Youth Passes Vote of Confidence on CG Customs

By Emmanuel Daudu

Nigerian Youths has passed a Vote of Confidence on the Comptroller General, Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi.

The Coalition of Nigerian youths led by the United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh while passing the Vote of Confidence on the CG Customs, Adewale Adeniyi during a massive press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja alongside a multitude of youths across the federation stated that Adeniyi has shown capacity, and his technocratic expertise to reform the Customs Service is second to none. His willingness and passion to digitilize the Service is absolutely unusual and pleads the Federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Confirm him.
“The few months Adewale Adeniyi has been in the office as CG of the Nigerian Customs Service, we the youths of this country have seen tremendous changes in the Service and the Service is now gaining our trust back, I mean the trust of the youths”, Edoh said.

However, speaking on Seme border killings of 33 Nigerians, Edoh called on the federal government to investigate the crisis that broke out at the Seme border recently leading to the death of no fewer than thirty-three Nigerians which was alleged to be fueled by smuggling of the Nigerian crude.

The Ambassador who spoke bitterly on the illegal act of smuggling pointed out that the federal government is losing a lot of funds daily through the channels of the Nigerian borders.

While stressing further he said, smugglers have been using the Seme border to smuggle at least 2000 liters of fuel daily from the Nigerian economy which is undergoing serious hard times at the moment.

In his opinion, he said, the Nigerian Customs Service should be allowed to do its job, and competent officers should be placed on such strategic borders to bring to an end such an act.
“Nigerians are suffering and a few individuals keep on smuggling fuel out of the already stressed economy at the detriment of the nation. This doesn’t only take place in Seme alone. Elena, Mobile, Katsina borders, and others are very cheap routes for smugglers and this must not continue again.

“The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi should as a matter of urgency act fast and put this to an end while the federal government under the dynamic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR investigate other security agencies who are aiding this act.

“It would be better these actions are taken now else we the youths of this country will not continue to fold our arms and keep watching as our future is determined by a few individuals, illegally.

“There are various measures that can be taken to curb smuggling and strengthen border security. Some of them are Increased patrolling: Increase the number of border guards and patrols to monitor the border more closely. This will help to detect and intercept smugglers before they can cross the border with their illegal goods.

“Use of technology: Employ technology such as drones, sensors, and other surveillance equipment to monitor the border in real time and detect illegal activities.

“Strengthening laws: Enforce stricter laws and penalties for smuggling and illegal activities at the border. This will act as a deterrent for smugglers and help to reduce the incidence of smuggling.

“Collaboration with neighboring countries: Work with neighboring countries to share intelligence information and coordinate efforts to combat smuggling.

“Training and education: Train border officials to identify and intercept smugglers and provide education to the public on the negative impacts of smuggling.

“Increasing resources: Increase resources such as funding, personnel, and equipment to enhance border security operations and combat smuggling effectively”.

Also speaking on the deteriorating collection of Customs Duties, Edoh has this to say, “Recently I have also noticed a slight fall in the collection of Customs duties. If any group of people is somewhere sabotaging the efforts of the CG Customs, it then means, they should be ready to fight with the Nigerian youths henceforth. We the Nigerian youths are solidly behind The Nigerian Customs Service CG, Adewale Adeniyi and he must succeed.

“We also recently gathered that 100s of cars are been smuggled in through the Kaduna border. This act doesn’t help Nigeria, and we the youths are standing up in solidarity with the Nigerian Customs to put to an end to smuggling under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi. He has shown capacity and capability, and we the youths are passing a Vote of Confidence on him”.

Earlier, Edoh said, to ensure that customs duties are not lost, it’s important to follow proper procedures and maintain accurate documentation by Understanding the customs regulations: Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and requirements of the country you are importing or exporting goods to/from. Each country has its own rules and procedures, and compliance is crucial to avoid any issues.

“Classify goods correctly: Accurately classify your goods according to the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) codes. The HS code determines the applicable customs duties and taxes. Use the customs tariff schedule of the country to determine the correct code for your goods.

“Accurate valuation: Properly value your goods for customs purposes. Follow the guidelines provided by the customs authority to determine the correct customs value, which includes the cost of goods, insurance, freight charges, and any other applicable charges.

“Complete documentation: Ensure that all necessary customs documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted on time. This typically includes invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and any other relevant documents required by the customs authority.

“Use a licensed customs broker: Consider using a licensed customs broker or freight forwarder to handle your customs clearance processes. They have expertise in navigating customs regulations and can help ensure compliance and accuracy in documentation.

“Maintain records: Keep detailed records of all transactions, including customs documents, receipts, and correspondence related to the import/export of goods. These records can serve as proof of compliance and can be helpful in case of any disputes or audits.

“Stay updated: Stay informed about any changes in customs regulations or procedures. Customs regulations can be subject to frequent updates and amendments, so it’s important to be aware of any changes that may affect your import/export activities.

“By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of customs duties being lost and ensure compliance with customs regulations. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a customs professional or seek legal advice for specific import/export transactions to ensure full compliance.

“Customs duties are a significant tool for national development especially in Nigeria. imposing customs duties, the government has been generating revenue to finance our development programs and initiatives. These funds are used to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other important areas of the economy.

Furthermore, customs duties are used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, promoting the growth of local production and the creation of jobs. High tariffs on imported goods can make them less competitive and encourage consumers to buy locally-produced goods.

“Customs duties are also used to regulate the import and export of goods, promoting the trade of certain goods over others. This over the years has benefited specific sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, and manufacturing, by opening up new opportunities for business and trade.

Overall, the use of customs duties has been an effective means for governments to achieve their developmental goals and strengthen their local economies.

“Having spoken this far, you would agree and see reasons with us, the Nigerian youths why smuggling should be put to an end in this nation.

“Henceforth, be mind made up to support the youths, CG Customs to end smuggling in Nigeria. Ending smuggling is a collective effort. And like I said earlier, we the Nigerian youths are Passing a Vote of Confidence on the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi and we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to confirm his appointment because he has shown his worth, capability, wealth of proficiency, transparency and readiness to make the Nigerian Customs a digital one in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.