Ag. CGC vows to run open-door-policy
…Urges Maritime Press to work with him for the nation
Paul Ogbuokiri
Acting Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), DCG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Sunday night in Lagos vowed to keep an open door policy during his administration.
Adeniyi who spoke in a dinner with the Nigerian maritime press held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, said he was ready to welcome ideas that will make the Customs Service more efficient.
Seeking collaboration with the Maritime Media, the Ag. CG said that considering his background as a former National Public Relations Officer of the Customs, his failure would be a failure of the media.
Adeniyi however said that with his experience working with a number of Controller-Generals in the past, he has enough experience to pilot the affairs of the Service.
Describing the media as partners in progress, he said he would welcome constructive advice or suggestions, adding that this was the only way to move the Service forward.
Responding, members of the maritime media assured the Acting Controller-General of their readiness to give him all the needed support.
Adeniyi took over from the former CGC, Retd Col. Hameed Ali last June.
In his speech while taking over the mantle of leadership from Ali in June, Adeniyi promised to dismantle obstacles, foster new culture in trade facilitation.
He promised to “prioritize efficiency in service delivery as the bedrock of trade facilitation and revenue generation”, adding that every effort would be made to ensure that no encumbrances shall impede trade.
He said: “We shall dismantle obstacles and foster a new culture of consultations and compliance”.
He added: “We gather here to mark the beginning of a new era in the Nigeria Customs Service. I stand before you as the newly appointed Comptroller General, humbled and honoured by the trust placed in me by our esteemed President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. This call to duty signifies a great responsibility, a responsibility to serve our nation as trade facilitators and enforcers of government policy. It is a delicate balancing act that demands professionalism, integrity, and the highest ethical standards.
“Over the past eight years, the Nigeria Customs Service has embarked on a journey of transformation, focused on reforms, restructuring, and revenue generation. We have witnessed critical adjustments to meet the evolving needs and strategic objectives of our Service. As beneficiaries and ambassadors of these reforms, many of us have played pivotal roles in training, retraining, and mentoring the future generation of Customs officers.
“We stand at the precipice of an exciting future, one that builds upon the achievements of the past and takes us even further. Our administration is committed to adopting a bottom-up approach, where the needs of our dear nation take precedence over everything else. We will prioritize efficiency in service delivery as the bedrock of trade facilitation and revenue generation. No longer shall encumbrances impede trade; we shall dismantle obstacles and foster a new culture of consultations and compliance.
“In order to achieve our objectives, it is imperative that we bridge the current human resource gap within our ranks. We recognize the importance of capacity building and career advancement for our officers. The administration will work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the board, ensuring that competence remains the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness. Our focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“As we embark on this new journey, we recognize the need for collaboration and partnerships. We value the relationships we have built with our Partner Government Agencies and the private sector. These collaborations have been vital to our adoption of technology as a tool to enhance revenue generation and streamline processes. We will strengthen these partnerships and engage with stakeholders through revitalized platforms. By promoting dialogue, we can resolve disputes and advance mutually beneficial solutions that lead to more efficient and effective service. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to treat its esteemed stakeholders as partners who have a stake in our success.
“Furthermore, this administration is firmly committed to fairness. We shall treat all stakeholders, traders, and officers alike with impartiality and respect. Our decisions and actions will be guided by principles of transparency and discipline. We understand that our conduct shapes the public’s perception of the Service, and we will strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour. Indiscipline will not be tolerated as we prioritize fairness and equity”.