Latest news with #AbdullahiMaiwada
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Nigeria seizes 1,600 birds in 'largest' wildlife-trafficking bust
Nigeria's customs agency says it has seized over 1,600 birds bound for Kuwait, in what it described as the country's "largest" wildlife-trafficking bust. Ring-necked parrots and green- and yellow-fronted canaries were intercepted at Lagos International Airport, by Nigeria's Customs Service (NCS) on 31 July, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday. It is the "largest" seizure by number, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada told the BBC, in a country where wildlife trafficking is frequent. Nigeria's porous borders, widespread corruption and weak enforcement have made it a key transit hub for ivory, pangolin scales and other wildlife products. The NCS said it was able to intercept the birds through routine checks. The statement said the shipment didn't have the required documentation and permits. Although the birds are common, they are required to have proper papers. An investigation is underway to find and prosecute those responsible for the illicit cargo, it said, adding that the birds would be handed to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Although the seizure was made on 31 July, it was only shared publicly on Tuesday so as to not "jeopardise" the investigation, said Mr Maiwada. He added that most trafficked animals from Nigeria are bound for Asia. Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) - the international treaty which governs the trade in rare plants and animals - but remains a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking. The illegal wildlife trade globally generates $7-$23bn (£5-17bn) annually, according to animal conservation charity BirdLife International. Songbirds like canaries are in high demand in the global trafficking trade due to popular singing competitions, the charity said. While rare species of wild parrots can fetch $1,000 or more. You may also be interested in: 'Brutal' donkey skin trade banned across Africa How undercover sting outwitted pangolin traffickers Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
7 days ago
- BBC News
Nigeria seizes over 1,600 birds in 'largest' wildlife trafficking bust
Nigeria's customs agency says it has seized over 1,600 birds bound for Kuwait, in what it described as the country's "largest" wildlife-trafficking bust. Ring-necked parrots and green- and yellow-fronted canaries were intercepted at Lagos International Airport, by Nigeria's Customs Service (NCS) on 31 July, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday. It is the "largest" seizure by number, NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada told the BBC, in a country where wildlife trafficking is porous borders, widespread corruption and weak enforcement have made it a key transit hub for ivory, pangolin scales and other wildlife products. The NCS said it was able to intercept the birds through routine statement said the shipment didn't have the required documentation and permits. Although the birds are common, they are required to have proper investigation is underway to find and prosecute those responsible for the illicit cargo, it said, adding that the birds would be handed to the National Parks Service for rehabilitation before being released into the the seizure was made on 31 July, it was only shared publicly on Tuesday so as to not "jeopardise" the investigation, said Mr added that most trafficked animals from Nigeria are bound for Asia. Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) - the international treaty which governs the trade in rare plants and animals - but remains a hub for illegal wildlife illegal wildlife trade globally generates $7-$23bn (£5-17bn) annually, according to animal conservation charity BirdLife International. Songbirds like canaries are in high demand in the global trafficking trade due to popular singing competitions, the charity said. While rare species of wild parrots can fetch $1,000 or more. You may also be interested in: Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria Customs strengthens relations with Access Bank
Following the successful deployment of its Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B'odogwu, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified strategic engagements with key stakeholders to consolidate its gains and drive system-wide integration. In a virtual meeting, the NCS engaged officials of Access Bank to align operational frameworks and deepen collaboration in support of trade facilitation and financial system integration. Led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, the session also included the Service's National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi from the ICT/Modernisation Department. The engagement focused on enhancing synergy between Customs and the financial sector, particularly in streamlining payment systems, boosting data exchange, and ensuring real-time processing of trade-related transactions through the B'odogwu platform. During the meeting, DCG Adeola reaffirmed the Service's commitment to seamless stakeholder integration in the post-deployment consolidation phase. Related 'Ship brokers excluded from national policy for marine, blue economy' Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill awaiting Presidential assent — NSC Most port delays originating from terminal operators, shipping companies — Reps 'The deployment of B'odogwu marks a new era in Customs administration. 'Our next priority is to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions like Access Bank to fully unlock the platform's potential for automation, transparency, and trade efficiency,' she said. She added that B'odogwu, developed as an indigenous solution, has already transformed Customs operations by unifying procedures, automating declarations, and enabling real-time transaction monitoring. 'To achieve optimal functionality, all players within the trade value chain must be fully integrated. This engagement with Access Bank is not just timely—it is strategic,' she noted. In response, Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade at Access Bank, commended the NCS for its forward-thinking digital transformation and assured the Bank's support. 'The B'odogwu platform represents a major leap in digital trade processing. Access Bank is fully aligned with the NCS vision and is committed to ensuring system compatibility—particularly in trade finance and payment automation,' he said. Additionally, Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings/Access Bank, stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and public awareness. 'Public buy-in is critical to the success of any reform. We will collaborate with the Service to drive awareness of B'odogwu and educate stakeholders on the value it brings to the trading ecosystem,' he stated. The meeting forms part of the NCS's broader strategy to accelerate its trade modernisation agenda through strategic partnerships, transparency, and continuous innovation. With B'odogwu now operational, the NCS is steadily advancing towards a fully digital, integrated, and globally compliant Customs system that supports Nigeria's economic aspirations.
