Customs Collect N1tn Revenue in Six Months James Emejo in Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it collected over N1 trillion between January and June 2021 as revenue for the federation. This represented an increase
of N290. 20 billion compared to the N713.54 billion it recorded within the same period last year. The Customs Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Joseph Attah, while addressing journalists in Abuja, said:
"Hitting the trillion-naira mark within six months is unprecedented in the service". He attributed the feat to the resolute pursuit of "what is right and willingness to adapt to changes brought about by the global health challenges
occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.” He said the agency's revenue profile had continued to be on the increase due to ongoing reforms, which exploited the potential of technology. He stated that the agency
will always be willing to break its records and to generate more revenue above the target under a favourable environment. On its enforcement duties, Attah said the agency seized a total number of 2,333 assorted
items, with duty paid value of N4.42 billion. He listed the items to include arms and ammunition, illicit drugs, and food items such as rice, vegetable oil, among Continued on page 41
Sirika: Air Passengers Entitled to Refunds on Delayed Flights... Page 8 Friday 9 July, 2021 Vol 26. No 9587. Price: N250
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AbdulsalamiWarns Politicians,Says Defections InducingViolence,Crisis Rising conflict may truncate Nigeria's democracy in 2023, says UK Seeks urgent reforms in army, police Chuks Okocha in Abuja A former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami
Abubakar (rtd), yesterday cautioned against the frequent defections by politicians, saying it is
causing violence, crisis that overheat the polity. Abdulsalami, at the launch of the Peace and Inclusive
Security Initiative by the 36 states governors yesterday in Abuja, warned against the frequent defections by
politicians from one political party to another. He spoke against the backdrop of political
realignment by politicians ahead of the 2023 general Continued on page 42
Oba of Benin, Obaseki Set for Showdown over Looted Artefacts FG demands unconditional repatriation from Germany Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Except a compromise is reached, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, are heading for a showdown over the impending return by Germany and the United Kingdom of artefacts stolen from the Benin Palace in 1897 during a raid by the colonial invaders. While the monarch favours the return of the artefacts to a museum to be built by the palace within its premises, or in the alternative, a museum to be built and managed by the federal and state governments, the palace believes the governor prefers a private trust to take custody of, and manage the ancient precious artworks. However, Obaseki told THISDAY that he was working on a tripartite arrangement,
involving the federal and state governments, the Oba of Benin and a private trust that would manage the artefacts on behalf of the palace and the people. “I intend to work with the Oba of Benin in an arrangement that would be led by the federal government,” he told THISDAY, accusing a palace chief, Elemai Oseni, of misinforming the revered monarch about his plans. He said he would straighten out things with the monarch on his return from Germany, where he and the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, are currently negotiating and insisting on unconditional repatriation of the artefacts. Notwithstanding, the brewing quarrel in Benin may become public knowledge today as Oba Ewuare II Continued on page 41
PDP Releases Timetable for Congresses in Lagos, Eight Others... Page5
NIGERIA WITHOUT OIL... Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Malam Mele Kyari (left), and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Segun Awolowo, during Kyari's visit to the Export House in Abuja…recently