Skip to main content

Customs Zone 'A' Coordinator Commends Western Marine Command for Outstanding Performance in Anti-Smuggling and Border Security

By Anne Ejuka


The Zonal Coordinator, Zone 'A'  of Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, has commended the officers and men of the Western Marine Command under the leadership of Comptroller Patrick Ntadi for their exceptional contributions to national security and economic protection 


The ACG gave these commendations while addressing the officers of the command during a working visit held at the command's headquarters in Ibafon Lagos on Wednesday. He  praised the Command’s pivotal role in advancing the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in securing Nigeria’s maritime borders against smuggling and other transnational crimes. 



He also, highlighted the Command’s impressive seizures in recent weeks, with contraband items worth over ₦352 million in Duty Paid Value, noting their impact in protecting local industries and safeguarding public health.


“The seizures you made go beyond mere numbers;  They tell the story of officers who understand that every intercepted contraband item protects Nigeria’s economy and its people.” the ACG stated.



While reflecting on the Service’s stellar performance in the first quarter of 2025, the Zonal Coordinator revealed that NCS collected a record-breaking ₦1.75 trillion in revenue, with Zone A contributing nearly 80% of the total. He attributed this achievement to increased operational efficiency and strategic reforms under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.


Key reforms highlighted include the introduction of the Advance Ruling System, the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, and the deployment of the indigenous Unified Customs Management System known as the B’Odogwu Platform, which is enhancing cargo clearance and tracking capabilities across commands.




The ACG also commended the Western Marine Command for its infrastructural improvements, including the construction of a befitting quarter guard and the removal of shanties around the Command’s vicinity,  these actions according to the ACG demonstrates l discipline and commitment to operational excellence.


Reinforcing the urgent need for sustained vigilance, the Coordinator reminded officers of the evolving security threats facing the nation and urged continued collaboration with sister agencies like the Navy, NDLEA, Marine Police, and Immigration.


“Our nation is facing complex threats, and your work here is not just important—it is critical to our national survival,” he said. “We must remain several steps ahead of those who want to undermine Nigeria’s economic integrity.”



He further emphasized the role of the public in national security, calling on citizens to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illegal trade within the waterways.


The visit forms part of the Zonal Coordinator’s ongoing tour to reinforce the Service’s three strategic pillars: Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, and to rally frontline commands in upholding their mandate with renewed vigor and integrity.



While reacting,  the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi appreciated the ACG for his visit to the Command and for his words of encouagement to him and his officers. He assured the ACG that officers and men of the Command will continue to make the service proud.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Extortion, Harassment by Maritime Police at Lagos Ports

By Anne Ejuka
The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over alleged unlawful conduct, extortion, intimidation, harassment and obstruction of trade by officers of the Maritime Police Command operating around Nigerian seaports. The petition, dated August 14, 2026 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters, Abuja, specifically identified the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa; Tin-Can Island Port and other designated port locations, including bonded terminals, as areas where the alleged misconduct is taking place. In the petition, which was signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the National Coordinator of 100% Compliance Team, NAGAFF described the situation as a growing impediment to trade facilitation and a factor contributing to the rising cost of doing business in Nigeria. According to the association, freight forwarding practitioners have, over a sustained period, repo...
Post a Comment
Read more

NCS Seizes 13 Containers of Unwholesome Imports

By Anne Ejuka
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command has intercepted 13 containers with over 7.6 tonnes of cannabis sativa, 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup, security-sensitive drones and large quantities of expired consumer and pharmaceutical products. The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Apapa Area Command in the presence of the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba and heads of other sister agencies earlier today, 10th September, 2026,  according to CGC, the seized consignments have a combined duty-paid value of ₦43.59 billion. He said the seizures were made as a result of sustained intelligence-led operations supported by enhanced cargo profiling, risk assessment, documentary scrutiny and targeted physical examination. "The containers behind me are not an isolated event and they should not be reported as one;  the Service’s mandate extends beyond revenue c...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lekki Port Manager Thrilled As AMJON Awards Him Most Resourceful Port Manager ‎

By Anne Ejuka
‎"I want to thank the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and his management team for giving me the opportunity to serve. Working in the kind of environment where I found myself requires great teamwork and as you can see around me now, I have my very efficient team always with me and so I am very proud to have this team. I also give glory to God for everything including the recognition that I got today" ‎ ‎Above are some of the emotions that pervaded the atmosphere as the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) held its 2026 Conference and Awards with the theme: Attaining Ports Efficiency In The Face Of Emerging Technology". ‎ ‎The Conference and Awards took place on Thursday, April 30th 2026 at the Rockview hotels, Apapa with big industry players in attendance. The occasion which was chaired by the cerebral Barr. Jean Chiazor-Anishere delved succinctly into what are required to make the Nigerian Ports more efficient. ‎ ‎In her opening ...
Post a Comment
Read more