NEWS
How I Fought Obstacles to Achieve the 2023 Customs Act – Rep Abejide

By Prosper Okoye, Abuja
The Chairman of the Committee on Customs and Excise in the Ninth Assembly House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has stated that the realization of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) of 2023 was accompanied by obstacles, but ultimately fulfilling.
“The tortuous journey towards the repeal of the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap.
C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and the re-enactment of this new Act, the first of its kind in 63 years, was indeed very challenging, but which God made possible by the 9th National Assembly with the cooperation of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Customs Service and the general stakeholders at large,” he said.In a speech made available to newsmen yesterday by the Customs National Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, Abejide noted that the new act would inspire customs personnel to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
“Today, I can confirm to the Comptroller General of Customs, officers, and indeed Nigerians that I am a fulfilled man, witnessing a career officer within the Nigeria Customs Service being appointed as the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanks to the new Nigeria Customs Act of 2023,” he said during the management retreat and sensitization workshop on the new Act in Abuja.
“When I assumed the position of Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, I took it upon myself to overcome the obstacles that had caused previous governments to fail in repealing and re-enacting the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap. C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (CEMA).
“This Act we are celebrating today did not come easily, as the Bill was declined assent three (3) times. It reached a point where it became the sole project I was working on, having meetings with the Ministry of Justice, as well as discussing with the Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Customs Service. If it weren’t for my perseverance and dedication, I would have given up, just as previous administrations did. But all glory to God, it is a reality today,” he further stated.
Abejide also noted that the new legislation marks a significant milestone in the efforts to streamline Customs procedures, enhance trade facilitation, and foster a conducive environment for economic growth and development.
“Some of the reforms injected into the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 enhance the trade facilitation policies of the service, upgrading the status of the Service to a 21st-century strategic revenue-generating institution of our dreams. Our efforts provide statutorily implanted policies that invigorate the objectives of ensuring border security and improving revenue accountability. Therefore, this institution will soon reap the dividends of this legal framework, which promotes the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
“For the first time since the inception of this Service, the need to always rely on external finances to perform lawful and statutory duties is now a thing of the past, thanks to the introduction of Section 18 of the Act. This section provides for a sum not less than 4% of the Free-On-Board value of imports, following international best practices, as part of the funds the service shall keep and maintain for its operation.
“Furthermore, Section 18(6)(a) empowers the Nigeria Customs Service to oversee budget line items that cost 10% or less of the entire capital budget under review. This enables faster implementation of capital projects, enhancing the performance of officers in service delivery. It should be noted that only projects with a value above 10% of the total capital projects of the year under review will require Federal Executive Council approval.
“It is important to highlight that this sum is not fixed and can be increased as needed through a proposal by the President to the National Assembly, subject to appropriation in the Customs Service matters budget presentation.
“We expect the Service to fulfill its responsibility of exploring new revenue sources and ensuring that techniques for evading duties and levies by criminal-minded individuals are minimized, allowing for the harnessing of targeted revenue avenues.
“It is worth noting that the new legislation has introduced new internal adjudicatory mechanisms, equivalent to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which simplifies the resolution of Customs disputes quickly and efficiently, without the complexity of court litigation.
“In addition, the introduction of e-commerce trade facilitation systems responds to the long-awaited global digital method, promoting a swift response to revenue generation by the Service and facilitating ease of doing business.
“Finally, I congratulate this Management for having a dependable instrument that will enhance the effective service delivery of your statutory responsibilities. To the officers in general, I want to emphasize that this Act provides provisions for a reward and motivational scheme for exceptional and meritorious services rendered in relation to any Customs or Excise matter. This may include special promotions, letters of commendation, or cash rewards. Therefore, your efforts in executing this law optimally will not be in vain.
“I have confidence that this new legislation will accelerate the growth of the Nigerian economy, enhance investor confidence, boost the morale of Customs Officers nationwide, improve stakeholder confidence, and increase transparency in the Nigerian business climate in the global marketplace,” he added.
NEWS
Group Backs Students With Disabilities, Distributes Learning Materials in Nasarawa

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The Maikaya Development Foundation (MDF) has distributed thousands of exercise books to indigent students in Nasarawa State and renewed its advocacy for inclusive education, urging stakeholders to prioritize access for students living with disabilities in higher institutions.
The official distribution ceremony, which took place at the Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, brought together student union leaders, academic representatives, and other stakeholders from the education sector. Speaking at the event yesterday, the CEO of of the foundation Dr. Muhammed Maikaya represented by the Operation Manager, Hon. Shuaibu Sani said the gesture was aimed at easing the financial burden on students and encouraging them to remain focused on their academic goals.“This distribution is not just about writing materials, it is a reaffirmation of our belief that every student, regardless of status, deserves the tools and support needed to succeed,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to ensuring no student is left behind.”Student leaders who spoke during the event expressed deep appreciation to the foundation for its consistent support and investment in the academic wellbeing of students.Comrade Ovey Abimiku, President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), “Maikaya Development Foundation continues to show us what it means to be a true partner in education. This is a welcome intervention that will help many students who can’t afford basic learning materials.”Also speaking, Comrade Tabitha Jatau, State Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS), praised the foundation’s longstanding dedication to youth empowerment.“MDF has not only provided these writing materials but has also supported students with scholarship and tuition funds for many years. We are grateful for this rare consistency,” she noted.Recall that weeks earlier, the foundation had supported over 500 students across the state with Education Support Funds to assist with the payment of tuition fees and levies—an annual intervention that has benefitted thousands over the past decade.In addition to its material support, the foundation has continued to advocate for inclusive education policies in the state. During a recent stakeholders’ engagement themed “Breaking Barriers and Promoting People with Special Needs’ Inclusion in Higher Institutions”,Maikaya had called on government and educational institutions to prioritize the rights and needs of students living with disabilities.“The truth is, barriers—both seen and unseen—still prevent many of our brothers and sisters with special needs from accessing quality education,” Maikaya said at the event. “These are not just inconveniences. They are injustices. And they must be corrected.”He recommended several critical steps to advance inclusive education, including accessible infrastructure, adapted learning materials, disability awareness training for academic staff, and policy implementation at all levels.“Inclusive education is not optional, it is essential for real development,” He added. “We have seen the power of what can happen when potential meets opportunity. Now we must ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to those opportunities.”He urged stakeholders, government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and civil society groups, to collaborate in making inclusive education a reality in Nasarawa and beyond.“This is not a matter of charity. It is about equity, dignity, and human rights,” the speaker emphasized. Items that were distributed including learning materials, 20, 50kg bags of rice, 20 cartons of Noddles and cash support of 200,000 thousand Naira to students living with disabilities while advocating for inclusion gain tract, educational reform and youth empowerment in Nasarawa State.EndNEWS
Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.
In condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.”Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape. His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.”I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself , the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates. He prayed the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”NEWS
Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

By David Torough, Abuja
Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.
In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.
Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.
The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.
Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.
Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.
In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”
He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.
Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.
The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.
Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.
Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.
USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.
The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.
The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.
In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.
The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.
Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.
As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”
Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.