As the headquarters of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja consummate activities marking the 2017 Customs Day Celebration, the Customs Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba has challenged officers and men of the Unit to gird their loins and to be prepared for the task ahead in respect of the onslaught against smuggling of contraband goods into the country.
Comptroller Mohammed who threw the challenge at a brief but colourful observance marking the event held at the premises of the FOU premises Owerri argued that it has become much more imperative for the Customs to re-strategize its operations against the sharp unpatriotic practices of smugglers and their cohorts in order to always neutralize the antics of those still engrossed in the illicit business.
He explained that the International Customs Day (ICD) is an annual event which takes place on the 26 of January to commemorate the maiden official Conference of the Customs Cooperation Council.
According to him, the theme of the celebration which is “Data Analysis For Effective Border Management” was sagaciously fashioned to highlight the essence and significance of business partnership approach.
Mohammed added that it equally contributes in many areas such as trade supply chain security, world customs growth, enhancement of business standards and public private enterprises.
Mohammed who expatiated on the aims and objectives of the annual august celebration said that the event plays a fundamental role in developing and in promoting business across the globe as against increasing the risks of international security.
In a statement issued by Public Relations Officer, Mohammed was quoted as saying:“International security dangers adversely affect the world business environment hence the World Customs Organization has resolved to celebrate this event every year to fulfill the requirements of the Customs bodies”, adding that it also regulates the better establishment with meaningful appreciation of the business environment.
The Customs Area Controller expressed delight that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) – Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali and his management team have since keyed into objectives of this celebration and which he said has not only become a source of inspiration and motivation to the men of the FOU Zone C but has made them a paragon in the crusade against smuggling of illegal goods in the country.
“Our current data base in respect of checkmating anti-smuggling activities by some unpatriotic Nigerians shows that we have continued to acquire stronger fame and credibility in the onslaught against smugglers, their agents and collaborators. However, we cannot claim to have reached the apogee because it is not yet over until it is over” He stated.
He therefore enjoined them to redouble their efforts in order to meet the challenges ahead, assuring them that hard work, efficiency, commitment; dedication and integrity as well as application of professional ethics would not go unrewarded, reminding them that the CGC has come up with fresh motivating packages to spur them into more actions and service delivery.
He also charged them to remain committed to their official duties despite all odds and to report perceived hindrance facing the performance of their duties to the appropriate high officers for necessary action.
