In continuation of his working visit to Area Commands in Zone A’, the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, along with his entourage, on Tuesday, kicked off with an inspection of the Customs Security Patrol vessels; “The Group of 9 and Customs Pride” acquired in 2015 with a seating capacity of 26, before proceeding to the jetties en route Apapa.
His first port of call was the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command where he reminded Officers of the mandates of the Service and urged them to rise above challenges to ensure quality service delivery.
In his words, “The nature of our operation is the same. It is tied towards three functions of generating revenue, enforcing control and facilitating trade.
“Customs plays a very strategic role in economic development and growth of any Country, so the charge is for us to accept to render adequate service delivery for economic development of the nation”, he said.
While noting some of the challenges of the Command, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi stated that there is an urgent need for a befitting Office to accommodate all Officers of the Command.
“This whole Office complex is not owned by the Nigeria Customs Service, it is actually owned by NPA and we are forced to manage with what we have been given”, he explained.
“It is inadequate and we are in the process of requesting space which I will escalate to the Headquarters so that Nigeria Customs Service will have a befitting office for KLT Command that can accommodate all our Officers”, he emphasized.
In response, the Ag. CGC admitted the need for an expansion, while also noting the importance of welfare.
“I must admit that we need a bigger space to operate and we are going to make it a priority”, he said.
“Our welfare is important. We will be working with management to ensure that our welfare takes care of our welfare, not just for those in service but also our dependants and our families”, he added.
Thereafter, the train proceeded to Western Marine Command, Ports & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command as well as Tin-can Island Command.
The Customs Boss urged officers to rededicate their efforts towards physical examination of goods and put on the right attitude to work.
“You should challenge yourselves with a little bit more commitment and patriotism, rededicate your efforts towards physical examination of goods and put up an attitude that is business friendly to positive revenue generation”, he said.
On welfare, he assured that the welfare programmes put in place will be faithfully implemented.
“All the welfare programmes that have been put in place are going to be implemented. We have improved the life insurance scheme for all our officers”, he noted.
“There is a Group Accident Insurance, also fully paid off and you are guaranteed 300% percent of your salary. We don’t pray it happens, but if it does happen, there is that guarantee that your family will not go begging”, he revealed.
The Customs Boss equally seized the opportunity to address licensed agents regarding their grievances.
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