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AMBUSH: Court rejects suit seeking to compel CCB to release INEC chair’s asset declaration forms

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Security Guard Jailed 4 Months for Theft; 2 Arraigned For Allegedly Punching, Spitting On Inspector

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, struck out a suit seeking to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to release details of the asset declaration forms of Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and those of his unmarried children.

Justice John Tsoho, in his judgment, held that the applicant, Emmanuel Agonsi, failed to establish that it was in the public interest of the CCB to make public the information he sought.

While Agonsi is the applicant, CCB and INEC chair were 1st and 2nd respondents respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/33/2021.

In the suit, Agonsi sought an order of mandamus directing the CCB to release to him details of the asset declaration forms of Yakubu’s unmarried adult children in its custody as requested in his letter of Dec. 17, 2020; as well as accept payment of the appropriate fees from him forthwith.

The applicant further prayed the court for an order of mandamus directing the 1st respondent (CCB) to forthwith produce for the examination of the court-certified copies of the assets declaration forms of Yakubu and his unmarried adult children submitted to CCB for the period between 2007 and 2012 when he held office as executive secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and as INEC chairman between 2015 and 2020, and any other ones declared thereafter.

He, therefore, sought the following reliefs: “A declaration that the 1st respondent has a statutory and public duty to furnish the applicant information and details concerning the 2nd respondent as contained in the applicant’s letter of request dated Dec. 17, 2020.

“A declaration that the refusal or failure of the 1st respondent to respond to or comply with the applicant’s request as contained in his letter dated Dec. 17, 2020, constitutes a refusal/failure of the 1st respondent’s statutory and/or public duty to the applicant and is therefore unlawful, illegal, abuse of powers, abuse of discretion and ultra vires.

But the INEC chair, in a preliminary objection, prayed the court to strike out the suit for being incompetent.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Tsoho upheld the preliminary objection raised by Yakubu on the ground that the applicant failed to provide material facts to convince the court to grant his prayers.

The judge said: “Having considered the facts, circumstances of the case and the submissions of counsel, it is my respective view that the applicant does not warrant the grant of the reliefs sought.

“The information sought related to personal information and personal privacy which is exempted under Section 14(1) of the Freedom of Information Act.”

He said the applicant had failed to show reasons the respondents ought to disclose the information vide Section 14(2)(a) of the act.

“The applicant has not established by credible evidence that there exists public interest in disclosing the information which outweighs whatever injury that the disclosure of the information will cause,” he said.

The judge also proceeded to determine the suit on its merit and further concluded that the applicant did not warrant the reliefs he sought.

According to him, as earlier noted, nothing weighty or reliable in the affidavit of the applicant before this court to show that the disclosure sought is in public interest and that the public interest outweighs the protection of the privacy of the individual for the injury that the disclosure will cause.

The judge held that the application was without merit and proceeded to strike it out.

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CGC Adeniyi Meets Gov. Abba Kabir, Restates Commitments To Enhance Trade In Kano

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…Visits Mamuda Group of Companies in Chalawa

In a bid to rekindle the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano State Government, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, embarked on a symbolic visit to the Kano State Government House. 

The meeting, which took place on Sunday morning, March 10, 2024, served as an avenue for CGC Adeniyi to highlight the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enhance trade and address food security challenges in Kano State.

The CGC, who recounted his engagements with a visit to the Emir of Kano and stakeholders at the Dawanau International Grains Market, reiterated the Service’s dedication to enhancing trade facilitation and collaborating closely with the Kano community to address common challenges.

He said, “Part of the major concerns that we have in Kano include the need for Customs to establish an export terminal to help streamline business in the state. On behalf of the President, I want to commend the effort to address the challenges of food security, and we believe that with your support, there’s room to do more.”

Furthermore, CGC Adeniyi shared directives from President Ahmed Tinubu regarding the return of detained grains suspected of illegal export to their owners, with the condition that they would be reintroduced into the domestic markets to alleviate food insecurity. 

“One of the primary objectives of the visit was to rejuvenate the historical rapport between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Kano State Government, to enhance cooperation for the mutual benefit of both entities.” CGC Adeniyi affirmed.

Speaking further, the CGC said, “Kano has been an esteemed centre of commerce and also a significant link to foster trade in Nigeria. It has been a deliberate strategy of government to promote the development of inland deports and the Nigeria Customs Service is making arrangements to streamline the process in Kano.”

Responding, Governor Abba Kabir of Kano State welcomed CGC Adeniyi warmly. He lauded the proactive approach of the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding the nation’s borders and his commitment to promoting economic prosperity in Kano and Nigeria at large. 

The governor, who said he was impressed with the CGC’s engagements during his official visit, reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Government to providing the necessary support and cooperation to the Nigeria Customs Service in fulfilling its mandate within the state.

“Let me say that you have come to Kano at the right time when import and export activities need your service to implement policies that will enhance them because Kano is the largest commerce hub after Lagos.” Governor Abba said.

The governor particularly applauded CGC Adeniyi’s visit to the Dawanau International Grains Market and urged expedited action in establishing an export warehouse at the market, “For that, I assure you of my government’s full support so that Kano will become stronger in terms of investment in the country.” he added.

While appreciating the move to intensify the welfare of the citizenry by President Tinubu, Governor Abba also expressed optimism that the Service, having engaged in talks with business communities in the state, the challenges of food scarcity will be a thing of the past.

In a separate engagement highlighting his proactive approach to fostering collaboration and engagement with stakeholders, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, visited the Mamuda Group of Companies in Kano. 

The visit also, provided an opportunity for CGC Adeniyi to interact with the Chairman and CEO of the company, Hassan Hammoud, and other leaders of the factory.

During the visit, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to forging strong partnerships with stakeholders to enhance revenue generation and facilitate trade across the federation. 

He highlighted the importance of easing business processes for traders nationwide, underscoring the pivotal role of collaboration between the Customs Service and private enterprises in achieving this objective. 

In response, Mr Hassan Hammoud expressed his appreciation to CGC Adeniyi for gracing his company with his presence. 

He led CGC Adeniyi on a sightseeing tour of the factory, showcasing the company’s operations and facilities. Hassan Hammoud reassured CGC Adeniyi of the Mamuda Group’s unwavering commitment to complying with customs provisions and regulations, reaffirming the company’s dedication to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service.

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Customs, Nasarawa State Housing Project Collaborate, to Enhance Officers’ Welfare

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…Commissions Technology Village, Phase 1 Housing Units

In a collaborative effort to enhance the well-being of Nigeria Customs Service personnel, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, joined forces with the Nasarawa State Government Housing Commission on 11 March 2024.

During the commissioning of Nasarawa State Technology Village Phase 1 at Aso Pada in Maraba- Nasarawa State, the Comptroller-General of Customs, represented by Deputy Comptroller General of Customs Festus Okun, emphasized the NCS’s commitment to officer welfare, citing the acquisition of houses as a testament to this dedication.

CGC Adeniyi announced that the commissioned houses would be allocated to officers, underscoring the importance of providing shelter to personnel in service to the nation.

He expressed gratitude to the Nasarawa State government, the people, and project promoters for their support, pledging collaboration to ensure the project’s success.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State disclosed that the NCS has acquired the first 100 units of three-bedroom bungalows, securing a credit line of 12.5 billion naira deposited, with Mega Capital credited for financing. The project has employed 69,000 skilled and unskilled workers, contributing to its successful realization.

Additionally, Governor Sule revealed plans for an access route linking the Village to the city of Abuja, further integrating the innovative community into the broader region.

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‘Ongoing Kaduna Building Project Will Effectively Drive Service Activities’- CGC

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 ….Commits to Enhance Personnel Welfare, through Housing Initiative

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described a magnificent ongoing building project in Kaduna as a solid infrastructure meant to effectively drive the activities of the Service.

 The CGC made the observation on Thursday, 7, 2024, during a stop-over at the construction site of Customs Cantonment in Mando Kaduna, to ascertain the project’s progress.

“I am here this afternoon to inspect the progress of this vital project, the construction of the Customs Cantonment in Mando, Kaduna”, he said, speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the site, and adding:

 

“This initiative underscores our commitment to establishing a robust and efficient infrastructure to support the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

According to him, the ongoing construction of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ is essential for enhancing the operational efficiency of Customs personnel and ensuring their welfare.

ALSO READ: CGC Adeniyi Meets Gov. Abba Kabir, Restates Commitments To Enhance Trade In Kano

 “it will (also) provide them with modern facilities and amenities to carry out their duties effectively.”

The CGC, Adewale Adeniyi who called the completion of the project a priority for the Service, also emphasized that “the structure will serve as a cornerstone of our operations in this region, further strengthening our capacity to safeguard our borders and combat illicit activities.”

The CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR

He commended the dedication and hard work of those involved in the project, stressing that their efforts remained instrumental to realizing management’s vision of a modern and efficient Customs Service.

Earlier, the CGC had received a ceremonial guard of honor by men attached to the Customs Police Unit at the Zonal Headquarters in Kabala-Doki Kaduna.

In the meantime, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of Customs personnel across the federation by providing shelters.

He stated this on Thursday, in Kaduna during the flag-off ceremony of the NCS housing scheme at Gidan Iyali Estate, Millennium City, Kaduna, noting that the ceremony won’t be a short-lived vision.

“This ceremony is not the last episode of what we have planned. There are projects similar to this in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo ready for flag-off. The national spread is aimed at providing  officers and men of the service the opportunity to access and benefit from the laudable initiative that is not just pocket friendly but also at convenient locations.”

He also recalled how the Service had, on 18 December 2023, flagged off the ceremony of a similar project of 5000 Houses in Ibadan aimed to target serving officers and men of the NCS. 

According to him, “The initiative was deemed expedient as some of our personnel have retired from service without a befitting home to commence the new phase of life after retirement. It is hoped that this initiative will go a long way at putting an end to the misery that have been experienced by some officers and men in the past.”

The CGC highlighted that the initiative was part of President Tinubu’s supportive efforts to provide affordable houses to Nigerians. He also applauded the unwavering support given to the Nigeria Customs Service by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state towards the success of the ensure the exercise.

The CGC urged officers who have shown interest in the projects not to relent, adding, “It is heartwarming to inform all officers that the service is going into an interface with Cooperative Mortgage Bank with the service ICT under the salary section to effectively manage the process of payments of the housing scheme.” 

On his part, the Portfolio and Assets Manager of Family Homes, George Anih, while addressing the gathering, said his firm is critical about providing shelters for Nigerians at an affordable price.

He expressed commitment to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service to provide 5000 houses for officers and men of the Service.

Mr. Musa Abubakar, Managing Director of Cooperative Mortgage Bank, assured the Comptroller-General of Customs of his commitment to ensure the successful completion of the project.

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