Ag. Customs chief accords priority to officers’ well-being, calls for excellence in service
Story from Harun YUSUF
Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, alongside his team, began with an inspection of the Customs Security Patrol vessels, ‘The Group of 9’ and ‘Customs Pride,’ which were acquired in 2015 and have a seating capacity of 26. Following this, they proceeded to the jetties en route to Apapa.
The first stop was the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, where the Acting CGC reminded officers of the Service’s mandates and encouraged them to overcome challenges in order to ensure excellent service delivery.
“The nature of our operation remains the same. It is centered around three functions: revenue generation, control enforcement, and trade facilitation.
Customs plays a crucial role in the economic development and growth of any country, so it is imperative for us to provide exceptional service for the nation’s economic advancement,” he stated.
Recognizing some of the Command’s challenges, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, emphasized the urgent need for a suitable office space to accommodate all officers.
“The entire office complex is not owned by the Nigeria Customs Service; it actually belongs to NPA, so we have been managing with what we have been given,” he explained.
“It is inadequate, and we are in the process of requesting more space. I will escalate this matter to the Headquarters so that the Nigeria Customs Service can have a well-equipped office for the KLT Command that can accommodate all our officers,” he emphasized.
In response, the Acting CGC acknowledged the need for expansion while also recognizing the importance of officer welfare.
“I must admit that we require more space to operate, and we will prioritize this,” he assured.
“Our welfare is crucial. We will work with management to ensure that our welfare adequately provides for us, not just for ourselves but also for our dependents and families.”
Subsequently, the team visited the Western Marine Command, Ports & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, as well as the Tin-can Island Command.
The Customs Boss urged officers to recommit themselves to physical examination of goods and adopt a positive work attitude.
“You should challenge yourselves to be more committed and patriotic, rededicating your efforts to the physical examination of goods and maintaining a business-friendly attitude for positive revenue generation,” he advised.
Regarding welfare, the Acting CGC expressed his commitment to ensuring the well-being of officers. He emphasized the importance of taking care of the personnel, recognizing that their welfare is crucial not only for their own benefit but also for the welfare of their dependents and families.
The Acting CGC pledged to work with management to address any welfare concerns and provide adequate support. He acknowledged the challenges that officers face in carrying out their duties and assured them that their needs would be prioritized.
He also encouraged officers to take care of themselves mentally and physically, reminding them of the importance of maintaining a positive work attitude. The Acting CGC recognized the demanding nature of their job and the need for them to be committed, patriotic, and diligent in carrying out their responsibilities.
He reassured the officers that their well-being is of utmost importance to the Nigeria Customs Service. He promised to address their welfare concerns and create an environment that supports their professional growth and personal development.
