The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Wale Adeniyi has called on all officers, personnel, stakeholders and the general public to embrace the spirit of compliance, collaboration, and continuous improvement so that together, they would unlock the full potential of the customs service and contribute to the prosperity of the nation.
Adeniyi, who made this call shortly after assumption of office as the Acting Comptroller General of Customs in Abuja on Monday noted that his administration recognized the need for collaboration and partnerships adding that the Service valued the relationships it had built with its partner government agencies and the private sector.
He said, “These collaborations have been vital to our adoption of technology as a tool to enhance revenue generation and streamline processes. We will strengthen these partnerships and engage with stakeholders through revitalized platforms. By promoting dialogue, we can resolve disputes and advance mutually beneficial solutions that lead to more efficient and effective service. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to treat its esteemed stakeholders as partners who have a stake in our success.
“Furthermore, this administration is firmly committed to fairness. We shall treat all stakeholders, traders, and officers alike with impartiality and respect. Our decisions and actions will be guided by principles of transparency and discipline. We understand that our conduct shapes the public’s perception of the Service, and we will strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour. Indiscipline will not be tolerated as we prioritize fairness and equity.
“It is crucial for us to recognize the modern realities and challenges to Customs operations. In today’s interconnected and technologically advanced world, we face emerging threats that require our utmost attention. E-commerce, global supply chains, and transnational criminal networks pose challenges to our role as custodians of trade facilitation and enforcement. We must adapt to these changing landscapes, leveraging technology, intelligence-led operations, and effective risk management strategies. Collaboration with international partners, law enforcement agencies, and customs administrations of other nations will be vital in combating illicit trade and securing our national interests.”
Assuring that his administration was committed to adopting a bottom-up approach, where the needs of the nation take precedence over everything else, Adeniyi said, “We will prioritize efficiency in service delivery as the bedrock of trade facilitation and revenue generation. No longer shall encumbrances impede trade; we shall dismantle obstacles and foster a new culture of consultations and compliance.”
On the need to bridge the current human resources gap within the ranks, the Acting CG harped on the importance of capacity building and career advancement for the officers even as he assured that his administration would work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the Board, ensuring that competence remained the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness.
Continuing, he said, “Staff welfare is of paramount importance to us. We acknowledge the harsh and hostile environment in which our officers and men are compelled to function. Therefore, we commit ourselves to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our personnel. By providing better remunerations, improved accommodation, life insurance, and quality healthcare, we aim to create an environment that supports and motivates our workforce. We understand that a well-motivated team is instrumental in achieving our aims and objectives.
“My predecessor had taken significant steps towards Customs Modernization, and it is our duty to build on those gains. Staff welfare and capacity building have been revolutionized under the previous administration, with the provision of decent packages and the introduction of staff courses. This administration will build upon those gains to ensure the continuous growth and development of our workforce. All these efforts will be channelled towards ensuring that the real potentials of the Service are achieved.”
He thereafter, expressed his profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the opportunity bestowed upon him to serve the nation, assuring the President and his government of his unwavering commitment to the success of this administration.
“Together, with the dedicated men and women of the Nigeria Customs Service, we will pursue excellence and strive to surpass the expectations placed upon us, he assured while imploring the officers and men of the Service to forge ahead with determination, knowing that they had the vision, and the unwavering spirit to excel in their duties.
Photo: (L-R): Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service handing over the flags to DCG Wale Adeniyi, new Acting Comptroller General of Customs in Abuja on Monday.
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