From: Uche Usim, Abuja
In what could be termed a major re-jig of its personnel, 48 Comptrollers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have been redeployed by the Comptroller General, Hameed Ali.
Spokesman of Customs, Joseph Attah, made the disclosure, on Thursday, in Abuja.
He said the action, which comes barely 10 days after a mass promotion exercise, was ‘for effective and efficient service delivery’.
According to Attah, “The redeployment is in line with the ongoing reforms of the Service. Comptroller Madugu, M.J from Sokoto/Kebbi/Zamfara has been moved to Ogun Command, while Comptroller Udo-aka, E.A from Investigation department is now at Oyo/Osun Command. Comptroller Isiyaku, K from Tariff and Trade has been moved to Portharcourt 1, among others movements”, he said.
Attah further revealed that the Comptroller-General’s Compliance Team has been disbanded and a new team reconstituted.
“The new team is divided into three. Team A for Western Axis, B for Northern axis and C for Eastern axis. They are to complement the Federal Operations Units in order to vigorously crackdown on all forms of smuggling activities nationwide with particular focus on the enforcement of non-importation of rice and vehicles through the land borders.
“The new CGC’s Compliance team will be co-ordinated by Comptroller Azarema, A.A who before now the Comptroller, License and Permit at the NCS headquarters. The axis will be led by Assistant Comptrollers of Customs.
“While effecting these changes, the CGC expressed his determination to strategically reposition the Service as a crucial contributor to the success story of the nation. Revenue leakages must be blocked; the nation needs all collectable revenue” he said.
Attah said the CG sought the support of stakeholders by being compliant with trade laws.
“He also urged them to provide needed information for the Custona operatives to nip smuggling activities in the bud”, Attah said.