….Commits to Enhance Personnel Welfare, through Housing Initiative
The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described a magnificent ongoing building project in Kaduna as a solid infrastructure meant to effectively drive the activities of the Service.
The CGC made the observation on Thursday, 7, 2024, during a stop-over at the construction site of Customs Cantonment in Mando Kaduna, to ascertain the project’s progress.
“I am here this afternoon to inspect the progress of this vital project, the construction of the Customs Cantonment in Mando, Kaduna”, he said, speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the site, and adding:
“This initiative underscores our commitment to establishing a robust and efficient infrastructure to support the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
According to him, the ongoing construction of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ is essential for enhancing the operational efficiency of Customs personnel and ensuring their welfare.
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“it will (also) provide them with modern facilities and amenities to carry out their duties effectively.”
The CGC, Adewale Adeniyi who called the completion of the project a priority for the Service, also emphasized that “the structure will serve as a cornerstone of our operations in this region, further strengthening our capacity to safeguard our borders and combat illicit activities.”
The CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR
He commended the dedication and hard work of those involved in the project, stressing that their efforts remained instrumental to realizing management’s vision of a modern and efficient Customs Service.
Earlier, the CGC had received a ceremonial guard of honor by men attached to the Customs Police Unit at the Zonal Headquarters in Kabala-Doki Kaduna.
In the meantime, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of Customs personnel across the federation by providing shelters.
He stated this on Thursday, in Kaduna during the flag-off ceremony of the NCS housing scheme at Gidan Iyali Estate, Millennium City, Kaduna, noting that the ceremony won’t be a short-lived vision.
“This ceremony is not the last episode of what we have planned. There are projects similar to this in Kano, Asaba, Yola, Abuja, Enugu, and Uyo ready for flag-off. The national spread is aimed at providing officers and men of the service the opportunity to access and benefit from the laudable initiative that is not just pocket friendly but also at convenient locations.”
He also recalled how the Service had, on 18 December 2023, flagged off the ceremony of a similar project of 5000 Houses in Ibadan aimed to target serving officers and men of the NCS.
According to him, “The initiative was deemed expedient as some of our personnel have retired from service without a befitting home to commence the new phase of life after retirement. It is hoped that this initiative will go a long way at putting an end to the misery that have been experienced by some officers and men in the past.”
The CGC highlighted that the initiative was part of President Tinubu’s supportive efforts to provide affordable houses to Nigerians. He also applauded the unwavering support given to the Nigeria Customs Service by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state towards the success of the ensure the exercise.
The CGC urged officers who have shown interest in the projects not to relent, adding, “It is heartwarming to inform all officers that the service is going into an interface with Cooperative Mortgage Bank with the service ICT under the salary section to effectively manage the process of payments of the housing scheme.”
On his part, the Portfolio and Assets Manager of Family Homes, George Anih, while addressing the gathering, said his firm is critical about providing shelters for Nigerians at an affordable price.
He expressed commitment to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service to provide 5000 houses for officers and men of the Service.
Mr. Musa Abubakar, Managing Director of Cooperative Mortgage Bank, assured the Comptroller-General of Customs of his commitment to ensure the successful completion of the project.