The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Eastern Marine Command (EMC), Port Harcourt, Comptroller Anderson Jaja, has commenced a familiarization tour of formations and key stakeholders within his Area of Responsibility (AOR), aimed at fostering stronger collaboration and enhancing maritime security along the nation’s waterways.
According to a press statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Tangwa Emmanuel, the Public Relations Officer of Eastern Marine Command Port Harcourt, the tour began on 16 October, 2025, with a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, the Amanayabo of the Ancient Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika, Rivers State.
During the visit, Comptroller Jaja appreciated the monarch for his continuous support towards maintaining peace and security within his domain.
He also sought the royal father’s collaboration in strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Eastern Marine Command, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing and community partnership.
Continuing the tour, the CAC visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, on 19 October, 2025, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Captain Aliyu Abdullahi. Comptroller Jaja conveyed the Comptroller-General of Customs’ message of cooperation and commended the Navy for its sustained efforts in protecting the nation’s maritime borders.
He emphasised the importance of continuous inter-agency collaboration to promote legitimate trade and curb smuggling, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) remains committed to enhancing maritime security and intelligence-sharing mechanisms across operational areas.
In his response, Captain Abdullahi assured the CAC of the Navy’s readiness to strengthen existing collaboration with the NCS in achieving national security objectives within the Ibaka axis.
Similarly, on 22 October, 2025, Comptroller Jaja led his team to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Base, Port Harcourt, where he was received by Commodore Cajetan Aniaku, the Base Commander.
The CAC reiterated the need for sustained synergy in maritime surveillance, logistics support, and tactical training of EMC officers to boost operational efficiency in combating piracy and smuggling activities.
Commodore Aniaku, in his remarks, congratulated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on his recent appointment as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council and the award of a PhD in Leadership and Strategic Studies by the Federal University, Lokoja.
He further commended Comptroller Jaja and his team for their visit and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to continued inter-agency cooperation.
The statement added that the familiarization tour will continue with visits to other formations and stakeholders across the Command’s operational jurisdiction, in line with Comptroller Jaja’s vision of strengthening partnerships for enhanced maritime security and trade facilitation.
