ZAINAB JUNAID
Just as the Publisher, Maritime Watch Newspaper, Prince Shola Mekusi celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the paper in style with award conferment to outstanding Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Officers and unveiling of new edition, friends and well wishers lauded the contribution of the paper to the industry with balanced reportage.
Speaking at the auspicious occasion held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Saturday 21 September 2024, Mr Salu Olakunle Ibraheem, Chairman Brasol International Agency Limited applauded the publisher’s commitment to continuity amidst economic challenges.
Represented by Olufemi Kayode, SA on Special Duties, Association of Nigeria License Customs Agents (ANLCA), Murtala Muhammed Airport Chapter, Salu appreciated the publisher’s contribution, and commitment so far with good reportage and urged him not to relent efforts come what may.
Speaking on the theme of the event- arms smuggling and the security challenge in Nigeria: The role of Nigeria Customs Service, Salu emphasized on the need for more concentration on capacity building to enhance legitimate trade facilitation.
He said, continuous training and retraining of all agents by the Nigeria Customs Service will alleviate smuggling of prohibited items. “When we learn, relearn and unlearn especially on all items prohibited for exports and imports, there will be change in attitude of people, though smuggling cannot be totally eradicated but can be curbed.
“Knowing human beings are complex and dynamic in nature, risk assessment Should be put in place, to keep developing different approach to measures,” he said.
Also speaking, Narcotic Commander of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at TinCan Port Command, ably represented by Deputy Commander, Commandant Peter Mbasi Phd, saluted the synergy between security agencies in the fight against smuggling activities in the Country.
He made reference to the recent seizures made in Collaboration with KLT Customs of 51.25kg Cannabis Indica, which was concealed in a container, and further enjoined all economic Saboteurs to embrace legitimate trade and stop all forms of illegal trading.
Meanwhile, in his welcome address, Prince Shola Mekusi expressed appreciation to all Stakeholders present at the event and harped on the need for Government to address the issue of advert placement by government agencies within the industry.
He said, “As usual with businesses in Nigeria, Our paper had its own fair share of challenges in the last 23 years of operations. In all the challenges, the most daunting has been the ban on placement of adverts by Federal Government agencies since the year 2023. This has had a very adverse effect on our efforts at effectively and efficiently reporting the very strategic sector in Nigeria. I therefore want to use this opportunity to call on the government as a matter of urgency, revisit the issue and lift the embargo on placement of adverts by the relevant agencies within the sector as this will go a long way to assist in the overall mission of repositioning the sector under the present dispensation”.
The event, which was graced by families and well wishers, also have members of Great Ambassador well represented, the association, which the Publisher belongs.
Mr Adeleke Idowu, Vice Chairman of the Great ambassador, in his goodwill message commended Prince Mekusi for his efforts and success of the event.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of award to Customs Officers ranging from Comptroller Ejibunu, DC Atuluku, CSC Adekunle and AC Madugu for their immense contributions to the development of the industry and Nigeria as a whole and also the unveiling of the special edition of the paper.
Representative of Narcotic Commander, Peter Mbasi Phd, giving out Maritime watch merit award to CSC Adekunle Gideon Olasukanmi
Mr Olufemi Kayode (sitting) with some of the awardees DC Atuluku, AC Madugu, CSC Adekunle and Commandant Peter at the event on Saturday, 21 September 2024
