By Seun Ibiyemi
The Acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya, has called for stronger cooperation among Customs commands in the zone to improve operational coordination, combat smuggling and protect government revenue.
Nadaniya made the call during a familiarisation tour of key Customs formations on October 14, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen working relationships and improve service delivery across the zone.
The tour covered the Zone C headquarters in Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt I Command, Ibeto Seaport Area 5 Command, Port Harcourt Area II (Onne) Command and the Eastern Marine Command.
During the visits, Nadaniya expressed appreciation to the respective Area Controllers, officers and men for their warm reception and commitment to their official duties.
He also solicited their support and cooperation, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in tackling smuggling, protecting government revenue and enforcing legitimate trade laws.
According to him, closer collaboration between the Federal Operations Unit and the Area Commands would help consolidate existing achievements and improve operational performance across the zone.
Nadaniya further appealed to the commands to sustain the cooperation extended to his predecessor, noting that continuity and teamwork were essential to achieving the strategic objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In their responses, the Area Controllers welcomed the Acting Comptroller and pledged to maintain cordial working relationships based on mutual respect, professionalism, discipline and accountability.
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They also urged him to sustain the service’s ongoing initiatives and align his operations with the agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
The Area Controllers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nadaniya in improving operational efficiency and prayed for guidance, protection, good health and wisdom for him and the officers and men under his command.
The Acting Comptroller also disclosed that a recent meeting with patrol team leaders was aimed at reinforcing discipline, professionalism, vigilance and accountability in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
He emphasised the strategic importance of the Federal Operations Unit in advancing the Customs Service’s mandate, particularly through effective enforcement and coordinated anti-smuggling operations.
The familiarisation tour is expected to strengthen inter-command relations and promote closer collaboration in the discharge of Customs responsibilities across Zone C.
