April 19, 2024 marked a significant day at the Nigeria Customs Service Area 2 Command in Onne, as a grand handing over parade was held to honor both the outgoing Area Controller, Comptroller Baba Imam, and welcome the incoming Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede.
The ceremony, witnessed by a host of commanders, heads of security agencies, and stakeholders within the port environment, was filled with expressions of gratitude and anticipation for the future. Comptroller Baba Imam, in his farewell address, acknowledged the mercy of God and the support of the Controller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, during his tenure. Imam credited the collaborative efforts and intelligence sharing among security agencies and stakeholders for the impressive revenue records and operational successes achieved under his leadership.
Highlighting the achievements during his 15 months in office, Imam noted the Command’s record-breaking revenue generation, which included over 22 billion Naira in a single day and a total of 162 billion Naira in the first three months of 2024. These figures surpassed the revenue collected from January to July of 2023. In addition to financial successes, structural improvements such as a new 110-seat conference room, a computer training center, and support facilities for the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) were significant milestones.
The incoming Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, pledged to maintain the strong relationships established by his predecessor and to continue the open-door policy that has facilitated operational success in the Command. Babandede expressed his commitment to enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the suppression of smuggling activities.
The event also featured heartfelt messages from various representatives within the port community. Commodore GJ Kashim of the Nigeria Navy commended Imam for his efforts in fostering synergy among security agencies and wished him success in future endeavors. Similarly, leaders from the container terminals, bonded terminals, and customs brokers lauded Imam’s contributions to improving the cargo clearing process and fostering a conducive working environment.
Deputy Comptroller Administration, Chidi Nwokorie, speaking on behalf of the officers and men of the Area 2 Command, assured the new controller of their full support and commitment to continue the positive trajectory set by Comptroller Imam.
The ceremony concluded on a note of mixed emotions, with attendees expressing both joy for the successes achieved and sadness over the departure of Comptroller Imam, while also looking forward with optimism to the tenure of Comptroller Babandede.