馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Kwara Customs Command generates N3.8 billion in Q1 2026, intercepts contraband goods
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, generated over N3.8 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2026, despite the continued closure of Nigeria鈥檚 border with the Republic of Benin. Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, announced that the command realized N3,895,333,182.94 between January and March 2026, attributing this success to excise duties and intensified anti-smuggling operations. The command also recorded significant successes in cracking down on smuggling activities across various routes in Kwara and neighboring areas, including Bukuro, Gurumi, Sikira, Okuta, Boriya, Tewu, Bero, Sango, Okeoyi, Alapa, Malete, Bani, Offa, Idofian, Eiyenkorin, and the Lagos-Ilorin Expressway. Operatives intercepted 155 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 pieces of second-hand tyres, 418 jerry cans of vegetable oil, 3,697 cartons of macaroni pasta, 5,925 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 49.5 kilograms of cannabis, 376 kilograms of tramadol, corrosive oxidizer chemicals, and 18 bales of second-hand clothing. The total Duty Paid Value of these seized items amounted to N204,763,439. Ogundeyi emphasized that these operations demonstrate the service's commitment to protecting the nation鈥檚 economy and curbing illegal trade. He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support, and praised sister security agencies for their cooperation. Ogundeyi also noted improved intelligence-driven operations and discipline amon
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Pro-Chancellor of Miva Open University, called for reforms to expand access to higher education in Nigeria during the university's maiden convocation ceremony in Lagos. He emphasized that conventional institutions alone cannot meet the educational needs of Nigeria's growing population, making open and distance learning crucial for future reforms. Olowolafe stated that expanding access should not compromise academic standards but rather remove barriers for learners, ensuring more Nigerians can acquire quality education regardless of their circumstances. He highlighted open and distance learning as an effective solution to admission limitations and other challenges in the education sector, drawing parallels to the educational vision of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Olowolafe commended Miva Open University for maintaining quality amidst rapid growth and urged graduating students to embrace lifelong learning and act as university ambassadors. He also called for a greater national commitment to development, stressing that Nigeria's progress relies on educated, disciplined citizens and stronger institutions.
Babatunde Fashola, a former Governor of Lagos State, has called on Nigerians to support refugees and prevent displacement, emphasizing the growing burden of internally displaced persons. Speaking at an event organized by the African Refugees Foundation for World Refugee Day, Fashola stressed the importance of preventing circumstances that lead to displacement. He highlighted patience and peaceful conflict resolution as critical in averting crises and noted that natural disasters also contribute to displacement, underscoring the need for environmental responsibility. Fashola shared a personal experience, stating that his perception of refugees changed after meeting displaced professionals, which made him realize the chain reactions of choosing conflict over peace. Olujimi Olusola, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Refugees Foundation, announced plans to distribute food to approximately 10,000 refugees, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable individuals in Lagos and other states. The initiative, which started in Surulere, also included free health checks and counseling. Olusola added that the foundation aims to provide economic skills to beneficiaries, subject to resource availability, and raise awareness about the plight of displaced persons. Lai Oriowo of Odu鈥檃 Investment Company, representing Chairman Bimbo Ashiru, stated that supporting refugees is a service to humanity and that preventing conflict is crucial for peaceful coexistence.
The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC and the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC have jointly announced new compliance requirements for telecommunications companies in Nigeria. The directive mandates that telecom companies obtain a Letter of No Objection from the NCC before transferring shares amounting to 10 percent or more of their total share capital. This requirement, based on the Nigerian Communications Act NCA 2003, takes immediate effect for NCC-licensed companies proposing changes in ownership or control, including multiple share transfers that collectively exceed the 10 percent threshold. Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, NCC Director of Public Affairs, stated that the CAC will ensure evidence of NCC approval before registering shareholding changes. The policy aims to prevent anti-competitive practices, preserve a fair and competitive market structure, strengthen oversight of ownership changes, and improve transparency, investor confidence, and regulatory certainty, ultimately safeguarding the long-term stability of Nigeria鈥檚 communications sector. Both agencies are committed to promoting a transparent business environment and fair market practices to support the industry's sustainable growth.