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Nigeria Customs, US Chamber of Commerce Deepen Bilateral Relations to Boost Trade Facilitation

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US Chamber of Commerce

Nigeria Customs, US Chamber of Commerce Deepen Bilateral Relations to Boost Trade Facilitation

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) strengthened business relations and enhanced trade facilitation with the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC), and the American Business Council (ABC) at a quarterly meeting in the NCS Headquarters’ ICT Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja.
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During the meeting, held on 28 October 2026, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the visit will strengthen collaboration and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

Niagwan reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to institutional reforms, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. Delivering the CGC’s message, she stated, “Our objective is to build a modern, transparent, and responsive Customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.”

She added that the visit offers an opportunity to exchange perspectives, address emerging concerns, and strengthen the partnership between the Service and American businesses operating in, or seeking investment opportunities in, Nigeria. She emphasised that “predictable customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance, as well as effective dispute resolution mechanisms, are essential to improving the ease of doing business and enhancing investor confidence.”

The Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of the ICT/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted the automation of licence and permit applications. He pointed to the planned deployment of 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports, and border stations, along with the introduction of digital platforms to streamline operations. The Service also emphasised its transition towards paperless administrative processes, urging the business community to provide feedback to help identify challenges and improve service delivery.

Speaking at the quarterly engagement, Kendra Gaither, President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, applauded the Service for its contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. She noted that their work often goes unnoticed when operations run smoothly. “When Customs works well, when trade is facilitated, people are the ultimate beneficiaries,” she said.

Gaither noted that effective Customs operations remain critical to advancing investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, and the digital economy, while expressing appreciation for the continued collaboration between the NCS and the American business community.

US Chamber of Commerce

US Chamber of Commerce

The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, commended the Service for its progress in trade facilitation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. She congratulated the Service on its emergence as a top-ranked agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Assessment.

The Council highlighted improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Rulings, and dispute resolution, noting that quarterly engagements have helped resolve longstanding business challenges.
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Governor Eno Approves 13th Month Pension Bonus, N10,000 Welfare Support for Akwa Ibom Retirees

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Unity School Alumni

Governor Eno Approves 13th Month Pension Bonus, N10,000 Welfare Support for Akwa Ibom Retirees

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, alongside a one-time welfare support of N10,000 for November 2026.
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The governor announced the approval on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo, during an event organised by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), where he received a Merit Award and was endorsed for re-election in 2027.
Governor Eno said the gesture was aimed at appreciating retired public servants for their years of dedicated and meritorious service to the state.

He commended the pensioners for their organisation, gratitude and continued engagement with his administration, assuring them that their welfare and that of other elderly citizens would remain a priority.
Describing the occasion as humbling, the governor said pensioners might have retired from active service but remained valuable members of society.
He subsequently directed that an additional N10,000 be included in the November 2026 pension payment of every retiree in the state.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,” he stated.

The governor also encouraged pensioners to register for the state’s health insurance scheme, explaining that residents aged 65 and above were entitled to free access to the programme.
On the payment of outstanding gratuities, Eno disclosed that his administration had released over N100 billion out of the N111 billion inherited backlog accumulated since 2012.

He assured that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term in office.
Eno attributed the progress to improved financial resources available to state governments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, commending the President for making funds accessible to states.
He urged the pensioners to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continued financial support from the Federal Government would help sustain the payment of pensions, gratuities and other welfare commitments.

The governor also appealed to pensioners, particularly those from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, to support the re-election of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Governor Eno for what he described as his compassion and commitment to the welfare of retired public servants in Akwa Ibom.
Abumisi praised the governor’s leadership and development initiatives, urging pensioners across the state to reciprocate his administration’s efforts by supporting his second-term ambition in 2027.

In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the NUP, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, described Eno as a compassionate leader whose administration had demonstrated unprecedented commitment to the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
Nkodo said the governor had consistently listened to the concerns of retired public servants through policies and programmes aimed at improving their living conditions.
He further maintained that the administration’s interventions had improved pensioners’ living standards and restored dignity to many retirees.

Unity School Alumni

Umo Eno

The state NUP chairman also expressed appreciation for the release of over N100 billion towards the settlement of inherited gratuity arrears, praying for the governor’s success in securing a second term.
At the event, pensioners unanimously endorsed President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno and other APC candidates for re-election in 2027.

The endorsement followed a motion moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr Mrs Uduak Udoaka.
The gathering attracted a large number of pensioners, many of whom remained at the venue despite the rain to demonstrate their appreciation and support for the governor.
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Bauchi Police Arrest Two Over Oobbery, Recover Stolen Phones

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Bauchi Police Arrest Two Over Oobbery, Recover Stolen Phones

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly attacking and robbing residents in separate incidents in Bauchi and Gamawa Local Government Areas of the state.
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The command also said it had recovered one of the stolen mobile phones, while efforts were ongoing to arrest a fleeing accomplice and recover the second phone.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Habib said the first incident was reported on October 30 by a 23-year-old woman from Sabon Kaura, who alleged that an 18-year-old suspect, identified as Mustapha Mohammed, invaded her room at about 3:10 am, armed with a knife and a torchlight.

He said the suspect inflicted injuries on the victim’s left hand before making away with her Itel A80 mobile phone, valued at N120,000.

According to the PPRO, the suspect was subsequently trailed and arrested by police operatives.

“During interrogation, he confessed to the crime and claimed to have given the stolen phone to one Dan-Oga, whose real identity is yet unknown and currently at large.

“Effort is in top gear to recover the phone and arrest the receiver,” the statement added.

In a separate incident, the police arrested a 20-year-old herder, identified as Jingi Buba, over the alleged robbery of a 15-year-old girl in Kesa Village, Gamawa Local Government Area.

The police spokesperson said the incident occurred on October 29 when the victim and her friend, both 15 years old, went to their farm to cut grass.

He explained that while the teenagers were returning to collect the remaining grass, the suspect allegedly attacked one of them with a knife, threatened her and stole her Tecno A31 mobile phone, valued at N20,000.

“Upon receipt of the report, the suspect was trailed and arrested, while one Tecno A31 mobile phone was recovered as an exhibit by operatives of Gamawa Division,” Habib said.

He added that preliminary investigation had been concluded and the case transferred to the SCID, Bauchi, for further investigation.

Police

Police

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

The CP also directed all Divisional Police Officers to intensify patrols and ensure that fleeing suspects were apprehended and brought to justice.
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Pastor Muoka Applauds Governor Eno’s Transformational Leadership in Akwa Ibom

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Pastor Muoka

Pastor Muoka Applauds Governor Eno’s Transformational Leadership in Akwa Ibom

The General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his transformational leadership and developmental strides across the state.
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Pastor Muoka gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo, where he also formally invited the governor to the church’s two-day crusade scheduled for Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The cleric, who disclosed that he had visited Akwa Ibom State on three previous occasions, expressed excitement over the level of transformation and development he observed in the state.

He expressed gratitude to God for using Governor Eno to advance the development of Akwa Ibom, while praying for continued divine blessings, wisdom and strength for the governor to achieve more for the people.
“We are grateful to God for the way He is using you mightily for the development of the state,” Pastor Muoka said.

Responding, Governor Eno appreciated the General Overseer and his entourage for the visit and for choosing Akwa Ibom as the venue for the forthcoming crusade.

The governor also commended Pastor Muoka for his dedication to God’s vineyard and his commitment to spreading the Gospel, praying that God would continue to strengthen and use him for the propagation of Christianity in Nigeria and beyond.

Pastor Muoka

Pastor Muoka

The General Overseer was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Pastor Mary Muoka; National Pastor, Azubuike Ogbonna; Akwa Ibom State Pastor, Okechukwu Cyprian; Pastor Daniel Effiong and other church officials.
Government officials present to receive the delegation included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council and other government functionaries.
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