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Utilize Appropriated N14.2billion for Customs Academy / Training School in Bauchi – Senate tells FG
By Lateef Taiwo
The Senate Thursday urged the Federal Government , to use the already appropriated N14. 2billion in the 2023 budget , for construction of Nigerian Customs Academy / Training School in Bauchi .
It also mandated its Committee on Customs , Excise and Tariff when constituted, to embark on effective oversight on construction and completion of the envisioned One – Stop Shop operational centre for the revenue generating agency .
Senate’s resolutions , followed motion sponsored to that effect by Senator Umar Shehu Buba ( APC Bauchi South) and 16 other senators.
Senator Buba in the motion noted that the proposed Nigerian Customs Service Training School / Academy , is envisioned to be a One – Stop Shop for the revenue generating agency .
” It consists of Administrative block , Perimeter Fence , Senior Staff Housing , Generator House , Staff Room , Class Rooms , Library , Laboratories , Workshop / Dining Hall , Girls’ Hostel , Boys’ Hostel Intermediate Staff Housing , Sport Area , Chief Security Office etc , which is estimated to gulp approximately the sum of N14, 200, 000, 000billion .
” Construction of the aforestated additional Customs Training / Academy to the existing ones , will provide the needed professional training towards meeting the demands of institution in the country , thereby bringing out officers / personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service in tune with the current realities of professionalism in all their dealings and international best practices which would rid them of unprofessional and unethical conducts .
” It could be recalled that due to unethical conduct in the discharge of their duties , this revered Senate on the 19th day of July, 2023, considered a motion on reckless abuse of firearms by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service which led to loss of innocent lives .
” Therefore as contained in item 262 on the details of the Appropriation Act 2023 , the earmarked N14.2billion for construction of Service Academy and Training School , should be utilized by the Federal Government in putting the highly needed capacity enhancement institutions on ground for Customs “, he said .
Virtually all the Senators who contributed to the motion , supported it with attendant adoption of the three prayers sought .
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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