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US Department of Justice, NCC Clinch Merit Awards on International Customs Day
As Nigeria joined the world in marking the International Customs Day, on 26 January 2020, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has been honoured with a Merit Award by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) “for rendering exceptional service to the international Customs community”.
The WCO, on the occasion, also honoured two other Government Agencies, the United States Department of Justice (USDoJ) and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd), presented the awards respectively to the Director-General of NCC, Mr. John O. Asein; Director-General of NBMA, Mr. Rufus Ebegba and the Legal Advisor, USDoJ Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) in the US Mission, Nigeria, Mrs Bisi Olabanji. This was at a special ceremony organised in commemoration of the International Customs Day in Abuja on 27th January 2020.
The Comptroller-General stated that this year’s theme: “Customs Fostering Sustainability for People, Prosperity and Planet” chosen by the WCO focused on the contributions of Customs and allied development partners “towards sustainable future where social, economic, health and environmental needs of our people are brought to bear on Customs operations”.
He noted that a total of 19 Customs officers, Government Agencies and private organisations that have shown commitment and distinguished themselves towards the actualisation of the theme were recognised and accorded the prestigious WCO Merit Award.
According to the Comptroller-General, the NCS has contributed immensely and would continue to contribute towards the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the guidelines of the WCO in the areas of poverty reduction, food security, good health, climatic action, industrial innovation and infrastructure, as well as overall wellbeing of life on land and water.
He assured that the NCS remained passionate in the discharge of its mandates, in the protection of national security and economy, adding that this has resulted in the collection of a historic N1.3 trillion revenue, exceeding the N937 billion target set by the Federal Government for 2019.
He listed other achievements of the Service as the seizure of prohibited articles of trade comprising food, counterfeit and other items harmful to the environment; the interception of the illicit cash flows through our airports and trade in endangered species and contributions towards Nigeria’s new ranking in the World Bank’s ease of doing business by facilitating speedy release of goods to compliant traders.
Receiving the award on behalf of NCC and the entire creative industry, the DG of Nigerian Copyright Commission, commended the efforts of the NCS towards the growth of the creative sector through monitoring of the country’s borders to check the influx of pirated works to the country.
Mr. Asein noted that the celebration of Nigeria today all over the world was due to its abundant talents and high level of creativity and therefore thanked the Comptroller General for the collaboration with the NCS in the protection of the intellectual property rights of authors.
The Director-General described the NCS as the linchpin of Nigeria’s economy and a bastion of development for the IP sector and called for enhanced collaboration to boost the fight against IP thefts across the nation’s borders.
In his congratulatory message to the NCS, the Director General noted that this year’s theme “is an affirmation of the critical role of customs administrations in guaranteeing the sustainable growth of any nation, its people and economy, while helping to preserve the future of our planet.
It is also a reminder of the enormous contributions of customs authorities all over the world to our social, economic, health and environmental well-being.”
Mr. Asein remarked, “The creative sector in Nigeria, including the book, music, visual art, film, broadcast, and other dependent industries have benefited from the intervention of the Nigeria Customs Service in checking the importation of pirated materials that are injurious to legitimate trade and the prosperity of that sector.”
He lauded the NCS for working closely with the NCC on various anti-piracy strategies adding that the synergy has helped to strengthen copyright enforcement in Nigeria. “The joint operations of both agencies, have led to the removal of over 9million assorted pirated copyright works with estimated market value of over N10Billion’, he stated.
Mr. Asein saluted the Comptroller General of Customs for his able leadership and commended the gallant officers and men of the Service who often go beyond the call of duty to ensure that our border posts are safe from pirated works.
In addition to seven distinguished high-ranking Customs officers that clinched the awards of excellence this year, the commands and units of NSC that received the WCO Merit Awards were the Tin Can Island Port (TCIP), Apapa, Lagos; ICT Unit; Intellectual Property Rights Unit (IPRU); Federal Operations Unit, Zone A; and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Awardees from private sector organisations were Don Climax Logistics and Agency, Clarion Logistics, Nigerian Breweries Plc and DHL Courier Services.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggages
Michael Achimugu, director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos.
Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The NCAA said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
eTranzact International Plc has called for increased adoption of digital payment solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying access to technology is critical to improving business efficiency, financial inclusion and growth.
The company also said it was deepening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand digital access and financial literacy among small businesses across the country.
In a statement, the Divisional Head, Merchant Services, eTranzact, Mrs. Abimbola Reis, stated this at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement in Lagos recently, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs Leveraging on Fintech Innovation.”
Reis described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector comprises almost 40 million businesses and contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation.
However, she said many businesses continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inefficient payment systems, weak financial reporting, cash-flow constraints and inadequate access to digital platforms.
She added that trust concerns also affect businesses’ ability to access finance, while heavy reliance on cash increases exposure to theft and makes payment reconciliation more difficult.
Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Prof. Yinka Fisher said the town hall was aimed at generating practical ideas and solutions that would support the growth and expansion of MSMEs.
“The essence of this engagement is to share ideas and concepts that will help MSMEs thrive and expand. Our partnership with eTranzact is about expanding the frontiers of MSMEs and ensuring they continue to grow,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Praise Adedigba said businesses could no longer depend solely on hard work to remain competitive.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
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