The Acting Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji L. Adigun, has charged officers and men of the Command to strengthen teamwork, uphold operational discipline and intensify measures to bloc revenue leakages to enhance the Command’s overall performance and contribute to the achievement of the Command’s revenue target.
According to the signed press statement by CSC Theophilus P Duniya psc, DC Adigun gave the charge during a welcome parade organized in his honour by officers and men of the Command following his assumption of leadership responsibilities.
He expressed appreciation to Almighty God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for the opportunity to serve. The Acting CAC described his appointment as a call to greater responsibility, dedication and commitment to the Service. He assured personnel of his determination to discharge his duties with fairness, discipline and a strong sense of purpose.
He emphasized that the Command’s ability to deliver on its mandate depends on the collective efforts of all personnel, irrespective of rank or designation. He therefore called for stronger teamwork, mutual respect, collaboration and professionalism, noting that achieving the Command’s objectives requires a shared sense of responsibility and commitment.
On revenue generation, DC Adigun urged officers and men to redouble their efforts towards meeting the Command’s revenue target for the year. He stressed that the confidence reposed in the Command must be translated into measurable results, improved productivity and greater accountability. He stated that, “officers must take ownership of their respective responsibilities and approach their assignments with renewed dedication and determination”.
To safeguard government revenue, the Acting CAC emphasized the need for meticulous documentary checks and proper examination of import declarations. He directed officers to pay close attention to the accuracy of classification, valuation, quantities, applicable duties and other statutory charges, warning that negligence, under-valuation, deliberate misdeclaration and improper documentation could create opportunities for revenue leakages.
On operational discipline, DC Adigun described accountability, punctuality, respect for constituted authority and strict adherence to established procedures as non-negotiable. He charged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, noting that the credibility of the Service rests not only on its revenue performance but also on the professionalism with which its statutory responsibilities are discharged.
He further cautioned officers that “revenue collection must go hand-in-hand with trade facilitation by ensuring that legitimate businesses operate seamlessly while all appropriate government revenue is duly collected”. He also urged officers to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Aliyu Alkali, and strive to overcome its operational challenges.
The Acting CAC also appealed for open communication and constructive engagement in fostering a productive working environment. He assured officers and men that his office remains open to reasonable, constructive and service-oriented discussions, encouraging them to bring forward ideas and recommendations that could improve operational efficiency.