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Customs Sets To Launch Analytical Laboratory To Mitigate Smuggling Activities
By Ebriku John Friday
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, says the Service has made all arrangements to launch Customs Analytical Laboratory, a critical measure set to enhance NCS’s capacity to detect and prevent smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other illicit activities at the ports.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi, who made this known on Wednesday, 3 April 2024, during a media briefing at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja, said the initiative will take effect between the second quarter and third quarter of the year 2024.
Speaking further about the laboratory, the CGC described it as a specialised facility that is equipped with advanced analytical instruments and techniques for the scientific analysis of goods and materials.
He said, “Its primary objective is to ensure compliance with Customs regulations by providing accurate and reliable testing and analysis of imported and exported goods.”
According to him, the project is also designed to determine the authenticity, composition, quality, and safety of goods, including testing for chemical composition, product integrity, and adherence to regulatory standards – through various technological-based tests.
CGC Adeniyi stated that “leveraging state-of-the-art technology and expertise, aided by the Customs Analytical Laboratory, is expected to enhance NCS’s capacity to detect and prevent smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other illicit activities, thereby safeguarding public health, safety, and economic interests.”
He also expressed confidence that the initiative will pave ways to achieve trade facilitation by expediting the clearance process for compliant traders and promoting confidence in the integrity of the customs system.
Speaking on the export front, CGC Adeniyi said the Service had, in March 2024, initiated discussions with the leadership of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in the First Quarter to explore avenues for sustaining the positive growth in export transactions.
“A dedicated technical committee has been established to address specific areas of concern and enhance export facilitation. This proactive measure aligns with the President’s agenda to promote export trade, diversify the economy, and generate foreign exchange from non-oil exports.” He added.
He said, “Furthermore, it aims to prepare Nigeria for the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on April 30, 2024, through guided trade initiatives. The NCS remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to ensure the success of these initiatives and contribute to the nation’s economic development and integration into the global market.”
“The NCS is aware of the challenges faced by members of the public, particularly regarding the verification of customs documents. In response, we have initiated measures to provide accessible application gateways for the public to verify relevant customs documents, such as duty payments on vehicles, at their convenience.” Added the CGC.
“It is important to highlight that the reforms discussed are part of the President’s ongoing efforts to enhance port operations. A recent development is the plan to introduce a Single Window system, spearheaded by the Minister of Finance.”
He, however, revealed that the steering committee responsible for implementing the Single Window System will soon be inaugurated.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
