The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has commended the Customs Area Comptroller, Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Onyeka Franklin, for putting bonded terminals on the spotlight as part of the efforts to ensure trade compliance and avoid revenue leakages.
Secretary of the CCC, Dr. Eugene Nweke, said the measure has yielded impressive results, particularly in the recent seizures of imported illicit drugs worth over N8 billion.
Nweke who spoke during an on the spot interview on the performance assessment of the Customs Area Comptroller since he assumed office, said he has done very well.
Nweke said, “my assessment and commendation position on behalf of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) is to simply to commend the comptroller on his outstanding efforts as the Area Comptroller of the Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). His leadership of the command has yielded impressive results, particularly in the recent seizure of imported illicit drugs worth over N8 billion.
“His focus on bonded terminals to prevent revenue leakages and ensure compliance is a step in the right direction. We therefore applaud his commitment to strengthening surveillance and enforcement measures, which has led to increased revenue collections.
“His achievements are a testament to your dedication and the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to excellence. We extend our appreciation to him and the entire team for your tireless efforts in:
a). Intercepting illicit drugs worth billions of naira
b). Focusing on bonded terminals to prevent revenue leakages
c). Improving compliance and revenue collections.
d). Prompt and sustainable inter agency collaboration via innovative information sharing”.
Nweke added that to further build on his success, the Controller should Continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures, Implement robust tracking systems for goods in transit, enhance collaboration with relevant agencies, such as the NDLEA.
He also called on the Command to continue to provide special and peculiar training and capacity-building programs for customs officers within the command as well as encouraging transparency, accountability among terminal operators.
The CCC Secretary further advised: “He should consider implementing further digital solutions, such as blockchain technology, to track goods in transit and prevent tampering and route diversions. Enhance stakeholder engagement and communication to prevent corruption and ensure compliance. He should continuously review and refine strategies to stay ahead of emerging threats and challenges”.
Nweke further said that greater commendation should go to the Comptroller General of the Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR fostering an environment that promotes excellence and innovation within the NCS.
According to him, “Of a greater commendation, I also extend our appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for fostering an environment that promotes excellence and innovation within the NCS. Indeed, your efforts and that of your team are a shining example of the NCS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economy and promoting compliance.
“Finally, I wish the CAC Onyeka continue success in his role and look forward to seeing the impact of his innovative initiatives in aspects of cargo handling operations, stakeholders and officers of the command and Nigerians in general.”
Credit: ShippingDayLive