Newly appointed Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Ndalati Mohammed has promised to make this yuletide season a harsh one for smugglers with a vow to prosecute perpetrators of the economic crime.
While reiterating Customs’ zero tolerance policy for smuggling, Mohammed said he would harness available human and material resources for customs operation to ensure smuggling activities are reduced to its barest minimum.
“This is the time of change, we must imbibe change, we must exhibit it and show that we are change agents. Manning the border must include behavioral management of persons. The bottom line is that you have conquered the environment.
”Customs has come of age and we are in the modern day customs. It is no longer the branded, outdated and antiquated Customs and Excise Department we used to know. In other words, professionalism is enhanced and encouraged under the present regime’,’ he said.
While soliciting the cooperation and support of all stakeholders, he advised that importers and customs agents should keep themselves abreast of government policies as they relate to import guidelines.
He urged them to make compliance with the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) a guiding principle even as he assured policy-compliant businessmen and companies that they have nothing to worry about in their relationships with the NCS.
Mohammed also commended his predecessor, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, whom he described as a hardworking and dedicated officer.
”My predecessor has said that the officers and men on the ground are very resourceful persons and I want to count on that. I solicit their maximum cooperation and optimal input in every endeavor,” he said.
Until his recent posting to Seme, Mohammed served in the office of the Customs Comptroller General in Abuja.
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