The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector as part of efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and economic growth.
Adigun made this known through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the command in Lagos recently.
The Acting CAC emphasized the importance of collaboration between the NCS and critical stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the objectives of the Service and supporting national development.
Adigun noted that the media remains a vital partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling activities.
According to the DC, maritime journalists play a strategic role in shaping public perception of developments within the port industry and therefore have a responsibility to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and balance in their reportage.
He assured the executives of MARAN that the KLT Area Command would continue to maintain an open-door policy and foster constructive relationships with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
The President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde had earlier in his opening remarks said the visit was part of the association’s stakeholder engagement programme following the inauguration of its new executive committee.
Explaining the rationale for the MARAN executives visiting the command, he stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the command and further strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between MARAN and NCS over the years.
Onigbinde commended the command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, noting that the command remains an important component of Customs operations within the nation’s port system.
He reaffirmed MARAN’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-oriented journalism, stressing that maritime reporters have a critical role to play in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
He also assured the command of the association’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in maritime industry through what he called “responsible and factual” reporting of issues in the sector.
