….Says staff welfare, efficiency top priority
From Uche Usim, Abuja
Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) were in jubilant mood on Monday, as Mr Adewale Adeniyi formally took over the reins of office from his predecessor, Hameed Ali, as the 31st Comptroller General of Customs and 14th indigenous head since its establishment in 1891.
At a brief handover ceremony at the Customs headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi said the Service, on his watch, will embark on several transformational projects and programmes that will deepen trade facilitation, grow government’s revenue and boost national security.
To this end, he said staff welfare shall be accorded priority attention since the right manpower stock needs to be in place to drive the initiatives and ultimately take the NCS to the next level.
He said: “Our administration is committed to adopting a bottom-up approach, where the needs of our dear nation take precedence over everything else. 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.
“In order to achieve our objectives, it is imperative that we bridge the current human resource gap within our ranks. We recognize the importance of capacity building and career advancement for our officers. “The administration will work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the board, ensuring that competence remains the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness. Our focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“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
“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. My predecessor had taken significant steps towards Customs modernization, and it is our duty to build on those gains”, the acting CGC stated.
Adeniyi also assured that Customs will embrace technology and brace up to tackle various emerging threats around the e-commerce and global supply chains ecosystems.
“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”, he added.
In his remarks, the retired Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, said; “we’ve our entrance and exit, seven years eight months that I came in and now about to leave now.
“I thank God for His grace. I see Customs as my home. The fact that I’m stepping out does not in any way create a divide. I’ll be a part and parcel of this place till death do us part.
“Customs is a critical service to the economy. It’s one of the most professional and technical services. Customs officers regardless of where they are should be respected.
“I’m happy I’m handing over to Adeniyi whom I met as a DC. He’s part of the building blocks of Customs. I’m handing over to a competent person”, Ali said.