The Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, has commended officers and men of the service for their commitment and dedication to work amid the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic ravaging the world.
Ali, in a statement signed by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah, praised the officers who are on essential duties despite the risks in their respective locations.
He said reports reaching the headquarters from the commands indicate that Customs operatives have been rising to the challenge of their professional calling by keeping the seaports functional.
“Three days into lockdown in some parts of the country, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) commends officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service who are on essential duties despite the risks in their respective locations.
“The continuous rigorous patrol of sea, creeks and land borders are crucial activities needed to sustain national economy and protect Nigerians from criminal elements who may want to take advantage to smuggle in items that will further complicate our health and security.
“While reminding them that this is one of those times when their professional calling as security agents puts them on the line despite the risks, he advised the operatives to maintain person to person distancing, wash hands regularly, sanitize their hands and comply with all other recommendations by medical experts,” the statement said.
The Customs boss also urged stakeholders transacting business at the ports to cooperate and adhere strictly to the preventive measures put in place at the commands.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday ordered a total lockdown of Lagos, Abuja and Ogun for 14 days with effect from Monday March 30, as part of measures to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
The President, however, exempted port operations and other essential services from the lockdown.