By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji L. Adigun, has charged officers and men of the Command to strengthen teamwork, maintain operational discipline and intensify efforts to block revenue leakages.
Adigun gave the charge during a welcome parade organised in his honour following his assumption of leadership responsibilities at the Command.
He expressed appreciation to God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a call to greater responsibility, dedication and commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Acting Controller assured personnel of his determination to discharge his duties with fairness, discipline and a strong sense of purpose.
He emphasised that the Command’s ability to achieve its mandate depended on the collective efforts of all personnel, regardless of rank or designation. He therefore called for stronger teamwork, mutual respect, collaboration and professionalism.
On revenue generation, Adigun urged officers to intensify efforts towards meeting the Command’s annual revenue target, stressing the need to translate the confidence reposed in the Command into measurable results, improved productivity and greater accountability.
He charged personnel to take ownership of their respective responsibilities and approach their assignments with renewed dedication and determination.
To safeguard government revenue, the Acting Controller directed officers to pay particular attention to documentary checks and proper examination of import declarations.
He stressed the importance of ensuring accuracy in tariff classification, valuation, quantities, applicable duties and other statutory charges, warning that negligence, under-valuation, deliberate misdeclaration and improper documentation could create opportunities for revenue leakages.
On operational discipline, Adigun described accountability, punctuality, respect for constituted authority and strict adherence to established procedures as non-negotiable.
He urged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, noting that the credibility of the Service depended not only on revenue performance but also on the professionalism with which its statutory responsibilities were discharged.
He further emphasised the need to balance revenue collection with trade facilitation, ensuring that legitimate businesses operate seamlessly while all appropriate government revenues are duly collected.
The Acting Controller also urged personnel to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alkali, while working collectively to address the Command’s operational challenges.
He called for open communication and constructive engagement, assuring officers and men that his office would remain accessible to reasonable, constructive and service-oriented discussions.
Adigun encouraged personnel to present ideas and recommendations capable of improving operational efficiency and strengthening the overall performance of the Command.
