CUSTOMS CG-ADENIYI SHINES AT THE 17th INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FOR JUDGES; AS GUESTS APPLAUD HIS COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS IN MOVING INDUSTRY FORWARD
By: Timothy Paul Okorocha
Judicial enlightenment and continuous education have been described as pivotal in ensuring seamless administration of justice particularly in the complex and ever-changing field of shipping and maritime law.
Comptroller General of the Customs service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR said this today at the ongoing 17th International Maritime seminar for judges in Abuja.
The Comptroller General who was applauded by the guests at the auditorium of the Abuja Intercontinental hotel for his numerous collaborative efforts, stated that this seminar presents a unique opportunity for judges to gain deeper insights, share knowledge, and discuss contemporary issues affecting the industry, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and enhance the overall integrity of our maritime and judicial sector.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun; Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Bar. Pius Akutah, MON; Chief Justice, Republic of Liberia, Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Assistant Inspector General of Police, Chris Ejike (rtd); Chief Judge, Federal High Court of Nigeria, John Tsoho and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
At the Nigeria Custom Service, he said overall responsibility is the facilitation of trade, collection and accountability of revenue and the suppression of smuggling for the overall well-being of our nation Nigeria. This is more expedient under the new Nigeria Custom Service Act, 2023 which saddles the Service with obligations pivotal to the growth and development of the economy of our great country.
According to the CG, to accomplish our obligations under the above provisions of the law requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, which include the Nigeria Shippers Council, and I therefore solicit for your continuous co-operation in the implementation and enforcement of Customs and Excise laws in Nigeria.
Nigeria Customs applaud the Nigeria Shippers Council for their dedication to bridging the gap between the judiciary and the shipping community. Your efforts are a testament to your unwavering commitment to enhancing the maritime sector and fostering an environment of excellence and integrity within the industry. You have been instrumental in driving progress and promoting best practices within the industry.
He stated that the role of lawyers in nation building cannot be over-emphasized as the purveyors of justice, harbinger of hope for the common-man and promoter of law and order in the society. I believe that the deliberations at this Seminar will benefit not only our legal luminaries or the maritime sector but our nation as a whole.
CGC again wishes all a successful and rewarding seminar this year and hope that the Nigeria Shippers Council continues to lead the way in providing a platform that tackles the challenges posed by a new World Order. I look forward to getting recommendations out of this Seminar that will improve our Service’s delivery to the benefit of Nigerians.