From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has promoted 100 personnel to Assistant Superintendents Quarantine 1, to fight illegal export of agricultural produce.
NAQS Acting Comptroller General, Dr. Godwin Sunday Audu in a statement yesterday, by the Head of Media, Communications and Strategies, Akanji Joshua, said the promotion was long overdue having been confirmed, as part of efforts to boost the morale of workers.
Audu, at the his maiden meeting with station and zonal coordinators in Abuja, noted that henceforth, human capital development would be a priority and called on the staff to rededicate themselves to the task of repositioning the agency to better serve the diverse stakeholders.
He stated that adherence to the Act establishing the agency and also conversant with international standards will go a long way in promoting the ease of doing business.
He reminded the staff of his administration’s open door policy which will give room for innovative ideas stressing that the development will contribute in growing the agency.
He said efforts are being made to adhere to the European Union (EU) requirements for exportation of products, stating that the development will no doubt avert imminent rejection of our products to EU Countries.
The NAQS boss promised to look into the challenge from different zones on the state of infrastructure and operational tools in order to ease their working condition.
Also, he stressed the importance of fostering stronger relationships with sister bodies and stakeholders, and urged Zonal and Station Coordinators to follow suit, emphasizing his belief in unity.
In addition, h announced the establishment of the Operations and Enforcement Department within the agency, which will oversee seamless operations, minimize unnecessary seizures, and enforce seizures judiciously.