By Asuquo Nuwak
The former Customs Area Controller of Seme Customs Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has taken over the mantle of leadership, from Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede, as the new Comptroller, at Tin-Can Island Port Customs command.
In his official maiden welcome address as the new Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Customs Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, expressed great pleasure for the warm welcome given to him, while he outlined his plans for the command.
In his presentation, Comptroller Nnadi, appreciated every body who welcomed him back to Tin-Can Island Port Customs Command, as the 20th Customs Area Controller, since the inception of the Command in 1977.
He said that, ” it is always his pleasure to be part of the maritime industry and eager to key into the ongoing reforms, from his personal perspective and on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In recognition of the important nature
of the maritime industry, Comptroller Nnadi, explained the importance of stakeholders to work together to find lasting solutions to their individual and collective needs.
He expressed the need for proactive leadership, while he urged all stakeholders to lead by showing good example.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, highlighted the key mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, which include revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation. These mandates, according to Comptroller Dera Nnadi, are essential in measuring the Nigeria Customs Service performance and it will remain relevant until Nigeria achieves full economic development.
The Comptroller Dera Nnadi, acknowledged the challenges ahead of him, especially with the command’s revenue target exceeding N801 billion which is nearly at 52 percent completion, with only three months left in 2023.
The new Customs Area ontroller of Tin-Can Island Port Customs Command, expressed confidence in achieving the remaining 48 percent of the revenue target, despite the challenges caused by the floating exchange rate, which is affecting the activities of importers and exporters respectively.
In his presentation over the security of the nation, Comptroller Nnadi, said the Command’s role in securing the nation is by intervening against economic saboteurs and those who import illicit goods that contribute to insecurity in the country.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, commended the outstanding performance of the outgoing Controller and officers and men of the Command, for their recent seizures of two containers of tramadol, which confirmed the commitment to combating the importation of illicit and unapproved drugs.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi said, “the concept of regional trade integration is in pursuant to the new world order, which encourages cooperation between independent countries within a region or sub region to speed up economic and social development through removal of barriers in trade and movement of persons which may impede free movement of goods and services within a particular region”.
His words: ” This strategic agenda between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin is in line with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and would aid smooth transition into the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”.
The newly deployed Customs Area Controller of Tin can Island Port Customs Command, disclosed that the recent agreement between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin is to develop frameworks for clearing Nigeria-bound goods in Benin Ports and vice versa.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, called for improved business processes and increased efficiency in service delivery to remain competitive with other ports in the sub-region.
He equally called for the cooperation from shipping companies, terminal operators, and other government agencies in the efforts of command to rebrand and improve upon service delivery.
Comptrolldr Dera Nnadi, expressed the importance of respecting various mandates and avoiding interference in revenue-related transactions, except where it falls within their regulatory functions.
He gave the assurance that, he would maintain an open-door policy for seamless trade, while remaining resolute in his commitment to prevent activities that would compromise the mandates of Nigeria Customs Service.
In conclusion, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, urged everyone to offer solutions, rather than opportioning blame for the challenges facing the maritime industry, while he expressed determination to lead the command toward greater efficiency and effectiveness.