SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially flagged off the final stage of its 2025 recruitment exercise, with shortlisted candidates undergoing rigorous documentation, physical fitness assessments, and medical screenings at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Abuja. The two-week exercise, which commenced on Monday, 7 September 2026, will run through 19 September 2026 and covers shortlisted applicants across the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII), Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. To prevent congestion and maintain order, candidates are being screened in batches categorised alphabetically by their states of origin. Addressing the candidates, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, emphasised that the Service is evaluating character and professional conduct alongside physical fitness. “On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, I cong...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Cameroon Customs Administration have launched a joint assessment of the Ekok-Mfum One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) to eliminate cross-border trade friction, strengthen border security, and drive regional economic integration. The high-level exercise, held on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, was themed “Leveraging the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernisation Project to Advance Seamless Cross-Border Trade and Shared Prosperity.” It brought together customs chiefs, technical experts, security agencies, development partners, and local community leaders from both nations. Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the enduring partnership between both administrations. He noted that despite their close geographical proximity, movement across the border remains unnecessarily challenging. “We are not building from nothing. We are taking something that works between the...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The newly elected Executive Committee of the Environmental Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN), led by its Chairman, Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, has met with the immediate past Chairman of the association, Mr. Amechi Chukwuekwu Oyema, as part of efforts to strengthen unity and promote the growth of the organisation. The meeting, held on September 8, provided an opportunity for the new leadership to appreciate Oyema for his sportsmanship and contributions to the development of EMCAN, particularly his support for a smooth transition of leadership. In a statement jointly signed by the EMCAN Chairman, Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah, and the Secretary, Samuel Adeyinka, the association said the meeting also focused on strategies to strengthen EMCAN and reposition it for greater impact. The statement said both sides exchanged ideas on ways to promote professionalism among environmental journalists, create more opportunities for members and enhance the...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigerian Army has announced the strategic redeployment of senior officers to key command, operational and staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness and improve the Service’s response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. The redeployments were approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, with the exercise focused on positioning officers with the requisite experience and expertise in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the exercise is designed to enhance leadership, strengthen command structures and ensure the effective deployment of expertise in line with the country's changing security environment. Among the major changes, Major General IA Ajose has been redeployed from the Army Headquarters, Department of Army Operations...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intensified enforcement operations across the country as part of renewed efforts to tackle illegal mining and ensure compliance with regulations governing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The specialised unit said its teams, particularly in the South-West, have recorded significant progress in enforcing mining laws and regulations, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources. The Mining Marshals were established as a specialised enforcement mechanism to support ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector and combat illegal mining and other violations across the country. Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, warned mining operators against violating existing regulations, stressing that ignorance of the law would not exempt offenders from...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has confirmed the appointments of one Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) and five Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs) following its 65th Regular Meeting held on September 2, 2026. This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwadain abuja. The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Professor Taiwo Oyedele, considered several matters relating to the administration, operations and performance of the Nigeria Customs Service. According to Maiwada, the newly confirmed Deputy Comptroller-General is Constantine Dim from the South-East, while the five confirmed Assistant Comptroller-Generals are Pascal Chibuoke and Ethelbert Nnaji, both from the South-East; Sani Yahaya from the North-Central; and Franklin Onyeka and Chibuzor Eyakwaire from the South-So...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The  Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has been presented with the prestigious Times Heroes Award in recognition of his significant contributions to public service and national development. The honour was conferred on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja during the centenary celebration of the Daily Times newspaper. The event gathered prominent figures across government, commerce, and traditional institutions to celebrate key individuals and organisations shaping Nigeria’s growth. Speaking after receiving the award, Adeniyi described the accolade as an inspiration to serve with greater commitment. He credited the achievement to the collective effort of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and praised compliant citizens for driving higher standards in public service. "It’s very good when you do something, and you are recognised; this should be an inspiration to us to do much better," Adeniyi said. He d...