Customs boss charges Kwara officers on professionalism

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Nsikan Patrick Umoh, has instructed staff of the Kwara State Customs Command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their work. She made this call during an official inspection tour of the headquarters in Ilorin, which is part of her ongoing examination of Zone 'B' operational commands.

Addressing the command's personnel, Umoh highlighted that since she took office, her headquarters had not received any negative feedback about the Kwara Area Command. She attributed this commendable record to the strong emphasis on professionalism and integrity within the command's daily operations. During the visit, Umoh also conveyed a message of goodwill from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

She emphasized the importance of the officers behaving responsibly both during and outside their duty hours, urging them to stay clear of illegal drugs and corrupt practices, and to uphold the core values of the customs service. She further encouraged the officers to work together as a cohesive unit towards a common objective, assuring them of the ongoing support from both the Zonal and Service Headquarters.

Earlier, Deputy Comptroller N.A. Ogundeyi, the Acting Area Controller, welcomed the visiting Zonal Coordinator and outlined the Command's significant accomplishments, achievements, and administrative successes under his leadership. Umoh also organized a dialogue with crucial trade stakeholders such as freight forwarders, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and representatives from key excise factories.

She lauded the effective collaboration between the Customs Command and the trade sector, addressing the stakeholders' concerns related to cargo clearance procedures, examination timelines, and regional trade competitiveness. The visit concluded with a tour of the command’s facilities, where Umoh was pleased with the orderliness, cleanliness, and discipline she observed in the administrative offices, warehouse, and residential barracks.