By Peace Udugba
Comptroller Akingbade urges participants to embrace innovation as study tour focuses on strengthening excise administration
The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received participants of Junior Course 25 from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, Abuja, for a study tour aimed at deepening their understanding of excise operations and the use of technology in Customs administration.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Olusola Olukemi Akingbade, welcomed the delegation on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters, Customs House, Quarry Road, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The delegation comprised 15 participants, including students, supervising officers and directing staff of the College. The visit is designed to expose participants to field operations and provide practical insights into the administration of Customs excise functions.
Speaking during the reception, Assistant Comptroller of Customs A.Y. Ibrahim explained that the study tour is a vital component of the Junior Course curriculum, giving participants the opportunity to observe operational procedures firsthand and develop practical recommendations based on their field findings.
He noted that the theme of this year’s exercise, “Leveraging the Use of Technology as a Tool for Effective Excise Control and Protection of Society,” underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to deploying technology to improve excise administration, boost compliance and safeguard the public.
According to Ibrahim, the Ogun II Area Command offers a valuable learning environment where participants can gain practical knowledge from experienced officers and ongoing operational activities.
In her keynote address, Comptroller Akingbade reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the study tour, assuring the participants of the full cooperation of officers throughout the exercise.
She encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity by engaging actively with Customs officers and relevant stakeholders to broaden their professional knowledge and operational experience.
The Customs Area Controller expressed confidence that the exposure gained during the tour would contribute significantly to the participants’ career development and prepare them for greater responsibilities within the Nigeria Customs Service.
The study tour will continue until Friday, during which participants are expected to visit selected excise factories and Free Trade Zone enterprises within the Ogun II Area Command. They will also hold interactive sessions with key stakeholders before concluding the exercise.
