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.
Maritime Agencies
Customs Deepens Anti-smuggling Campaign, Seeks Justice For Slain Officer.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says no amount of intimidation or harassment from unscrupulous elements in the society will prevent her from fulfilling her core duties of trade facilitation, revenue generation and suppression of smuggling.
Already, in collaboration with other security agencies, the Service is working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly killing of her officer, Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State on April 17, 2024, while on official duty.
As contained in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi deeply mourns the incident and has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen officer.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) stands resolute in its condemnation of such violent acts against its officers and men,” the statement said.
“Violence against our officers,” the statement quoted the CGC as saying, ” is utterly unacceptable, and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice.”
“The safety of our personnel and the security of our borders remain paramount. We are committed to working with traditional rulers, government bodies, and sister agencies to combat this heinous crime against our personnel.”
“Intelligence available to us indicates that certain unpatriotic community members are harbouring suspected accomplices involved in this heinous crime.
“We implore these individuals to embrace patriotism by aligning with the law and refraining from condoning illegality.”
The CGC counselled that it is in the best interest of various communities and the nation to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements and ensure that justice prevails.
“The NCS urges the public to join hands in the fight against these brazen criminals. We implore the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities of these daredevil smugglers to the nearest customs formation.
“Together, we can create a safer environment for our officers and a more secure nation for all.”
The CGC reaffirmed that under his leadership, the Service remains steadfast in her commitment to combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes. The Service, he restated, will not falter in its mission to uphold the law and protect the interests of the Nigerian people.
Maritime Agencies
RICE SALE STAMPEDE: Customs Visits Victim’s Family, Rolls Out Support.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In response to a directive from Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone “A,” Assistant Comptroller-General Hammi Swomen, Friday, led a delegation on a condolence visit to the Jibowu, Lagos, family home of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the February 24 tragic stampede during the sale of 25kg bags of rice at Yaba, Lagos.
During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family as he recalled the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000.
“We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being,” he stated.
He explained that the visit was the second time the Service was reaching out to the family as a demonstration of her commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.
“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” he explained.
Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.
“The Service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously.”
“When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma.”
He assured that following the visit, the delegation would report to the CGC to enable him consider, in concrete terms, the nature of intervention to embark upon, going forward.
In response, Mr Odulaja appreciated the ACG and his delegation for the visit and support, saying: “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”
It is recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time,” the statement said, “and we assure them of our unwavering support.”
“We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”
Maritime Agencies
APAPA CUSTOMS: It’s Encomiums Galore As Jaiyeoba Hands Over To Olomu.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In a brief but impressive ceremony, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Monday, handed over headship of the premier command to Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.
The event witnessed by the Command’s stakeholders was an opportunity to pour accolades and celebrate Comptroller Jaiyeoba with many describing him as an outstanding achiever.
Recognizing his remarkable achievements within a short period of eight months, the National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents (NCMDLCA) represented by the Apapa Chapter Chairman/National PRO, Mr Dominic Chukwuemeka,
presented him an award of excellence.
Describing Jaiyeoba as a silent achiever, the body joined other freight forwarding groups to extol him for displaying high level of responsibility and professionalism in leading Apapa Command to make unique revenue achievements within so short a time.
The outgoing Area Controller, they said, created a good channel for a lasting synergy and understanding between stakeholders and management of the Command with his high level of humility and professionalism.
The NCMDLCA enjoined the incoming Controller it described as an outstanding enforcement officer, to leverage on what Comptroller Jaiyeoba did to achieve his mandate, urging him to sustain and improve on the existing synergy with stakeholders.
In response, Comptroller Jaiyeoba appreciated the gesture by the stakeholders. He hailed the cooperation they and sister- agencies have brought in to jointly work to achieve their individual organizational goals and collectively making Apapa Port import-and- export friendly without undermining national security.
Recalling that the unwavering support from officers and men of the Command strengthened him, he described his achievements during the short tenure as reflective of teamwork. He enjoined all stakeholders and officers to offer same level of support and cooperation to the new Area Controller.
“As a team working together from different directions towards a common goal, we relentlessly pursued maximum collection of duty by preventing leakages, fought against smuggling and ensured that compliant traders enjoyed hitch- free clearance under customs control.
“Between January and April 2024, the Apapa Command of NCS collected a total of N672,172,624,033.03 as revenue for the federal government. We have set the ball rolling for the actualization of our target and the officers I am leaving behind are focused on this. My optimism is not misplaced because we have all proven to be tested and trusted,” he informed.
“It is noteworthy to explain that in the month of April 2024 alone, the command generated N182 billion which is a record-breaking monthly collection in the history of the Service.
“On February 23, 2024, we recorded a revenue collection milestone by generating N16,021,660,412.00. This daily collection strengthened our cumulative figure. These are laudable developments coming at a time the port is not enjoying its full import trade potentials owing to so many factors,” he said.
On his part, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu saw his task at Apapa Command as a mandate that must be delivered diligently not only in revenue collection, fight against smuggling, but also in trade facilitation and sustainable stakeholder-engagement.
He stated: “The confidence that we won’t betray the trust reposed in us by the FGN, CGC and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service is premised on the reality that I am taking over a very organized command, where I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor.
“While promoting a robust customs- community relation system where there will be regular interface with all government and private sector stakeholders, I shall upscale our enforcement with intelligence to ensure that only legitimate trade is allowed in Apapa Port and all the terminals within the Command.
He pledged zero tolerance for smuggling of prohibited items, concealment, and under-declaration for duty evasion.
“Just as Apapa Command is critical in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we will revive Nigeria’s readiness for improved trade with fellow African countries and the world at large. The management of the Service is committed to evolving a more modern customs with Apapa Port being a nucleus for the implementation of many trade facilitation reforms championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
“I want to urge our officers to brace up for the changes that will feature as fallouts of customs modernization, otherwise called e-customs, AEO, and many other groundbreaking World Customs Organization innovations like the recently- introduced advanced ruling policy.”