Senate approves N14.2bn for construction of Customs Academy /Training School in Bauchi

SENATE has requested that the Federal Government build the Nigerian Customs Academy / Training School in Bauchi using the Approved N14. 2 billion previously allotted in the 2023 budget.

The Senate has given its Committee on Customs, Excise, and Tariff instructions to begin providing effective oversight on the construction and completion of the envisioned One-Stop Shop operational center for the revenue-generating agency.

A motion sponsored by Senator Umar Shehu Buba (APC Bauchi South) and co-sponsored by 16 other Senators led to the passage of resolutions in the Senate.

When introducing the motion, Senator Buba noted that the proposed Nigerian Customs Service Training School / Academy is intended to be a One-Stop Shop for the revenue-generating agency. He added, It consists of Laboratories, Workshop / Dining Hall, Administrative block, Senior Staff Housing, Perimeter Fence, Generator House, Class Rooms, Library, Staff Room, Girls’ Hostel, Boys’ Hostel Intermediate Staff Housing, Sport Area .

“Construction of the previously mentioned additional Customs Training / Academies to the current ones will provide the necessary professional training towards meeting the needs of the country, thereby producing officers / personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service who are in tune with the current realities of professionalism in all their dealings and international best practices, ridding them of unprofessional and unethical conducts.

“It may be recalled that on July 19, 2023, this esteemed Senate was considering a motion on the reckless abuse of firearms by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service that resulted in the loss of innocent lives as a result of their unethical conduct in the performance of their duties.

Therefore, as stated in item 262 on the Appropriation Act 2023’s details, the Federal Government should use the N14 Point Two Billion designated for the construction of the Service Academy and Training School to establish the critically needed capacity-enhancing institutions for Customs.