Category: Business

NCS deepens collaboration with Access Bank to enhance Trade Finance Integration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bid to consolidate the gains of its newly deployed Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B’odogwu, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified engagement with key financial stakeholders, including Access Bank, to strengthen trade finance integration and system-wide efficiency.   At a virtual meeting held on Monday, April 14, 2025, the NCS leadership, led by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, engaged top officials of Access Bank on aligning operational frameworks to support seamless financial transactions and digital trade facilitation.   Other…

Founder of Diamond Bank and Former MTN Nigeria Chairman, Pascal Dozie dies at 85

Emporium Reporters

Renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and banking pioneer, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, has passed away at the age of 85. A source close to the family confirmed that the respected founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and former Chairman of MTN Nigeria died from an undisclosed ailment.   Dozie, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished businessmen and economic thinkers, left an indelible mark on the country’s financial and telecommunications landscape. His contributions spanned decades of innovation and leadership that helped shape Nigeria’s private sector.   Born on April 9, 1939,…

Senate Backs $500 Million Chinese Investment in Solid Minerals, Pledges Legislative Support

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Nigerian Senate has assured a visiting Chinese delegation of full legislative support as they plan to invest $500 million in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, marking a significant step in the country’s economic diversification efforts. The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, on Friday, hosted the delegation led by Mr. Chen Twan of Zong Hong Kotai Group, who disclosed that their company is set to commence mining operations in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Nasarawa States.   Senator Onawo Mohammed Ogoshi (Nasarawa South), standing in for the…

Nigeria Customs set to expand B’Odogwu Platform, promises seamless rollout in Apapa, Tincan Commands

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to expand its modernisation drive with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform, following the successful pilot implementation at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command.   Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this during a pre-launch high-level stakeholders’ engagement at the Apapa Area Command on Monday, March 3, 2025. He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to a seamless transition, despite initial challenges encountered during the pilot phase.   “We experienced some hitches during the PTML pilot rollout, but with your…

NCS, CBN partner to drive technology-based trade reforms …As Customs set to expand B’Odogwu platform nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement technology-driven trade reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and boosting revenue generation. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Abuja. Adeniyi explained that the partnership would support the full implementation of B’Odogwu, an indigenous trade facilitation platform developed by the NCS to replace the Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) II. According to him, the…

Ooni hosts Kazakhstan Delegation in Abuja, backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Sunday hosted a 30-man delegation from Kazakhstan, led by the country’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alibek Kuantyrov, at the maiden Nigeria-Kazakhstan Business Council International Conference held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The Ooni, who chairs the Nigeria-Kazakhstan Business Council, commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, noted that the hardship experienced by Nigerians is gradually easing. He highlighted that, for the first time in two decades, the gap between the parallel and official exchange rates has been…

Maiden Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo 2025 Kicks Off, Showcasing Industry Innovations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Maiden Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo 2025 has officially commenced, marking a significant step in leveraging digital technology to showcase innovations, market trends, and business opportunities in Nigeria’s interior design and furniture sector. The expo, which is supported by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technical,aimed to boost the visibility of local manufacturers and promote economic growth within the industry.   Declaring the event open, Architect Faisal Jafar Rafindadi, the Convener and Project Coordinator, emphasized the expo’s role in…

EFCC, CAC deepen collaboration to combat corruption, boost Economic growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have reinforced their commitment to collaborating in the fight against corruption, with the aim of fostering economic growth and ensuring a transparent business environment.   This commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to the CAC Registrar-General/CEO, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), at the commission’s headquarters. In his remarks, the EFCC Chairman commended the CAC management and staff for their continuous support and swift responses to EFCC requests. He emphasized that…

Nigeria Customs launches Authorized Economic Operator Program to boost Trade Efficiency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, improving supply chain security, and boosting national economic growth. The event, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, was attended by key government officials, industry stakeholders, and international partners. In his keynote address, the Comptroller General of Customs emphasized that the AEO programme represents a shift from traditional transaction-based controls to a comprehensive compliance management system, fostering mutual trust between Customs and businesses. He highlighted that the initiative aligns…

Seme Area Command Welcomes New Customs Area Controller, Benedict Oramalugo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has officially welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, as its new Customs Area Controller, following the retirement of his predecessor. The handing-over ceremony took place on 11 February 2025 at the ECOWAS Complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP), with journalists in attendance.   In his inaugural address, Comptroller Oramalugo expressed deep appreciation for the officers of the Command, commending them for their continued dedication and service. He assured officers, stakeholders, and the border community of his commitment to consolidating on the policy…