The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba has tasked officers and men of the command on the core mandate of the service.
These include revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation.
He also enjoined them to uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their statutory roles and responsibilities.
The CAC gave the charge during the command’s monthly parade which took place yesterday at the command headquarters, Apapa, Lagos.
Oshoba emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.
His words: “Officers must protect the reputation of the service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated. Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates.”
The Customs Chief also enjoined officers and men to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Said he: “You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management. We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress.”
In the same vein, Oshoba also stressed the need for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.
The highlight of the parade, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, CSC Isah Isah Sulaiman was the recognition of outstanding officers and units for exemplary service.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.
In the same vein, some officers of APM Terminal Limited received the Excellence Award on Enforcement while Officers of ECO Support Terminal Limited received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.
Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among officers and units of the command.
