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Customs boss unveils $3.2bn e-system to end manual operations

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Customs boss unveils $3.2bn e-system to end manual operations

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, retired Col. Hameed Ali on Thursday inaugurated a $3.2 billion modernisation project to end manual operations.

During the inauguration of the Project Management Office in Abuja, Ali expressed his delight at the project, which aimed to fully automate the NCS.

He explained that the project was established to improve the processes of the service and eliminate corruption. The project was handled by Trade Modernisation Project Limited.

“Today we are witnessing the state of the art technology.

“So, it is with pride that we reflect on the journey we embarked upon since 2015,” he said.

Ali stated that the NCS chose automation because it has numerous benefits, including driving efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness.

The project would enable the NCS to adapt to changing market dynamics, automate operations, and unlock revenue to contribute to the economic growth and well-being of Nigerians.

Despite the challenges encountered in actualizing the project, the comptroller-general said that they persevered.

He said “The inauguration is a celebration of NCS ‘ determination, resilience and foresight.

“Every step that has been taken has been a testament to our commitment to embracing the power of digitisation.”

On concerns that adopting the technology would reduce the use of manpower, Ali said such an assertion was unfounded.

Ali mentioned that the modernization of the NCS would enable the service to recruit more personnel. He explained that the project would require a lot of manpower to cover the borders effectively and ensure the security of the people. He emphasised the need to be in line with global practices.

Chairman, TMPL, Mr Saleh Ahmadu, stated the project would “invest $3.2 billion over a 20 year period.

He mentioned that the investment would generate over $200 billion in revenue. He explained that the financing for the first stage of the project was $300 million, which was secured through financial partners. Additionally, there was a cash-backed $9 million performance fund.

Ahmadu stated that capacity building was one of the priorities of the project, and a substantial part of the project would be invested in building the capacity of staff.

According to NAN, the e-customs project was approved by the Federal Executive Council on April 20, and it was to be implemented by Bergman Securities Consultant and Suppliers Limited as the project sponsor.

Africa Finance Corporation and UFC would serve as the lead financiers, while Huawei Technologies would be trained as the lead technical service provider.

The concessionaire had provided the government with $9 million (N4.135 billion) in security for the satisfactory performance of the project. The concessionaire had also executed the depth facility tensions of $300 million (N138 billion) to finance the first phase of the project.

The former minister explained that the revenue-sharing arrangement was 45 per cent of accruals to the comprehensive input service scheme going to the concessionaire and 55 per cent going to the Federal Government.

Five per cent of what accrues goes to the Nigerian Responsible Action Scheme and 75 per cent to the Federal Government.

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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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