I 'll balance enforcement with trade facilitation, Shuaibu vows

By Adeniyi Adedoyin 

The new Customs Area Controller for Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu has promised to uphold the core mandate of trade facilitation, as well as border security in the course of tackling the menace of smuggling at the command. 

Shuaibu, who stated this on Tuesday, while taking over the mantle of leadership of the Ogun 1 Command in Idiroko, Ipokia local government area of Ogun State, promised never to compromise standard, but balance enforcement with trade facilitation at the Command.

Shuaibu takes over from Comptroller James Ojo, who proceeded on retirement after 35 years service at the NCS.

Speaking at the event, which had in attendance, representative of the Customs Service from the neighbouring Republic of Benin; those of the other sister security agencies which included the Nigerian Army, the Police, Immigration Services, as well as the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) among others, Shuaibu promises to combine experiences he had garnered while leading the recently disbanded Sector 2 of the federal government's Joint Border Patrol Team during the period he will be holding sway as the CAC of the Command.

"As an experienced anti-smuggling officer, I understand the unique challenges of border operations, particularly in Ogun 1 Command; a critical frontier for trade and security. I am keenly aware of the complexity of balancing enforcement with trade facilitation and community engagement and I am prepared to tackle these challenges head-on".

Stressing that his vision for Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko "is simple, yet resolute", Shuaibu said he would prioritize teamwork, innovation and discipline in all the Customs' activities, even while upholding the values and mission of the Service "while striving to achieve new heights of operational excellence" .

He however, appealed for the cooperation of all the NCS personnel, other stakeholders, which included traditional rulers from all across the border communities to join in his vision, saying "the tasks ahead are daunting, but with unity and dedication, they are surmountable.

The new CAC also promised that he would maintain and strengthen the existing collaboration with other sister security agencies towards ensuring border security and facilitation of legitimate trade across the border.

Earlier in his address, the outgoing CAC, Ojo urged the NCS personnel in the command to extend the same high level of cooperation he enjoyed while in service at the command to the new Controller.