By Tony NZEKWE
In accordance with the tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD, hinged on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation aimed to boost revenue generation, suppress smuggling activities and create robust synergies in trade facilitation; the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Customs Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Area 5 command, Compt Usman Yahaya, has played host to the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Ports Police Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, on a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, Area 5, Port Harcourt.
This information was contained in a statement issued and signed by the command Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, and made available to GLOBAL RAYS Media
The statement reads in part: “The visit, described as both strategic and timely, was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation within the port environment, especially in the areas of security, trade facilitation, intelligence sharing, and effective revenue administration.”
In his remarks, CP Fatai, said, ” I came on a solidarity visit to my brother and to formally introduce myself to the Customs Area Controller as the new Commissioner of Police in the Eastern Ports Police Command.”
He added, “The port security demands unity of purpose and consistent collaboration among critical stakeholders.”
His words: “The Nigeria Customs Service remains the landlord within the port system, with the responsibility of regulating trade and ensuring compliance, while the Nigerian Police Force provides the necessary security architecture to prevent and respond to security breaches in and around the port environment.”
CP Fatai, asserted, ” I Strongly advocated for greater collaboration and synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Police Force as both shared responsibility of securing the maritime domain requires coordinated efforts and mutual support.”
He further stated that his visit was to build more than a working relationship, describing it as a move to form a strategic friendship that will stand for years to come, anchored on professionalism, respect, and commitment to national service.
Commending the command’s operational performance, the Commissioner applauded Comptroller Yahaya for his ongoing revenue drive and dedication to national economic growth. He noted that the command, within six months of its creation, has recorded revenue collections above ₦12.3 billion, describing the achievement as commendable and encouraging the CAC to do even more
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Usman Yahaya, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and warmly welcomed him and his team to the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, Area 5. He briefed the CP on the formation of the command, explaining that the Ibeto Command was carved out of the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command to improve operational efficiency and strengthen service delivery.
Compt. Usman Yahaya, posited, “Your visit reflects the spirit of cooperation, which remains a key policy focus of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the current Customs leadership places a strong premium on collaboration as an essential tool for achieving institutional goals.”
The CAC also emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service can not effectively achieve its responsibilities alone, stressing the importance of strong security support to ensure smooth port operations. He urged the Police Command to continue providing dependable security coverage so that trade facilitation can be achieved with less stress and minimal disruptions.
In his concluding remarks, the CAC thanked the Commissioner once again and called for greater collaboration, synergy, and intelligence sharing, noting that such partnership is vital to achieving the shared objectives of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.
