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CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

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blacktalker
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CAPPA Condemns Police Crackdown on Lagos Demolition Protest

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, has condemned the alleged violent crackdown by security operatives on peaceful protesters who gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest ongoing demolitions and forced evictions across waterfront and low-income communities in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the civil society organisation accused the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Police Force of unleashing violence on displaced residents who had assembled at the Assembly complex to demand redress over demolitions, assaults, and reported killings linked to eviction exercises.

According to CAPPA, security operatives led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Moshood, attacked hundreds of protesters and dispersed them with tear gas, leading to injuries and arrests. The organisation demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a member of the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos State, alongside other demonstrators arrested during the protest.

CAPPA said Soweto, Comrade Jacob Akiri, Evangelist Isaac Doosuga, a septuagenarian from Makoko, and several others were forcefully seized after police officers deployed tear gas on the crowd. The organisation described the action as a gross violation of constitutional rights and accused the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration of sustained repression against poor and displaced communities.

The organisation further alleged that the continued demolitions have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 12 persons in Makoko, including a five-day-old baby, as well as fatalities in other affected communities.

Recounting events at the Assembly complex, CAPPA said the protest was peaceful, noting that displaced residents had marched from Ikeja Under-Bridge to the House of Assembly to formally present their grievances. It stated that lawmakers, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, briefly addressed the protesters but refused them access to the Assembly premises or the amphitheatre.

According to the statement, exhausted protesters, including elderly men and women, were denied seats and basic courtesies and were left sitting outside under the sun. CAPPA said the situation only escalated after security agents deployed tear gas without provocation.

The organisation reported that tear gas canisters were fired directly at unarmed protesters, leading to injuries and panic. It said a community member, Kafayat Muftaudeen, was struck on the leg by a tear gas canister and remains hospitalised, while a journalist, Oluwaferanmi Oladipupo of Daily Family, reportedly suffered severe tear gas exposure and was placed on oxygen. CAPPA also mentioned that Jennifer Rita Obiora, a medical professional and member of the #EndBadGovernance Lagos chapter, was brutalised and rushed to the hospital.

CAPPA further alleged that police officers forcefully seized and stole personal belongings, work tools, and equipment belonging to protesters and journalists, describing the actions as criminal and a threat to press freedom and civic space.

Reacting to claims by the Lagos State House of Assembly that Soweto’s conduct escalated the situation, CAPPA dismissed the assertion as false, insisting that video evidence shows Soweto urging protesters to remain peaceful and sit calmly after being denied access to the Assembly.

The organisation claimed that the Commissioner of Police took personal offence at Soweto’s criticism of police brutality during demolition exercises and deliberately targeted him for arrest. It also rejected claims that the Assembly had earlier committed to halting demolitions, stating that evictions continued and that some lawmakers later told residents their land had been sold, advising them to prepare for eviction within five years.

Quoting its Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA said the rights to peaceful protest, expression, and association are guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights laws. Oluwafemi stated that there was no justification for the use of force against unarmed citizens and journalists.

CAPPA demanded the immediate release of all detained protesters, the suspension of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and the return of all seized property. The organisation also called for an immediate halt to demolitions and forced evictions across Lagos State and demanded independent investigations into reported killings in Makoko, Owode, Oworonshoki, and other communities.

The organisation urged the Nigerian Police Force to end the routine use of force against peaceful demonstrators and called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to engage affected communities in good faith. CAPPA warned that it would mobilise civil society and the public if its demands were not met.

Promasidor’s Investment Boosts Local Milk Production, Supports National Dairy Development Goals

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blacktalker
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Promasidor’s Investment Boosts Local Milk Production, Supports National Dairy Development Goals

Promasidor Nigeria has recorded significant gains in local milk production and economic development through its strategic alignment with the National Dairy Development Programme, reinforcing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain and improve access to affordable, high-quality dairy products.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, François Gillet, said Promasidor’s investment in the Ikun Dairy Farm has played a key role in boosting domestic dairy output while creating a sustainable model that supports national economic growth.

According to Gillet, Promasidor established the Ikun Dairy Farm in 2019 in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, with an initial operational investment of 5 million dollars, followed by additional capital injections to scale operations and enhance productivity.

He noted that the National Dairy Development Programme aligns with Promasidor’s long-term strategy to localise raw material sourcing, deepen Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem and ensure a steady supply of nutritious milk products to consumers across the country.

The Ikun Dairy Farm currently hosts over 750 high-yielding cattle, making it the largest dairy farm in Nigeria. The facility employs advanced dairy management practices, including routine artificial insemination, to improve herd quality and ensure sustainable, organic growth.

Beyond increased milk production, the farm has contributed significantly to socio-economic development in its host community. It provides direct employment to more than 200 local residents and generates over 1,000 indirect jobs within surrounding communities, boosting livelihoods and supporting the local economy.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Promasidor has also invested in feed security by cultivating over 500 hectares of maize and soya beans, guaranteeing consistent and high-quality nutrition for the cattle, supported by experienced veterinary doctors and trained dairy practitioners.

Promasidor’s impact in Nigeria’s dairy sector dates back to March 1993, when the company introduced Cowbell Milk sachets to the Nigerian market, a move that transformed the food and beverage industry and was later adopted widely by competitors.

In line with its social impact agenda, the company has extended the benefits of its dairy operations to education and child nutrition through the “Ikun Milk Day” initiative. Under the programme, fresh milk from the Ikun Dairy Farm is distributed weekly to public primary school pupils in the Ikun community to support their health and learning outcomes.

Promasidor Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to delivering long-term value to consumers, communities and the national economy through continued investment in innovation, quality standards and local production. Its brand portfolio includes Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Toptea, Onga, Twisco and Kremela.

Located in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, the Ikun Dairy Farm spans over 500 hectares and stands as a flagship example of how strategic public-private collaboration under the National Dairy Development Programme can drive food security, job creation and sustainable industrial growth in Nigeria.

NCSP DG Urges Nigerian Entrepreneurs to Embrace China’s Discipline

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blacktalker
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NCSP DG Urges Nigerian Entrepreneurs to Embrace China’s Discipline

Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, NCSP, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, has identified discipline, scale and long-term thinking as essential drivers of sustainable enterprise growth in Nigeria, drawing lessons from China’s national development journey as a practical blueprint for economic transformation.

Tegbe made this known while delivering a presentation titled “Hacking Your Personal Economic Growth: Lessons from China’s National Development Journey” at a three-day capacity-building seminar themed “Leveraging Chinese Partnerships to Scale Nigerian Businesses.” ,

The seminar was organised as part of NCSP’s ongoing efforts to promote structured knowledge exchange and enterprise-focused learning.

Speaking at the session, the NCSP Director-General explained that China’s remarkable economic transformation was the result of deliberate and consistent policy choices rather than chance. According to him, focus, standardisation and disciplined execution were central to China’s success story.

He noted that many Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises began their growth journeys by adapting existing products, tested business models and imported technologies before introducing gradual improvements.

Tegbe said Chinese enterprises typically master a single product or service, replicate it efficiently and innovate incrementally, a strategy that enables them to scale sustainably.

The NCSP DG also underscored the importance of collaboration in China’s enterprise ecosystem, pointing out that businesses often operate within industrial clusters where infrastructure, suppliers and labour are shared. This model, he said, significantly reduces production costs and enhances productivity.

Emphasising discipline as China’s most enduring competitive advantage, Tegbe explained that Chinese entrepreneurs are known for aggressively reinvesting profits into machinery, inventory and process efficiency, while maintaining modest lifestyles in the early stages of business growth.

He noted that strict cost control, accurate financial tracking and a clear understanding of unit economics are crucial for sustaining profitability and achieving scale.

Tegbe urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to move beyond short-term business thinking by prioritising technical competence, market-driven expansion, export readiness and patient, long-term growth strategies. He stressed that sustainable enterprise development requires consistency, planning and the willingness to build over time.

He reaffirmed NCSP’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria–China cooperation translates into practical outcomes that boost productivity, strengthen enterprise development and promote economic self-reliance.

LASU–CIPR Trains Members on Professional Event Anchoring

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blacktalker
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LASU–CIPR Trains Members on Professional Event Anchoring

The Centre for Information and Public Relations, CIPR of Lagos State University, LASU, has organised an in-house training session on Event Anchoring for its members at the CIPR Media Room, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU main campus, Ojo.

The training was designed to enhance members’ confidence, delivery, and professionalism in hosting public, academic, and corporate events, reflecting CIPR’s commitment to continuous capacity building and skills development.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Registrar/Coordinator of CIPR, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, highlighted the importance of effective event anchoring in public relations practice, urging members to leverage the training to sharpen their communication skills and stage presence.

Delivering the session, Chief Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Relations Unit, Mr. Olaniyi Jeariogbe, described event anchoring as the backbone of any successful programme, noting that the anchor serves as the face, voice, and connective thread of an event.

He emphasised thorough preparation, scripting, rehearsal, time management, and confident stage presence, while stressing the importance of flexibility and emotional intelligence in handling unexpected situations.

Mr. Jeariogbe also shared practical tips on audience engagement, smooth transitions, proper use of names and titles, technical checks, and concluding events effectively.

Drawing from real-life experiences, he guided participants on overcoming stage fright, maintaining composure, and projecting confidence while anchoring events of different scales.

The interactive session allowed participants to share personal experiences, ask questions, and gain practical solutions for effective event management.

This training forms part of LASU–CIPR’s ongoing initiatives to equip its members with skills aligned with contemporary public relations standards, fostering professional excellence across the University community.

LASU Management Monitors 2025/2026 First Semester Examinations

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blacktalker
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LASU Management Monitors 2025/2026 First Semester Examinations

The management of Lagos State University, LASU has intensified the monitoring of the ongoing first semester examinations for the 2025/2026 academic session to ensure strict adherence to academic standards and examination guidelines.

The examinations, which commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, are being supervised by a university-wide monitoring team led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Oseni Taiwo Afisi.

On Tuesday, January 27, the team toured several examination venues, including the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law, as well as the School of Library, Archival and Information Science.

Speaking during the monitoring exercise, Prof. Afisi expressed satisfaction with the orderly and hitch-free conduct of the examinations so far.

He commended both academic staff and students for their cooperation and compliance with examination regulations, urging them to sustain the same level of discipline throughout the examination period.

According to him, safeguarding the integrity of the examination process remains a top priority for the university, stressing that regular monitoring is crucial to maintaining LASU’s reputation for academic excellence and credibility.

Prof. Afisi assured the university community that the monitoring exercise would continue across all LASU campuses until the conclusion of the examinations, with management teams making routine visits to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to established standards.

He noted that the initiative forms part of the university’s broader quality assurance efforts aimed at strengthening public confidence in the value and integrity of LASU degrees.

Lagos Strengthens Cultural Storytelling, Diaspora Engagement Through Global Partnerships

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blacktalker
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Lagos Strengthens Cultural Storytelling, Diaspora Engagement Through Global Partnerships

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the state as Africa’s leading tourism and creative hub through strategic global partnerships aimed at promoting cultural storytelling and diaspora engagement.

As part of this drive, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, held a high-level meeting with the Vice President for Growth and Partnerships at Rolling Stone Africa, Mrs. Itohan Barlow-Ndukuba, and the Chief Executive Officer of Glam Brand Agency, Mrs. Bola Balogun.

The meeting focused on exploring collaborative opportunities that would elevate Lagos’ creative and tourism sectors, deepen connections with the African diaspora, and project the state’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

Discussions also centred on leveraging international media, branding, and cultural platforms to tell authentic Lagos stories and attract global interest.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka noted that strategic storytelling and partnerships are critical to showcasing Lagos as a vibrant cultural capital, stressing that the state is intentional about using creativity, arts, and tourism as tools for economic growth and global relevance.

She said the engagement aligns with the broader vision of the Lagos State Government to strengthen the creative economy, attract investment, and create sustainable opportunities for practitioners across the tourism and cultural value chain.

According to Toke-Benson, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State has continued to implement policies and initiatives aimed at transforming the state into a globally admired city driven by innovation, inclusiveness, and cultural preservation.

Through targeted collaborations with international organisations and industry leaders, the state seeks to expand its cultural footprint, engage local and international audiences, and reinforce Lagos’ status as a destination of choice for tourism, arts, and creative enterprise.

Apapa Customs, NDLEA Intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud Hidden in Imported Vehicle

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blacktalker
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Apapa Customs, NDLEA Intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud Hidden in Imported Vehicle

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Apapa Port Command, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle at the Apapa Port, Lagos.

The seizure was made during a joint examination of a single import consignment containing four vehicles, where the illicit drugs were discovered hidden in 13 bags inside one of the vehicles.

A detailed weighing revealed that the consignment comprised ten bags of 25kg each, one bag of 29kg, and two bags weighing 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total to 347.5kg.

The interception occurred less than 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit, further underscoring the command’s intensified anti-smuggling posture.

This development marks the fourth major drug interception jointly recorded by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port in under two months, reinforcing the command’s resolve that no cargo, whether imported or exported, will pass through the port without thorough examination.

Reacting to the seizure, Comptroller Oshoba warned smugglers and criminal syndicates that Apapa Port is no longer a safe route for trafficking prohibited items. He reaffirmed the command’s vigilance and commitment to protecting society and national security through effective enforcement.

The operation also reflects the strengthened inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, with intelligence sharing and joint operations enabling both agencies to consistently disrupt smuggling networks within the maritime sector.

Comptroller Oshoba noted that the successful interception was a direct outcome of this collaboration and disclosed that the planned deployment of a high-capacity drive-through scanner with the capacity to scan 200 containers per hour would further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at the port.

In line with established procedures, the seized drugs have been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects connected to the consignment.

The latest seizure builds on the recent recognition of Comptroller Oshoba and the NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander, Mohammed Tukur, both of whom were awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, January 26, 2026, in Abuja, during activities marking the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria.

The interception aligns with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” as the Apapa Port Command reiterates its dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to curb illicit activities and safeguard the public.

NTPIC Continues Stakeholder Engagement; Meets Tax Advisory Institutions

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blacktalker
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NTPIC Continues Stakeholder Engagement; Meets Tax Advisory Institutions

The National Tax Policy Implementation Committee, NTPIC has continued its stakeholder engagement programme, convening a high-level consultative session with leading tax advisory firms, professional bodies, and institutional representatives to support the effective implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws.

The institutions were represented by their national presidents, while the advisory firms were represented by their leading tax partners.

Addressing the session, the Chairman of the NTPIC, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, noted that the success of the reforms would depend largely on effective change management rather than policy design alone.

He emphasized the importance of clear communication and public trust, and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to engaging sub-national governments through the Joint Revenue Board and other institutions to harmonize interpretation, build capacity and ensure alignment across federal and state tax administrations.

Participants broadly welcomed the reforms, describing them as timely and structural, and aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework rather than driving short-term revenue gains.

Discussions were situated within the Federal Government’s broader reform objective of improving long-term fiscal sustainability, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

While acknowledging the robustness of the legislative framework, participants stressed the need for consistent interpretation across institutions and clear operational guidelines to prevent fragmented enforcement.

They advised that implementation should be supported by deliberate, coordinated and simplified public education strategies that clearly distinguish the impact of the reforms on individuals, small businesses and corporates, while reinforcing principles of fairness, proportionality and national development.

In concluding, Mr. Tegbe thanked participants for their engagement and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to structured consultation and the timely resolution of identified concerns.

The NTPIC Chairman was joined at the meeting by the Chairman of the Stakeholder Engagement Subcommittee, Barrister Ismael Ahmed; the Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee, Mr. Ajibola Olomola; as well as members of the NTPIC Secretariat.

CSOs Call for Independent Probe into Interior Minister’s NYSC Records

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blacktalker
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CSOs Call for Independent Probe into Interior Minister’s NYSC Records

A civil society group, the Niger Delta Think Tank on Good Governance, has called on President Bola Tinubu to institute an independent and transparent investigation into issues surrounding the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC records of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The group, led by its Convener, Ambassador Gregory Oritsetimihin, made the call on Monday during a press conference, citing official correspondence between Premium Times and the NYSC obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

Addressing journalists, Oritsetimihin said the demand was not intended to indict the minister but to promote accountability, due process and public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.

According to the group, an official response issued by the NYSC on August 8, 2023, indicated that Dr. Tunji-Ojo was mobilised for national service in 2006 but absconded from the programme. The response further stated that he later resurfaced in 2019, when he was re-mobilised and redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory, with his Certificate of National Service eventually issued in February 2023.

“These facts were not drawn from speculation or social media narratives but were provided directly by the NYSC itself,” the group said.

The think tank noted that universities are responsible for the mobilisation of graduates, while matters relating to deployment, redeployment and certification fall within the institutional responsibility of the NYSC, stressing that such issues require objective and transparent review.

It described absconding from the NYSC scheme as a violation of existing laws and civic obligations, warning that unresolved questions surrounding the programme, particularly involving a serving public official, could undermine public trust and reinforce perceptions of selective accountability.

While urging calm, the group appealed to President Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by constituting an independent panel to review the matter and make its findings public.

It also recommended that the Interior Minister be relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation, describing the move as an administrative safeguard rather than a punitive action.

According to the group, a transparent review would help protect the integrity of the Presidency, uphold the credibility of the NYSC and safeguard the reputation of the minister.

“Accountability is not persecution, and inquiry is not condemnation,” the think tank said, adding that Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when concerns are addressed openly and in line with due process.

FG Backs Customs Reforms as NCS Generates N7.2trn, Surpasses Revenue Target

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blacktalker
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FG Backs Customs Reforms as NCS Generates N7.2trn, Surpasses Revenue Target

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, commending the Service for its vigilance at the nation’s borders and its strong revenue performance in 2025.

The Minister of State for Finance, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, gave the assurance on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja, during the 2026 International Customs Day celebration. She described the NCS as a critical institution at the intersection of revenue mobilisation, national security and trade facilitation.

Uzoka-Anite commended officers and men of the Service for maintaining professionalism amid growing public and economic expectations, noting that Customs remains a strategic partner in the implementation of fiscal, monetary and structural reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Efficient border management is central to economic stability and growth. The Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated that revenue assurance, trade facilitation and border security can be pursued simultaneously when institutions are guided by integrity, data-driven decision-making and strong leadership,” the minister said.

She assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue to provide policy direction and institutional support aimed at strengthening Customs’ capacity, improving transparency and modernising operations across ports and border formations nationwide.

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the Service generated a total revenue of N7.281 trillion in 2025, surpassing its approved annual target of N6.584 trillion.

According to him, the achievement reflects significant year-on-year growth driven by disciplined enforcement, improved compliance, increased automation and sustained engagement with the trading community.

Beyond revenue generation, Adeniyi said the Service intensified intelligence-led operations to protect society, resulting in thousands of seizures of prohibited and harmful goods. These included narcotics, illicit pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, wildlife products and substandard consumer items.

“These interventions were aimed at safeguarding public health, protecting the environment and strengthening national security, while ensuring that legitimate trade was not hindered,” he said.

The Customs boss reiterated the Service’s commitment to balancing trade facilitation with effective controls, stressing that lawful trade must flow seamlessly without compromising security or revenue.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs, Honourable Leke Abejide, called for greater recognition of the NCS within Nigeria’s security architecture. He pledged continued legislative support for reforms that enhance the welfare, capacity and operational efficiency of the Service.

Similarly, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended the NCS for its role in facilitating trade and securing the nation’s borders, describing the Service as a key partner in Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.

She noted that efficient Customs operations are essential to improving competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting industrial growth, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to expand non-oil revenue.

Oduwole also stressed the need for deeper inter-agency collaboration, noting that trade facilitation and national security must advance together to deliver sustainable economic outcomes.

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