Newly appointed Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Amade Abdul has pledged to improve and surpass the anti-smuggling records of the unit.
Speaking at his inaugural press briefing in Lagos yesterday, Abdul stated that one cardinal aspect of his mission was to ensure that standards are not lowered in all areas of operation.
He said, “I am here on a mission. We want to improve existing standard of seizure making, discipline and level of compliance to rules and trade regulations. We would ensure that things are not done haphazardly within the ports and borders because if it happens that way, it will affect revenue generation.”
He said since his assumption in office, the command had made 59 different seizures of various goods including vehicles with duty paid value of N59.48 million and arrested eight suspects in connection with the seizures.
He described the seizures as remarkable and a milestone even as he solicits support from the media to improve on the record.
“In line with my tradition of reaching out to critical stakeholders and consistent with my belief in the relevance of the media for nation building, I called for this briefing in order to familiarize myself with all of you and for us to collectively pursue my mandate,” he said.
Amade said he had also held meetings with the team leaders and units/sectional heads, on ways of enhancing the operational capacity of the Unit in line with his mandate while charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He said in view of the need to enhance collaboration among other government security agencies, he had hosted some security agencies and also plans to visit some security chiefs, the media and other stakeholders in the industry.
He pleaded with the media to join hands with the Service, particularly the Unit to enforce compliance with the fiscal policies of government adding that the Unit would as well ensure facilitation of trade for complaint traders
The FOU boss assured that with the support of the media, he will work hard to surpass the anti-smuggling records of any predecessors and ensure that the unit maintains its enviable status as the hub of anti-smuggling.
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