The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kaduna, said it intercepted 185 blocks of Cannabis Sativa valued at N48.5 million.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna by Chief Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen, Public Relations Officer of the unit, on behalf of the Comptroller.

Nuruddeen said the seizure, together with other contraband worth N220.4 million recovered in separate operations, was made on Aug. 21 at about 3:30 a.m.

“Acting on intelligence, operatives stopped a vehicle along the Zaria flyover on the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, and intercepted the contraband,” he said.

He explained that a male suspect was arrested after nine sacks containing 185 compressed blocks of Cannabis Sativa, weighing 89.6kg, were discovered in the vehicle.

“The seized substance has an estimated duty paid value of N48,562,500.

“Both the suspect and the exhibits have been handed over to operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution in line with the spirit of inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

The spokesperson added that in a separate operation, officers of the unit also intercepted three vehicles conveying smuggled items.

According to him, the seizures include 456 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 8,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 178 bales of second-hand clothes, 225 cartons of spaghetti, 107 used tyres and 37 pieces of electric shockers (tasers).

He said the total duty paid value of the contraband stood at N220,457,336.48.

The Comptroller of the unit, Mr Aliyu Alkali, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his continuous support and guidance.

Alkali reiterated the commitment of the unit to sustaining the fight against smuggling, illegal trade, and the inflow of uncustomed goods into the country.

He stressed that the seizures were part of ongoing efforts by the service to protect the nation’s economy and safeguard national security

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Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday presided over a meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The gathering had in attendance the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

Also present were Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo.

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was also in attendance.

The National Economic Council, which is chaired by the Vice President, has the constitutional duty of advising the President on the nation’s economic affairs, particularly issues relating to the coordination of economic planning, allocation of revenue, and implementation of national economic policies.

More details to come…

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The Nigeria Immigration Service has announced an upward review of the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport, effective September 1, 2025.

According to a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, ACI AS Akinlabi, on Thursday, the new fees will apply only to applications made within Nigeria.

“The review which only affect Passport Application fees made in Nigeria, now set a new fee thresholds for 32-page with 5-year validity at N100,000 and 64-page with 10-year validity at N200,000,” the statement read.

However, the statement clarified that application fees for Nigerians in the diaspora remain unchanged at $150 for the 32-page, five-year passport and $230 for the 64-page, 10-year passport.

The service said the adjustment was aimed at maintaining the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport while ensuring accessibility for citizens.

This latest review comes barely a year after the Federal Government approved an earlier upward adjustment in August 2024, which took effect from September 1, 2024.

At the time, the 32-page, five-year passport booklet was increased from N35,000 to N50,000, while the 64-page, 10-year booklet went from N70,000 to N100,000.

The Immigration Service then explained that the increment was necessary to sustain the quality of the Nigerian passport and enhance service delivery.

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