OGUN 2 CUSTOMS COMMAND: DC SHUAIBU REJUVENATES REVENUE GENERATION MODERNISATION

By Tunde Umar-Daniah

In a bold move to enhance the economic performance of its personnel, the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the indefatigable Comptroller General (CGC), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) CFR, has embarked on a comprehensive modernization of its revenue generation strategies.

Shuaibu addressing his officers and stakeholders during a recent stakeholders meeting

This endeavor led to the creation of the Ogun 2 Command in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on July 4, 2019, with a primary focus on excise tax collection.

DC Revenue, Wale Adenuga, speaking with officers during an in-house meeting

In October 2022, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, a highly experienced and trusted strategist renowned for his outstanding achievements in Customs duties, was appointed as the fourth Area Controller of the command. He was given a clear mandate to eliminate revenue leakages and significantly increase revenue collection from the command, which oversees two prominent Free Trade Zones: Gwandong FTZ in Igbesa and Ceeplas FTZ located in Sagamu, as well as several excise factories.

Upon assuming office, after thorough briefings and consultations, Shuaibu, known for his unmatched record as a Staff Officer at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, immediately assembled his teams. He instilled dexterity, professionalism, and intelligence in them while assigning specific instructions and roles.

As part of his restructuring efforts and in pursuit of an enabling environment for the realization of his modernization goals, Shuaibu oversaw the transformation of the command’s Customs Processing Center (CPC). The previously one-room structure was rebuilt into a state-of-the-art bungalow with five rooms. The facility was tastefully furnished and equipped with the necessary gadgets to enhance the competence of the well-trained and qualified officers provided by the Customs headquarters.

It is worth mentioning that this ingenious transformation by DC Shuaibu has significantly boosted economic activities, rekindled confidence, and further endeared the command to traders and stakeholders.

In a bid to facilitate seamless trade, Shuaibu ordered the linkage of both the Gwandong and Ceeplas Free Trade Zones to the NCS server.

Known for his exceptional human and crisis management skills, Shuaibu has achieved immeasurable success through his frequent engagements with stakeholders, leading to peaceful resolutions of contentious issues. To further bolster the command’s financial status, he established a formidable Monitoring Team tasked with unraveling excise tax evaders and ensuring transparency and accountability in transactions.

Despite the slowdown in business caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy and the General Elections, Shuaibu, a master of technocratic approaches, managed to collect a staggering sum of Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Three Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira and Fifty-Five Kobo (#7,493,994,535.055) into the Federation Account between January and April 2023. This represents a significant increase compared to the sum of Five Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-One Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Sixty-Three Kobo (#5,261,874,355.063k) collected during the same period in 2022.

DC Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu is undoubtedly a seasoned officer with a trailblazing track record in all his assignments.

It is worth recalling his remarkable accomplishments as the Coordinator of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Strike Force, Zone A, from January 2021 to February 2022. During this time, his team made a record seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks worth #22.2 billion naira.