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Author: olatunde ajayi

  • Anti-corruption: NISER DG, others call for gender inclusiveness approach

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Corruption

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Antonia Simbine, Director-General (DG), Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), has emphasised the need for gender inclusiveness approach in the fight against corruption.

    Simbine said this in Ibadan on Thursday at the Actualizing Behaviour Change (ABC) Series, an ongoing NISER and Macarthur Foundation Project, entitled “Research Support for Corruption Control through Behaviour Change”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Thursday’s series, however, focused on the theme, “A Gender-Lensed View Citizens’ Lived Experiences of Corrupt Behaviour in Nigeria”.

    According to Simbine, the past application of one-size-fits-all solutions to the problems of corruption in Nigeria may be the reason it has not been completely successful.

    “In the previous series, we have been looking at all aspects of corruption issues, behavioural aspects of corruption.

    “Now, we are considering how it relates to women and men differently, but much more with regards to women; all toward finding solutions for corruption,” she said.

    The DG added that the organisation of anti-corruption agencies should have a gender perspective and be better positioned to address the issues of people’s behaviour toward corruption.

    “The second aspect is that, in the programmes of anti-corruption agencies, they need to now understand the various aspects of behaviour or reaction of people to the issue of corruption and then target their programmes in that direction.

    “They must be able to analyse what a corrupt man or woman does, how they do it, what pushed them to do it, what is their reaction, and then we may be saying we are fighting corruption,” she said.

    Dr Temitayo Adeyemo, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, said research had shown that women exhibit different experiences of corrupt behaviours when interacting with government agencies.

    For an effective anti-corruption campaign, she called for gender inclusion and mainstreaming in corruption control policies and the structure of the institutions.

    “We must incorporate gendered themes in the corruption campaign to enable voicing out for the vulnerable victims,” she said.

    Similarly, Dr Safiya Ahmad-Nuhu, Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano, said corruption should be seen as a cross-cutting issue when viewed through a gender lens.

    “There are different experiences of men and women about corrupt practices but at the core of it, is a governance issue that affects development.

    “Gender inclusion is a critical issue for sustainable development. As a nation, working toward the discussion on sustainable development cannot be done in rhetoric.

    “If the country really wants to move forward, we need to consider all the various components of the SDGs in terms of where women fit.

    “It is not just in respect of a particular issue, but all the 17 goals; women’s role in those goals has to be included,” she said.

    NAN reports that the ABC platform provides the opportunity for debate and cross-fertilisation of ideas among scholars, policymakers and practitioners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

  • NEMA takes flood prevention campaign to Oyo LGAs

    Flood

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday organised a sensitisation programme on flood early warning strategies for Egbeda, Ona-Ara and Lagelu Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Oyo state.

    In her remarks, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the sensitisation programme was organised to save the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in the flood-risk areas during the rainy season.

    Umar noted that the devastating impact of floods over the years served as a wakeup call to all tiers of governments to collaborate with the agency to manage disaster risks and associated hazards.

    She was represented at the event by NEMA’s Director of Disasters Risk Reduction, Dr Daniel Obot.

    “In the recent past, lives have been lost, means of livelihoods and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira have been destroyed, due to unmitigated incidences of floods.

    “The rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency respectively, have provided us with valuable early warning alerts.

    “Consequently, all of us are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods on the entire landscape and the Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding,” she said.

    She said that some LGAs in Oyo state have been predicted to be affected by flooding during 2024 rainy season.

    Umar listed the 11 high and moderate flood risk LGAs to include: Itesiwaju, Ona-ara, Lagelu, Ibarapa Central, Kajola, Egbeda, Ogbomoso South, Ogbomosho North, Iseyin, Ibarapa North and Ibarapa East.

    “It is necessary to stress that management of disaster risk in contemporary times hinges on community wide participation, leaving no one behind.

    “We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Oyo state.

    “It is our hope that this sensitisation programme will go a long way in reducing the impacts of the annually recurring floods and to safeguard the private and communal livelihoods of the good people of Oyo state,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, the Administrative Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (Oyo SEMA), urged residents to stop dumping refuse into the waters ways to avoid flood disasters.

    Responding on behalf of the three LGAs, Dr Temitope Kolapo, the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara LGA, promised that the replica of the sensitisation programme would be conducted across communities and wards in the local councils areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TUN/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • IBEDC apologises, explains challenge in darkness-hit area

     

    Power

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has apologised to customers over the state of power supply in Lalupon environs due to a collapsed bridge in the area.

    The Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Mrs Angela Olanrewaju, at a news conference on Tuesday, in Ibadan, said that the collapsed bridge damaged several poles on its network.

    The press conference was in response to a peaceful protest organised by some residents of the affected communities on Monday.

    Olanrewaju stated that the incident had caused part of Lalupon 33KV feeder to be isolated due to lack of right of way to re-erect the broken poles.

    This, she said, had made 32 substations out of supply, thereby affecting several communities in the area.

    She reiterated the commitment of thé company to resolve the main long-standing issues in the area when fund was available.

    Olanrewaju said that temporary solution would, however, be provided to restore supply to the area.

    “It is part of projects included in the Performance Improvement Projects (PIP) submitted to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) in 2022.

    “We got approval from NERC, unfortunately we didn’t have the funding for the project which is over N1.5billion.

    “When the CBN intervention fund in the form of loans to DISCOs came up, we decided to take advantage of that, however, the project couldn’t commence in December 2023, because CBN put the intervention fund on hold, “she said.

    She also revealed that the IBEDC had commenced a quick win solution that would ensure supply of electricity to affected communities in the interim, pending the construction of the collapsed bridge.

    “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and we are using this medium to assure our customers that every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the 33kV substation project and restore full power supply.

    “As a customer-centric company, we are deeply concerned about the supply situation, as such, we have held over 10 meetings with the leaders of the communities to explain the situation.

    “This meetings with community leaders underscore our commitment to resolving these issues and improving service delivery,” she said.

     

    IBEDC’S Officer in charge of technical services, Christopher Lawal, said that a technical team had been working to back-feed the affected communities from neighbouring community with electricity supply within three weeks.

     

    “We appreciate the patience and understanding exhibited by the affected communities so far.

    “We are working toward more reliable and efficient power supply for Lalupon and its environs, “he said

    NAN reports that residents of the affected communities on Monday took to the streets to protest inability of IBEDC to supply electricity to them.

    The protesters, in large numbers, stormed the IBEDC office and obstructed vehicular movement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/MAM/SOA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • NDLEA secures conviction of 56, arrests 554 others over illicit drugs in Oyo

     

    NDLEA secures conviction of 56, arrests 554 others over illicit drugs in Oyo

    Drug

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 25, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, said it arrested 554 suspects for various drug-related offences and secured the conviction of 56 between June 2023 and June 2024.

    The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr Olayinka Joe-Fadile, disclosed this during a rally to commemorate the 2024 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Ibadan on Tuesday.

    The United Nations World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.

    The theme of the 2024 celebration of the event is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

    Joe-Fadile said that the theme emphasises the need for evidence-based policies anchored on science, human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.

    He said that the 554 suspects were nabbed for dealing in marijuana, tramadol, diazepam, colorado and other psychoactive substances during the period under review.

    “The present situation in the world calls on us to raise more awareness to advocate for investments in prevention and empower our communities to be able to handle drug related issues,” the commander said.

    Reviewing the activities of the command in the period under review, Joe-Fadile said, “we seized about 5,388kg drugs from individuals  ages between 16 and 72 years.

    “We also secured some convictions with punishments ranging from three months to 28 years imprisonment for various offences.

    “The command also rehabilitated 22 individuals within the period under review, with seven other people still undergoing rehabilitations in our centre’’.

    The commander said that the command was not relenting in the drug war, adding that sensitisation on drug abuse would  continue across the 33 local governments of Oyo state.

    “Through the campaigns, we have been able to reach about 100,000 people in 307 locations across the state,’’Joe-Fadile said.

    He added that the command also destroyed marijuana cultivated on 0.215 acres and another 0.640 hectares of farmland in Ajani village in Ona-Ara local government area of the state.

    Joe-Fadile urged the youths to stay off drugs, warning that consumption of hard drugs could lead to untimely and painful death. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/FEO/AOS

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    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Bayo Sekoni

  • NUJ warns against attacking journalists, advises FG on rising cost of living

    Journalists

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says the incessant and arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists in their line of duties by security personnel will no longer be condoned.

    This demand, amongst several others, is part of resolutions of the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) which held its quarterly meeting in Ibadan between Thursday and Saturday.

    In a communique listing the resolutions, released on Sunday by the union’s National Secretary, Achike Chude, the NUJ urged that such actions by security personnel should be stopped forthwith.

    The meeting presided over by the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, also cautioned politicians to refrain from attacking journalists on essential duties during the upcoming governorship elections in Ondo state and Edo.

    The union urged urged Gov. Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa to sign into law the Media Enhancement Bill passed by the State House of Assembly recently.

    It frowned at the lingering state of insecurity across the nation, especially kidnapping and violent crimes in the South-East, insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West.

    “NEC also frowns at rising militancy in the South-South, as well as kidnapping in the South-West and cattle rustling and attack on farmlands in the North-Central by herders.

    “We therefore call on the heads of the nation’s security bodies to rise to the occasion and address the situation.”

    The NUJ expressed dismay at the rising cost of living, particularly through increased prices of essential commodities, which is becoming unbearable to Nigerians.

    It thus called on the Federal Government to come up with measures to ameliorate the sufferings being encountered by Nigerians.

    “On this, NEC expressed concerns at the delay in production at the Dangote Refinery which would have eased the present economic hardship in the country .

    “NEC frowns at the incessant vandalisation of power installations supplying electricity to some states of the North-East and other parts of the country.

    ”We therefore call on the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Ministry of Power to immediately restore electricity supply to the affected states.”

    The NUJ further urged Federal and State Governments to urgently intervene regarding the poor state of roads in the country.

    It called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)  to urgently proffer measures to ease the sufferings of motorists.

    The union called for an urgent consideration from the Federal Government to include the South-East among the zones captured in the coastal highway project.

    ”This is because no zone along the coastal line should be sidelined in the project.”

    It equally called on government to address the issue of perennial flooding affecting most parts of the country.

    “NEC requests communities in the flood-prone zones to adhere strictly to the early warnings by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Federal Ministry of Environment to avoid regrets occasioned by flood disaster.”

    The union appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently resolve all the issues of the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    “NEC also appeals to the Federal Government to address and resolve pending issues with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the interest of education and Nigerian students.”

    NUJ also resolved to appeal to heads of security agencies to support orphans and widows of deceased security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duties.

    It urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to regulate the activities of illegal mining in the country to avert further disasters.

    While commending Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his people-oriented policies and programmes, it expressed its appreciation of the governor for hosting the NEC meeting successfully.

    “The NUJ NEC also urge him to sustain the tempo of development in the state,” the communique stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUJ NEC meeting had in attendance the union’s national, zonal and state leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi) This

     

  • Ogunbote says he’s unsure of his 3SC future

    Contract

    By Olatunde Ajayi
    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Head Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Gbenga Ogunbote, says he is unsure of what awaits him with Sunday’s ending of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)

    Ogunbote told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday that his contract with the Ibadan side expired with the club’s last match in the league competition on Sunday.

    The Oluyole Warriors beat Sporting Lagos FC 1-0 in their match day 38 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium to finish fourth in the competition.

    Their final standing meant they fell short of clinching a ticket to play on the continent next season, having earlier crashed out of the 2024 President Federation Cup competition.

    The coach however said the club’s management had been making efforts to discuss with him on a new contract, but there had been no concrete offer made and no agreement reached.

    ”There is something on ground, in terms of discussions about the future between them and me, but nothing concrete yet.

    “Presently, my contract has expired. But the club management is currently talking about an extension of the contract.

    “They are already bringing an offer. We have all only been waiting for the final game of the league.

    ”Maybe something will come up in the next few days or weeks. But, for now, I cannot tell anybody what future awaits me at 3SC,” he said.

    Reflecting on the club’s performance in the season, Ogunbote said they gave all their best.

    He, however, regretted that the team could not finish in the top three bracket on the league table.

    “It has been a step forward for the team though, even though it was unfortunate that we could not meet up with the target we set for ourselves.

    “The important thing is that we just need to review the season and take positive lessons out of it.”

    Ogunbote recalled that the club did not start the league well and also got it wrong on some occasions.

    This, he said, really took a great toll on the team, adding that they only picked up during the second round. “But unfortunately there were still some away misses.

    “We were placed around the 12th position towards the end of the first round of the season.

    “We also lost some games on the road, which ordinarily if we had got a point each from them would have made a difference,” the coach said.

    He however lauded title winners Rangers International FC of Enugu, saying “I give it to them. They are not a bad side, because they actually worked for the title.

    “They are a good team with a solid coach and they know what it takes to win the league,” Ogunbote said.

    Also speaking, Sporting Lagos FC Head Coach, Abdullahi Biffo, said the experience gathered in the NPFL would help his club’s management, players and coaches in the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL).

    ”This will help us to reorganise each department to be able to withstand the pressure of the top-flight league when we return from relegation.

    “We knew we needed to win this match, to give us a chance to escape relegation.

    “But it was a good experience, even though I came into the team just for the last eight games.

    ”I was assigned by the management to fix the problem on ground, but unfortunately I was unable to do so.

    “We all know that the league’s last quarter is always important because that is when the teams targeting continental tickets double their efforts and teams that want to escape relegation will triple their efforts.”

    Speaking on what should be expected of Nigerian clubsides next season on the continent, Biffo said something clinical needed to be done.

    “We all know that Nigerian teams always find it difficult to do well at the continental stage, because the best players from Nigeria do not really stay in the local league.

    “By the time new young players are supposed to come to the national league, they are already elsewhere in Europe.

    “We are only recycling players within clubs in the league.

    “The league authorities need to do something about this to develop our league,” he said.

    He gave league winners Rangers International FC kudos for their performance, saying it was because they started well in the middle of the season and fought bravely to be champions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/USO/OLAL
    Edited by Sam Oditah and Olawale Alabi

     

  • Oyo creating enabling environment for journalists – Gov. Makinde

    Oyo creating enabling environment for journalists – Gov. Makinde

     

    Journalism

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear or hindrance.

    The governor stated this at the opening of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday, in Ibadan.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation,  Mr Dotun Oyelade, the governor promised that his administration would continue to support and partner with the NUJ to ensure that journalism thrives in the state and Nigeria at large.

    “As a government, we recognise the critical role the media plays in our democracy and we are committed to creating an enabling environment for journalists to operate without fear or hindrance.

    “Our administration has been working tirelessly to improve the welfare and safety of our citizens and we believe that a free and independent press is essential to achieving this goal.

    “In the area of journalists’ welfare, we have provided financial support to the NUJ during national and state functions, including donation of a brand new bus among others,” he said.

     

    Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman in Oyo state, Mr Demola Babalola, said that journalists must acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead in journalism profession.

    According to him, the rise of fake news, the erosion of press freedom and the threat to the profession from vested interests that seek to undermine its credibility and objectivity are all issues that must be confronted head-on.

    “We must adapt and evolve, embracing new technologies and platforms, while simultaneously upholding the timeless values of our profession.

    “In this era of rapid digital transformation, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with the necessary skills to navigate the complex landscape of modern journalism.

    “We must embrace innovation, diversity, and the power of storytelling to shape narratives and change lives.

    “It is through these efforts that we will secure the sustainability and relevance of our profession for generations to come,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUJ quarterly NEC meeting being held in the state will end on Saturday.

    The NUJ President, Chris Isiguzor; the NUJ Vice-president Zone B, Ronke Samo; and Abdulrasaq Alege, NUJ Zone B Secretary; are among participants at the meeting.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/EBI/SOA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Market union to address high cost of commodities

     

    Market union to address high cost of commodities

     

    Cost

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN) says it will collaborate with other market stakeholders to address high cost of food and other commodities in Nigeria.

    NUMTEN’s National President, James Ogu, said this on Wednesday, when the union paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives in Ibadan.

    According to Ogu, many traders now hide under increase in the pump price of petroleum, high dollar to naira exchange rate, tax and dues to arbitrarily increase prices of food and other essential commodities in the market.

    Also speaking, NUMTEN’s Chairman in Oyo State, Ola Makinde, said that the union would collaborate with relevant government agencies, departments and other critical market stakeholders to establish a centre in each zone, where issues could be reported and properly addressed.

     

    According to him, part of the aims and objectives of the NUMTEN is to defend integrity and independence of the market traders in Nigeria, by putting an end to activities of unregistered associations or groups exploiting traders in Nigeria.

     

    “We are working to ensure cooperation between the union and other market bodies, to maintain highest standard, etiquettes and discipline among market traders,” he said.

     

    On his part, the Oyo State Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adebayo Aribatise, said that NLC, as mother of all unions in Nigeria, recognised NUMTEN and was in solidarity with its activities across markets in Nigeria.

    Aribatise said that NLC in the state had the mandate of ensuring that all unions that want to operate in the state complied with the rules and regulations laid down by the state government to achieve its goals.

    In his response, the Commissioner for Trade Industry Investment and Cooperatives, Demola Ojo, said that the current administration would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to improve ease of doing business in the state.

    Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Bunmi Babalola, said that Gov. Seyi Makinde’s led administration had addressed issue of tax multiplicity on food commodities and improved access to cheaper food, through various initiatives.

    He said that the government had identified and was working with 12 market clusters that housed different traders associations in the state, to achieve harmony among traders.

    The commissioner, while charging NUMTEN to carry out membership drive through provision of adequate welfare initiatives, said that the government would not impose one association or union on another.

    He said that the government was ready  to partner NUMTEN and other market bodies, to address high cost of food commodities and to improve ease of doing business in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/FON/VIV

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu

  • Sallah: Passengers decry hike in transport fare

     

     

     

    Passengers

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 15, 2024 (NAN) A good number of those travelling from Ibadan to Lagos and other cities by road on Saturday condemned the hike in transport fares.

    The passengers, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, lamented the manner the fares up.

    They said the fares moved farther away from what they used to be before the Sallah celebration.

    Those of them whom a NAN correspondent met at Ojoo and other motor parks visited in Ibadan said transportation fare to most destinations had increased by at least 35 per cent.

    At the motor park at Iwo road in Ibadan, transporters were discovered to be charging N3,000 and N3,500 for buses and N4,500 for cars going to Lagos.

    This was against N2,000 and N2,500 respectively charged before festive season.

    A commercial bus driver, Mr Nurudeen Akanbi, however said it was a normal thing for transportation fares to go up during the festive period.

    He nonetheless noted that the fares would always return to normal after the celebrations.

    “Passengers may even need to pay more while returning to their base after the celebrations, because there will be a big rush to catch up with work on resumption day,” the driver warned.

    He also attributed the hike in transportation fare to the recent petroleum subsidy removal which had jacked up prices of fuel and motor spare parts.

    Some passengers at the motor parks, however, condemned the sharp increase in the transport fares, saying it would affect their budget and other plans for Eid-el-Kabir.

    Mrs Rofiat Adeoye, a traveller, said she had planned to get some gift items for her relations on her trip to Lagos.

    ”But due to the increase in the transport fare, I cannot do that again because intra-city transport fares would have gone up in Lagos too,” she said.

    Another passenger, Mr Akeem Gbadegesin, urged governments to assist travellers with subsidised transportation initiatives across all routes during any festive season.

    “Commercial operators are using the rush period during the celebrations as an opportunity to exploit people,” he said.

    NAN reports that passengers, who could not afford the fare, were seen leaving the parks and moving along the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.

    This was with the hope of getting cheaper means of transportation though private vehicle owners who would take them along to use the money gained to augment the fuel purchased.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/OJI/OLAL
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    (Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Olawale Alabi)

  • Customs in Oyo/Osun generated over N30bn in 5 months, Comptroller says

    Revenue
    By Olatunde Ajayi
    Ibadan, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, generated over N30 billion revenue in five months between January and May.

    The Customs Area Comptroller, Oyo/Osun Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Ibadan.
    Oramalugo said the revenue represented an increase of 5.2 per cent against N29.15 billion generated in the comparative period of 2023.
    Oramalugo said the command in tandem with its revenue generation efforts maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within its jurisdiction.
    “In spite of the economic hardships that often exacerbate smuggling tendencies, command officers have remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and apprehending perpetrators.
    “The months of April, May and some parts of June, witnessed numerous successful operations resulting in the seizure of contraband items.
    “Among the commodity seized include; 504 wraps of cannabis sativa weighing 391.9kg with N15, 814, 600 Duty Paid Value.
    “Also intercepted were 600 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice, 6,850 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 123 pieces of used tyres, used Mercedes Truck and used Nissan bus,” he said.
    He noted that the command had received approval to hand over the seized cannabis sativa worth N21,128, 260 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command.
    Oramalugo said the command’s efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility on the importance of adhering to customs regulations paid off with a significant reduction in under-declarations.
    This, he said, contributed to the overall increase in revenue.
    He added that the introduction of advanced technology solutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project streamlined processes, enhanced transparency and revenue collection capabilities.
    “I will like to inform members of the public, that in line with the policy trust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the command has received approval to hand over seized cannabis to the NDLEA Oyo State Command.
    “In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received to auction the seized of PMS listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature,” he said.
    Receiving the seized cannabis sativa, Uche Ene, the Assistant Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, said the command would continue to strengthen inter-agencies collaborations for attainment of crime free society.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TUN/OIF/JNC
    ============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma