The One Voice Development Initiative has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in extending the tenure of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management. This announcement was made in a press release dated January 10, 2025, addressed to all media organizations.

According to the press release, the One Voice Development Initiative had called on President Tinubu on October 3, 2024, at Arewa House, Kaduna State, to extend the tenure of the NCS management. “We at One Voice Development Initiative are elated to express our heartfelt gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in extending the Nigeria Customs management due to its significant and pivotal roles towards driving the Nation’s economy for growth and development,” the statement read.

The organization emphasized that this bold step underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business and investment, aligning with his administration’s strategic efforts to revamp Nigeria’s economy. “The extension of Nigeria Customs management is a testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to creating an enabling environment which attracts local and foreign investments. This decision will undoubtedly propel Nigeria’s economic growth, promote regional connectivity, and solidify its position as an industrial hub,” the statement added.

The press release also highlighted the achievements of the NCS management under the leadership of CGC BA Adewale Adeniyi. “Permits me to remind you of my previous press interaction on October 3, 2024, which dwelled and spoke much about the achievements of the NCS management under the leadership of CGC BA Adewale Adeniyi. For your information now, those remarkable efforts have been doubled up and believe would soon manifest and give a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy,” the statement noted.

The One Voice Development Initiative praised the NCS for its remarkable success in the first half of 2024, surpassing its revenue target by 8% and marking a 127% increase over the previous year’s revenue. “The NCS has achieved remarkable success in the first half of 2024 with a half-year revenue target of 2.54 trillion. The Service has collected 2.74 trillion, surpassing the target by 8% and marking a 127% increase over the previous year’s revenue,” the statement revealed.

The organization also commended the NCS for its effective border control measures, which resulted in notable achievements from January to June 2024. “The service intensified its anti-smuggling efforts in the first half of 2024, resulting in notable achievements. The NCS made 2,442 seizures with a DPV Duty paid value worth 25,520,652.948, which is higher than the DPV of seizures in the first half of 2023,” the statement highlighted.

The press release further acknowledged the NCS’s commitment to community and stakeholders’ engagements, as well as staff welfare. “The NCS has implemented several key initiatives to simplify and expedite customs procedures, capacity building programs for officers, and public-private partnerships to enhance customs clearance efficiency. These efforts are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic growth,” the statement said.

In conclusion, the One Voice Development Initiative pledged its support for President Tinubu’s administration and the NCS management team under the leadership of CGC BA Adewale Adeniyi. “We believe that these milestone achievements will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape. We pledge our support for President Tinubu’s administration and look forward to collaborating with his government to drive sustainable development,” the statement concluded.

The President Bola Tinubu administration has accused Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State of playing irresponsible politics, urging him to focus on governance and addressing the issues facing his state. This statement was made by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, in a press release dated January 10, 2025.

According to Dare, the Tinubu administration is laser-focused on development and improving the overall well-being of Nigerians. “The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.

Dare emphasized that President Tinubu won an election and secured a national mandate from Nigerians, which he will not surrender to satisfy the palate of pseudo-activists and later-day crusaders. “President Tinubu is a listening leader and also a leader that strongly believes in the institutions of state,” Dare added.

Addressing the Tax Reform Bills, Dare noted that the President was clear that anyone and groups that feel strongly about the matter now before the National Assembly should take advantage of the legislative process. “Attempts to stampede or abort this process must be regarded as undemocratic and self-serving,” he asserted.

Dare questioned Governor Bala Mohammed’s efforts to improve the lives of the people of Bauchi State, who still rank among the most impoverished in Nigeria. “How well are the people of his state faring under his leadership? How well has he as Governor used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?” Dare asked. He emphasized that just as President Tinubu has a duty to all Nigerians, Governor Bala has a greater duty and responsibility to the people of his state.

“Constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State, whom his leadership has impoverished,” Dare stated. He urged Governor Bala to face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image.

Dare highlighted President Tinubu’s focus on revamping the economy and working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. “He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises. Nigerians have started to see the real impact of reforms of the Tinubu administration, and better outcomes will continue to manifest in the lives of the citizens in the weeks and months ahead,” he said.

Dare further reiterated that Governor Bala is playing irresponsible politics and should instead occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. “Ambition is made of sterner stuff,” he remarked.