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Chemical Tanker Rams into Oil Platform in North Sea

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… As Russian military helicopter crashes in Syria, killing 2 – Agencies***

A Portuguese-flagged chemical tanker Elsa Essberger collided on New Year’s Eve with an offshore oil platform in the Dutch North Sea, the Dutch Coast Guard informed.

The 2013-built tanker was on its way from Antwerp, Belgium to Malmö when it hit the unmanned and out-of-service Q1 platform, southwest of Texel, north of Den Helder on December 31.

A coast guard vessel the Guardian was in the immediate vicinity and was rushed to the scene to provide assistance.

Based on coast guard photos taken immediately after the incident, the ship’s bow suffered extensive damage as did the platform legs.

However, it has been reported that the ship’s crew was safe and did not sustain injuries in the collision.

An inspection has determined that there was no danger to the ship or its cargo, the coast guard said.

The cause of the collision is yet to be determined.

The 5,200 dwt chemical tanker, listed as part of John T. Essberger’s fleet, is currently moored in Rotterdam area, based on its latest AIS data.

In the meantime, a Russian military MI-24 helicopter had crashed in Syria on Dec. 31, 2017, due to a technical fault, killing both pilots, Russian News Agencies cited the Ministry of Defence as saying on Wednesday.

The helicopter crashed en route to the Hama air base, RIA news said, quoting the ministry.

Similarly, a MiG-29K fighter aircraft of the Indian navy also crashed at an airport in India’s western state of Goa, officials said.

The fighter jet overshot runway at Dabolim airport in Goa and caught fire.

However, a trainee pilot inside the MiG managed to eject from the aircraft well before it went into flames, officials said.

“A MiG 29K aircraft with under-trainee pilot goes off runway while taking off at Goa airport. Pilot ejects to safety.

“Fire on aircraft being extinguished,” an Indian navy spokesperson said.

Immediately after the accident, fire tenders were rushed to the spot to extinguish the fire.

Officials said the firefighting operation was going on at the airport.

Following the incident, authorities closed the airport for flight operations.

“External fire has been extinguished.

“Efforts in hand to localise and extinguish internal fire on board the MiG-29K aircraft,” the spokesman said.

Authorities are trying to resume the flight operation at the airport.

Reports said this was the first MiG-29 was lost by the Indian Navy which operated the jet off the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

The jet , according to reports, will also be deployed off the INS Vikrant, the first indigenous aircraft carrier being built for the Indian navy.

Additional report from World Maritime News

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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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