Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Ogun 1 Command, has called on officers and personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, emphasizing that reputation is now a cornerstone of modern customs administration.
Speaking at a training session on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Reputation Management Handbook, held at the Command headquarters on Thursday, Afeni underscored the importance of aligning with global best practices in the 21st century.
“In 21st-century customs, there are practices we must leave behind. The world is evolving rapidly, and we must evolve with it. Our reputation—and that of the Service—matters immensely,” he stated.
Afeni highlighted that public perception of Customs officers is a direct reflection of their character and, by extension, the image of the Service. He urged officers to foster trust with stakeholders and abandon any lingering culture of impunity.
“The era of ‘nothing will happen’ is over. In today’s digital age, accountability is inevitable—people are watching and recording,” he warned.
The training, designed as a “train-the-trainer” initiative, aims to equip key officers with the tools and knowledge to cascade the principles of reputation management throughout the Command. Afeni instructed officers-in-charge and coordinators to disseminate the training materials and brief their subordinates accordingly.
Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Sunday Ayeh, who delivered a lecture at the event, described reputation as a lasting legacy that must be safeguarded.
“Reputation is our legacy—it is non-negotiable,” Ayeh affirmed.
He encouraged officers to adhere strictly to the objectives of the Reputation Management Handbook, which include deepening understanding of reputation management principles, aligning personnel with the NCS’s image and identity, promoting consistent, ethical behavior in all settings, and equipping officers to respond effectively to reputational challenges.
The session concluded with a renewed call for officers to take personal responsibility in enhancing the image of the Nigeria Customs Service.