… Says Muhammad Bashir, as he takes a Deeper Dive into the Impactful Journey of Acting CGC***

The announcement of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s appointment as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs for the Nigeria Customs Service while he was on an official assignment at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Policy Commission and Council Session in Brussels was met with jubilation, not just among Customs officers but also by Nigerians and the international community. 

This move has injected fresh hope into the organization and raised expectations for transformative leadership. Adeniyi’s rise to this pivotal position is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his career, which spans an impressive three decades. 

His journey began with remarkable promise, and he consistently proved himself through dedication and excellence. From his early days as the Customs Public Relations Officer to his significant roles at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Adeniyi steadily built a reputation for outstanding performance.

His appointment as Acting Comptroller General was no coincidence; it was the culmination of a career marked by dedication and professionalism. 

His leadership style has been characterized by a hands-on approach. From the outset, he embarked on a tour of Customs Formations, emphasizing his commitment to improving customs operations and national security.

Adeniyi’s dedication to his official responsibilities and beyond is extraordinary. He has flagged off projects to expand office and residential accommodations, warehouse facilities, and a model college for training and retraining of officers. 

These initiatives underscore his commitment to the growth and modernization of the Customs Service, departing from conventional leadership approaches.

But what truly sets Adeniyi apart is his integrity. He has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. 

His decisive actions, such as the seizure of $8,065, 612 million at Murtala Mohammed International Airport while he was an Area Controller, have solidified his reputation for fearless and effective leadership.

His competence and qualifications are beyond question. He has actively participated in numerous Customs-related summits and meetings worldwide, gaining invaluable expertise and knowledge of customs operations. 

This extensive experience positions him as a highly qualified leader for the organization.

Adeniyi’s vision extends into the future, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. 

He envisions a Customs Service that fully embraces technological advancements, emphasizing data gathering, mapping techniques, and satellite imagery to enhance operations.

 His plans for collaboration with technology institutions promise to usher in a new era of efficiency.

Furthermore, Adeniyi’s commitment to the welfare of Customs Service staff has been unwavering. He has worked diligently to address long-standing issues and improve conditions for officers and employees, reinvigorating the Service and earning widespread appreciation.

Adeniyi’s leadership extends beyond the confines of his office. He has actively engaged with government establishments and executives across the federation, fostering cooperation and achieving tangible results. 

His dedication to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s success is evident, and his hands-on approach to leadership is commendable.

*The CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR

In the months ahead, Nigerians can anticipate the positive impacts of Adeniyi’s leadership. His tenure promises increased business activity, facilitated trade, reduced smuggling, enhanced revenue generation, and increased foreign investment, which will benefit the country and its youth.

In conclusion, as some seek to obstruct progress for their personal gain, it is crucial for Nigerians to rally behind the positive changes Adeniyi is bringing to the Nigeria Customs Service. 

His leadership is a beacon of hope, and we must collectively reject the efforts of economic saboteurs and opportunists who seek to disrupt our nation’s growth and progress.

*Muhammad Bashir, a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas,  has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on its planned strike action.

In his welcome remarks at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, Abbas pledged that the house would engage and support the Executive to resolve the current economic hardship in the country.

The parliamentarian explained that embarking on strike will only make the situation worse for all Nigerians urging the union to consider ongoing efforts to improve the economy.

Following the removal of fuel subsidies and the accompanied economic hardships, the union had demanded sustainable minimum wage and palliatives for citizens.

The union had issued a 21-day ultimatum upon its expiration at midnight today and will embark on an indefinite strike.

According to Abbas, as the people’s representatives, we feel and equally share in the pains of our people at these very difficult times.

“However, I would like to appeal to the NLC to consider the various actions being taken by the Federal Government to alleviate the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

“As promised earlier, this house remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers.

“The 10th House had assured Nigerians that we would be interfacing between the organised labour and the government to quickly work out a realistic new national minimum wage.

“Also other palliatives to enable citizens cope with the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, the downward fall of the naira to the dollar, skyrocketing cost of food and general high cost of living in the country.

“It is our considered opinion that embarking on a nationwide strike at this point will only aggravate an already bad situation.

“I therefore urge the leadership of Labour Unions to give us the benefit of the doubt and suspend any planned strike action while we engage the executive,” he said.

The speaker charged the lawmakers to turn the tide of woes and gloom of the nation as their offices present them with the opportunities and prospects to do so.

He said President Bola Tinubu had recorded a huge diplomatic and economic breakthrough with the United Arab Emirates which would see the resumption of the issuance of visas to Nigerians by the UAE and the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies.

He said that Tinubu had equally recorded some major economic agreements in India following tjr productive outing at the recently concluded 78 General Assembly of the United Nations.

 “In the coming days, the Executive arm of government is expected to present a 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill as well as the 2024 Appropriation Bill to this Honourable House.

“It is expected that the time to consider these bills will be short, but we must roll up our sleeves and get to work immediately and ensure the speedy consideration that will encapsulate the yearnings of the people.

“We have to put in extra work hours to ensure that the budget is passed in good time to enable its implementation from the first day of 2024.

“Our nation and indeed this 10th House of the People does not have the luxury of time in the face of profound national challenges.

“We must therefore do everything within our powers to champion causes towards addressing the yearnings of our people,” he said

The speaker directed all ad hoc Committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports on or before October, 3 as they will all cease to exist after the ultimatum.

He said any of the committees that is unable to conclude its assignment on the date, such tasks shall be yielded to the relevant Standing Committees.

Abbas announced the creation of three additional committees on State and Local Government, Traditional Institutions and Petroleum Resources.

“This brings the total number of House Committees to 137. We equally created 13 more Parliamentary Friendship Groups to facilitate and deepen our capacity development and peer learning,” he said.

… She has 8 children, but told me she had only 3, husband says***

A Grade I Area Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered a generator mechanic, Abdulfatai Adewale to pay his wife, Maryam, N180,000 as maintenance arrears.

The judge, Ibrahim Rufai also ordered Adewale to give his wife N2,000 daily for maintenance, following the plaintiff’s prayer to the court to grant same.

Earlier, the plaintiff told the court that she got married to the respondent under Islamic law in 2021.

”My husband lived in my house after our marriage.  I got a shop for him because he was a generator mechanic.

”Ever since he started his business he has not been able to raise any funds for me to start up my own business, he left the house in June without any concern for me. I spent N200, 000 on the upkeep of our family.

”When I complained, he promised to rent a place in August for me but did not. He promised to transfer money to me for upkeep but I never heard from him.

”I spend an average of N2,000 daily for my upkeep and my children.  I pray to the court to order him to pay N200,000 to me and take his responsibility as a man,” the plaintiff said.

The respondent however said he left his wife in the village because of her ill-temper.

”We do not have children together but before we got married she told me she had three children but anytime I give her money for feeding, she says it is finished. I never knew that she actually had eight children.

”I agree that I have not been providing for her since June but it is not true that she spent up to N200,000. I am currently indebted due to a bank loan she took in the past that I am paying for.

”I trekked from Phase III, Kubwa to get to the court here in Arab Road. Business has not been good and I cannot afford N200,000,” the respondent said.

He however told the court that he can only afford to give his wife N5,000 monthly for maintenance adding that she is aware of his capability.