By Steve Agbota
The newly redeployed Customs Area Controller, Muritala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Command, Compt. Micheal Awe, has resumed office, saying he will facilitate legitimate trade at the command.
Comptroller Awe took over from Comptroller Yusuf Mohammed, at a brief handing over ceremony at the Command’s headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the handing over, the newly deployed CAC, Compt. Awe, said he will facilitate legitimate trade as well as build on the successes of the immediate -past controller, Compt Yusuf.
He, however, charged officers to be dedicated and diligent with their job, urging them to further understand the rudiment of their profession.
“I appreciate the outgoing Comptroller for his versatility and dedication to duty, however, like he said peace is very important vis a vis revenue but I assure you i will build on existing structures and I wish to surpass it.
“To our officers, we need to understand the job very well, please let’s read the books and maintain discipline and by so doing, the sky will be the limit for everyone,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the outgone CAC, Compt. Yusuf Mohammed, said the command generated N45.23 billion from importers at the Airports between January to March, 2024.
According to him, in 2023, the command had a revenue target of N68 billion but generated N90.43billion at the end of the year through hardwork and due diligence of officers of the command.
The outgone Compt. also demanded support from officers of the command to the newly appointed Comptroller in other to meet and surpass his revenue target.
“I want to thank Almighty God for his numerous mercy, for protection and the wisdom to steer the wheel of this command. The last one year, seven months haven’t been easy and to the glory of God we surmounted the challenges. We were able to meet our 2023 target as we made over N90billion at the end of the year.
“Also, the MMIA command is known to be tough but to the glory of God, we were able to surmount the challenges. Also, to solve problems, one must be a good listener,” he added.
Soliciting support for Compt. Awe, Yusuf said, “please, give him same support you gave me, it’s not about Compt. Yusuf but about the Customs service and now that there is stability in forex, revenue will increase.”
He further advised Compt. Awe to have listening ear, “also, if officers give advise, kindly listen to it and ensure you maintained the peace in the environment,” he stated.