By Tony Nzekwe
In line with the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, tripod policy thrust aimed to generate more revenue, suppress smuggling activities and create robust synergies in trade facilitation hinged on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
The Nigeria Customs Service Area 5 Command, IBETO SEAPORT and Terminals, Port Harcourt, has organised a stakeholders interactive forum aimed to intimate and educate all critical stakeholders on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs and the need for all stakeholders in the area command to adhere to fiscal policy compliance in cargo documentation and clearance at the Port.
In her remarks, the pioneer Customs Area Controller, CAC, Compt. Martha Abubakar, said, “It is with profound gratitude that I begin today’s proceedings by sincerely appreciating our distinguished Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the great honour of appointing me as the Pioneer Comptroller of Ibeto Command.”
She reassured, “This trust is a privilege I hold in the highest regard.Permit me also, on behalf of the officers and men of Ibeto Command, to heartily congratulate the Comptroller-General of Customs on his historic appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Policy Commision, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and global impact in customs administration.”
In addition, Comptroller Abubakar, said, “We also extend our warmest congratulations on the recent extension of his tenure by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in acknowledgment of his sterling performance and visionary reforms.I equally extend my deep appreciation to Assistant Comptroller-General S.K. Dangaladima, ACG Zone C, for his steadfast support and guidance, which have greatly facilitated our work in this Command.In the same vein, I wish to acknowledge Chief, Dr Cletus M. Ibeto, OON, CON, Chairman/CEO of Ibeto Group, the visionary, whose investment birthed this Command, and who continues to demonstrate exceptional care for our officers and men.”
The CAC opined, “This gesture reflects the highest consideration for our well-being, and for this, we remain deeply grateful.”
Speaking further, the CAC reiterated that, “It is my honour and pleasure to welcome you all to Ibeto Command, Nigeria Customs Service. Today’s gathering is of great significance, as it provides us with the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of partnership and collaboration that are essential to our shared objectives.”
She posited, “Your presence here is a clear statement that we share one vision: a port system where trade moves swiftly, compliance is upheld, and every stakeholder thrives. I sincerely thank each of you for honouring our invitation despite your busy schedules.”
Her words: “Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Customs Area Command was created from Area 1, Port Harcourt, to bring services closer to port users. As a new command, we are committed to efficiency, transparency, and strict compliance with all regulations.The policy thrust of our Comptroller-General of Customs places great emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, balancing trade facilitation with robust enforcement, and embracing integrity and digital transformation.”
She added, “These principles guide our daily operations and our engagement with you.For our partnership to succeed, we count on your support. This means making honest and accurate declarations, avoiding sharp practices, supporting automation, and using the official channels for dispute resolution.”
The CAC reaffirmed that, “Let me stress that Customs is your partner, not just a regulator. Our doors remain open for constructive dialogue, and we will listen and act on genuine concerns.As we conclude today’s meeting, let us remember that our success at Ibeto Command will not be measured by how well we work alone, but by how effectively we work together. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to a future where compliance and facilitation go hand in hand, and where stakeholders are not just participants, but partners in progress.Together, we can make Ibeto a model of excellence, efficiency, and integrity for the entire nation.”
In his reaction, the Executive Director, Operations, Max Shipping Services Limited, Operators of IBETO Seaport, Eze Echesi, said, “The stakeholders interactive forum is a welcome development and a right step to put all stakeholders in the same page.”
Eze Echesi added, “Max Shipping Services Limited have put all needed and necessary mechanism in place for a smooth and seamless cargo documentation and clearance at the port. We call on all stakeholders of the command to adhere to due process and compliance in all transactions; Max Shipping Services Limited is a one stop efficient and effective service provider. “
