ICD ‘25: Orbih, Onyeka, Admonish Officers To Always Be Vigilant And Professional  

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Tincan Island Port Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday while marking the International Customs Day (ICD) charged officers and men to constantly remain vigilant and to attend to their duty with utmost professionalism in view of the far-reaching implications of their conducts on the lives of millions of people linked to international trade and its consequence on the larger society and national security.

The event which was marked globally yesterday with the theme, “Customs Delivering On Its Commitment To Efficiency, Security And Prosperity “, was celebrated at the Command’s Headquarters at Tincan Island Port.

Photo 1: (L-R): ACG Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS and Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Customs Command during the celebration of International Customs Day at Tincan Island Port Command Monday.

In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka stated that this year’s theme align with the primary task of officers and men at command as well as the strategic priorities of the Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS).

Comptroller Onyeka explained that that the call for dedication and professionalism must translate from hearing and pledges to concrete actualization as envisaged by the World Customs Organization ( WCO) and indeed the NCS.

“This call to action underscores the pivotal role of Customs in advancing legitimate trade facilitation, ensuring border security, collection of government revenue and fostering sustainable economic growth.”

He explained that while the theme for this year’s International Customs Day challenge the Service to move beyond rhetorics and deliver measurable results, emphasized that the dynamics must also  be timely based on a comprehensive action plan anchored on the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s 3-pillars agenda.

“By delivering on our commitments to efficiency, security, and prosperity, we are not only fulfilling our mandate but also contributing to a brighter future for our nation and the global economy. To my esteemed colleagues, I urge you to continue to embrace the collaboration, consolidation and innovation in service delivery as mandated in the Comptroller General’s policy thrust.

“To our stakeholders, I thank you for your unwavering support and collaboration, which remained invaluable to our success. Together, let us build a Nigeria Customs Service that is not only efficient and secure but also a true engine of national prosperity.”

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, ACG Charles Orbih observed that this year’s theme aligned closely with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation.

He said, “Collaboration entails working together – across departments, with international partners, and with other government agencies – to create stronger, more effective customs processes. Consolidation involves bringing our resources, systems, and strategies into a unified, powerful approach that maximizes our operational capabilities.

“Innovation drives us to adopt new technologies, develop creative solutions, and continuously improve how we serve Nigeria’s economic interests.”

He maintained that Zone ‘A’ being the bedrock of the Nigeria Customs Service represented a critical economic gateway for Nigeria, embodying the strategic importance of the Service in connecting the nation with global markets, hence, the need for the Zone to get it right.

“We call upon you to support our vision. Your strategic investment in our infrastructure, technological capabilities, and human capital is crucial. By empowering the Nigeria Customs Service, you directly contribute to national economic resilience, security, and global competitiveness.

“Today, we recognize the extraordinary contributions of our outstanding officers and stakeholders who have significantly advanced our Service’s mission. People whose inventiveness have enhanced revenue collection, facilitated trade and protected our national economic interests.”

The Zonal Coordinator further urge officers and men of the service to embrace the ICD theme throughout the entire year.

“Let us demonstrate our commitment through consistent, professional, and innovative service. We must promote this theme in every of our interactions, processes and decisions that we make. Our collective actions will determine Nigeria’s economic competitiveness globally and national security.

“Our mission transcends bureaucratic processes. We are the silent architects of national prosperity, the guardians of economic frontiers, and the bridge between Nigeria and the global marketplace. I greatly appreciate your dedication and support in making the International Customs Day a memorable occasion. I wish you all a wonderful International Customs Day.”

Also speaking, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ian Saunders described the event as a chance for WCO member Customs administrations to honour the dedication of their respective staff, educate the public on customs’ mission and role and mobilize decision makers who can help ensure that they have the resources required to address challenges effectively and efficiently.

Saunders who was represented by ACG Charles Orbih said that special focus is being placed on the need to turn commitments into tangible action that advance trade facilitation, ensure security and foster sustainable economic growth as part of the WCO’s theme for 2025.

“WCO members are reminded of the direction that has been set at the WCO, and are invited to showcase the action they have taken to build momentum as well as to share any measurable progress.

“Efficiency, Security and Prosperity are permanent global aims, achieved through steadfast efforts to improve everything customs does. Efficiency, in particular, is powered by modernization of Customs procedures and development of digital services, the promotion of data-driven operations and analytical tools and the use of inspection and monitoring devices and cooperation and engagement with public and private entities.

“In the security realm, customs’ activities range from bolstering supply chain security to preventing the movement of illicit goods, combating money laundering and enhancing crisis preparedness. The ultimate goal, prosperity, depends on our ability to ensure fair revenue collection, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, support sustainable economic development and create inclusive policies, procedures and environment that takes into account the diverse need of the citizens we serve”, he submitted.