Maritime Agencies
PORTS & HARBOURS BILL: MWUN, SSASCGOC Warn NASS, Kick Against Passage into Law
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The renewed attempt by the current national assembly to pass the controversial Ports and Harbours Bill into law has attracted sharp criticisms from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-owned Companies (SSASCGOC – Maritime Branch). The two industry unions say this move must be halted forthwith because if the bill is passed into law, it will definitely promote insecurity in the maritime domain as well as result into job losses which privatization of harbours, jetties and allied maritime infrastructure would entail.
It will also work against achieving the targeted 5 million jobs which President Bola Tinubu said was one of the major reasons for creating the new Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the MWUN President-General and Comrade Akin Bodunde, his SSASCGOC Maritime Branch counterpart, raised the alarm in a joint conference in Lagos, Monday.
The duo strongly advised President Bola Tinubu to distance himself from the surreptitious move borne out of selfish political interests of certain
people who do not have the interest of the larger majority at heart.
The group recalled that in the 8th National Assembly, concerted efforts made to pass the controversial bill into law were scuttled when the two in-house unions, stakeholders and well- meaning Nigerians who felt concerned about the negative implications of such a legislation intervened.
“We wish to note that this said bill, if passed into law, will have grave consequences on the security of the nation as it will cede harbour, jetty and terminal operations into private hands.”
The groups condemned unpatriotic individuals within the maritime sector hell bent on appropriating the country’s common wealth and cornering same into their pockets and those of their cronies.
“We would have thought that given our persistent cries and various notices pointing to the deplorable state of our sea ports, decrepit state of ports access roads, collapsing quay aprons and general failure of infrastructure within our ports, the focus of the 10th National Assembly would have been to find solutions to the myriad of problems bedeviling our ports, terminals, jetties and oil and gas platforms and even the need to dredge all the ports, particularly Calabar, Warri, Onne, etc for increased efficiency.”
The unions condemned those they described as clandestinely and recklessly seeking to misappropriate public infrastructure through unfriendly legislation for the benefit of individuals whose only interest is capital accumulation and not the good of the general public.
The groups expressed worry that sponsors of the bill have outrightly ignored demands to call to order the international oil companies operating in the sovereign territorial economic zones and snobbishly refusing to obey extant maritime regulations, standards and laws. Rather, these legislators find it expedient to sit in the comfort of their hallowed chambers pushing for laws that will be detrimental and inimical to the welfare and wellbeing of the working class, Nigerians and national security.
“This is certainly not the right way to go as this ploy by these selfish individuals in the maritime sector will cause chaos and anarchy in the industry which has enjoyed sustained peace since the idea of projecting the harsh bill was killed in 2018 will not be allowed to come to fruition,” the joint house unions warned the Executive, National Assembly and the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The groups say that if passed into law, it will endanger the productivity of port users, non-pensionable employments that cannot be transferred and without access to terminal benefits.
“This is the height of inconsideration by the proponents of the bill to the rights of workers to necessary payments for services rendered by a worker in accordance to known laws, industrial relations practice, equity and good conscience.”
MWUN and SSASCGOC vowed never to fold their hands and allow few unpatriotic Nigerians within the industry to corner the command wealth and render the sector unproductive via an infamous bill that will create poverty, hopelessness and hunger while generating bitterness among the already-impoverished workers and Nigeria citizens.
The groups expressed absolute confidence in the NPA Act as it currently relates to the Nigerian state and welfare of workers in the sector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The retired Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Effiong Harrison has described the posting of his successor, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie from the Kebbi Area Customs Command as a welcome development, praising his background and experience as assets the Command stands to gain from.
Retired Comptroller Effiong Harrison spoke in Lagos, Wednesday, September 10, while handing over the leadership of the MMIA Command to Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, following his disengagement after 35 years of meritorious service.
In his valedictory remarks, Harrison expressed gratitude to officers and men of the command for their dedication and professionalism during his tenure.
“I want to express my appreciation to all of you from different units and to all of the services that we have rendered to the government and ourselves as members of the Nigeria Customs Service. In our time, we had no incident or trouble that warranted somebody being dismissed or interdicted. We leveraged on intelligence and worked in the best possible way, day and night”, he said.
“When I heard that the new Customs Area Controller (Nwokorie) is coming from Kebbi, I felt highly elated, that at least we have somebody who will have the national security consciousness at the back of his mind. I am confident that, from your experiences in other sectors and the service you have rendered to your country, you will be able to take us to the next level”, he noted.
He urged officers to extend their loyalty and support to the new Customs Area Controller to sustain the progress achieved at the command.
In his response, Comptroller Nwokorie thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the MMIA Command.
“I want to thank the Almighty God for a special day like this. I also thank the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for finding me worthy to come and represent him here. While sitting here, there’s no way I’ll know everything that’s happening. You, the officers on the field, are my eyes. I strongly believe that we will all work together in peace and harmony”, he stated.
The new Customs Area Controller assured officers he would adopt an open-door policy and inclusive leadership style. He pledged to work as a team player in driving the Command’s performance and contributions to national revenue, security and trade facilitation.
Maritime Agencies
LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE CUSTOMS: Comptroller Abubakar Decorates Promoted Officers, Stresses Hard Work, Dedication to Duty.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In furtherance of her commitment to hard work, dedication and promotion of the spirit of service which are special attributes that define operations in the Nigeria Customs Service, the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Wednesday, decorated officers who benefitted from the recent staff promotions nationwide.
Speaking during the event, the LFTZ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller (Mrs) HKA Abubakar announced that a total of 29 officers and men were favoured in the promotions.
”I am pleased to inform you that a total of twenty-nine (29) officers and men of the Command have been promoted as follows:
Deputy Controller (DC) to Controller (CC) – 2, Assistant Controller (AC) to Deputy Controller (DC) – 6, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) to Assistant Controller (AC) – 5 and Superintendent of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) – 7.”
”Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) to Superintendent of Customs (SC) – 2, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) to Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) – 2, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) – 2, Inspector of Customs (IC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) – 2 and Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC) – 1″.
According to Comptroller Abubakar, promotion in the Service is not given lightly but earned through commitment, discipline and the consistent demonstration of capacity and integrity in the discharge of duty.
”For those we are decorating today,”she added, “this recognition is a testament to your perseverance, loyalty, and invaluable contributions to the growth and success of this Command and the Service at large.”
She reminded the celebrants and other officers that promotion to higher ranks come with greater responsibilities.
” Promotion is not only a reward but also a call to higher expectations. You are now positioned to serve as role models, to inspire your subordinates, and to raise the standard of professionalism, discipline and efficiency within our Command.”
”The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has continued to play a strategic role in revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement of Customs laws. Our collective progress is made possible by the unwavering commitment of officers like those we honour today. It is my firm belief that this promotion will further energize you to contribute more diligently to our common objectives of improved revenue, compliance in Free Zones and the Port, as well as stronger stakeholder engagement.”
She enjoined officers not favoured in the promotion not to despair but to continue to demonstrate resilience and loyalty to duty.
”Be assured that your efforts are recognized, and in due time, your turn will surely come. The Service remains fair and just in rewarding hard work.”
Appreciating sister agencies who honoured the Command’s invitation to the decoration event, she said their attendance, solidarity and collaboration remain invaluable in the discharge of the Command’s collective responsibilities.
”Your support not only strengthens inter-agency synergy but also reinforces the spirit of partnership needed to enhance national security, trade facilitation and revenue generation. On behalf of the Command, we thank you sincerely for joining us on this special occasion and for your continued cooperation in service to our nation.”
For the newly decorated officers and their families, she stated that the promotion serves as a source of renewed strength, motivation, and commitment.
”I urge you all to continue to give your best, uphold the values of the Service, and justify the confidence reposed in you,” Comptroller Abubakar concluded.
Maritime Agencies
PTML CUSTOMS: Comptroller Joe Anani Takes Over from ACG Daniyan, Harps on Improved Compliance.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Comptroller Joe Anani, the new Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says the successful roll-out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System, remains a great milestone that must be improved upon.
He has, therefore, implored all customs officers, sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) high.
He particularly appealed to stakeholders to always stick to compliance because they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times.
Comptroller Anani stated this in Lagos, Friday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from the immediate-past Controller, ACG Tenny Daniyan, at a brief but colourful ceremony marking the change of guards. Describing the Command and stakeholders as well organised, he promised to build on the various pioneering feats recorded by his predecessor. He enjoined everyone to feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.
“While thanking God and the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.”
”I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation”.
”I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.
”I am aware that this Command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment. The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours”.
Compliance, he recalled, is the key to trade facilitation. It is critical for smooth port operations and ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks and fosters trust among trading partners.
”Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.”
” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money. Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest. Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.
He promised full enforcement of the CGC’s directive on zero tolerance for smuggling even as he acknowledged that stakeholders are already on the right track.
Welcoming Comptroller Anani, stakeholders who turned out in their numbers commended ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployment across various commands nationwide. They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.
The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively. He urged ACG Daniyan to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.
Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.
MMIA CUSTOMS COMMAND: Comptroller Harrison Passes Baton to Comptroller Nwokorie
LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE CUSTOMS: Comptroller Abubakar Decorates Promoted Officers, Stresses Hard Work, Dedication to Duty.
PTML CUSTOMS: Comptroller Joe Anani Takes Over from ACG Daniyan, Harps on Improved Compliance.
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