Nigeria Customs Service Engages Stakeholders, Suspends Implementation Of 4% FOB Charge

1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hereby announces the suspension of the
implementation of 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in Section
18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023. This is sequel to ongoing
consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister
of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun and other Stakeholders.

2. This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and
consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework. The timing of this
suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers,
including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1%
Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS). This presents an opportunity to
review our revenue framework holistically.

3. Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023,
separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies
and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts. The new Act addresses these
challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of
imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and
modernisation initiatives. This transition period will allow the Service to optimise
the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s
interests better.

4. The Act further empowers the Service to modernise its operations through
various technological innovations. Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023
authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange
between the Service, Other Government Agencies, and traders. The Service is
already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed
B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster
clearance times and improved transparency. Other innovative solutions authorised
by the Act include; Single Window implementation (Section 33), Risk management
systems (Section 32), Non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and
Electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).

5. The suspension period will allow the Service to further engage with
stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for
sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.

6. The NCS remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a
manner that best serves our stakeholders while fulfilling our revenue generation and
trade facilitation mandate. We will communicate the revised implementation
timeline following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Assistant Comptroller of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller-General of Customs
11 February 2025

Governors are more detectors, more corrupt than President in Nigeria, Inibehe Effiong alleges

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong has blasted governors in Nigeria alleging that they are more dictatorial and corrupt than the President.

Barr. Effiong made the accusation Tuesday February 11, 2025 on a live TV interview at ARISETV Morning Show interview session, he noted that the current political situation in Rivers State is between two political gladiators that must be handled amicably.

While reacting to the Dismissal of the Appeal filled by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Supremes Court fining governor fubara and the other parties to the suit in favour of the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assemby, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule led Assembly, urged the governor to obey the courts judgements affirming the Speaker based on the current Appeal court judgement validating Rt. Hon. Amaewhule and the 26 lawmakers.

Arenyeka, Ereyitomi, Oritsejafor, Agbolayah other Itsekiri PDP members pass vote of confidence on Gov. Oborevwori

**Reaffirm support to his MORE Agenda, Administration

By: Celestine Ukah 

Members of the Peoples Demonstratic Party, PDP of Itsekiri Extraction have passed vote of confidence on the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his administration.

The Itsekiri PDP leaders and members passed the vote of confidence on Governor Oborevwori, Sunday February 9, 2025 during meeting with Governor Oborevwori at his Osubi home, Okpe LGA.

Leaders of the Itsekiri PDP were led by Chairman of the ruling PDP in Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Chief Dr. Roland Oritsejafor, Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, Member Representing Warri South Constituency 1, in Delta State House of Assemby, Hon. Augustine Uroye and  the Special Adviser to the governor on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Agbolaya JP, both commended the governor for his giant strides in all sectors of the state as well push for more development in Itsekiri areas.

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives Honourable Chief Dr Thomas Ereyitomi expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his commitment in developing the state,
he as well assured the governor of support in his administration in order to keep succeeding.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Agbateyiniro commended Governor Oborevwori for his numerous work that he’s doing for Deltans and Itsekiri in particular.

Comrade Agbateyiniro stressed that Itsekiri as an ethnic nationality will continue to key into the more agenda initiative by the workaholic Governor Oborevwori.

Other notable Itsekiris in PDP present at the meeting include: Chairman Warri North LGA, Hon. Festus Ashima, Chief Adams Oritsetimeyin, Dr. Joseph Otumara, Hon. Fred Martins, Chief Francis Omatseye, Chief Francis Maku, Hon. Aduge Okorodudu, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, Hon. Godwin Abigor, Chief Edwin Olley, Hon. Orode Uduaghan, Hon. Ada Val Arenyeka, Hon Samuel Oligida, Hon. Sunny Ofe, Hon. Isaac Tosan Wilkie, Hon. Johnbull Edema, Hon. David Tonwe, Mr. John Okoroloko, Hon. Griftson Timeyin, Hon. Kenneth Edon, Hon Omimi Esquire, Evang. Tony Aderejor, Chief Omolubi Newuwumi, Hon. Richard John Pessu, Mr. Victor Dudu, Mr Godwin Omadoye, Prince Moses Orubu Fregene, Dr. Toyin Agbolayah, Mrs. Christy Omamofe, Mr. Victor Agbateyiniro, Hon. Blexons Omadoye, Mr. Nunu Emmanuel, Dr. Hope George, Mrs Flora Alatan, Mr. Jude Tosan, Mrs Grace Yomere , Mr. Simeon IIuwa, Mr. Emmanuel Adun and Engr. Kpenosen Great

NUJ Celebrates Engr. Tonlagha on His Birthday

**As Congress of African Journalists congratulates Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on His Born Day 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has extended warm birthday wishes to Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director of FENOG Nig. Limited and Chairman/Chief Executive of Nation Engineering Limited, on his special day, February 8, 2025.

In a heartfelt tribute, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, praised Engr. Tonlagha’s remarkable contributions to the journalism community in Nigeria and beyond. Abdullahi highlighted Tonlagha’s generosity, vision, and commitment to the advancement of the journalism profession, which have earned him the respect and admiration of all who know him.

The NUJ president also commended Tonlagha’s unwavering support for journalists, providing both moral and material support in times of need. His selfless contributions have been instrumental in empowering journalists to carry out their work with dignity and courage, and his friendship to the media has been real, tangible, and transformative.

As Engr. Tonlagha celebrates this milestone, the NUJ family wishes him many more years of success, joy, and fulfillment, and prays that the Almighty continues to shower him with blessings of good health, strength, and prosperity.

Congress of African Journalists Celebrates Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on His Birthday

In a related development, the Congress of African Journalists, led by its President, Dr. Christopher Isiguzo MFR, has extended warm birthday wishes to Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director of FENOG Nig Limited and Chairman/Chief Executive of Nation Engineering Limited. In a heartfelt tribute, Dr. Isiguzo praised Engr. Tonlagha’s transformative impact on the lives of countless individuals, particularly journalists in Nigeria and beyond.¹

Engr. Tonlagha’s generosity, leadership, and commitment to the well-being of journalists have left an indelible mark on the profession. His support has been instrumental in elevating the voices of those who champion truth, integrity, and justice. As a renowned businessman and philanthropist, Engr. Tonlagha has demonstrated that success is not just about personal achievement, but about lifting others along the way.

Dr. Isiguzo expressed his gratitude for Engr. Tonlagha’s enduring commitment to the cause of journalists and the growth of the profession. He prayed that Engr. Tonlagha continues to thrive in all his endeavors, and that his generous heart finds fulfillment in the knowledge that his legacy is one of kindness, support, and commitment to bettering the lives of others.

The Congress of African Journalists joins the Nigeria Union of Journalists in celebrating Engr. Tonlagha’s birthday, honoring his remarkable contributions to the profession and society at large.

For sponsorship of 67 Muslims to 2025 Hajj: South-South NAHCON commends Gov Fubara

The National Hajji Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON) has commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminayi Fubara for the sponsorship of 67 Muslims in the State for the 2025 holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

This commendation was made on Sunday by the Honourable Federal Commissioner representing South-South zone in the Commission, Hajiya Zainab Musa, Sunday while speaking to Newsmen on in Benin city, Edo State.

Hajiya Musa who’s representing the South South States comprising, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States, said the sponsorship of the 67 intending Muslims pilgrims to participate with other Muslims across the globe in the 2025 Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia was a demonstration of the Governor’s government of inclusiveness.

According to her, “with immense gratitude to Allah, I, Hon, Hajiya Zainab Musa, on behalf of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), South- South zone joyfully extended gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency Sir Siminayi Fubara the Executive Governor of Rivers State for the sponsorship of 67 Muslims to participate with other Muslims across the globe in the 2025 Hajj in makkah- Saudi Arabia.

“Indeed this shows that His Excellency Governor Siminayi Fubara is running an inclusive government.

“Governor Fubara’s selfless, dedication, intellectual acumen and relentless pursuit of justice underscored his unparalleled effort to service the people of Rivers irrespective of their Religion and political affiliation”,she said.

She however, appealed to other governors in the zone to emulate their Rivers State counterpart by extending the same gesture of sponsoring Muslims from their respective states to annual pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

She prayed for the peaceful and successful administration of the Governor in the state as well as peaceful coexisting among all the tribes and religious faiths in the entire South south states.

Recall that the Rivers State Governor,Sir Fubura had during the 2024 pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia subsidized the payment of hajji fares of 50 pilgrims with N,1.9 million each.

The intending pilgrims had paid the initial fare of N4.9 million before the Hajj fare was increased by another N1.9 million due to the then new exchange rate as against the N897.000 to a dollar that was originally benchmarked by the Commission.

EFCC Boss Olukoyede Confers Posthumous Award of Bravery on Slain Officer

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede has conferred a Posthumous Award of Bravery on a slain officer  of the Commission, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE II. Aminu Harisu Sahabi.

He disclosed this in Sokoto on Friday,  February 7, 2025 when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late officer at the Gawon Nama area of Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto  State.

Sahabi was killed in cold blood in Awka, Anambra State on January 17, 2025 while on an official assignment to apprehend suspected internet fraudsters.

Accompanied by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the Commission, Commander of the EFCC, CE Ahmed Pate, Ag. Director Sokoto Zonal Directorate,  DCE Nwanneka Nwokike and management staff of the EFCC Sokoto zonal Directorate, Olukoyede  consoled the bereaved family assuring that the Commission shares in their pains.

“As a Commission, we share in the pains and grief of the loss, but we cannot question the time that the Lord calls us home. The late Aminu was a gallant officer full of promise and in the services of his fatherland when he met with the tragic incident. Indeed, Allah gives and Allah takes”.

He further said “I am personally here to assure you that his sacrifice will never be forgotten nor will those accused of the heinous act of his murder be allowed to go free. They must and they will face the full wrath of the law”.

“There is nothing on earth that can replace the loss of a loved one but let us be consoled that Allah’s timing cannot be questioned and continue to pray for the repose of his soul”, he added.

The EFCC boss then conferred a Posthumous Award for Bravery to the late officer and a Condolence Letter on behalf of the EFCC and the Federal Government of Nigeria to the family.

Continuing, the EFCC’s boss stressed that,  ” going forward, I want to assure you that the family will not be forgotten as I will make time to visit intermittently because for us in the EFCC, we are a family. We have finished processing the benefits of the late officer and will be released to the next-of-kin immediately”.

Responding on behalf of the late officer’s  family, Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaibu JCA, thanked the Executive Chairman and his team for the visit. He commended the Commission for its intervention in conveying the late officer’s corpse home for burial.

His words “I was literally on the phone with the Chairman consecutively after the incident and we also saw the delegation of the EFCC during the burial of our son led by the Secretary to the Commission”.

He added “As a family, we also express our gratitude  to the family for naming a building at the EFCC Academy, Abuja after our son to immortalise his sacrifice”.

Upon arrival at the EFCC’s  Sokoto Zonal Directorate,  Olukoyede inspected a guard of honour and held meetings with officers of the Commission.

Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator Congratulates Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on His Birthday Anniversary

**Hails him as a visionary leader with a heart full of humanity

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, Executive Director of FENOG Nigeria Limited (FNL), on the occasion of his birthday anniversary today, February 8th, 2025.

In his message, Otuaro commended Tonlagha as a visionary leader and a key stakeholder in the development of the Niger Delta Region, describing him as a man with “milk of humanity running in his veins.”

Otuaro highlighted Tonlagha’s invaluable role in his personal development as a leader in the Niger Delta, stating, “Your support has inspired me to become a more effective and profound leader. I am deeply grateful for your guidance and exemplary lifestyle”

Highlighting Tonlagha’s significant role, Otuaro stated that history would undoubtedly honour him as a great pillar of the Niger Delta, particularly when recounting the story of the great Gbaramatu Kingdom and the region as a whole.

The PAP Administrator also expressed deep gratitude for Tonlagha’s selfless service to humanity, wishing him continued good health, prosperity, and divine guidance.

In closing, Otuaro once again congratulated Tonlagha on his special day, wishing him a joyful celebration surrounded by his loving family. He added, “On behalf of my family, I rejoice with and congratulate a wonderful brother on his birthday today. We are truly honored to be associated with a man like you, whose compassion and humanity touch the lives of many.”

2024 IKEJA DFA CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE (DIVISION 2

WEEK 8 RESULTS

Usefulyouth SA 3
Ifako Athletic FC 1

Starlight FA 2
Kingdom Boys FA 0

WEEK 9 FIXTURES

Sunday 9th February,2025

Kingdom Boys FA Vs Tuto Atlanta FA

Venue : Dairy Farm Primary School, Agege

Time : 1:00pm

Ifako Athletic FC Vs Starlight FA

Venue : Dairy Farm Primary School, Agege

Time : 3:00pm

Peter Black celebrates FENOG’s ED,  Engr  Tonlagha on his birthday

Mr Peter Omoh Dunia ( Peter Black) has felicitated with the Executive Director of FENOG Nigeria Limited (FNL), Engr. Matthew Tonlagha on his birthday anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader

In a Press Statement, Peter Black, while congratulating him on his birthday, commended Engr. Tonlagha for his incredible contributions to Nigeria.

According to him; “Today, February 8th, 2025, marks a special day in the life of Engineer Mathew Tonlagha, Executive Director of FENOG Nigeria Limited (FNL) and Chairman/CEO of MATHON ENGINEERING LIMITED. As a friend and brother, I join the multitude of well-wishers to celebrate this remarkable individual’s birthday”.

He said that Tonlagha’s contributions to Nigeria’s development are a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress, adding that his strategic partnerships with critical stakeholders have been instrumental in putting Nigeria on the path to sustainable economic advancement.

Peter Black also stated that as a dedicated and compassionate individual, Engr. Tonlagha has demonstrated exceptional kindness, generosity, and love for humanity.

He said his selfless service to the nation and its people is a shining example of leadership and patriotism and wished him many more years of robust health, happiness, and greater accomplishments in his service to humanity.

Here Is The Full Press Statement By Peter Black:

Happy birthday to my dear brother
Our dear 002, Engineer Mathew Tonlagha, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FENOG NIGERIA LIMITED (FNL) and Chairman/CEO, MATHON ENGINEERING LIMITED today, February 8th, 2025, I celebrate not only your special day but also the incredible contributions you have made to our country, Nigeria.

I also celebrate the visionary leadership qualities that have defined your personality.

Your dedication and unreserved commitment to national development as evidenced by your strategic partnership with critical stakeholders to put our country, Nigeria, on the path of sustainable economic advancement, is exemplary.

I am thankful for the love, kindness and generosity you brought to humanity.

As your friend and brother, I am seizing this occasion to wish you more years of robust health, happiness and greater accomplishment in the service to humanity.

May the Almighty God continue be with you in all days of your life.

Happy birthday to a rare gem.

Congratulations, once again, my dear brother.

God bless you the more.

SIGNED: MR. PETER OMOH DUNIA (PETER BLACK)