Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has reiterated the importance of collaboration and synergy among security agencies in the country. 

He emphasized that national security should be the top priority of all security agencies and that achieving a safe and prosperous nation requires a collective effort.

Comptroller Onyeka made this statement while receiving, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Badagry, Navy Captain Omotayo Busuyi Oyeleye, in his office. 

He noted that beyond the core functions of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling activities, the Tin Can Island Port Command aims to build a strong and formidable synergy with all security agencies.

This synergy, according to Comptroller Onyeka, is crucial in deterring criminal elements from perpetuating their nefarious activities through the seaport. He described such actions as detrimental to national development and emphasized the need for a collective effort to prevent them.

The Controller also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in providing adequate maritime security against sea robberies. 

He praised the Navy’s commitment to securing the nation’s waterways and expressed his appreciation for their collaboration with the Customs Service.

In his response, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Navy Captain Omotayo Busuyi Oyeleye, praised the Nigeria Customs Service for always rising to the occasion of joint patrol. He disclosed that the input of the Customs Service has always been pivotal to the success of joint operations.

In a related development, Comptroller Onyeka paid a familiarization visit to the Controllers of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, PTML and Tincan Island Commands. During the visit, which was held at the Quarantine office in Tincan, he reassured the agency of continued collaboration and expressed his commitment to integrating the Quarantine Service into the Command’s activities for better synergy.

The visit was seen as a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the Customs Service and other security agencies. It demonstrated Comptroller Onyeka’s commitment to building a strong and effective security network that can address the complex security challenges facing the nation.

As the Customs Area Controller continues to reinforce ties with sister agencies, it is clear that national security remains his top priority. His efforts to build a strong and formidable synergy among security agencies are a testament to his commitment to securing the nation and promoting economic development.

…As Adeniyi Champions Ramadan Values, urging Customs personnel to elevate Community Spirit

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, observed that fasting offers a unique opportunity to develop a more profound sense of empathy, particularly for the less privileged, as he underscored the significance of piety, self-discipline, and devotion.

The CGC made the observation, as he called on officers and stakeholders to embrace the spirit of Service, discipline, and charity, noting them as essential ingredients of values to be nurtured, during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond.

Speaking Wednesday, 19 March 2025, during the grand Iftar organised by Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited held at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Adeniyi also stressed that Charity teaches on the importance of caring for the less privileged.

“For the second or third time in a row, we are witnessing Ramadan running simultaneously with the Lent period. What this means is that, at one time, all of us are experiencing the discipline of giving up food and drink, helping us understand the struggles of those who lack basic needs”

“Charity teaches us to care for the less privileged. Beyond personal devotion and the discipline we cultivate during this period, fasting allows us to experience, even if briefly, what those who cannot afford to eat go through daily,” he said.

The event which was attended by hundreds of senior and junior officers and stakeholders from various organisations, provided a platform for reflecting on Ramadan’s lessons and the importance of giving back to the community.

He highlighted the unique spiritual alignment between Ramadan and Lent, stating that the simultaneous observance of both fasting periods by Muslims and Christians presents a unified experience of sacrifice and reflection.

“For the second or third time in a row, we are witnessing Ramadan running simultaneously with the Lent period. What this means is that, at one time, all of us are experiencing the discipline of giving up food and drink, helping us understand the struggles of those who lack basic needs. Therefore, this is a period to think about our communities and obligations to those around us,” CGC Adeniyi noted.

He linked this principle of selflessness and service to the Nigeria Customs Service’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, “Customs Cares,” which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, and social investments.

“What we are doing today is a stepping stone for what we have chosen to do — the launch of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. In the true spirit of Ramadan and Lent, I urge all of us to embrace service to humanity as a guiding principle, as it epitomises who we are as an organisation,” he added.

“Our duty goes beyond enforcing trade laws; we also have an obligation to serve our community. Let us embody this spirit not only during Ramadan and Lent but as a defining part of our daily work”

Reinforcing the Customs Service’s dual mandate of national duty and social responsibility, Adeniyi reminded officers that their commitment to public service extends beyond revenue collection and border security to uplift the communities in which they operate.

“We are described as a Service—the Nigeria Customs Service. Our duty goes beyond enforcing trade laws; we also have an obligation to serve our community. Let us embody this spirit not only during Ramadan and Lent but as a defining part of our daily work,” he urged.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chairman TMP and his team for organising the event and commended the serene atmosphere created for the Iftar.

The CGC prayed for divine blessings, peace, and prosperity for Nigeria and wished all officers and stakeholders to witness many more Ramadan seasons in good health.

“May Almighty Allah grant us the opportunity to witness many more Ramadan seasons in our lives. We pray for a better Nigeria and that our acts of service will contribute to a more compassionate and united nation,” he concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of TMP, Saleh Ahmadu, appreciated the gathering for honoring the invitation and prayed that God Almighty would reward each and every person abundantly.

…Enhancing Affordability and Convenience

West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, continues to redefine affordability and convenience in international travel, particularly for students pursuing higher education abroad.

 In a commitment to making air travel more accessible, the airline is extending its exclusive 15% student discount on economy-class tickets for flights between Nigeria and London, ensuring students can fly at reduced fares while enjoying world-class service.

This offer presents an excellent opportunity for parents and students preparing for the summer return from school to Nigeria.

 By leveraging this discount, students enrolled in full-time educational programs at accredited institutions in the UK, Europe, USA, and Canada can enjoy significant savings on their travels.

 The fare remains one of the most competitive in the market, allowing families to manage travel expenses more efficiently.

The Maritime First learnt that to qualify for the student discount, applicants must be 25 years old or younger and provide essential documents, including a valid student ID, a student visa, and an enrollment verification letter. 

The discounted tickets, available for booking through Air Peace’s official website, remain valid for one year from the date of travel and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

 Students can initiate their ticket request by submitting their passport data page and required documents via the airline’s designated platform, accessible through the ‘student discount’ section of the website.

Beyond student travellers, Air Peace is also rewarding other passengers with an ongoing promotional offer that allows travellers to earn over ₦600,000 in savings when they connect any of Air Peace’s major domestic destinations to London. 

As an added benefit, passengers on this route are entitled to one extra piece of free luggage, enhancing convenience for those travelling with more baggage.

 The airline continues to set the bar high with bespoke in-flight service, featuring premium comfort and a selection of continental meals tailored to meet diverse tastes.

This special promo runs until March 31, 2025, with an extended travel period until April 15, 2025. As Air Peace remains committed to redefining air travel with affordability, comfort, and seamless connectivity, passengers are encouraged to take full advantage of these exclusive offers while they last.