…CGC Adeniyi Commends Directing Staff, Instructors on dedicated commitment to Service 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has commended the directing staff and instructors of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College for their commitment and exceptional input in the training session which has just graduated 50 Officers of Junior Course 18.

The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, marked a significant milestone on Friday, April 19, 2024, in a ceremony, held at the Ahmadu Makarfi Hall of the college. It was attended by top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, family members, and friends of the graduating officers.

 “The Service is committed to building a strong and effective team, and this graduation is a testament to that commitment,” the CGC who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development Greg Itotoh, stated.

Also Read: CUSTOMS: We’re Well-equipped To Implement TRS In Nigeria- Wale Adeniyi

He praised the graduating officers for their hard work and dedication, urging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their training to enhance the service’s operations.

He particularly emphasised the importance of capacity building in achieving the Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic goals, even as he encouraged the graduating officers to be innovative and proactive in their approach to Customs operations, embracing technology to enhance effective service delivery.

Commandant of the College, ACG Kingsley Egwuh, also praised the directing staff for their dedication and hard work in shaping the officers’ minds. He congratulated the graduating students, urging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead and make a positive impact in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The graduating officers, who had completed their training in various aspects of customs operations, leadership, and weapon handling, were expected to be deployed to various formations of the Service, where they will apply their knowledge and skills to enhance effective service delivery.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates and awards to deserving officers, recognising their outstanding performance during the training.

Earlier, the College had also held a regimental dinner for the graduating officers of Junior Course 18 on the 17th of April, 2027 – where Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi urged them to embrace professionalism and integrity in their service. 

As the Special Guest of Honour at the Regimental Feast, CGC Adeniyi took to the podium to congratulate the graduating students after scaling through a series of rigorous training in the colleges, which, according to him, were meant to equip them to master the technical know-how of the Customs work.

Celebrating their academic achievements, CGC Adeniyi, however, enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the Service and give their careers purposeful meaning and uphold the motto of the Nigeria Customs Service—Justice and Honesty.

He added, “As you all return to your respective Commands, put everything you’ve learned to the test. That is the only gratitude you can show to those who have taken time to develop the curriculum which you were taught here.”

“You have been here for some time. You have developed yourselves. In a couple of years, the business of the Nigeria Customs Service will rest squarely on your shoulders”, he said.

The night concluded with a sense of accomplishment and pride, marking not only the end of academic pursuits but also the beginning of a journey for these graduates to carry forward the values of the Nigeria Customs Service with honour and dedication.

…Commodore Kashim, Jim Steward, Offor laud Imam on synergy, open door policy; Babandede pledges to maintain status quo 

The outgoing Controller of Onne Customs Command, Baba Imam says the Area 2: Command generated over N162 billion, within the first three months of the year 2024.

Comptroller Baba Imam also noted that the figure was more than the revenue generated from January to July (Seven months) in the year 2023.

“I will operate an open door policy just like the Out-going Area Controller”

He stated this amidst encomiums, as the Onne Customs Command at the weekend, witnessed a sensational handing -and-taking over parade in honour of the Out-going Customs Area Controller, Imam and the In-coming Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede.

“I will operate an open door policy just like the Out-going Area Controller”

The parade was witnessed by various Commanders, Heads of Security Agencies and Stakeholders working in the Port environment. 

Also Read: Q1 2024: Tincan Customs Generates N303.9bn, 139% Higher Than Q1 2023

In his glowing remark, Comptroller Baba Imam who noted that in revenue, the Command set an unprecedented record of generating in a single day, over 22 Billion Naira. appreciated God for his mercy and love, even as he also appreciated the Controller General of Customs BA Adeniyi MFR, for the opportunity to serve as the Customs Area Controller of the Command. 

He extended the same appreciation to all Security Agencies and Stakeholders and attributed the successes recorded in the Command to the improved synergy, intelligence sharing and cooperation he enjoyed while working with them.

Comptroller Imam emphasised that Officers and Men of the Command have been trained with the view to bringing attitudinal change to enhance trade facilitation in the Command. 

He recounted some of the achievements made during his 15-month stay as the Area Controller which included the construction of a 110 seating capacity Conference Room with modern facilities, the creation of a Computer training centre with 50 computers to enhance capacity building related workshops and training in the Command. 

He said both facilities were open for use by both Customs Officers and Stakeholders who need them.

He continued that Officers could not have made significant impact in trade facilitation if their homes were in disarray, hence he appreciated his wife who was the Chairperson, Customs Officers Wives Association, Onne Chapter and said to appreciate COWA for all they do, the Command was able to establish a COWA Office within the Customs House, refurbish a canteen in the Office and two additional canteens in the Customs Barracks. 

Finally, the Command established two saloons in the barracks, for males and females from which the proceed goes to the Association.

The In-coming Area Controller Comptroller Mohammed Babandede promised to sustain the cordial relationship already established in the Command with a view to improving the synergy and that he will equally operate an open door policy. 

He said “I will operate an open door policy just like the Out-going Area Controller and I implore all Officers and Men in the Command to give me their support as they continue their good work. This will help improve on the successes recorded to enhance revenue generation, value addition and suppression of smuggling”.

The atmosphere was clouded with mixed feelings of joy and sadness as Officers, Stakeholders and Guests poured out their Goodwill messages to the Outgoing and In-coming Area Controllers.

Speaking on behalf of all the Security Agencies within the Port Environment the Commandant Nigeria Navy Basic Training School, Commodore GJ Kashim said the Out-going Controller has instilled and improved synergy among the Security agencies which he commended and prayed for more success for him in his next duty post.

 He also employed the Incoming Controller to maintain the cordial relationship already established by his predecessor.

On behalf of the Container Terminals situated within the Port, the Managing Director, Onne Multipurpose Terminal, Mr Jim Steward said Comptroller Imam has made Container Terminal activities seamless with his intervention in reducing most of the bottlenecks they experienced in the Cargo clearing process. 

To further add to the goodwill messages the Managing Directors of Bonded terminals operating within the Area 2 Command delegated Mr Kingsley Offor, to speak on their behalf. 

Mr Offor commended the outgoing controller on trade facilitation which he stressed that Comptroller B Imam has made through a conducive working environment for Bonded terminal operators. 

He prayed for success and God’s favour towards him. To the Incoming Controller, he prayed for God’s grace to function more than his predecessor.

On behalf of the various Customs Brokers operating with the Command, the Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Customs license Agents, Mr Mike Ebeatu, commended the Out-going Controller and stated that he has a listening ear and an open door policy which he urged the In-coming Controller to embrace.

In the meantime, the Deputy Comptroller Administration, Deputy Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie on behalf of the Officers and Men of Area 2 Command, has pledged for continuous support for the new Controller and promised that all hands must be on deck to make him succeed.

….As New President says his team understands both the challenges and the terrain 

The incoming President of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria SOAN, Sonny Eja on Friday pledged to give the body a new lease of life as proof that his past commitment to the cause of the association is total.

“I will be dedicated to the cause of SOAN in this role, the same way I have demonstrated my commitment over the past few years first as Chairman, Ethics & Privileges Committee and as 2nd Vice President for two terms”, the new Arrowhead, Sonny Eja stated, saying the incoming team knows the terrain and the challenges.

“As I assume the responsibilities of the presidency, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our association stands at a critical juncture, where the decisions we make today will shape the trajectory of our profession for years to come”, the SOAN Boss stressed, adding:

“Together, we must navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving landscape, surmount the multifaceted issues plaguing shipping, especially – ship acquisition, access to cargoes, and positioning SOAN to maximize shipping potentials in an era where the maritime sector is displacing oil as the federal government’s priority as demonstrated by the creation of a distinct Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy”.

Going down memory lane, the President noted that this great association was established in 2015 as a non-profit organization, to promote the interests of more than 50 Nigerian Shipowner companies and operators. The over 50 ship-owning companies boast of a combined fleet size of over 150 vessels (ranging from PSVs, AHTS, Tugs, MPSVs, FSIVs, Tankers, Barges, Crew boats, security vessels etc), 

“As I assume the responsibilities of the presidency, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Speaking further, he highlighted that “SOAN plays a pivotal role in various sectors of the maritime industry, including oil and gas, dry bulk and wet cargo shipping. Over the years, 

“SOAN has actively contributed to government policy formulation, facilitated seafarer development activities, and fostered international partnerships within the industry.

“As I assume the responsibilities of the presidency, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our association stands at a critical juncture, where the decisions we make today will shape the trajectory of our profession for years to come. 

“Together therefore, we must navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving landscape, surmount the multifaceted issues plaguing shipping, especially – ship acquisition, access to cargoes, and positioning SOAN to maximize shipping potentials in an era where the maritime sector is displacing oil as the federal government’s priority as demonstrated by the creation of a distinct Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Consequently, as executives, we have resolved to build on the successes and vantage position of SOAN and to remain wholeheartedly dedicated to advancing the mission and vision of our association”, the determined President stressed, and urged the two former Presidents, to continue to avail his team the desired listening ears and counsel whenever necessary, particularly by way of consultations and direction.