Connect with us

News

We Can’t Stabilise Naira if smuggling goes unchecked – FG admits

Published

on

By Mario Deepromoter

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mal. Nuhu Ribadu has decried the rising trend of smuggling of petroleum products outside the country, adding that instability in the foreign exchange market will continue if it is not tackled.

Ribadu made the disclosure in Abuja on Monday at a stakeholder engagement on operation Whirlwind hosted by Nigeria Customs, which is targeted at tackling smuggling of petroleum products outside the country.

He said, “We have been suffering due to smuggling, and if we want to address our economic problems, smuggling has to stop. It is difficult because it is like cancer and eats up everything. It destroys us and even our security forces because of the very few individuals making profit from it and half of them are not even Nigerians.

Advertisement

“I don’t think there is any country that suffers from smuggling like Nigeria and we have to address it now because with they trouble we are going through, we can’t stabilize Naira and if we can’t stabilize Naira, then we are in trouble.”

The NSA further revealed that his office will provide the necessary support needed for the Customs Service and other security agencies to tackle the current issue.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu stated that the programme started on May 28 2024 and officers of the Service swung into action in collaborating with NMDPR to assist with the implementing the assignment.

Speaking further, he said, “From May till date, the Customs has made about 27 seizures and detected smuggling networks in Badagry and Adamawa.

Advertisement

Other activities have also improved border security and we have succeeded in ensuring fuel smuggling is reduced. Our collaboration with NMDPRA has also been critical and germane. So far, we have seized 500,000 litres of PMS with 7 trucks amounting to 475m.

“The seizures were done in Kebbi, Sokoto, Lagos and Adamawa. We have opened other axis in Kwara, Niger, Katsina and Kano. Because of this work, most of our officers are on death threats including myself and they sent us messages to desist from fighting, but we won’t relate because we ought to fight and ensure survival of Nigeria,” he stated.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi stated that the stakeholders’ engagement was to nip smuggling in the bud.

“We won’t spare any effort in combating the menace and this explains why we launched Operations Whirlwind and we have made some progress.

Advertisement

“However, we need funding because we spend about N230 million monthly to sustain the operation and because it is not in our budget it is not sustainable and Customs may not be able to drive it alone. As such, we will need funding collaboration and we intend to sustain it till the end of the year,” he added.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Video: Watch moment Senator Manu tasks NAFDAC officials on poor budget presentation

Published

on

The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.

In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.

He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.

Watch video below:

Advertisement

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Why I returned N100m excess fund to Kano Govt Commissioner

Published

on

The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.

The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.

He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.

He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.

Advertisement

“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”

The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.

The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Nigerian Online Population Shows Strong Enthusiasm for AI – Report

Published

on

A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.

The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).

According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.

Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”

Advertisement

The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.

Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.

According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.

This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.

Advertisement

The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:

“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:

“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.

The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.

Advertisement

Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News