The exchange of leadership baton at the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) took place on Friday, 27th January, 2023 at the Command Headquarters, where the Newly Promoted Acting, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Yusuf Malanta handed over the mantle of leadership of Apapa Command to Comptroller Auwal Mohammed.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the delighted but nostalgic outgoing Area Controller, Ag. ACG Yusuf Malanta enjoined officers at the Command to extend to his successor, Comptroller Mohammed, the same level of support he received from them while in charge at the Command, describing him as a dedicated officer who believes strongly in due process. “We are now in the era of due process, and I know that Comptroller Auwal can do it better, because I believe that he has the Midas touch that is necessary for success”, he went on to say.
“I urge the stakeholders to continue to be compliant, stop cutting corners and go straight, and then you would get there earlier than otherwise would, because trade can only be predicted when you are compliant” he also added.
Responding to the favourable remarks by Assistant Comptroller Malanta, the new Area Controller, Auwal Mohammed appreciated the outgoing CAC for bequeathing a well-structured Command to him, while making known his resolve and readiness for the job in his preparedness of surpassing the N1 Trillion revenue generated by the Command in 2022.
He went further to say: “I will make sure we continue to conduct 100% physical examination so that we can account for all the cargo in each and every container, and by so doing, the amount of revenue generated will be sustained; furthermore, when we make the port more user-friendly, the volume of trade that comes in will increase and subsequently, more revenue will be collected and then we will be able to surpass the N1 Trillion revenue collection already achieved”.
As part of efforts to reward excellence, Ag. ACG Malanta presented awards to deserving officers, one of which was the public relations officer of the Command, Usman Abubakar, for their excellent performance, and in his statement during the awards ceremony, he said: “The Service is rewarding those who have played a crucial role in ensuring that the Customs system is enhanced and that compliance is strictly adhered to. However, the fact that your name isn’t called doesn’t mean that your work isn’t recognized or appreciated. Each of you should continue to blow his/her trumpet by himself/herself with exemplary conduct and professionalism”. The award event was an expanded one, extending to excellent officers of some sister agencies, namely, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).