LAGOS – The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned the newly renovated office complex at the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service.
The unveilling, according to maritime analysts marked a significant milestone in the command’s history.
The CGC, during the recently held ceremony, expressed satisfaction for the successful renovation project.
He attributed the achievement to collaborative efforts with various government agencies and stakeholders.
The CGC also commended Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command for the exceptional achievements garnered under his leadership.
He said: “We have created an environment that allows us to collaborate and work more effectively with other agencies of government and I’m indeed very delighted about this. What I’m seeing today is also the product of collaboration, our stakeholders are now stepping forward to say we can help you improve the quality of your work space, and I’m indeed very happy that what we have is a demonstration that collaboration pays.”
The CGC stressed on the need for more collaboration in delivering better service to the nation.
According to him, “We will continue to extend the frontiers of collaboration, not only in this kind of spheres, but also include them in our operations to ensure that we deliver better service for our country.”
Meanwhile, Comptroller Nnadi, in a welcome address, highlighted the importance of the renovation, saying that since the inception of the Command in 1977, that no major renovation had been undertaken to update and modernize the office complex.
He said: “This renovation goes beyond mere aesthetics or upgrading physical infrastructure, it is a clear statement of intent that reinforces the CGC’s policy focus on Collaboration, Consolidation and innovation. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving working conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a conducive environment for our officers and stakeholders alike,” Nnadi added.
The occasion was also used to honored Comptroller James Brigue (Rtd).
Compt Brigue(Rtd.) was the first substantive Area Administrator of the Command.
He was the helmsman of the command between 1982 and 1984.
The CGC tasked officers and men on the need to emulate the life of Pa Brigue.
He equally emphasised the importance of leaving a lasting legacy through dedicated service.
Meanwhile, the Service said it has recovered 21 vehicles stolen from overseas and brought into the country.
The stolen vehicles have been handed over to the Canadian authorities.
The handing over was perfected at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja of the Service.
The vehicles were said to have been intercepted at various locations in Lekki area of Lagos and Onne Port in Rivers State.
CGC Adeniyi also made this during a press briefing held in Lagos.
According to the Customs Chief, the NCS had been working closely with international partners, including the Canadian authorities, to combat transnational vehicle theft and the operation, codenamed “Operation Hot Wheels,” was launched to disrupt the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through its ports and borders.
Speaking further at the briefing, Adeniyi said that statistics by INTERPOL, revealed that West Africa had become a hub for stolen vehicles and that data showed that only 54% of these vehicles were recovered, which also shows the level of organised and sophisticated crime going on in Africa.
He stressed that the growing number of stolen vehicles entering Nigeria posed a serious concern that affects not only the country’s automotive market, but also its security infrastructure.
He noted that intelligence from international law enforcement agencies confirmed that Nigeria had become a preferred destination for internationally stolen vehicles, damaging the country’s international image and economy.
The recovered vehicles includes three 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles, two Mercedes-Benz cars, a Lamborghini, a Rolls Royce, and two Range Rovers.
The vehicles were valued at over N2.3 billion. Adeniyi announced that these recoveries highlighted both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods as the criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent the NCS detection systems.
The CGC attributed the success of the operation to the enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners.
He also commended the dedication and professionalism of NCS officers, who worked tirelessly to protect Nigeria’s borders.
He emphasised that the handover of the recovered vehicles to the Canadian authorities was a significant milestone in the fight against transnational crime as it demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to protect the economy and preserve national integrity.
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