But for the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), that FIRS-France handshake carries a heavy weight: the potential compromise of Nigeria’s digital sovereignty.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to modernize Nigeria’s tax administration through technical assistance and capacity building.

While the FIRS insists that no foreign entity will have access to taxpayer data or infrastructure, the professional ICT community is sounding an alarm about the “hidden costs” of international digital partnerships.

The Transparency Gap

A primary point of contention is the secrecy surrounding the deal. According to the NCS position paper, the MoU was concluded without proactive public disclosure of its full terms.

“This lack of transparency has heightened public suspicion,” the Society noted in a statement available to Techeconomy and signed by Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, the President, highlighting that without a public debate, the government risks eroding trust in its handling of data-sensitive agreements.

NCS’ concern isn’t just about what is in the document, but what could happen tomorrow. Stakeholders worry that technical collaboration could serve as a ‘backdoor’ for metadata exposure or indirect access to sensitive systems.

Defining Digital Sovereignty

At the heart of this debate is a fundamental question: Who owns Nigeria’s digital future? The

NCS defines digital sovereignty as a nation’s absolute right to govern its own data and infrastructure while protecting citizens from unauthorized foreign access.

The Society argues that National Ownership is Non-Negotiable hence public data must remain under Nigerian juridical control;

“Local Talent Over Foreign Solutions – There is a growing fear that such MoUs marginalize local tech providers and weaken the incentive to develop homegrown digital solutions.

“Data Localization: Critical economic data should be stored and processed within Nigerian jurisdiction to prevent foreign jurisdictional claims.

A Call for a “Sovereignty-First” Policy

The NCS isn’t just criticizing; they are proposing a roadmap for a more secure digital economy.

Led by President Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, the Society is calling for a National Data Sovereignty Policy.

Key recommendations from the ICT body include:

“Legislative Oversight: Before any data-related MoU is operationalized, it should undergo public hearings and a review by the National Assembly.

“Mandatory Risk Assessments: Every international collaboration should require a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to document mitigation plans for privacy risks.

“Indigenous Investment: Instead of relying solely on foreign advisory, the government should fund indigenous software platforms and incentivize partnerships with Nigerian tech firms”.

The Path Ahead

Nigeria stands at a pivotal point in its digital transformation. While global cooperation can bolster institutional capacity, the NCS insists it must never come at the expense of national security or the rights of citizens.

As the Society continues to monitor the FIRS-France agreement, its message to the government is clear: international partnerships are valuable, but only if they are anchored in a secure, equitable, and domestically controlled framework.

The investiture ceremony, held alongside the prestigious Ogun State IT Merit Awards (OGITMA) at Spices Events Hall, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, drew a gathering of industry captains, academia, and government officials to celebrate excellence in the tech sector.

New Executives Take the Oath

The atmosphere was charged with optimism as the President of the Nigeria Computer Society represented by Mr. Charles Onyeukwu, the deputy president, supported by the Southwest Coordinator, Mr. Tunde Ogunremi and the Executive Secretary, Mr. Adesegun Adekunle administered the oath of office to Mr. Tijani as the new Chairman, who in turn swore-in  his team.

Serving alongside Chairman Olatunde Tijani in the new administration is Dr. Oduntan Odunayo Esther, who assumes the role of Vice Chairman. The secretariat will be managed by Onaolapo Sodiq as General Secretary and Mahmood Zainab Adebowale as Assistant Secretary.

Ensuring the financial integrity of the chapter are Adekunle Temitayo Oluwadamilare (Treasurer), Raji Taiwo Arimiyahu (Financial Secretary), and Owoseje Abibat Motunrayo (Auditor). The executive team is rounded out by Idris Saheed as the Public Relations Officer, Sesan Michael Odubiro as the Social/Welfare Officer, and Obanla Olajide Olaitan as the Technical Director.

“Ise Ya”: A Mandate for Digital Inclusion

In his acceptance speech, Tijani described his election as a “call to service” and a mandate to elevate the chapter. Adopting the state mantra “Ise Ya” (It is time to work), he unveiled a transformative agenda focused on making every IT professional in Ogun State a catalyst for the digital economy.

He pledged to complete the chapter’s Secretariat, envisioning it as a “digital innovation hub” rather than just office space. His roadmap also includes revamping school competitions with AI and coding challenges to build a “world-class digital talent pipeline” and hosting annual policy roundtables to guide government decision-making.

Icons and Innovators: The 2025 Awardees

The event also served as a grand celebration of excellence within the IT ecosystem, with the OGITMA Committee, led by Ms. Abisola Akinsanya, commended for delivering a seamless event.

The academic and leadership sectors were well represented, with Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan – Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Professor Abayomi Arigbabu – Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology  honored as IT Ambassadors of the Year. Special Recognition Awards were presented to distinguished leaders including Sir Olujare Oyesola, KJW (CEO, JAROY), Prof. Olusola B. Kehinde (Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB), and Prof. Oyedunni S. Arulogun (Vice-Chancellor, Chrisland University).

In a move to recognize industry giants, the coveted IT Legend of the Year award was bestowed upon Mr. Femi Williams, while EduTAMS emerged as the IT Company of the Year. Connectivity provider, I-World Networks was named Internet Service Provider of the Year, with Cybervilla taking home the honor for IT Hub of the Year.

Individual distinctions saw Mr. Michael Olubunmi Idowu recognized as the IT Solution Enabler of the Year, while Mr. Olalekan Adeeko was named IT Personality of the Year. The chapter also honored Mrs. Mahmood as the Most Distinguished Member.

A Call for Unity

The event was graced by past leaders, including Prof. Adesina Sodiya, the immediate past president of NCS, and Prof. Bukola Onashoga, former chapter chairmen, and Alhaji Abdulfattah Odusanya whom Tijani credited for laying the foundation of the chapter’s success.

He also paid a special tribute to his wife, Mrs. Adetoun Tijani, for her unwavering support.

Soliciting the support of the entire membership, Tijani concluded, “We will thrive only when our members are actively engaged… This is your administration — we are only stewards”.

Members celebrated the return of Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, whose impactful first term earned him a second, as President.

At his side stands Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, the vice president, signaling both unity and fresh momentum for the next chapter in the society’s journey, according to itrealms.com.ng report.

Dr. Aliyu, a respected Associate Professor of Computer Science and Director of ICT at Federal University Dutse, has become known for his commitment to democratizing technology.

Under his leadership, ICT initiatives reached grassroots communities, reinforcing the belief that digital access should be both widespread and empowering.

“The membership has delivered a clear mandate,” observers noted, reflecting widespread approval of Aliyu’s leadership and vision.

Aligned with the President’s re-election, Dr. Charles Onyeukwu’s elevation to the Vice Presidency brings stability to the NCS leadership while opening space for new ideas and collaborations.

Beyond the two top positions, a diverse and forward-looking executive team was unveiled:

• Shulammite Ileibiyi, elected Chair of Publicity, Events, and Trade Services, promises to elevate NCS’s visibility and outreach.
• Nwaocha Vivian Ogochukwu takes up the chair of the Innovation, Research, and Development Committee, stepping into a role embraced especially by younger professionals.
• Olusegun Alabi will lead the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, a position many believe suits his reputation for integrity.

This blending of seasoned leadership and vibrant new voices sets the stage for an era where innovation, inclusivity, and ethical standards will define the NCS’s path forward.

“I didn’t organize those tech career seminars because I had all the answers. I did it because no one else was answering. The hunger was incredible.”

Over the years, I’ve met brilliant young Nigerians eager to know where to start, what to learn, who to learn from.

The truth? Most institutions weren’t listening. At those seminars, we discussed skills, jobs, and trends, but beneath it all was a deeper question:

• Will our system believe in and invest in our youth?
• That’s why the upcoming Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) election matters.
• It’s not just about filling positions.
• It’s about choosing leaders who can unlock the talent we keep talking about, and move from talk to action.

Why it Matters Now

Nigeria has Africa’s largest youth population. A generation born into cloud computing, AI, robotics, and the gig economy.

Yet too many are:

• Teaching themselves on with inadequate tools.
• Dropping out of outdated programmes.
• Giving up — not from lack of effort, but from lack of access.
• Lack knowledge about the opportunities, direction and guidance

Our best tech talent is leaving. What we risk losing is more than people it’s about our digital sovereignty.

The Role NCS Must Play

I’m a registered NCS member, a fellow of the society and a confirmed participant at this year’s Conference and AGM where the elections will take place.

I’ve contested before, won some, lost some and served on the National Executive Council in different capacities for years. I’m not writing just as an observer.

NCS should be more than an association. It can and must be a national backbone for computing development and digital transformation. But that depends on the leaders we choose.

We need leaders who will:

• Champion curriculum reform at all education levels.
• Create inclusive platforms for real access to skills, tools, infrastructure, support, and opportunity.
• Build mentorship programs linking students to industry.
• Partner with the private sector for innovation funding and internships.
• Bring more youth and women into the profession and leadership roles.
• Advocate for policies that protect Nigeria’s digital interests in a fast moving global tech market and space.

“Business as usual” will not create a better, sustainable digital future.

Who Can Vote

Under Article 6.3 of the NCS Constitution, eligible voters must:

• Be a Professional (Fellow, Member, Associate, Graduate) or Corporate Member.
• Have been formally inducted as a Professional Member.
• Be financially up to date.
• Be registered for the Conference (physical or virtual).

If that’s you, this is your moment. If you can’t vote, talk to NCS members you know. Influence matters.

This is too important to ignore. Young professionals in particular should note that you cannot reshape the system from the sidelines. Which progress are we really making if all we do is criticise, ignore or complain?

Character Over Perfection – for the Next Generation

No candidate is perfect. I certainly wasn’t when I first served. I had to learn, adapt, and grow. What matters is sincerity, commitment, creativity, and a purpose-driven approach.

Key qualities to look for:

• Vision – A clear plan for Nigeria’s digital future.
• Competence – Ability to solve problems and adapt.
• Collaboration – Works well with others.
• Empathy – Supports members, especially youth.
• Altruism – Uses power to empower others.

As Toni Morrison said:

“If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.”

A Call for Courage and Vision

Elections don’t just choose office holders.

They choose whether we get builders or seat warmers, whether we get arrogant and self-serving tyrants or emotionally intelligent leaders.  The destiny of Nigeria’s youth is not guaranteed. It will be shaped by the leaders we choose now.

This NCS election is about relevance, not routine.

Let’s choose leaders who will open doors, for the young developer coding in unsustainable conditions, the student eager for mentorship, the intern that lacks access and the innovator deciding whether to stay in Nigeria or leave.

Let’s make this vote count, for our youth, and for our digital future.

NCS is the umbrella body for all IT professionals, interest groups, and stakeholders in Nigeria, boasting approximately 20,000 members across the nation’s 36 states.

With specialised groups such as ISPON, ITAN, NiWIIT, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS, and structural organs including the College of Fellows, Chapters, and NACOS, NCS is dedicated to fostering innovation, professional excellence, and sustainable IT development in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the NCS Cybersecurity Forum is an annual top assembly of policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to discuss collaborative strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Opening the Forum, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, president of NCS, underscored the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges through multilateral cooperation.

The forum combined technical workshops, networking sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms aimed at empowering stakeholders with tools to protect cyberspace and foster local innovation.

In a landmark keynote address, Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, delivered a strategic vision for achieving cyber sovereignty.

He emphasized the need for homegrown digital solutions, robust data protection frameworks, and reduced reliance on foreign infrastructure to secure the nation’s digital independence.

Continuing at the event, Dr. Aliyu outlined critical focus areas for national progress:

• Reinforcing Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Aligning cybersecurity laws with global standards to protect vital digital assets.
• Prioritizing Cyber Talent Development: Expanding training programs, certifications, and academic support to build a resilient cyber workforce.
• Fostering Public-Private Synergy: Creating trusted channels for sharing threat intelligence and responding to cyber incidents swiftly.
• Cultivating a Cybersecurity Culture: Promoting widespread awareness and responsible digital behaviour across all sectors.
• Anticipating Emerging Threats: Evaluating risks associated with rapidly evolving technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing.

As the conference drew to a close, NCS announced initiatives to amplify cybersecurity efforts nationwide—through policy advocacy, advanced training, and an upcoming national threat intelligence platform.

These measures, according to Dr. Aliyu, will ensure that Nigeria not only secures its digital assets but also positions itself as a continental leader in cybersecurity resilience.

What Lies Ahead?

According to Dr. Aliyu, the NCS plans to scale its engagement at future forums and workshops nationwide, developing specialized cybersecurity training, advocating policy refinement, and launching an information-sharing platform for industry players.

As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, Dr. Aliyu believes strategic action and coordinated efforts will position the country as a cybersecurity-ready global hub.

A Pivotal Moment

The 2025 forum represents a shift: from reacting to threats to building a resilient digital foundation.

For Nigeria, it signals a bold step toward digital sovereignty—where data, infrastructure, and security lie firmly in national hands.

Keyword: Digital (Cybersecurity)  sovereignty

Cybersecurity sovereignty refers to a nation’s capacity to autonomously safeguard its digital infrastructure, data, and technologies from cyber threats.

This idea encompasses minimizing reliance on foreign entities for crucial cybersecurity components and services, allowing a nation to defend itself without unduly depending on foreign technological resources and innovations.

The endorsement came during a recent audience with Dr. Agabi in the Minister’s Abuja office.

Minister Momoh emphasized that his endorsement stems from the book’s comprehensive chronicling of Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, tracing its development and evolution from the post-independence era to the present day.

Dr. Agabi, a prominent Nigerian ICT pioneer and broadcast journalist, explained that “The Nigeria Digital Heroes” is the first book in Nigeria to provide such a detailed historical account of the nation’s ICT journey.

He highlighted that the publication features the efforts of Nigeria’s first governor to introduce computers into governance, as well as recognizing notable Nigerians, innovators, and policymakers who have significantly shaped the industry since 1999.

“The Nigeria Digital Heroes” (2025) reflects Dr. Agabi’s deep understanding and involvement in Nigeria’s digital transformation, covering policy, culture, and technological innovation.

His extensive fellowships and memberships, including NCS, FIIM, FIMC, NIPR, and IDPM, further underscore his expertise.

He is also the organizer of significant events like the DigiVation Future Summit, Nigeria Digital Innovation Conference, and Cyber Nigeria Forum, and frequently moderates and speaks at key discussions on building trust in the digital space.

This endorsement by a key government official is expected to bring significant attention to “The Nigeria Digital Heroes” and its valuable insights into Nigeria’s digital landscape.

About the Author: Dr. Bayero Agabi

Dr. Bayero Agabi boasts a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in the ICT sector, marked by numerous achievements and contributions:

• He launched AIT Infotech Network, a leading African TV program dedicated to information technology, earning him recognition as Nigeria’s top ICT broadcaster.
• Dr. Agabi is the only African to have twice received the UNECA/AISI ICT4D Award for excellence in ICT reporting.
• Commonwealth University conferred an honorary doctorate upon him in recognition of his outstanding service to ICT in Africa.
• In 2022, he was honored as the Digital Influencer of the Year by Hi-Tech Centre Abuja for his significant contributions to digital literacy.
• He is widely recognized by Young Innovators of Nigeria for his influence in shaping ICT policy.
• Dr. Agabi serves on critical national bodies including the Presidential Committee on Data Harmonization, the National Broadband Council, and the Senate Cybersecurity Advisory Group. He is also the Vice-President of the Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) and President of the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), where he is a vocal advocate for cyber sanity and responsible digital use.

From 23 to 25 April, the three-day gathering at the Protea Hotel in Owerri has already drawn researchers, start-ups, investors, and policy-makers across West Africa.

Declaring the summit open, Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma stated that Imo was “determined to set the national pace in artificial intelligence,” adding that his administration has allocated new funds for broadband, an innovation hub, and STEM scholarships.

Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, NCS president described the gathering as “the Society’s most ambitious summit,” stressing that closer state–professional collaboration is vital if Nigeria is to implement the National AI Strategy unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Communications last December.

In a press statement signed by Mr. ‘Segun Adekunle, executive secretary, NCS, the President highlighted sessions on ethical governance, local-language large-language model development, and AI-driven precision agriculture as areas where Imo can pilot quick wins.

Tech entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group and keynote speaker at the opening of the event, praised the governor’s “record-breaking” spend on human-capital development, urging Nigerian banks to align public commitments with seed funding for southeast founders.

Running under the theme, “Enabling Artificial Intelligence Systems for Rapid National Growth,” the summit combines high-level policy dialogue with hands-on innovation: over three days, delegates will transition from keynote debates to technical workshops, participate in an AI Challenge student hackathon, engage in a start-up expo, and take part in investor round-tables, with a closing communiqué expected to outline an NCS–Imo roadmap for an AI Innovation & Capacity-Building Centre scheduled to open later this year.

NCS officials say insights from the sessions will be forwarded to federal and state legislators as Nigeria prepares to implement the National AI Strategy released in December.

The summit continues today with panels on smart-city deployment and generative AI applications in health and education.

It will conclude tomorrow with the presentation of hackathon winners and the signing of a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Computer Society and the Imo State Government.

Recall that Remita is developed by SystemSpecs, a corporate member of NCS, and an indigenous IT company with almost four decades experience which gained more traction at the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government, and has served the government effectively since then, and saved the federal government billons of Naira that would have been lost in different accounts prior to the TSA.

Recently, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) wrote to SystemSpecs, notifying the IT Company of the plans by the government to introduce a new payment platform known as the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System (TMRAS) that would take effect from March 2025, implying the replacement of Remita with TMRAS for managing federal government fund collection.

Responding to news men in Lagos on this replacement plan, Prof. Siraju Aliyu, the president of the Nigeria Computer Society, Association, stated that it is not clear why the government is introducing a new payment platform that will manage its funds collection across MDAs, when Remita is active and efficient.

He urged the government to:

• consider the effect on subsidiaries that have plugged into the TSA, using Remita payment platform
• consider the implications for the transfer of existing data and the training of new staff to implement the new payment software
• consider the wrong signal that the replacement will send to industry stakeholders, investors and upcoming indigenous companies.

According to the NCS President, the concept of TSA was to ensure transparency in managing government finances through a single aggregator, and there would be no need to introduce another platform when Remita performs that function efficiently.

“Nigeria’s TSA implementation powered by indigenous technology has been widely acknowledged as one of the most successful worldwide.

“It has been celebrated by four different successive governments in Nigeria who boldly sang its praises for delivering mega savings to government.

“Nigeria needs to celebrate its own. The TSA project is arguably the largest and most successful software driven IT project delivered 100 per cent on a 100 per cent indigenous technology by a Nigerian IT company,”  Aliyu said.

The NCS President therefore calls for urgent dialogue on the matter so as not to dampen the efforts at growing indigenous software companies including Remita which has left its positive marks on the annals of IT and software development in the country.

Adding his voice to on-going, The Deputy President of the Association, Dr. Charles Onyeuku supported the need for reconsideration by the Government and the need for stakeholder dialogue to mitigate the effect this could have on local content policies.

Note that Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella and the premier body of all computing and information technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria. The Headquarter is in Lagos.

The two categories are; “Tech Mentor of the Year” and “Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year”.

This was disclosed by Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, president of NCS during a press conference on Tuesday towards the annual NITMA award.

NCS remains the foremost IT professional association in Nigeria and African largest IT Society.

The Society has been the voice of Information Technology professionals for the past four decades now.

Presently with over 20,000 members spread across all sectors of the economy, NCS continues to expand and grow in might and relevance.

Dr. Aliyu said that the National Executive Council (NEC) under his leadership is determined to be strategic, innovative, and forward-looking in the running of the affairs of our great society.

“I want to assure you that we have made NCS the only platform for promoting IT development and enhancing corporate relevance.

“Together we shall move the Information Technology profession to desirable heights in Nigeria.

“As the acknowledged professional authority advocating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous, and knowledge-based Nigeria, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) annually recognizes, celebrates, and rewards outstanding excellence and contributions of individuals, state governments and institutions, in the acceleration of IT development in Nigeria and the Diaspora through a unique national platform –National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA)”, he said.

The 2024 National Information Technology Merit Awards has been slated for 21^st November, 2024 at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The highlights of the awards to be presented at the 2024 National Information Technology Merit Awards are:

• IT Personality of the Year
• Digital Governor of the Year
• IT Gold Medal Award
• Youth Innovation Award
• IT Company of the Year
• Tech Mentor of the Year
• Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year
• Recognition Awards

“The awards recognize outstanding governors and individuals that are making enormous investments in Information Technology. Many nominations were received for the award categories which will be reviewed by the screening committee following some led down guidelines.

“I wish to state that NCS as an objective Society allows the selection process to be IT driven by opinion poll through online voting. The Planning Committee would only collate polls and put forth the order of scores and announce the winners in each category.

“The NITMA will also witness the conferment of the most prestigious Professional Fellowship on deserving members of NCS who are recognized as authorities and have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the growth of Information Technology. Honourary Fellowship will also be conferred on some individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary service and commitment to IT growth in Nigeria”, the NCS president said.

Commenting, Mrs. Shulammite Ayobami Ilebiyi, chair, Publicity, Events and Trades Services Committee, said the newly introduced categories for NITMA followed thought-out procedures to reflect the changing trends in the IT sector.

According to her, the committee observed that mentorship is key in the It sector hence the potential pioneer winner would be one who ticked all the boxes in view of the criteria set out by the committee.

How to nominate 

You can nominate via your choice IT personalities and organisations using the link here.

The initiative, which took effect this week, aimed at introducing new standards in line with global best practices, enhancing trade facilitation, ameliorating existing difficulties within the supply chain, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global trading community.

Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs National Public Relations Officer (PRO), made this known in a statement.

Adeniyi emphasized the need for robust support from all stakeholders, including other government agencies (OGAs) and development partners to promote the success of the pilot test. The pilot scheme, Adeniyi said, will be operational across all ports, where valuable insights and learning will be gathered to enhance service delivery.

These benefits, Adeniyi said, will be administered continuously, contingent on the compliance of all selected participants with the program’s provisions. The CGC stated further that the inaugural participants were carefully chosen based on their outstanding compliance within the supply chain, following an exhaustive three-month AEO validation process designed to uphold the highest selection standards.

Additionally, the AEO program is being implemented under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has played a pivotal role by providing experts for capacity development, training, and supplying essential materials. The CGC said key partners such as the World Bank‘s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) and various Customs administrations across the globe with emphasis on His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) where benchmarking exercises were conducted, have significantly contributed to the success of this initiative.

“As part of the program, consignments belonging to the selected Authorized Economic Operators will receive preferential treatment, including Automatic PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, Dedicated Relationship Manager, and AEO Branding,”

The NCS, the CGC said, remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business. The Service readily anticipates the full-scale implementation of the AEO program, further solidifying its dedication to fostering a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians. The successful implementation of the pilot scheme, Adeniyi said, represents a key milestone in the Service’s pursuit of aligning with best practices towards efficient service delivery.

In the same vein, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada, announced on Thursday that the service collected N277.5 billion in import duties for the month of August. Maiwada shared this information during the monthly press conference organized by the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC), which was hosted by the NCS in Abuja.

He further highlighted that the service also collected N15.8 billion in excise duties, reinforcing its commitment to optimizing revenue generation.in addition, Maiwada noted that as part of the NCS’s efforts to curb smuggling, the service recorded 83 seizures across various commands.

He said, “The seizure also includes 1,014 parcels of cannabis sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N975,066,791.65.” “The NCS also intensified its “Operation Whirlwind” (OPWW) to combat the smuggling of petroleum products, especially in border states.”

“The operation over the months has led to the interception of seven PMS trucks, the sealing of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 litres of PMS and 23 vehicles,”

He explained that investigations had resulted in the prosecution of seven suspects, while three marketers were fined by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Additionally, sealed filling stations were handed over for further action.

During the briefing, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that backdating firearm licenses to bypass the ban on firearms remains fraudulent.

He warned that individuals should not be deceived by those who backdate firearm licenses, stressing that such actions are illegal and that the licenses issued in this manner are still considered fake. Adejobi urged the public not to be complicit in criminal offenses related to firearms.

The spokesperson stated that the police force will take an aggressive approach in cracking down on the possession of illegal firearms across the country.

He also revealed that the force had arrested 97 members of the proscribed Shiite group after a confrontation with the police, during which two officers lost their lives.

The spokesperson issued a stern warning, stating that any attacks on police officers or other security personnel while they are performing their constitutional duties will not be tolerated.