The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd.), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who passed away at the age of 82.

In a condolence message issued on Friday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, conveyed FEC’s sympathies through a statement signed by Mr. Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF’s office.

The late General Useni, who also served as Minister of Transport during the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, was praised for his pivotal role in implementing the FCT’s master plan during its formative years.

“Late General Useni served the nation meritoriously in the implementation of the master-plan of the FCT during its budding stage,” Akume said.

Describing Useni as a “quintessential army general,” the SGF lauded his selfless contributions to promoting peace and unity in Nigeria, noting that his sacrifices would remain indelible. He urged younger military officers to emulate Useni’s outstanding legacy.

Akume also highlighted Useni’s transition into politics, where he served as a Senator of the Federal Republic under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

The SGF commiserated with the Government and people of Plateau State, Useni’s family, and associates, praying for divine comfort and eternal rest for the departed.

Useni’s demise marks the end of an era for a distinguished soldier, statesman, and patriot whose dedication to the nation remains a shining example.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic milestone, collecting a record ₦6.1 trillion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its ₦5.1 trillion target by ₦1.03 trillion. This represents a 20.2% increase above the target and an impressive 90.4% rise from the ₦3.2 trillion collected in 2023.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on January 14, 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, attributed the remarkable performance to strategic reforms, enhanced operational efficiency, and strong alignment with government policy objectives. “This growth is historic as it marks the highest year-on-year increase recorded by the Service in recent times,” he noted.

The record-breaking revenue is segmented into ₦3.66 trillion for the Federation Account, ₦816.9 billion for Non-Federation Account Levies, and ₦1.63 trillion in Value Added Tax (VAT) on imports.

Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s effort to balance revenue collection with trade facilitation, granting concessions worth ₦1.68 trillion to stimulate industrial growth while tightening controls to prevent abuses.

The Service also achieved remarkable progress in trade facilitation, recording a 179.3% increase in total trade value to ₦196.94 trillion in 2024, compared to ₦70.5 trillion in 2023. This growth was driven by a surge in the export trade, which saw a 219.5% increase in value to ₦136.65 trillion.

Significant advancements were made in customs operations, including the introduction of the Advanced Ruling System and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. The latter has reduced cargo clearance times to an average of 43 hours for AEO-certified companies. Additionally, the indigenously developed digital clearance platform, “B’Odogwu,” generated ₦31 billion in revenue during its pilot phase.

In 2024, the NCS received international acclaim, advancing 33 places in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings and being recognised among the top five agencies for trade facilitation. Strategic partnerships, such as with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, have streamlined the clearance of medical supplies, aligning with the federal government’s health accessibility goals.

The Service’s trade facilitation efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) have also bolstered the participation of Nigerian exporters in global markets, with notable representation at the Biashara Afrika forum in Kigali.

Adeniyi attributed these achievements to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the dedication of NCS officers. He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to leveraging technology, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing operational efficiency to sustain growth.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led a distinguished delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and the diplomatic corps, to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

The solemn occasion, held at the National Arcade in Abuja, featured a wreath-laying ceremony marking the climax of the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

Vice President Shettima was the first to lay a wreath, followed by Senate President Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu (representing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas), and Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.

Other participants in the ceremony included Minister of Defence Muhammed Badaru, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and service chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also joined in paying respects.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion, and widows of fallen soldiers, led by Veronica Aluko, President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), also laid wreaths to honour the heroes.

A traditional military salute followed, with the firing of three volleys, a symbolic act rooted in the age-old battlefield custom of pausing hostilities to retrieve the fallen.

The Vice President capped the event by signing the anniversary register and releasing ceremonial white pigeons, symbolizing peace and freedom.

The week-long celebration began on January 10 with a Jumma’at prayer at the National Mosque, followed by an interdenominational Christian service on January 12. Other highlights included a social and awards evening for military personnel, a regimental dinner and awards night for officers, and a lecture and art exhibition hosted by Defence Headquarters.

This year, the celebration, renamed Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, aims to honour both fallen heroes and serving personnel for their dedication to national peace and security.

Observed annually on January 15 in Nigeria, the day commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in global conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations. It also serves as a platform to honour veterans and garner support for the families of the fallen.

As Vice President Shettima noted during the event, “Their sacrifices remind us of the cost of freedom and the unwavering commitment required to preserve our nation’s unity and peace.”