The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his delegation conducted a working visit to Zone A’s Area Commands on Tuesday, starting with an inspection of the Customs Security Patrol vessels,
‘The Group of 9’ and ‘Customs Pride,’ were acquired in 2015, with a seating capacity of 26. The delegation then proceeded to the jetties en route Apapa.
At the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, the Ag. CGC emphasized the importance of the Service’s mandates and urged officers to rise above challenges to ensure quality service delivery.
“Our operation is tied towards three functions of generating revenue, enforcing control, and facilitating trade. Customs plays a very strategic role in the economic development and growth of any country, so the charge is for us to accept to render adequate service delivery for the economic development of the nation,” he stated.
During the visit, the Customs Area Controller, Timi Bomodi, highlighted the challenges faced by the Command, including the need for a befitting office to accommodate all officers adequately.
Responding to this concern, the Ag. CGC acknowledged the necessity for expansion and stressed the importance of welfare for customs officers and their families.
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“We need a bigger space to operate, and we are going to make it a priority. Our welfare is important, and we will work with management to ensure that it takes care of not just us but also our dependants and families,” he affirmed.
The delegation also visited the Western Marine Command, Ports & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, and Tin-can Island Command. During these visits, the Customs Boss urged officers to rededicate themselves to physical examination of goods and maintain a positive attitude towards work, which is conducive to positive revenue generation.
Regarding welfare, the Ag. CGC assured that the welfare programs would be faithfully implemented. “We have improved the life insurance scheme for all our officers, including a fully paid-off Group Accident Insurance that guarantees 300 percent of their salary in the unfortunate event of any accidents,” he disclosed.
The Acting CGC also took the opportunity to address licensed agents regarding their grievances. The visit aimed to reinforce the commitment to improve operations and officers’ welfare within the Nigeria Customs Service.
(omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
