Business

Nigeria Customs Acquires Aircraft to Strengthen Air Operations

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2024

OCHEFA

385 Views

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft for strengthening its surveillance activities.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, inspected the newly acquired aircraft on Friday in Bartlesville, Washington, USA, marking a pivotal moment for NCS’ air wing operations.

In a statement, customs’ National Public Relations Officer, NCS Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA, was set to enhance the service’s air patrol and surveillance efforts.Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the Cessna Grand Caravan is globally recognised for its rugged versatility, short-field take-off and landing capabilities, and ability to operate on remote airstrips—making it ideally suited for border security operations in Nigeria.

Adeniyi emphasised the importance of the acquisition, stating that the aircraft is fitted with modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions.

He said, “This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Service’s air wing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol.

”The aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in air patrols aimed at detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations.

The CGC said, “With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary.

”He said the aircraft’s mission aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Adeniyi said the aircraft will also serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Limited, offering logistical support and revenue generation for the service.

Adeniyi underscored the cost-efficiency of the aircraft, stating that its operational costs are relatively low compared to other aircraft in its class.

He said , “This is a long-term investment for the service that not only enhances our operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of our air surveillance programs.

”Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services, Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, hailed the acquisition as a milestone for NCS’s aviation unit.

Mbaya said, “With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalise its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the service and the nation.

”The statement added, “The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security, and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.”

Related Topics:Featured Nigeria Customs Smuggling Surveillance aircraft

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BUA Group Denies Reports of Bid to Acquire Stake in Kano Pillars Football Club

Published

2 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Charles Flames

13 Views

BUA Group has firmly dismissed online reports claiming that the conglomerate and its Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, submitted a bid to acquire a 70% stake in Kano Pillars Football Club.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the company described the publication as inaccurate and misleading.

PRESS STATEMENT

Re: False Claims of Bid to Acquire Stake in Kano Pillars Football Club

Our attention has been drawn to an online publication suggesting that BUA Group and its Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, have submitted a bid to acquire a 70% stake in Kano Pillars Football Club.

We would like to clarify that this report is inaccurate and does not reflect any position, action, or communication from BUA Group or Abdul Samad Rabiu. No such bid has been made, and there has been no engagement with any party on this matter.

We kindly request that this report be disregarded, and we encourage the public and members of the press to rely only on official statements issued through BUA Group’s verified channels for accurate information regarding our activities.

We appreciate the continued interest in BUA Group and thank the public for their understanding.

BUA Group reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged stakeholders to verify information through its official communication channels.

Business

Nigeria’s oil minister orders marketers to reduce fuel price

“While we believe that market forces will eventually restore equilibrium, the regulator also has a statutory responsibility to ensure that deregulation does not become an avenue for profiteering. This must be done in line with the extant provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act,”said Lokpobiri.

Published

6 hours ago

June 30, 2026

OCHEFA

18 Views

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at the NMDPRA General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum, directed petroleum marketers to reduce fuel price .

At the two-day forum themed: “Beyond Compliance: Driving Regulatory Certainty and Investment Confidence in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector, Lokpobiri noted that refiners and marketers have continued to sell petrol at elevated pump prices despite the significant decline in crude oil prices from a peak of $120 per barrel to about $72 per barrel last week.

He said: “Following de-escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, we expected to see a commensurate downward adjustment in the prices of PMS and other petroleum products.However, that has not yet happened.”