The new Customs Area Controller for Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu on Tuesday vowed to uphold the core mandate of trade facilitation, as well as border security in the course of tackling the menace of smuggling at the command.
Shuaibu also promised never to compromise, but balance enforcement with trade facilitation at the NCS Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko in Ipokia local government area of the state.
The new CAC made these promises while taking over from his predecessor, Comptroller James Ojo, who proceeded on retirement after 35 years of service at the NCS.
Speaking at the event, Shuaibu pledged to deploy the experiences he had garnered while leading the recently disbanded Sector 2 of the federal government’s Joint Border Patrol Team during the period he will be holding sway as the CAC of the Command.
The ceremony had in attendance, representatives of the Customs Service from the neighbouring Republic of Benin as well as those from other sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.
“As an experienced anti-smuggling officer, I understand the unique challenges of border operations, particularly in Ogun 1 Command; a critical frontier for trade and security. I am keenly aware of the complexity of balancing enforcement with trade facilitation and community engagement and I am prepared to tackle these challenges head-on,” Shuaibu said.
Stressing that his vision for Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko “is simple, yet resolute”, Shuaibu said he would prioritise teamwork, innovation and discipline in all the Customs’ activities, even while upholding the values and mission of the Service in striving to achieve new heights of operational excellence.
He however, appealed for the cooperation of all the personnel as well as other stakeholders which include traditional rulers from all across the border host communities to join in his vision, saying “the tasks ahead are daunting, but with unity and dedication, they are surmountable.”
The new CAC also promised that he would maintain and strengthen the existing collaboration with other sister security agencies towards ensuring border security and facilitation of legitimate trade across the border.
Earlier in his address, the outgoing CAC, Ojo urged personnel in the command to extend the same high level of cooperation he enjoyed while in service at the command to the new Controller.