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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim has assumed office as the new Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State Command, after taking over from his predecessor, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie.
Ibrahim, while addressing officers at the command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, charged the officers of the command to sustain discipline, accountability, and excellence, which the Kebbi State Command is well known for.
According to him, “It is with deep humility and a profound sense of duty that I officially assume office today as the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Area Command headquarters.
“First and foremost, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the honour and privilege bestowed on me to serve in this capacity as Comptroller. I fully recognise the weight of this responsibility and pledge my utmost commitment to justify the trust and confidence reposed in me.
“The Kebbi Area Command occupies a position of strategic national importance by safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing revenue generation. As I take over the reins of such leadership, I wish to commend my predecessor, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, for laying a solid foundation upon which we shall improve and enhance.”
Ibrahim, who vowed to build on successes recorded by the command, said he is ready to take it to even greater heights together.
“As I step into this role, I am reminded of the great responsibility we all share as Customs officers. Our duties go beyond revenue collection; we are protectors of our nation’s borders, defenders of its economy, and facilitators of legitimate trade. My years in service have taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and integrity, and I will continue to uphold these values as we move forward.
“We will intensify our fight against smuggling through intelligence-driven and well-coordinated actions. Smuggling threatens our economy and undermines our national security; therefore, we shall respond with firmness, vigilance, and consistency.
“Our administration will strengthen revenue collection by embracing transparent processes, automation, and data-driven enforcement. This will ensure efficiency, accountability, and the steady flow of revenue needed for national development.
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“The Kebbi Area Command, given its strategic position, will maintain effective border control through close collaboration with sister security agencies and our host communities. This partnership will enhance security while facilitating legitimate trade.
“We will deepen trust with stakeholders by fostering dialogue, creating awareness, and strengthening partnerships. Compliance will not be forced but encouraged through fairness, transparency, and cooperation.
“Personnel welfare and capacity building: Our officers are the backbone of this command. I will prioritise their welfare, motivation, and professional growth by promoting training, continuous skill development, and an enabling environment that supports excellence.”
While speaking on discipline, Ibrahim stated that indiscipline and sabotage would not be tolerated.
“Let me state clearly: sabotage and indiscipline will not be tolerated under my watch. Accountability will be firm, swift, and fair, in line with established rules and procedures.
“At the same time, outstanding performance will be recognised and rewarded. Officers and men who exhibit dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence will not go unnoticed. We shall promote a culture where merit is celebrated, and those who excel will be given opportunities for growth and advancement.
“I therefore call on all officers and men of this command to rededicate themselves to the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service: integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. Together, we shall not only meet our statutory responsibilities but also surpass them.
“To our esteemed stakeholders, I look forward to a relationship built on transparency, cooperation, and lawful conduct. Our doors will remain open for dialogue, as we believe shared responsibility is key to achieving sustainable success.
“Finally, I once again thank the Comptroller-General of Customs for this opportunity. I assure him, and indeed all stakeholders, of my unwavering resolve to deliver on the strategic mandate of the Service.”
