I Reduced Checkpoints from 32 to 5,Made Seizures Without Casualties – Compt. Shuaibu
... Hands Over Ogun 1 Command to Comptroller Ojo
Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu has disclosed that as part of reforms to promote trade facilitation and ease of travelers movement along the border route to Idiroko in Ogun State, he reduced customs checkpoints from 32 to 5
He also said the large amount of seizures made from smugglers under his watch was achieved without casualties as no life was lost on the part of the Nigeria Customs Service and members of the border community
Shuaibu who said this while delivering his farewell speech before handing over to Comptroller James Ojo who assumed duty as new Area Contronller of Ogun 1 Command on Tuesday
Shuaibu who has been redeployed to Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B Kaduna following recent postings approved by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Amenities, commended all the government agencies and private sector stakeholders for their contributions to his success
According to him,one of his major accomplishment was changing the notoriety of Ogun 1 Area Command as a battlefield for customs and smugglers to a new era of peace and collaborations with zero casualties recorded despite colossal seizures made in seven months.
“We witnessed a significant increase in revenue generation and massive seizures with zero casualties. We changed the previous slogan of Ogun 1 Area Command as a battlefield to Ogun 1 Area Command as a peaceful place,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Shuaibu encouraged officers at the Command, sister security agencies and border stakeholders to avail his successor a higher level of support as the new helmsman.
Reeling out some highpoints of Shuaibu’s reign as Ogun 1 Customs Area Controller, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Hammed Oloyede, listed the new trailer parks and examination bays, upgrade of the Command’s medical center, provision of uniforms and educational materials to indigent children, speedy resolution of disputes and conflicts with stakeholders, 2023 award ceremony for distinguished officers, robust partnership with sister security agencies; among others.
Addressing the new Area Controller, Shuaibu said: “Your appointment speaks volume of your capabilities and we have confidence that you will lead with humility and excellence. Please be assured that you have the support of your colleagues.”
The outgoing CAC thanked the Comptroller-General and his management for his support, even as he praised the traditional rulers and youth leaders for their massive collaboration in ensuring peace and tranquility in Idiroko and encouraged them to continue the good conduct.
On his part, Comptroller James Ojo vowed to build on the
mutually beneficial business relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic via the Idiroko border.
His words: “My predecessor has done a lot here; yet I know that all these are going to be like child’s play compared to the results he will accomplish at FOU Zone B, Kaduna.”
Noting that the FOU Zone B region cuts across about 10 states, Comptroller Ojo prayed that his predecessor will do exploits and be duly elevated to the rank of Assitant Comptroller-General.
He observed that Comptroller Shuaibu’s greatness was anchored on support from stakeholders including media practitioners, thus, he pleaded for similar cooperation.
“Nigeria is going through a unique phase in its history and things are beginning to take shape, but everyone had to play its role and the press has a unique role in achieving the right national results. Let’s do it together at Idiroko,” the new Area Controller posited.
The occasion was graced by several traditional rulers, youth leaders, security agencies as well as representatives from the Benin Customs administration. The event was characterized by varying laudable testimonies of Shuaibu’s productive era and humility at Ogun 1 Command.
