FG to upgrade Customs equipment to increase efficiency

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has restated the commitment of the current administration to empower the Nigerian Customs Service to enhance its performance and increase revenue generation.

The Minister made this pledge during a one-day inspection of Customs facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at the weekend.

Adeosun, who was accompanied by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hammed Alli, lamented that one of the reasons for the consistent drop in revenue collected by Customs is the use of out-dated equipment.

She also faulted the absence of modern container scanning equipment at the nation’s airports, seaports and land borders, explaining that one of the major means of detecting contraband goods at these borders is through the deployment of container scanners.

She reiterated the determination of the current administration to boost revenue through the provision of enabling tools and equipment that will aid the various revenue agencies.

According to her, the use of obsolete equipment negatively impacts revenue collected by the agency and promotes inefficiency.

She therefore pledged that the Federal Government would as a matter of priority ensure that all the out-dated equipment being used by Customs in the discharge of their duties at the nation’s airports is overhauled. Government, she said, would ensure the provision of modern equipment, in line with international best practices.

She said scanners and other equipment would be procured to enhance the operations of Customs.

The Minister said the new equipment would promote trade facilitation and increase the revenue generating capacity of Customs.

In his remarks, Col Alli said the equipment needed for the nation’s international airports would cost N20 Billion. He said the Customs Command will soon meet with the minister to discuss the funding requirement of Customs in detail and he expressed confidence that with the support of the minister, the problem will soon be fixed. He said the new equipment would streamline the work of officers and boost the efficiency of collections.

Edo community celebrate Dangote’s investment

……youth pledge support

His Royal Majesty, Okuokphellagbe of Okpella Kingdom, Alhaji Yusuf Dirisu, members of his cabinet and youths of the community have reassured the African Cement giant, Dangote Cement of their unrelenting support at a community forum.

Dirisu who gave this assurance in Okpella on Saturday noted that Dangte’s investment in Okpella community was a good news.

He said, “The purpose of this gathering today is to create an opportunity for the world to see the Okpella community reacting and appreciating the good news from Dangote Group stating their interest to establish a cement factory in Okpella. We want to say that the news reached us with joy and this is why we are here today to appreciate him for that decision.

We want to tell the world that Dangote Group is very much welcome to Okpella community to do his business and to say that every support that he will be needing from time to time, he will be getting it.

The Secretary to the Okpella traditional council‎, High Chief Richard Aruwe David described Dangote’s investment as a blessing to the community.

He stated; “You can see the expression of love, interest and enthusiasm written on the faces of the people of Okpella welcoming you to the Okpella community because the people love development. The people are genuinely asking for more industries to be established in the kingdom and we believe that as a people, the decision of Dangote to invest in Okpella will be a thing of blessing to this community and we also believe that as one of Africa’s richest investor, his decision to come to Okpella is well placed and as the traditional ruler has said, he will not be disappointed investing in our community.

“The oracle of this kingdom has spoken and this is the decision of the Okpella people. We want to assure you of solidarity for what he has said and the entire people of the kingdom are earnestly waiting for Dangote. If there is anything more than 100 per cent, we are solidly behind your investment in the community.

“We know that this decision will bring about infrastructural development to this community and we also believe that there will be employment opportunities for our youths and many others. Our people will occupy managerial opportunities in your company. We beleive our people will not only be employed at the construction stage but managers of your investment. We have heard stories of Dangote’s investment attracting developments like roads, electricity and so on, this is what we also expect from his investment in our community.

Mr Kadiri Christopher, the leader of Okpella Youth said that history has been made today particularly on the side of the youths, stressing that there were uncertainties about Dangote investing in the community.

He stressed; “Today, the youths are simply saying we are  behind Dangote 100 per cent. We are not cursed people, we want development in our community. The beauty of this life is not what you have but the ability of putting smile on the faces of people. See the way he has brought smile to the faces of people in the community. I am telling you today that the whole of Okpella both old and young are in full support of his investment.

“The traditional ruler promised us that before he passes on, he would do something wonderful for the community and today we have witnessed it. By the grace of God the entire people of the community are saying Dangote is welcome.”

The fomer Chairman of Elsako East Local Govt, Mr. Godwin Eshieshie assured Dangote of peace and concord in the community, stressing that here will be no security threat to Dangote anytime he comes.

He said; “Take the message back that there is no threat of any nature to hinder Dangote’s investment in our community. Okpella is more than too glad for this kind of investment because we know Dangote is an international investor and the number one in Africa and we hope to see him soon.”