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In a clear reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting critical economic sectors, especially manufacturing, while maintaining an efficient revenue collection system, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have agreed on some landmark strategic exemptions from the recently suspended four per cent Free-On-Board (FOB) charge on imports.

On the strength of the agreement reached during the week, manufacturers who import raw materials, machines, and spares, including importers of commercial airlines’ spare parts, healthcare goods, humanitarian, life-saving and other related goods, as well as government projects with Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDECs) are henceforth exempted from the payment of the 4.0% FOB charge.

Comptroller-General (CG) of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, announced these landmark strategic exemptions, following a joint consultative meeting between MAN and some senior officers of the NCS.

The meeting provided an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder consultation as required under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. And it was sequel to the Federal Ministry of Finance’s directive regarding the temporary suspension of the 4% FOB charge.

Recall that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, had directed Customs to suspend the implementation of the four per cent FOB charge on imported goods.

The directive was contained in a circular titled: ‘Suspension of the Implementation of four per cent FOB Charge by the Nigeria Customs Service’, dated September 15, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties in the ministry, Raymond Omachi.

However, speaking at a joint press conference after a closed door consultative meeting held at MAN House, Ikeja Lagos, Adeniyi listed the exempted manufacturers and importers as those that import raw materials, spare parts, and machines.

He said: ‘Manufacturers who are currently on chapters 98 and 99 of Customs Tariff are advised to apply for pre-release of their consignment to avoid payment of demurrage.

‘Also, members of MAN who import raw materials, machineries, and spares that are not currently on chapters 98 and 99 are to be on-boarded in order to enjoy the exemptions.’

The Customs CG also announced that four per cent FOB payments already made by manufacturers who are yet to be on-boarded to chapters 98 and 99 will be held as credit to be utilised for future customs-related transactions after their on-boarding.

He added that other exemptions were granted for government projects with import duty exemptions certificates, goods imported for humanitarian, life-saving and other related purposes, commercial airlines spare parts and beneficiaries of the Presidential initiative for unlocking healthcare value chain.

The exemptions, Adeniyi said, reflected government’s commitment to protecting critical sectors, especially manufacturing, while maintaining an efficient revenue collection system.

‘The gesture of these exemptions presents concrete evidence of the Service’s commitment to supporting critical sectors of the economy as it continues to maintain appropriate revenue collection frameworks.

‘Beyond existing exemptions, discussions focused on additional trade facilitation initiatives being implemented by the Nigeria Customs Service to support manufacturing operations.

‘These include the development of one-stop shop frameworks designed to streamline regulatory processes and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, systematic reduction of unnecessary checkpoints that add costs without corresponding value, and integration of digital solutions to accelerate legitimate trade processing as well as maintain security standards,’ he stated.

The Service, he added, also outlined initiatives aimed at providing real-time clearance capabilities and automated risk assessment systems that reduce compliance costs for legitimate operators.

He also said both organisations (i.e. Customs and MAN) agreed to establish formal consultation mechanisms, ensuring regular dialogue on policy developments affecting manufacturing operations.

These, according to him, include proactive engagement on customs policy changes before implementation, feedback systems allowing real-time assessment of policy impacts, and periodic review meetings to assess progress and identify new collaboration opportunities.

‘The engagement emphasised economic impact considerations, with both organisations committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification objectives through job creation, export promotion, foreign exchange conservation through import substitution, and development of industrial clusters supported by predictable customs environments,’ Adeniyi added.

The Customs boss further stated that MAN commended the Economic Operator Programme (AEO) scheme; hence, it was agreed that a clear guideline for admission would be issued by the NCS.

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is a global initiative by customs administrations to recognise reliable compliant businesses and secure supply chains. The NCS rolled out the AEO, replacing the outdated Fast Track System to streamline trade processes.

The Customs CG also said there will be an immediate tripartite consultation of the Federal Ministry of Finance, NCS, and MAN to be held immediately to work out the modalities for expedited on-boarding of manufacturers on chapters 98 and 99.

He also said moving forward, the NSC commits to maintaining ongoing consultation with manufacturing sector stakeholders, continuing development of trade facilitation infrastructure supporting industrial growth, implementing technology solutions that reduce compliance costs, and providing regular briefings on policy developments.

Adeniyi added that MAN commits to constructive engagement in policy dialogue processes, providing sector-specific expertise to inform customs policy development, supporting member compliance with regulations, and collaborating in developing industry best practices.

He said: ‘This engagement highlights a strengthened partnership between two critical institutions supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

‘The outcomes achieved are evident that constructive dialogue produces superior results for all stakeholders and is essential in maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance and economic governance.

‘Both organisations look forward to implementing the agreements reached and continue to build a customs environment that supports manufacturing excellence and meeting national revenue and security objectives’.

President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye could not agree less on the positive outcome of the consultative dialogue which he described as a milestone that would help reduce production costs and improve industrial competitiveness.

He, however, identified specific areas of challenges facing manufacturers to include the implementation of the 4% FOB as funding for NCS operations, multiple checkpoints, multiple alerts in the clearance system, and glitches in the implementation of the B’Odogwu platform.

Meshioye thanked the NCS for the visit, noting that matters of trade facilitation, industrial development, and economic growth for the overall well-being of Nigerian citizens are not small issues.

According to him, they are issues fundamental to everyone who cares about Nigeria.

He expressed hope that going forward, the NCS and MAN will be able to institutionalise this kind of ‘robust, productive and strategic engagement’ to resolve operational issues and engender an inclusive policy formulation and implementation atmosphere

He highlighted that since Adeniyi assumed office in 2013 as the Customs CG, he has brought a refreshing blend of professionalism, innovation, and global recognition to the Service than before. According to him, there is no better time to reignite this collaboration than now.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday.

The seven-time African champions showed resilience and determination at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in keeping the match level early on, making vital saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes.

While Colombia applied pressure in the opening stages, the Nigerians responded with a more adventurous approach. Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani created numerous chances, even hitting the woodwork multiple times.

Colombia found the breakthrough in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez slotted home after a smart assist from Neyser Villareal. But the Flying Eagles refused to be rattled and ramped up the intensity. Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalized with a powerful header in the 76th minute.

The equalizer finally came in the 86th minute. A Colombian handball inside the box-following a goal-bound effort from Maigana-led to a penalty, which was confidently converted by captain Daniel Bameyi. Nigeria almost snatched a dramatic winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in a crowded box.

With the draw, Nigeria advance to face tournament hosts Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday.

The match will rekindle memories of their quarter-final clash in the previous edition, where the Flying Eagles defeated Argentina 2-0 in San Juan.

Meanwhile, Colombia will face South Africa, while Norway is set to take on Paraguay in the other Round of 16 fixtures.

A wanted terror kingpin, Kachalla Maidawa, and 34 others, have met their waterloo during a series of coordinated operations by security forces.

The operations, which involved the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Service (DSS), the Police and Highbreed Forces, were conducted between September 29 and October 4.

The operations also led to the arrest of 32 criminals, rescue of 22 kidnap victims, and recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and logistics supplies.

A source, who confirmed Maidawa’s death, stated that the kingpin and 11 of his foot soldiers were killed in Kogi State.

According to the source, during the onslaught that eliminated Maidawa and his cohort, troops under Operation Egwu Eke Atite III, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, DSS, Police and Hybrid Forces, thwarted Maidawa’s planned attack at Isanlu, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

‘During the fierce firefight, troops overpowered the extremists, neutralising over 12 terrorists, including the dreaded Kachalla Maidawa, who had long terrorised communities across Kogi East and Kwara State.

‘Items recovered after the operation include one AK-47 rifle, 400 rounds of mixed ammunition, four motorcycles, three dane guns, a fragmentation jacket, mobile phones and other sundry items,’ the source added.

The SERAS Africa CSR and Sustainability Awards, the continent’s longest-running and most prestigious sustainability recognition platform, has officially closed entries for its 19th edition, attracting a record 325 applications from organizations across Africa.

This milestone underscores the growing relevance of sustainability as a driver of innovation, responsible business, and inclusive growth across the continent. Since its inception in 2007, The SERAS has consistently set the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence in Africa, and the 2025 cycle promises to be the most competitive yet.

Themed ‘Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth’, this year’s edition will spotlight organizations and leaders who are pushing the boundaries of creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver measurable impact in their communities and industries.

The Awards Ceremony will hold on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The night will bring together Africa’s leading businesses, policy influencers, thought leaders, and changemakers to celebrate excellence and inspire the next wave of responsible business leadership.

Ahead of the ceremony, field verification exercises are set to commence on 8th -30th of October in East, West, and Southern Africa, where independent assessors will visit project sites and engage stakeholders to validate claims made in the entries. This rigorous process ensures the credibility and integrity that has made The SERAS the gold standard of sustainability awards in Africa.

‘This year’s record-breaking entry level is a testament to how far the sustainability movement has come in Africa. It shows that businesses, governments, and non-profits are no longer seeing sustainability as a side initiative, but as a central pillar of growth, competitiveness, and legacy,’ said Ken Egbas, Founder, The SERAS CSR Awards Africa.

The 19th edition also marks the countdown to TheSERAS’ 20th anniversary in 2026, when the Hall of Fame will be unveiled to recognize: Africa’s 100 Most Sustainable Organizations, Africa’s 50 Top Sustainability Professionals, Africa’s Top 100 Not-for-Profits (SDG 100), and Africa’s 50 Sustainability Changemakers (Institutional Leaders and CEOs).

In the run-up to her 65th birthday on September 21, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, requested that all those who planned to congratulate her through media adverts, send gifts or organise parties on her behalf should channel the funds earmarked for such activities to a special fund established to facilitate the completion of the Headquarters of the National Library in Abuja.

Tagged the ‘Oluremi @ 65 Education Fund’, the account is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education and has as its signatories the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation.

That the sum of N20.7 billion had been realised in the account within a short interval is a reflection of the high esteem in which the First Lady is held and illustrative of the fact that a person does not have to hold formal office to contribute concretely to national development.

The calibre of those who contributed to the rescue fund for the completion of the National Library, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his wife, governors and their wives, ministers, state and national legislators, heads of government departments and agencies and titans of the private sector, among others, could only have been mobilised for this effort by a person of the caliber of Senator Tinubu.

The idea of utilising the opportunity of her birthday for the completion of the National Library project shows a very thoughtful disposition on the part of Mrs Tinubu and her advisers.

For, the project which ought to be a critical national legacy had been uncompleted since it was first conceived by the government of President Shehu Shagari in 1981. The actual construction which started in 2006 was awarded at a cost of N8.5 billion and was scheduled for completion within two years.

As at 2023, unfortunately, the project was only at 44% rate of progress and the cost had escalated to nearly N120 billion. This is thus another regrettable example of how delays in project execution compound costs, to the detriment of the public interest.

It is thus not surprising that the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has commended Mrs Tinubu’s vision and patriotic spirit. We agree with the body that the initiative is ‘a visionary act that turned a personal celebration into national call to action’.

The NLA was certainly spot on when it described Mrs Tinubu’s gesture as reflecting a deep commitment to education and the recognition of the central role a modern National Library plays in nation-building.

The First Lady’s life demonstrates a consistent love for education.

As the First Lady of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, her pet project, the New Era Foundation sponsored different activities to promote education among the youths. One of the most prominent of these was the Spelling Bee Competition which saw winners emerging as governor of Lagos State for one day. Many of the successful participants have gone on to achieve enviable attainments in life.

It is unfortunate that some critics have sought to demean and ridicule Mrs Tinubu’s philanthropic gesture towards the completion of the library project by arguing that public funds should have been utilised for the purpose rather than a private fundraising initiative.

This is mischievous and misleading. However, responding to such cynical views, the First Lady stressed that the initiative had no political undertones whatsoever. In her words, ‘This is not the first time I have raised funds for causes close to my heart. For my 45th birthday, I raised N50 million to complete the National Sickle Cell Foundation Centre, which has since become fully operational. For my 50th birthday, I raised N200 million for the New Era Foundation.I even donated to the post-war rebuilding of schools in Liberia’.

The First Lady has shown a stellar example which other eminent citizens should emulate. Apart from the National Library, for instance, the various states and local government areas also require community libraries which wealthy private individuals can support financially, especially in the face of acute insufficiency of public funds to meet the many challenges of providing public infrastructure in diverse sectors.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State.

The journalists were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The two journalists were detained following the posting of a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral.

The NUJ said their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community, as ‘it represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties’.

In a statement yesterday by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union said it was encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release, personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies, and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.

The statement added: ‘This gesture reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions. The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.

‘The NUJ urges the DSS to sustain this new approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and other citizens are fully respected at all times.

Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties.

‘While we commend this positive development, we call on the DSS and all security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights. Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated.

‘On our part, the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security.

‘We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.’

Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Maureen Ifada, has clichéd the coveted ‘Outstanding Marketing Amazon of the Year,’ cementing her place as one of the most influential voices shaping marketing and communications in Nigeria and beyond.

The prestigious event, organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, took place during the week, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Maureen, who has enjoyed a stellar career spanning over two decades in marketing and sales, added the honour to an already impressive list of recent milestones.

These include her emergence as Marketing Director of the Year at the 2025 Brand Handlers Awards and her appointment as a judge at the upcoming International Content Marketers Award 2025.

Speaking after receiving the award, a visibly elated Maureen said: ‘This recognition is humbling for me. It is a reflection of years of dedication, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

‘I am grateful to Marketing Edge for this honour, and I dedicate it to every woman in marketing who continues to break boundaries and inspire change.’

Publisher and CEO of Marketing Edge, John Ajayi explained why Maureen stood out for the award, stating: ‘Maureen Ifada embodies everything this award represents. From her ground-breaking work in repositioning Three Crowns Milk with the ‘Healthy Mums, Happy Families’ campaign to sustaining Peak’s leadership as Nigeria’s number one dairy brand, her impact is undeniable.

‘Beyond corporate results, her passion for mentorship and societal impact made her the clear choice for the Outstanding Marketing Amazon of the Year.’

Maureen began her career at FrieslandCampina WAMCO in 2003 as a management trainee in the Consumer Marketing Department and rose through the ranks to join the Management Team in February 2024.

Today, she is celebrated not only for her business acumen and leadership but also for her commitment to inspiring the next generation of marketers.

The Kebbi Progressive Youth Coalition for (KEPYO) has cautioned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), against what it described as a ‘consistent display of victimhood politics,’ following his recent claim that his convoy was attacked during a wedding ceremony in Argungu, Kebbi State.

The group, in a statement by its spokesperson Comrade Usman Musa in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend, described Malami’s reaction to the alleged incident as ‘an unnecessary escalation and an attempt to create political tension where none exists.’

It urged the former Minister to exercise restraint and desist from making statements capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘The 2027 election period is yet to be upon us. It is therefore unhelpful for a political figure of Malami’s stature to continually frame himself as a victim of orchestrated attacks each time he visits Kebbi,’ the statement reads.

‘Such narratives not only cast the state in bad light but also risk destabilising the peaceful atmosphere for which Kebbi is known.’

The group noted that while every citizen, including Malami, has the constitutional right to free movement and association, responsible conduct demands that public figures exercise discretion, especially in politically sensitive times.

‘As a former top government official and a prominent political actor, Malami should know better than to turn every personal visit into a media spectacle laced with allegations. If he intends to continue what appears to be a new hobby of frequent tours around the state, he should coordinate with relevant state security agencies to ensure adequate arrangements for his safety,’ the statement added.

KEPYO further questioned the pattern of Malami’s public engagements in Kebbi, saying such high-profile movements were uncommon during his years as Attorney General of the federation.

‘It is quite interesting that Malami, who was hardly seen mingling this freely while he held power as Attorney-General, now moves across Kebbi with large entourages and constant press attention,’ the youth group said. ‘While he is free to reconnect with his political base, he must do so responsibly and without projecting every encounter as an assassination attempt or political ambush.’

The group described the repeated allegations of attacks as ‘victimhood taken too far,’ warning that the peace of Kebbi state should not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition.

‘The people of Kebbi have always prided themselves on peaceful coexistence. It is therefore imperative that political leaders refrain from rhetoric or behaviour that could inflame divisions or invite needless controversy,’ it stated.

The coalition reiterated its call for all political stakeholders in the state to engage constructively and prioritise dialogue over sensationalism.

‘We expect Malami and others with political aspirations to channel their influence toward promoting unity and development, rather than nurturing narratives that portray Kebbi as a hostile or unsafe state. Kebbi remains peaceful, and the youth are determined to keep it that way.’

While expressing support for law enforcement agencies investigating the alleged Argungu incident, the group emphasised that maintaining order and political tolerance is a shared responsibility.

‘If Malami feels genuinely threatened, he should liaise directly with the Kebbi State Police Command and other relevant security outfits to put measures in place. What we do not need are public statements that inflame passions and divide the people along partisan lines,’ the statement advised.

The Kebbi Youth Coalition for Peace and Development, a non-partisan organisation advocating good governance and social stability in the state, urged all political actors to focus on issues that advance the welfare of citizens rather than pursuing ‘attention-driven theatrics.’

The police in Edo State have arrested a middle-aged man, identified as TJ, for allegedly killing his wife, Queen, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government.

The suspect was said to have murdered his wife with an axe and fled after the incident.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the couple had earlier celebrated the birthday of their two-year-old son before the tragedy.

‘There was no sign of a quarrel between them. We went to bed that night, but by morning, neighbours didn’t see them come out and assumed they were still asleep.

‘It was their little boy who later came out of the room with bloodstains on his body.

‘When people saw the stains and noticed he wasn’t injured, they rushed into the room and found the woman lying lifeless in a pool of blood, her throat slit,’ the source said.

The source added that the husband was nowhere to be found and was suspected to have fled after committing the act.

The matter was said to have been reported to the Auchi Police Division, which launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Spokesperson of the police command Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Yamu, in Benin, said the suspect had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

‘The suspect has been apprehended and moved to the State CID for proper investigation,’ Yamu said, adding that the command would ensure that justice was served in the case.

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have destroyed eight illegal refineries and confiscated 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that the various operations conducted in the region in partnership with other security agencies led to the arrest of many suspects.

He said during the operations around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, the troops dismantled a new illegal refining site.

He named other items destroyed as receivers, ovens, drums, pipes, adding that over 3,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered in the process.

Danjuma said: ‘Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck. The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting troops.

‘Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area’.

In Akwa Ibom State, Danjuma said the troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak Local Government Area.

He said two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures, noting that at an abandoned House No 70, Kemezia Road, Biseni Community, in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

He called on criminal elements in the region to turn a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, insisting that the division under his watch would ensure the forest remained green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage.