Reps search Customs’ assist on Act modification

The Home of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has sought the assist of customs officers for the continuing modification of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023.

Chairman of the Committee Leke Abejide confirmed this on Thursday throughout an oversight go to to the Murtala Muhammed Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He clarified that the media misquoted the committee, claiming they proposed a four-year tenure for the Comptroller-Basic of Customs. He mentioned that was unfaithful.

Abejide defined that through the ninth Meeting, they proposed that the President appoint a profession officer, not under Assistant Comptroller-Basic, for 4 years.

He mentioned customs officers modified the proposal, stating it contradicted civil service guidelines, which led to its exclusion from the ultimate model.

He added that the Police Service retained their modification, which the President finally signed into legislation with out situation.

Abejide confirmed that the committee would revisit and reintroduce the availability into the present modification of the act.

He famous that appointing an Assistant Comptroller as Comptroller-Basic may pressure senior officers to retire, creating pointless exits from the service.

He burdened the necessity for modification, saying an officer appointed at present however retiring tomorrow would nonetheless serve a full four-year time period.

He referred to as for customs officers’ assist to assist the committee meet its aims and align customs practices with different paramilitary businesses.

Abejide said the continuing assessment was constitutional, including that Part 18, Subsection 89, empowers the Home to confirm customs data.

He mentioned Mr Michael Awe’s tenure was prolonged by the President for one yr, primarily based on efficiency and nomination from the South-West.

In his remarks, Awe, who’s the Space Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Command, mentioned the command generated N181 billion in 2024, up from N90.3 billion in 2023.

He reported a income of N45.7 billion in Q1 2025, barely increased than N45.2 billion generated in the identical interval of 2024.

Awe highlighted main anti-smuggling achievements in 2024, together with a number of important seizures throughout a number of classes.

Seized objects included Tramadol Hydrochloride (250mg & 225mg), 50 rounds of 9mm dwell ammunition, and numerous navy gear and gear.

Different objects included drone packages, Canadian Hashish sativa, dried sea cucumber, and dried donkey genitals.

Awe described the 2024 seizure of 55 Jojef Tomahawk Semi-Automated shotguns because the yr’s most notable.