The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has urged officers of the command to protect the reputation of the service, warning that delays in cargo clearance by any officer will not be tolerated.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday obtained by The PUNCH.
The statement noted that the Customs Area Controller of the command, Emmanuel Oshoba, issued the warning on Tuesday during the command’s monthly parade in Apapa, Lagos.
Oshoba emphasised the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.
“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated, even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.
He also charged officers and men of the command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.
He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.
“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders, and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.
We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.
The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.
A highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding officers and units for exemplary service.
An Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Ismail Mohammed, emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while a Chief Superintendent of Customs, Augustine Ondoma; ASCI Bukola Olaleye; and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognised for professionalism, innovation, and punctuality, respectively.
Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received an excellence award for enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received an excellence award for revenue generation.
Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism, and healthy competition among officers and units of the command.
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