Customs Boss Charges Officers on Teamwork, Revenue Protection

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Bolaji Adigun, has charged officers and men of the Command to strengthen teamwork, uphold operational discipline, and block revenue leakages to enhance performance and meet the Command’s revenue target.

Adigun gave the charge during a welcome parade organised in his honour following his assumption of duty. He thanked God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a call to greater responsibility, dedication, and commitment to the Service. He said the Command’s ability to deliver on its mandate depends on the collective efforts of all personnel, irrespective of rank or designation, and called for mutual respect, collaboration, and professionalism.

On revenue generation, Adigun urged officers to redouble their efforts to meet the year’s target, stressing that the confidence reposed in the Command must translate into measurable results, improved productivity, and greater accountability. Officers must take ownership of their respective responsibilities and approach their assignments with renewed dedication and determination,” he said.

To safeguard government revenue, he directed officers to conduct meticulous documentary checks and thorough examinations of import declarations, paying close attention to classification, valuation, quantities, applicable duties, and other statutory charges. He warned that negligence, undervaluation, deliberate misdeclaration, and improper documentation could create opportunities for revenue leakages.

“Revenue collection must go hand in hand with trade facilitation by ensuring that legitimate businesses operate seamlessly while all appropriate government revenue is duly collected,” he said.

On operational discipline, Adigun described accountability, punctuality, respect for constituted authority, and strict adherence to established procedures as non-negotiable. He charged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, while urging them to build on the achievements of his predecessor, now Acting Assistant Comptroller General Aliyu Alkali.

DC Adigun further assured officers that his doors remain open to constructive, service-oriented discussions aimed at improving operational efficiency in the Command.