News
Tinubu One Year In Office: Jacob Idinye Salutes Customs Under Wale Adeniyi For Putting A Stop To Killings Of Smugglers In Villages, Other Flashpoint*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
High Chief Egietseme Idinye has commended the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) for putting a stop to killing of smugglers in villages, border towns and other flashpoint adding that the CG strongly believes in sanctity of life in the overall interest of the country and that of the citizenry.
He also praised the CG for signing various agreements, including Chinese partnership with Nigeria in export and import and paying attention to retired officers, as well as training and retraining of officers in the country.
Idinye further applauded the CG for inaugurating a tactical team, “Operation Whirlwind”, aimed at combating smuggling of petroleum products to the neighboring countries and other act of economic sabotage in the country.
According to Idinye the numerous breakthroughs recorded by the CG of Customs were parts of the success stories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON in commemoration of his one year anniversary in office.
He further expressed satisfaction with Adeniyi’s initiatives, emphasizing its positive impact on stakeholders. He highlighted the innovative interventions in the Service, noting that it has been returned to capable hands well-versed in the system’s nuances, trade facilitation, dedication, revenue generation and dedication to officers’ career progression.
Speaking at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja on Sunday, Idinye remarked, “The Comptroller-General’s numerous milestones are quite commendable and they are reflections of a stronger commitment and patriotism to rid Nigeria of economic sabotage and other related nefarious activities. I have said it before, Mr. Wale Adeniyi’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu was a round peg in a round hole. He has signed various agreements including Chinese partnership with Nigeria in export and import.”
Foreseeing a notable improvement in the Nigerian maritime sub-sector, Idinye also credited the recent upward positive surge in the Service’s revenue to the strategic leadership of Adeniyi, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s astute selection.
While speaking specifically about the benefits of “Operation Whirlwind”, Idinye stressed that it will increase operational efficiency and ultimately minimize smuggling activities, and heighten morale among personnel under Adeniyi’s leadership. Idinye also appealed to the National Assembly to continue supporting revenue-generating organizations like Customs.
He added that Adeniyi’s zest for excellence will help to protect Nigeria’s economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity in fighting those who don’t wish the country well socio-economically. He wishes the new team well as they prepare to embark on their mission and vision to serve and protect their fatherland.
The Etsako High Chief also hailed the Nigeria Customs Service for flagging off a sensitisation programme with Songhai Health Trust to sensitise officers on the benefits of accessing the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“This is a way of providing quality health care services to officers that are affordable and stress-free. It is an insurance program that when officers key into it they will have no course to regret it. The new leadership of NCS is leaving no stone unturned to improve on the welfare of its officers by all standards.” Idinye stated
He further saluted the team of medical units of the NCS for going around different zones, commands, and other customs formations to sensitise officers on the scheme’s benefits.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
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