sports, social entrepreneurship and beyond to discuss the enormous growth opportunities on the continent; and a series of workshops for young women from the local community as part of BAL4HER, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem and celebrating women in the sports industry who serve as role models to young women across the continent.

 

The BAL’s Foundational Partners also include NIKE, Jordan Brand, Wilson and New Fortress Energy (NFE).  The league’s roster of world-class marketing partners also includes the Attorney General Alliance (AGA-Africa), Envol City, Hennessy, SERTEM and Société Pétroliere (SP).

 

About Visit Rwanda: Visit Rwanda is the tourism and marketing initiative of the Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for fast-tracking Rwanda’s economic development by enabling private sector growth. Visit Rwanda works with local conservation, tourism, and development partners to create and market tourism experiences that benefit inbound tourists, local communities, and wildlife and ecosystems. For more information about Visit Rwanda, visit www.visitrwanda.com.

 

About the Rwanda Development Board: The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more about the Rwanda Development Board at www.rdb.rw

 

About RwandAir: Operating from Kigali, RwandAir is the national airline of Rwanda, with a fleet of modern aircraft, and serves 25 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The airline has a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, while also promoting Rwanda's tourism and trade industries.

 

RwandAir has received numerous awards for its service, including the "Best Airline Staff in Africa" award at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.        

 

About the BAL: The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that completed its third season in May 2023.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and register their interest in receiving more information at BAL.NBA.com.