• Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

Customs Zone ‘A’ Coordinator; Orbih Calls For Efficiency, Security, Prosperity At International Customs Day Celebration


The Zone ‘A’ Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), OC Orbih, has emphasized the importance of efficiency, security, and prosperity in delivering on the Service’s mandate during the 2025

International Customs Day celebration. The event, held on January 26 at the Tin Can Island Port, brought together senior customs officers, stakeholders, and representatives from sister agencies, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC).

In his address, Orbih noted the global significance of International Customs Day, which celebrates the contributions of customs administrations to national development. This year’s theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” aligns with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Orbih explained that the CGC’s focus on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation is key to achieving the Service’s objectives.

He highlighted the need for teamwork across departments, partnerships with international and local agencies, and a unified approach to customs operations. He also stressed the adoption of advanced technologies and creative solutions to improve the Service’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

Zone ‘A,’ according to Orbih, represents the foundation of the NCS and serves as a vital economic gateway that connects Nigeria to global markets. He emphasized the need to optimize operations in the zone, describing it as crucial to achieving the Service’s mission.

Calling on leaders and policymakers, the Coordinator urged for strategic investments in the Customs Service, including infrastructure upgrades, enhanced technological capabilities, and improved human capital. He stressed that such support would directly contribute to national economic resilience, security, and global competitiveness.

During the celebration, Orbih recognized the contributions of outstanding officers and stakeholders who have advanced the Service’s mission of revenue collection, trade facilitation, and economic protection. He commended their dedication and urged all customs officers to embrace the theme of efficiency, security, and prosperity throughout the year.

The Coordinator described customs officers as “the silent architects of national prosperity,” highlighting their role as guardians of Nigeria’s economic frontiers and facilitators of global trade. He called on the officers to incorporate the principles of the theme into their daily interactions and decisions, emphasizing that their collective actions will determine Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and national security.

In his closing remarks, Orbih expressed gratitude to stakeholders and officers for their dedication and contributions to making the celebration memorable. He urged continued commitment to the Customs Service’s objectives, reiterating the critical role of customs operations in fostering national development.

The International Customs Day celebration reinforced the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to delivering excellence, securing the nation’s economic borders, and driving prosperity for all citizens.

On his part, the Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller FO Onyeka, highlighted innovations being implemented at the command to boost efficiency and transparency. He revealed plans for the deployment of the Nigeria Customs Unified Management System (UCMS) and the integration of advanced technologies like blockchain, e-Customs platforms, and artificial intelligence. These measures are aimed at reducing delays, streamlining processes, and meeting global best practices.

On security, Onyeka detailed the deployment of smart border technologies, including non-intrusive scanners and risk profiling tools, which have bolstered efforts to intercept illicit trade while promoting legitimate commerce. Under the Tincan Anti-Smuggling Initiative, the command has recorded significant achievements in combating contraband goods and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Revenue collection was also a key highlight, with the command surpassing its 2024 targets, significantly contributing to national infrastructure and social programs. Onyeka noted efforts to promote sustainability by supporting trade in environmentally friendly technologies and complying with international conventions on hazardous materials.

Both Orbih and Onyeka called for stronger collaboration with stakeholders, including terminal operators, freight forwarders, and international partners. They urged customs officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability in their duties, stressing that these principles are essential to achieving Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

The event also recognized outstanding contributions by customs officers and stakeholders whose efforts have advanced the agency’s goals of trade facilitation, border security, and sustainable development. The celebration reaffirmed the NCS’s role as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor is a seasoned journalist and the CEO/Founder Belch Digital Communications, publishers of Hybrid News Nigeria.

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