…EFCC representative specially lauds the film, for selflessly championing inter-agency collaboration

In a genuine demonstration of altruistic partnership with sister agencies, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) brought several agencies and other stakeholders to participate in a film, Beyond the Badge, premièred on Saturday, 7 December 2024, at the Silverbird Cinema in Kaduna. 

The Zonal Coordinator of Zone B, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Adekunle Oloyede, represented by Deputy Comptroller (Medical) Amwe Aku, described the film as both a vision and reflection of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on innovation and teamwork. 

“This production underscores the importance of partnerships between the NCS and sister agencies in achieving shared security goals,” he noted.

Speaking on behalf of Chief Superintendent Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Titus Omajali praised the film’s focus. 

“This movie showcases the united front between Customs and other security agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and combating smuggling,” he said.

Representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna State Police Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) attended the event. 

They applauded the NCS for using creative storytelling to highlight the shared mission of safeguarding the nation.

The film’s director, Dr Agozie Ugwu described the production as ‘a tribute to the collective efforts’.

“This film is not just about Customs; it is a tribute to the collective efforts of all security agencies in ensuring peace and development”, Dr. Ugwu stated.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have praised ‘Beyond the Badge,’ with many calling it a model for fostering transparency and public understanding of security agencies’ crucial roles. 

An EFCC representative while commending the film, specially lauded the NCS initiative, especially for selflessly championing inter-agency collaboration, through this initiative.

In the meantime, the NCS high command has expressed gratitude to all attendees while reaffirming its commitment to teamwork in the fulfilment of its mandate on national service.

…Says it delivers promising results at PTML despite early challenges

The Customs Area Controller Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, has identified the potential of the newly implemented B’Odogwu Customs trading platform as an efficiency and revenue generation tool and called on stakeholders to embrace it.

He stated this, at a press briefing on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, stressing that despite the teething problems encountered during its rollout, B’Odogwu has emerged as a crucial step-forward tool. 

“B’Odogwu is a Nigerian initiative that requires the support of Nigerians. We are transitioning from reliance on a foreign system, and I urge everyone to stand behind this innovation. There will be no return to NICSIS II; its use has officially ended at PTML, as mandated by the service,” Comptroller Daniyan stated, announcing that the command had achieved a milestone in revenue collection, with a record-breaking N44.9 billion collected in November 2024 — the highest monthly revenue ever generated by the command.

Responding to stakeholders’ concerns, Comptroller Daniyan dismissed claims that the new system had caused delays. He assured the public that all vessels berthed at PTML had been processed promptly. He further noted that the command had engaged with stakeholders earlier in the week to address issues raised by agents, urging them to approach the implementation team for support if needed.

“Many of the agents who said they are unable to capture data have not yet registered on the platform. I strongly encourage them to complete their registration to resolve any challenges. We are aware that some agents are still adjusting to the additional requirements of this system, which were not part of NICSIS II. However, as issues arise, we are committed to resolving them,” he said.

Comptroller Daniya revealed that over five banks are already integrated into the system, with 17 additional banks on the Interswitch payment platform expected to join by Thursday. He emphasised that these improvements would simplify transactions and enhance efficiency.

Stressing the importance of compliance in trade facilitation, Daniyan explained that properly declared Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) cargoes could be processed within two hours, provided declarants adhere to the required procedures. He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to the service’s core mandates, stating that national security and revenue collection would not be compromised for the sake of trade facilitation.

… CGC Adeniyi hails her dedication, and describes her achievement as a testament to the Service’s commitment to capacity building!

The Nigeria Customs Service has further confirmed its ratings as a capacity and vision developer as Kaduna-born Olanike Nafisat Balogun makes history as the first female pilot in the Customs Service (NCS), charting a path of courage and resilience and breaking all aviation barriers. 

A native of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, in Osun State, Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Balogun’s journey began in 2002 when she was recruited as a Customs Assistant to serve as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Air-wing Unit.

Speaking in a recent interview, DSC Balogun reflected on her journey, sharing how her unwavering ambition and an unspared Service’s support prompted her transformation, from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot.

“My role as the first female pilot in the service reflects my commitment as a woman to advancing my passionate dream as well as the operational capabilities of the NCS” 

 “Staying in the Service when many of my colleagues opted for better-paying airline jobs was a tough decision, but I was determined to contribute to public service and achieve my dream of becoming a pilot,” she said.

Balogun’s career milestones include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, and eventually securing her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with the NCS sponsoring her training.  

DSC Balogun asserted that being the first female pilot in the NCS Air-wing is credited to inspiring women within and beyond the Service never to relent in pursuing their dreams. 

“My role as the first female pilot in the service reflects my commitment as a woman to advancing my passionate dream as well as the operational capabilities of the NCS” she added.

As she continues to fly for the NCS, Balogun remains passionate about inspiring others, stating, “I hope my journey motivates young Nigerians, especially women, to chase their dreams and break through barriers.” 

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commended her dedication and described her achievement as a testament to the Service’s commitment to capacity building and innovation. “Her story exemplifies what is possible with determination and institutional support,” he said.