Customs Pledge Trade Facilitation, Anti-Smuggling In Owerri

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri, has pledged to intensify its anti-smuggling operations while strengthening trade facilitation, revenue protection and compliance as Deputy Comptroller of Customs Farouk Nadaniya assumes office as Acting Comptroller of the unit.

Nadaniya took over the leadership of FOU ‘C’ from retired Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun during a handing-over ceremony held at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State.

The new Acting Comptroller described his assumption of office as more than a change in leadership, saying it represented “a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.”

According to him, FOU ‘C’ occupies a strategic position in advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade and national security.

He said the unit would continue to align its operations with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Nadaniya, while soliciting the cooperation and support of officers, charged them to remain firm, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

He specifically urged patrol team leaders to maintain discipline, vigilance and accountability, stressing the need for officers to uphold professionalism while carrying out enforcement operations.

He also called for greater commitment to the implementation of the Comptroller-General’s strategic priorities, particularly in the areas of modernisation, operational efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.

The Acting Comptroller commended the achievements recorded by the unit under his predecessor, retired Comptroller Balogun, attributing them to “sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty.”

Speaking through the unit’s Public Relations Officer, R. Nche, the FOU ‘C’ said the change in leadership would not affect the unit’s commitment to its statutory responsibilities.

Nche said Nadaniya’s assumption of office would reinforce the unit’s efforts to combat smuggling while ensuring that legitimate businesses and traders receive the necessary support to facilitate lawful commerce.

The PRO quoted the new Acting Comptroller as saying that the officers’ cooperation would be critical to delivering on the new administration’s operational objectives.

Earlier, the retired Comptroller Balogun thanked officers and men of the unit for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

Balogun urged the officers to remain diligent in their respective areas of responsibility, noting that the achievements recorded during his tenure were the result of collective effort.

He also reminded officers that retirement awaits every member of the service and advised them to begin preparing for life after the Nigeria Customs Service from the moment they join the organisation.

The retired Comptroller further urged the officers to extend the same level of support he received to Nadaniya to enable the new acting comptroller to build on the achievements of the unit.

The handing-over ceremony featured the formal reception of Nadaniya by officers and men of FOU ‘C’, followed by the introduction of heads of various units and sections.