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NCS Boss Reaffirms Commitment to AfCFTA Collaboration, Secures Endorsement for C-PACT Initiative

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NCS Boss Reaffirms Commitment to AfCFTA Collaboration, Secures Endorsement for C-PACT Initiative

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA Secretariat to strengthen intra-African trade, enhance data accuracy and address structural challenges impeding trade integration across the continent.

The Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a courtesy visit to the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, where he held strategic discussions with senior officials on advancing Customs efficiency and continental trade facilitation.

Speaking during the meeting, the Customs chief commended the AfCFTA Secretariat for its continued leadership in mobilising key stakeholders including Customs administrations, development partners, and private sector actors to realise Africa’s full trade potential.

He noted that the Secretariat’s collaboration has provided a clear roadmap for the upcoming Customs–Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Conference, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 17 to 19, 2025.

“The AfCFTA Secretariat has been beneficial in mobilising African Customs and economic operators. We now have a clear direction in which we want to go during the meeting in Abuja,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that one of the major outcomes of the ongoing engagements is the collective agreement that Customs administrations must take the lead in addressing deficiencies in trade data across the continent, a challenge he pledged to tackle head-on.

“Customs needs to take the front role in addressing trade data deficiencies across Africa. This is a challenge I have accepted to play, working with my colleagues,” he stated.

Adeniyi further underscored the need to strengthen the existing AfCFTA Customs coordination framework, ensuring that institutional partnerships are sustained beyond individual administrations.

“Once the Customs Pact is institutionalised, it should function effectively within the AfCFTA framework to drive sustainable trade facilitation,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the forthcoming C-PACT Conference would set a new benchmark for inter-Customs collaboration, data integration, and policy consistency in Africa.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its leadership and commitment to regional trade integration.

Mene identified weak logistics infrastructure, high transportation costs, and limited inter-agency coordination as persistent challenges to trade growth in Africa. He assured that the Secretariat is working closely with key stakeholders including Customs administrations and ministries of trade to address these constraints.

He disclosed that the Secretariat is considering institutionalising the C-PACT Conference as an annual event to maintain momentum on Customs cooperation and data harmonisation across Africa.

The AfCFTA chief also referenced the Secretariat’s Memorandum of Understanding with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which aims to strengthen private sector inclusion, expand the use of electronic certificates of origin, and develop a Single Bond Guarantee Scheme to improve transit operations under the AfCFTA framework.

“Customs remains central to the AfCFTA’s success. Their active participation is critical in shaping the continent’s trade data systems, AEO recognition frameworks, and overall trade statistics management,” Mene emphasised.

Human Rights Advocate Kehinde Adegboyega Speaks at Global Artivism in Brazil

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Human Rights Advocate Kehinde Adegboyega Speaks at Global Artivism in Brazil

Executive Director of the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, HRJNN and co-founder of the Africa International Human Rights Film Festival, AIHRFF, Comrade Kehinde Adegboyega, is among the distinguished facilitators at the Second Global Artivism Convening taking place from November 3–5, 2025, in Salvador, Brazil.

Adegboyega is leading a workshop titled “Film for Change: Designing Your Own Impact Strategy”, in partnership with Ooto Ooto Impact Production, Bombozila, and Casa Doc. The session explores how filmmakers, journalists, and advocates can design storytelling strategies that inspire civic engagement and drive policy reform.

“Across Africa, we’ve seen documentaries ignite difficult but necessary conversations on corruption, police brutality, gender justice, and governance,” Adegboyega said. “When stories are consciously crafted, film becomes an act of resistance, a catalyst for justice and collective healing.”

He noted that the convening’s focus aligns with the thematic programming of the upcoming 4th edition of the Africa International Human Rights Film Festival, scheduled for December in Lagos. This year’s festival, he said, aims to strengthen storytelling as a tool for collaboration, resilience, and accountability in human rights advocacy.

“We are consolidating storytelling as a tool with the need for collaboration and acceleration of our interventions to document and hold power to account,” Adegboyega added.

The Global Artivism Convening brings together artists, filmmakers, and activists from around the world who use creativity as a force for justice and social transformation. The 2025 edition focuses on practical strategies for harnessing storytelling to strengthen human rights advocacy and shape public consciousness.

Adegboyega expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising African voices and contributions to global artivism, reaffirming HRJNN’s commitment to promoting justice through creative media and strategic dialogue.

“As storytellers, we have a duty to ensure that human suffering is never normalised and that every story told helps bend the moral arc closer to justice,” he said.

Nigeria Immigration Service Intensifies Crackdown on Irregular Migration, Trafficking

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Nigeria Immigration Service Intensifies Crackdown on Irregular Migration, Trafficking

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS has reaffirmed its determination to combat irregular migration, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes, urging Nigerians, especially youths to steer clear of dangerous and illegal travel routes.

Speaking at a sensitization programme held at the Ikoyi Passport Office, Lagos, the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of the Migration Directorate, Ngozi Odikpo, said irregular migration continues to expose many Nigerians to exploitation, modern-day slavery, and fatal journeys.

Odikpo, who represented the Comptroller-General of Immigration, emphasized that the Service is stepping up both public enlightenment and enforcement operations to curb the trend.

“Irregular migrants fall into the hands of dangerous networks who exploit their dreams for a better life. Many lose their lives in the desert or at sea; others end up in detention, deportation, forced labour, and trauma,” she said.

According to the DCG, the NIS has sensitized over 577,200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members across the country and intercepted 432 trafficking victims, 18 suspected traffickers, and 22 smuggled persons this year, many of whom have since been reunited with their families.

She added that the Service is strengthening intelligence-sharing and collaboration with other law-enforcement agencies to dismantle trafficking and smuggling syndicates operating across Nigeria’s borders.

Also speaking, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abayomi of the Interpol FCID Annex commended the robust cooperation among security agencies in addressing transnational crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling, and the movement of stolen vehicles and fugitives.

“Many victims, including those lured from other African countries with fake travel promises, are now being rescued through joint operations. Security collaboration remains key,” he said.

The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of sister security agencies.

Mrs. Mariam, Deputy Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Command Base, described the sensitization programme as a crucial intervention in addressing a growing national concern.

“The issue of irregular migration is becoming a menace that affects the country’s image negatively,” she said. “Despite challenges such as youth unemployment, the Immigration Service has taken commendable steps to tackle this problem, and this awareness campaign will help us identify areas for more support.”

Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Aderemi Muluwashio of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos Command, representing the Zonal Controller, ACG Parole Alpha, also applauded the NIS initiative, linking irregular migration to broader national security concerns.

“Security challenges in Nigeria are worrying. Many crimes are perpetrated by persons entering the country without proper documentation. This sensitization will help curb such movements and strengthen national security,” he said.

Both the NIS and partner agencies pledged to sustain their partnership and continue promoting safe, legal, and orderly migration as part of efforts to protect national security and the welfare of Nigerian citizens.

In attendance were several senior officers, including Comptroller of Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, CIS A.M. Akadiri; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and PCO Ikoyi Passport Office, DCI Kemi Ojo; and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and OC Investigation, DCI M.U. Abang.

Port Harcourt Area II Customs Sets Record with ₦76.07 Billion Revenue in October

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Port Harcourt II Customs Sets Record with ₦76.07 Billion Revenue in October

The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II Area Command, has recorded its highest monthly revenue collection ever, generating ₦76.07 billion in October 2025.

According to the Command, the feat reflects improved operational efficiency and stronger collaboration among stakeholders under the leadership of Comptroller Aliyu M. Alkali.

In a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Theophilus P. Duniya, the record performance was attributed to “deliberate and conscious stakeholder engagement,” with emphasis on compliance, legitimate trade facilitation, and value addition.

Comptroller Alkali was said to have strengthened the Command’s structure by strategically deploying officers to areas of need, thereby ensuring optimal resource use and operational efficiency. The statement added that these measures have helped the Command surpass its monthly revenue targets.

Speaking on the achievement, Comptroller Alkali commended port stakeholders, importers, licensed agents, and officers of the Command for their “patriotism, synergy, and commitment.” He urged them to sustain the momentum in the coming months.

“This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve through effective teamwork and dedication to national development,” Alkali said. “We shall continue to strengthen our systems to sustain this momentum.”

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national economic growth through effective revenue generation and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

Apapa Customs Sets New National Revenue Record With ₦304bn in October

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Apapa Customs Sets New National Revenue Record With ₦304bn in October

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has set a new national monthly revenue record, collecting ₦304 billion in October 2025, the highest ever generated by any single command in the history of the Service.

The figure surpasses the ₦264 billion recorded by the same command in October 2024, bringing its total revenue for the first ten months of 2025 to ₦2.4 trillion. With two months to the end of the year, the command has already exceeded its total full-year collection for 2024.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the milestone as “the beginning of greater revenue exploits” under his leadership, commending officers and stakeholders for their cooperation.

According to Oshoba, the command is preparing for a significant boost in trade processing capacity as it introduces a Drive-Through Scanning system capable of handling up to 150 containers per hour from the quayside, a development he said would be revolutionary for port operations in West Africa.

He noted that officers have undergone in-house capacity building following recent promotions to strengthen operational efficiency in line with directives from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The Area Controller emphasised strict enforcement of revenue protection measures, including the application of demand notices to recover shortfalls and vigilance against attempts to manipulate tariff codes.

To further support trade facilitation, Oshoba disclosed that he has conducted unannounced visits to port access roads and held engagement with truckers, freight forwarders and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to ensure speedy cargo evacuation and avoid port congestion.

“We are deploying all trade facilitation tools, including the One-Stop-Shop system, while preventing leakages,” he said. “This achievement is not our final destination, we are ready to do more.”

CAPPA Appoints Rafsanjani as Advisory Board Chair, Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Mineral Rush

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CAPPA Appoints Rafsanjani as Advisory Board Chair, Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Mineral Rush

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA has appointed renowned civil society leader, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, as Chairman of its Advisory Board, following a board election held over the weekend.

Rafsanjani, a prominent advocate for human rights, transparency and good governance, currently serves as Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and heads Transparency International in Nigeria. He also chairs the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria and co-convenes the Say No Campaign.

With over three decades of experience in governance reforms, extractive sector transparency and civic advocacy, Rafsanjani is expected to strengthen CAPPA’s work in defending public resources and democratic space across Africa. He has previously represented Sub-Saharan Africa on the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Civil Society Coalition and is a founding member of the Transition Monitoring Group.

Speaking after his election, Rafsanjani pledged to further position CAPPA as a steadfast defender of public interest, noting that the organisation will deepen its interventions in public health advocacy, environmental justice, democratic rights and protection of public services.

The new advisory board also includes Akinbode Oluwafemi (Executive Director and Secretary), Evelyn Nkanga Bassey (Treasurer), Scott Pegg, Kayode Ogunbunmi, Betty Abah and Doifie Buokoribo.

Meanwhile, the board has cautioned against Nigeria’s growing rush toward solid minerals, particularly lithium and other minerals critical to global energy transition. CAPPA warned that although the sector’s contribution to GDP has risen to about 4.6 percent, the rapid expansion is occurring alongside land dispossession, displacement of host communities and environmental degradation.

The organisation drew parallels with the Niger Delta experience, warning that Nigeria risks repeating a resource-curse scenario unless government ensures strict regulation, transparency, community consent and environmental safeguards.

“There is no just transition if communities do not share in its gains,” the board stated, urging a people-centred resource governance model that prioritises land, water, heritage and livelihoods.

CAPPA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening alliances with labour, grassroots groups, women and youth movements across the continent to defend civic space and public accountability.

Police Arrest Notorious Robbery Gang Leader in Ifo, Recover Firearm

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Ogun Police Debunk Viral Security Alert, Warn Against Spreading Panic

Residents of Ifo and neighbouring communities in Ogun State have expressed relief and jubilation following the arrest of a suspected leader of an armed robbery syndicate that has been terrorising the area.

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command, acting on technical intelligence, arrested the suspect, 32-year-old Lekan Annuoluwapo, and his alleged female accomplice, 33-year-old Ajoke Kareem, around 12:40 a.m. on Saturday in the Oloshe area of Ifo.

Two recent robbery incidents have been linked to the syndicate. On October 17, two armed men allegedly attacked a woman preparing for morning prayers at a church and stole her handbag. One of the suspects, Wale Adeleye, was earlier arrested and confessed to carrying out the operation with Annuoluwapo using a locally made pistol.

Another incident occurred on October 25, when a resident was attacked at gunpoint and dispossessed of valuables including a phone, power bank and POS machine. The victim, who was shot in the chest after sounding an alarm, later identified Annuoluwapo as one of the attackers.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly named one Akpomoka Gabriel, also known as “Akuru,” aged 36, as his accomplice. Police apprehended Gabriel shortly after, a development that triggered celebrations in the Ijoko and Ogba-Iyo communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, commended officers for their swift action and directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

He also ordered the Area Commanders in Sango-Ota and Ifo to intensify security patrols across identified hotspots throughout the Ember Months to prevent similar crimes.

The command reiterated its commitment to mopping up illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks across Ogun State.

Nigeria, Netherlands Strengthen Customs Cooperation to Boost Trade Efficiency

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Nigeria, Netherlands Strengthen Customs Cooperation to Boost Trade Efficiency

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has led a high-level Nigeria Customs Service, NCS delegation to the Netherlands on a two-day working visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation, port efficiency and border management.

The visit, held between October 29 and 31, 2025, featured strategic meetings, technical briefings and capacity-building sessions with Dutch Customs officials and government agencies.

During the engagements at the Netherlands Customs Headquarters in Rotterdam, the Nigerian team was briefed by the country’s National Tariff Classification Team and the Customs National Tactical Centre, with discussions focusing on tariff and origin procedures, risk profiling, cargo monitoring and tactical decision-making in customs operations.

Speaking after the sessions, CGC Adeniyi praised the Netherlands for its structured approach to classification and risk management, describing the discussions as “particularly insightful” and useful in strengthening Nigeria’s compliance systems.

He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to adopting global standards, stressing that Nigeria Customs remains focused on balancing trade facilitation with national security and revenue protection.

The delegation also visited Schiphol Airport, where Schiphol Cargo officials presented processes on cargo clearance, automation and coordinated border management. Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Niagwan noted that the experience would support Nigeria’s ongoing customs modernisation efforts.

Further engagements were held at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, with both sides exploring frameworks for technical assistance, digital transformation, capacity-building and gender equity in customs administration.

Netherlands Director-General for International Trade, Machiel Zweers, described the engagements as a “new chapter of institutional partnership built on trust and innovation.”

The visit concluded with a tour of the Port of Rotterdam, where the delegation learned about advanced logistics systems, cargo-tracking tools and intermodal transport operations. Adeniyi called the tour an “eye-opener,” highlighting the importance of synergy between port and customs authorities for seamless trade.

The NCS delegation included DCG Caroline Niagwan; Deputy Comptroller Etim Ibok, Special Assistant to the CGC; Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer; and Assistant Comptroller Lauretta Utubor, Team Lead of Nigeria’s Advance Ruling System.

Lagos Police Arrest Taxi Driver Linked to Multiple Rape, Assault Cases

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Lagos Police Arrest Taxi Driver Linked to Multiple Rape, Assault Cases

Lagos State Police Command has arrested a commercial taxi driver, Adedayo Ben Adegbola, whose image recently went viral online, over alleged involvement in a series of rape, defilement, assault, and armed robbery incidents targeting female passengers across the state.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, November 1, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the arrest followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohunde Jimoh, mandating an immediate and discreet investigation into the multiple complaints received from victims.

Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, acting on intelligence and surveillance, apprehended the suspect at about 9:40 a.m. on October 31, 2025. The operational vehicle allegedly used to commit the crimes, a red Toyota Corolla with registration number JJJ 226 HT was also recovered from his possession.

“The suspect is currently in police custody while investigations are being intensified to arrest other individuals suspected to have collaborated in the crimes,” the statement read. “The recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit and will be presented as evidence during prosecution.”

The Command also appealed to other victims of the suspect’s criminal activities to come forward and provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations, assuring them that their identities will be protected.

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to public safety, CP Olohunde Jimoh assured residents that justice will be served and that the police will continue to safeguard all communities across the state.

He further disclosed that updates on the investigation will be released as developments unfold.

REDA 2025: SANWO-OLU, OTHERS SEEK SUSTAINABLE, INCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

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REDA 2025: SANWO-OLU, OTHERS SEEK SUSTAINABLE, INCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and stakeholders in the built sector have called on developers, planners and other built professionals to prioritise sustainability, inclusiveness and transparency in Lagos’s urban growth.

This call was made at the Real Estate Discussions and Awards (REDA) 2025, organised by Thinkmint Nigeria, which was attended by top stakeholders from across the Nigerian real estate ecosystem, including developers, policymakers, financiers, innovators, and investors.

With the theme “Back to the Basics: The Future of Real Estate,” this year’s edition focused on fostering dialogue, solutions, and collaborations to strengthen the foundations of a sustainable and inclusive property market.

He said the state government remains committed to creating a “people-centred housing ecosystem” in which quality, affordability, and environmental resilience are non-negotiable .

In a keynote speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, his Special Adviser on Housing, Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of returning to core principles of integrity, transparency, and sustainability in real estate development.

He described real estate as “a sector ultimately about people, families seeking homes, youths aspiring to ownership, and investors trusting the state’s vision.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to affordable housing through initiatives such as those spearheaded by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), which promotes transparency and stakeholder protection.

He also highlighted the growing role of technology and digital platforms in modernising property documentation and management processes.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director and CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), identified Nigeria’s housing deficit at 28 million units, requiring more than ₦21 trillion in investment to close.

He unveiled the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a transformative initiative designed to bridge the housing gap through blended finance, single-digit mortgages, and inclusive investment

Dr. Takang revealed that mortgages at 9.75% interest with 20-year tenors are now available, calling on developers and financiers to join in “building not just houses, but hope, a market, and a nation.”

In his address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Olayinka Abiodun Olumide stressed the vital role of urban planning in achieving sustainable growth.

He outlined the state’s commitment to digital transformation through the Enterprise Geographic Information System (E-GIS), which enhances transparency in land documentation and approval processes.

Dr. Olumide urged developers to embrace green designs, climate-smart architecture, and transparency in all transactions to ensure long-term urban sustainability.

Welcoming participants to the event, the Founder and CEO of Thinkmint Nigeria/Europe, Mrs. Imelda Usoro-Olaoye described this year’s theme as a “call to unlearn, learn, and relearn” the fundamentals necessary for a robust and sustainable real estate industry.

According to her, the conference aims to not only discuss and proffer solutions but also celebrate excellence and collaboration within Nigeria’s real estate space.

She emphasized that the REDA 2025 Conference serves as a strategic platform for bridging the gap between government policies, private sector innovation, and consumer needs, noting that collaboration remains key to driving progress in the housing and property sectors.

Mrs. Usoro-Olaoye further highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and capacity building as critical tools to navigate the evolving dynamics of the real estate market.

In her words, “Sustainability and inclusivity are no longer optional. They are the foundation of modern real estate development.

“As we gather here today, our collective goal should be to create an ecosystem where integrity, innovation, and impact drive every decision.”

She commended the Lagos State Government for its continuous support and called on stakeholders to embrace global best practices while tailoring solutions to Nigeria’s unique realities.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Prince Adeniyi Aromolaran, Executive Director of Enterprise Services, represented the Managing Director/CEO, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph.

He commended Thinkmint Nigeria for its consistency and emphasised that “the future of real estate will not be built on ambition alone but on integrity, sustainability, accessibility, and resilience.”

Hon. Joseph reaffirmed LSDPC’s five-decade commitment to affordable housing and urban regeneration, noting that returning to the basics is a “strategic return to what matters most.”

In the same vein, the Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, in his address, called for a shift from building mere structures to developing functional communities.

He announced plans to establish the Onigbongbo Property Investment Company, a special-purpose vehicle to drive local investment, promote affordable housing, and expand revenue for the LCDA.

The event also featured dynamic panel sessions, including “Retail & Commercial Real Estate: Road to Growth” and “The Role of PropTech and Innovation in Modern Real Estate.”

These discussions by different thought leaders explored how technology, collaboration, and creative financing can drive sustainable transformation across the industry.

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