Comptroller Olumoh in pink with DCG Nwafor in black at the reception.
Story by Dili Utomi.
A fresh breath of fresh air seemingly continues to pervade the atmosphere within and around major operations of the Nigeria Customs Service as among other things, new dimensions are now introduced to stakeholders engagements and community relations.
The Service in recent times has been undergoing a lot of revolutionary changes in most aspects of its administration and operations. The core mandates of the NCS are the protection of the Nigerian economy, trade facilitation and revenue generation and using the policy of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, as espoused by the very cerebral albeit amiable Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the various Commands and Units have girded their loins properly and are having their hands fully on deck with the resultant great performances as are seen.
Additionally, the Service is also delving into an area that was hitherto considered a strange place to go for government agencies and that is the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR). On the 19th of December 2024, the Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Zone Command, Comptroller Olanrewaju Abdulwahab Olumoh invited officers, traditional rulers, stakeholders and the press to the commissioning ceremony at the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Lekki town
The event was the commissioning of the renovated and equipped three blocks of buildings which have many classes in them and which were carried out by the Lagos Free Zone Command in collaboration with stakeholders. It all took place at the premises of the school on Thursday, the 19th with such dignitaries as Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Free Trade Zones and Industrial Incentives, the delectable Uzor Nwafor, the Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Liazeem Olumuyiwa Ogundekan, the Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Zone Command, Comptroller Olanrewaju Abdulwahab Olumoh himself and many stakeholders in attendance.
Comptroller Olumoh while speaking at the event noted that the Nigeria Customs Service and all stakeholders recognise the imperative nature of the development of the talents of all children for posterity. He added that the overall national development is a priority and this has inspired the need to help enhance the various tools that engender these developments like educational and social amenities, hence the the renovation of the this primary school.
The representative of the Comptroller-General, DCG Uche Nwafor on her part said that ” The Comptroller-General is always interested in education and would have loved to be at the event , but for to lñp5his very busy schedules. This project is a testament to our commitment to corporate social responsibility and the urge to give back to society. This is also an encouragement for others to give their bits in making a better society and building a great future for our children”.
The Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Liazeem Olumuyiwa Ogundekan on his part said that the gesture of renovating the school is such a noble thing while adding that he was a pupil of the school and that the school had also produced a very first permanent secretary in Lagos State.
A pupil, Halima Salami said in the course of the event that “Our future is of great concern to you and that is why you have helped to renovate our school, we are so grateful”.
The school’s head teacher, Mrs. Omolayo Adebayo said “It is is the responsibility of all to help give the best teaching and learning environment. Your target has been to make these children great in all areas and we shall try our best to help them in achieving this”.
The ceremony of tape cutting for the 3 blocks of buildings was performed by DCG Nwafor as that round of event closed up.
Later, the end of year party took place at the Lekki Customs Command hall.
DCG Nwafor noted at the party that was well attended and quite colourful that the CG has been so committed to the ideals of the Service and these have sparked the commitment and the resultant great performances from all Commands and Units. She continued to encourage all stakeholders to be compliant to all trade rules.
There, Comptroller Olanrewaju Abdulwahab Olumoh revealed that even though the Command was given a target of ₦174 Billion, they generated as at the morning of the day, the sum of ₦341 Billion as against the ₦74 Billion generated in 2023. He noted that the remarkable performance was due to keying into the policy of the CGC and operating an open door policy with regular interaction with all stakeholders.
CAC Olumoh added that there has been great cooperation between all sister agencies. He informed the attendees at the event that over the past one year, they have created a zone management structure and that as long a true trade is engaged in, that they are ready to support such businesses, he added that the Tata group, the biggest conglomerate in India is already in the zone.
The CAC also noted that a sick bay was established over the period and six duplexes have been acquired at the Amen estate for staff accommodation and that steps are on the way for permanent administrative structure for the Command as they have the full support of the CGC.
” This Command has the potential that can make the country to acheive her economic potentials”. He said.
Comptroller Olumoh noted that the CG appreciates all officers and men of the Service, hence his constant interaction with all Commands and Units and his policy of encouraging all to rededicate and recommit themselves to all ethos of the profession.
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