Customs reaffirm commitment to national security

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Saidu Yusuf, has emphasised the critical role of thorough cargo examination at Tincan Island Port in safeguarding national security.

During a recent visit to the command, ACG Yusuf highlighted the broader responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service beyond revenue collection.

“We also face issues with illicit and expired products. Beyond revenue collection, our role is to protect the lives and safety of the nation. Failure to do so could result in us becoming victims, directly or indirectly,” Yusuf stated in a statement on the Customs Facebook page on Thursday.

The ACG stressed the need for intensified cargo examinations, describing it as a main exercise for the Nigeria Customs Service. He called for thorough inspections at every stage, using the various parameters and tools provided by the service.

He said, “We need to intensify our examination of cargo, as this is a main exercise for the Nigeria Customs Service. There is a need for thorough inspections at every stage, using the various parameters and tools provided by the service.”

Yusuf praised the Tincan Island command, led by Comptroller Dera Nnadi, for its efficiency, particularly in intercepting and seizing illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition.

He also commended the implementation of new trade facilitation tools, including the Time Release Study and the Advance Ruling System.

Nnadi, in his address, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to its statutory obligations.

“We have been creating an enabling environment for stakeholders engaged in legitimate trade, and we declared this year as the year of stakeholders in the command,” he said.

Nnadi reported impressive revenue collection figures, stating that as of July 24, 2024, the command had collected N669,562,947,000. He assured that the command remains focused on meeting its revenue target for the year.

According to the statement, the visit also addressed operational challenges, with Nnadi highlighting the need for office infrastructure renovation. Both officials emphasised the importance of adherence to established procedures to ensure accountability and efficiency in customs operations.