By Abiodun Lawal

The Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) in charge of Southwest, Saidu Yusuf, has commended the Ogun 11 Area Command for generating over N20 billion between January and August.

Yusuf gave the commendation when he paid an on-the-spot visit to the Ogun 11 Area Command headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday.

He acknowledged the improvement of Area 11 Command in Abeokuta, noting that management was quite happy with the performance under the leadership of the Controller.

“We just reviewed the performance , so far, up to August, the command has been able to generate over N20 billion.

“When you compare it to the corresponding period last year, we had about N14 billion.

“We are all aware of the economic situation in the country and the exchange rate and all that. Even with that, the command has been able to perform wonderfully well,” he said.

He explained that the customs service would continue to work in synergy with stakeholders, saying that the service was ready to adopt all available technology devices to ensure safety of borders.

He warned those contemplating on bringing any illicit drugs or illegal firearms into the country to have a rethink.

The assistant comptroller general added that the current leadership of NSC remained active and effective in intelligence gathering.

He noted that the Customs was having synergy with other sister agencies to ensure that there is effective control of the border to end illegal activities.

“We are all aware the borders are porous, and the only way we can monitor those borders is by using modern technology.

“You know, before you use all this modern technology, training and re-training have to be embarked on, which Nigeria customs service is actively involved.

“I can tell anybody contemplating on bringing in arms or any illicit arms, ammunition, drugs into Nigeria should have a rethink,” he said.

Earlier, the Controller of Area 2 command, Bisi Alade, appreciated Yusuf for his commendation.

He said that officers at the command would continue to discharge their duties effectively. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Ige Adekunle

The Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Saidu Yusuf, has underscored the importance of continued cooperation among sister agencies to boost security in the country.

Yusuf, who is also the Zonal Co-ordinator Zone A, Lagos, made this known during his visit to Customs Ogun 1 Area Command, on Thursday in Idiroko, Ogun.

He said that all agencies were committed to serving Nigeria by providing adequate security.

Yusuf noted that the days when Customs, the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Department of State Security (DSS) operated in isolation were over.

He stated that the country’s laws recognise the necessity for collaboration among government agencies to achieve effective results.

“No agency can work alone in providing security. We must all work together to serve the same purpose: ensuring the safety of the Nigerian nation and its people,” he said.

The Customs boss praised the leadership of various sister agencies in the Ogun 1 Area Command for their resilience and synergy in enhancing security.

He also commended the Area Comptroller of Customs Ogun 1, Mr James Ojo, for building strong capacities and mentoring younger officers for the future.

Yusuf urged the personnel to uphold high standards and work diligently, warning that any staff member who is complacent would be relegated to a lower position.

He assured the officials of Ogun I Area Command that their hard work would not go unnoticed.

He also encouraged them to build a solid reputation, noting that a good reputation takes time to establish and would lead to recommendations.

Yusuf also urged personnel to report any complaints to the Area Comptroller, and if those issues could be resolved at that level, they would be escalated to the Zonal Command for resolution.

In response, the Area Comptroller expressed gratitude to the ACG for taking the time to visit them at the Idiroko border.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ACG also inaugurated a renovated Officers’ Mess during his visit. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) on Wednesday joined 192 other countries to launch a single postage stamp in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and 2024 World Post Day.

Ms Tola Odeyemi, Post Master General of the Federation, during the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, said the stamp was in N250 denomination, depicting the logo of 2023 world post day.

She expressed pride to celebrate every milestone that had been achieved in postal services so far.

“NIPOST is joining other 192 countries under the umbrella of the United Nations Postal body, Universal Postal Union (UPU), to celebrate this year’s World Post Day which marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

“UPU is a specialised agency of the United Nations founded October 9, 1874.

“The world post day is a day set aside to celebrate the establishment of this important union.

“It is also an excellent opportunity for postal authorities in all countries of the world to educate the public of the important and invaluable contributions which the postal services makes in the socio-economic development of nations,” she said.

Odeyemi noted that the Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, had prioritised reiterating its commitments to the evolution of the NIPOST leveraging technology.

She said that this was to ensure that the postal system remained nationally relevant and globally competitive.

She explained that the post occupied a very unique position in every country, considering its fundamental means of communications that is easily accessible to the people.

According to her, the post continues to serve as an essential instrument of economic and social development in the country, enabling an unprecedented level of connectivity between people, businesses and governments worldwide.

“It also provides a framework for cooperation, ensuring that mail could be sent and received reliably, efficiently and affordably across borders.

“We have come together today to commemorate the incredible journey of communication, innovation and empowerment that the postal service has undertaken, connecting people,” she said.

Odeyemi said that this year’s World Post Day was not just to mark an occasion, but to honour a legacy that spanned 150 years.

“The theme, ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations’, resonates deeply with our core values. Communication is foundation of progress and understanding.

“It speaks directly to the heart of our mission and the profound impact we have made, and continue to make, on the world.

“It is, therefore, imperative to state here that postal workers globally need to be celebrated for the exceptional roles they play to continually deliver services and items at post offices and to various homes courageously.

“They do not mind the circumstances as it creates a bond between the postmen and the innumerable individuals they interact with daily.

“Today, post offices serve as essential hubs for cohesiveness, inclusiveness and connected communities,” she said.

Odeyemi hinted that recently, NIPOST and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) formalised a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

She said with the implementation of this partnership, MSMEs can anticipate a 15 per cent reduction in courier service costs, improved market access and enhanced last mile delivery capabilities.

She said this would contribute to job creation and economic development across Nigeria.

She noted that NIPOST had also consolidated on its partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) for the implementation of transportation of biological samples within the country.

“The project has entered its final stages for launching in Taraba and Abia States with all facilities in place.

“The initiative is part of the efforts to strengthen the referral of biological specimens in the country using National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) approach by leveraging on the expertise of NIPOST effective delivery network.

“National Addressing System is being developed as a strategic infrastructure for national development in collaboration with the National Population Commission and other partners.

“This will help facilitate mail handling, identify precise locations, ensure consistency in address related database and enable efficiency services in government agencies, financial institutions and businesses in a consistent manner.

“As part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration, is the unveiling of NIPOST Agency Banking Solution (POTMONI), aimed to bring accessible, convenient and affordable financial services to Nigerians nationwide and from any location across the globe.

“POSTMONI is An Electronic Money Order Solutions- Customised for NIPOST to connect for the greatness of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the advancement of the Nigerian Postal Service,” she said.

The Post Master General noted that to celebrate the day, NIPOST’s state Offices across the country would organise road shows among other activities to mark the day.

She said the goals were to publicise the role of the post and its activities, innovations, new vision as well as its role as a catalyst in the socio-economic development of the nation.

“Together, let us continue to work towards making that vision a reality and for your undying support and trust in our postal services.

“Together, let us collaborate to create a safer, more connected future for us all,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Salif Atojoko

Mr Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary at the State House, has charged staff members to carry out their duties with utmost responsibility and determination, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Speaking at the 2024 Customer Service Week organised by the State House SERVICOM Unit, Adebiyi emphasised citizens’ inalienable right to quality service from the government, stressing its importance in good governance.

“I implore you, whatever God has entrusted to you, do it with all your heart. SERVICOM is about customer service, not serving yourself, but serving the customer.

“Let us provide quality, honest, and transparent services to customers, fostering peace, national growth, and job satisfaction,” he said.

Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, discussed “Beyond Propaganda: The Role of Information Management in Enhancing Transparent Governance in a Democratic Setting.”

He highlighted the crucial link between information management, democracy, and good governance, noting that SERVICOM’s mission aligned with transparent governance by ensuring public services meet citizens’ needs.

Oladunjoye explained that efficient information management ensured the right information reached the right people at the right time, supporting well-informed decision-making and accountability.

He also emphasised the importance of transparency in building trust between citizens and leaders, citing the Open Government Partnership and Freedom of Information Act as key initiatives.

Mrs Nnena Akajemeli, represented by Mrs Kikilemo Aina, National Coordinator of SERVICOM, commended State House management for providing quality services and urged staff to sustain their efforts.

Awards of excellence were presented to departments demonstrating exceptional service and commitment to SERVICOM’s ideals. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru