20th September, 2023
By Adejoke Adeleye/Abeokuta
Controller Bamidele Makinde has handed over to Deputy Controller Ahmadu Bello Shuaib as the new controller in charge of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ogun State.
Speaking after the handing over, Makinde described his 17- months’ tenure as the Customs boss in Ogun as very successful, noting that there was a significant increase in revenue generation and an improved performance in the battle against smugglers.
He added that this was in line with the Customs mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation.
“From the inception of my tenure in office (9th of February, 2022) to date, which is about 17 months, the Command has recorded some laudable achievements. For emphasis, during this period, the Command generated a total sum of N225,009,835.50 as revenue.
“Interestingly, out of the revenue target of N136,532,168.22 set for the Command for the year 2023, we have generated the sum of N127,122,058.00 which is about 91% of the target, 3 months and some days to the end of the year.
“Within the 17 months in office, the Command also recorded about 1,479 seizures comprising 1,245 rounds of live Ammunition, 72,989 bags of foreign parboiled Rice of 50kg each (which is an equivalent of 122 Trucks load), 907 bales & 236 sacks of Secondhand clothing, 394 sacks & 2,678 wraps of Cannabis Sativa and 655,400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (an equivalent of 20 Tankers load), among others, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N6,604,107,655.92.”
He added that the successes recorded were with the support of the NCS Headquarters, concerted efforts of gallant Officers and Men of the Command and robust synergy with our critical stakeholders.
“May I call on officers to redouble their efforts and give the incoming administration maximum support and cooperation to sustain the performance. In a similar vein, I wish to solicit the unflinching support of our critical stakeholders for the new Area Controller,” Makinde added.
The new Controller in his speech said his posting is a call to higher responsibility.
He appreciated and thanked the Ag Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for finding him worthy for the deployment.
He however promised to discharge his duties diligently and uphold the policy thrust of the CGC, while appreciating Makinde on his successful tour of duty and laudable achievements.
He assured that he would sustain the tempo of performance he inherited.
He therefore called on all Officers and Men of Ogun 1 Area Command to work as a team, adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and discharge their duty in conformity with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023.
He also assured the business community and other critical stakeholders that his administration would operate an open-door policy, and strengthen the existing relationship with the Command.
However, he warned smugglers and their accomplices that their activities would not be condoned and anyone caught in the act, shall be brought to book.