It is an lgbo adage that says when the giant masquerade steps into the arena, the beating of the drums changes and the big masquerade instantly ,changes its dancing steps to the admiration and satisfaction of both the elders and the larger audience.
The big masquerade in this circumstance is the unassuming and humble soft spoken Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi . His surprise appointment by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was aptly described as “ a perfect square peg in a fitting square hole” . As the former spokesman of the Nigeria Customs, he became the first of such to be so appointed to the number one office in any security agency in the country. It was therefore not surprising but very uplifting to witness the unprecedented end of the year annual report the customs presented to both the Mr president, Nigerians and foreigners including stakeholders .
In his address read by the National Security adviser Mr Nuhu Ribadu, the President acknowledged like every other Nigerians, the outstanding operational progress of the customs when he said “I am pleased to note that the Nigeria Customs Service is one of the agencies that has risen to this expectation, demonstrating how government institutions can effectively contribute to our economic transformation agenda while fulfilling their core mandates. This alignment is clearly demonstrated in the Service’s comprehensive modernization agenda. In responding to our administration’s call for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, the Service has introduced significant reforms including the Advanced Ruling system and the Authorised Economic Operator Program. These initiatives, which align with global best practices, show how agencies can innovatively implement solutions that advance our national economic objectives while meeting international standards. Such reforms not only enhance trade facilitation but also create a more predictable business environment that supports our broader economic goals.
The results of these initiatives across the Service’s core mandates have been encouraging. The Nigeria Customs Service has shown remarkable progress in revenue generation, enhancing government’s capacity to fund critical national development projects. Through strategic reforms, the Service is strengthening Nigeria’s position as a trade-friendly nation, particularly in the areas of export promotion and port efficiency. This has contributed significantly to our improved global ranking in the ease of doing business.
The Service has also demonstrated that effective trade facilitation can coexist with strong regulatory compliance, as evidenced by its enhanced border security and anti-smuggling operations. These achievements affirm our administration’s belief that public institutions, when properly aligned with national objectives, can effectively drive transformative change . It is interesting to hear the president paying glowing tribute to both the customs and its comptroller general
Truly, the customs had in the last one year comported itself administratively and operationally .here was an institution that members of the public detest some of the operational activities that had attracted public venom to an institution that was bedeveled by bad characters that were mistakenly absorbed into the system during recruitment exercise. Most importers and exporters were in pain each time they transact business at the port . however the big masquerade , who had over the years studied reasons for the flaws militating against both the administrative and operational progress of the institution Also added to the noticeable Selfish flaws, which some of its personnel’s embarked upon to affect every income generating strategy policy of the institution had come up with a better functional strategy there are lesser masquerades , and there are bigger masquerades , each time the giant masquerade steps into the arena with all its paraphernalia and strength he uses his strength to neutralize all negative forces operating in and out of the arena (customs institution) the giant masquerade is not done yet because, after studying reasons why the strategies put in place by other masquerade were not productive , the giant masquerade has stepped out in full strength to correct all negative tendencies in the installation . No wonder even the president publicly acknowledged the outstanding success and progress achieved by the Nigerian customs services under comptroller general Adewale Adeniyi .
The question is ?What are the achievements of the customs in the last one year. Hear Mr Adeniyi response These strategic engagements and collaborative approaches have yielded remarkable results across our core statutory responsibilities “I am pleased to announce that the Nigeria Customs Service hit its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion, collecting NGN 5,079,455,088,194.38 with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year. This exceptional performance – projected to exceed our target by 10%” . According to him these feat is attributable to our New strategy in revenue collection and trade facilitation.
Adding that this achievement is not merely about numbers; it demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernized systems can deliver tangible results for our nation’s economy”. It is now very clear that the Comptroller general of customs does not only knows his onions but is very versatile and focused with a nurtured dedication of purpose. ASA former media officer he understood the nitty-gritty of the Nigerian customs service. He understands reasons why the morals of personnel’s are low .his addressed with how the economic situation in the country can affect the morals of the personnel’s , his also aware of the maxim which says “good salary erases negative and corrupt tendencies” .
No wonder the giant masquerade that stepped into the arena one year ago had displayed some dancing steps that were not Known to other masquerades, these skillful steps and unique body language which were enin the last one year are wat President Tinubu and other observers and stakeholders describe as outstanding .
With the proposed budget of 28.7 trillion one hopes that other revenue generating agencies in the country like :Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) should also work hard to salvage the ailing economy so that the renewed hope agenda of this government can be achieved in the economy sector for better handling of insecurity in the country . ——————————————
Ember Month Security Hints
1. Everything in life must come with moderation
2. Avoid night trips it. Could be dangerous
3. Avoid any group behaviour that could lead you into trouble. Screen your friends and those you move with.
4. Expose any criminal intent or act so that you don’t become an accomplice or charged with accessory after the fact. ( report police 08031230631 NPF RESCUE ME (Toll Free Line ) 5. Don’t be a party to any offence. Facilitating, propelling, encouraging any commissioning of offence makes you liable under the law
•By ACP. Muyiwa Adejobi
Written by Elder Ben Okezie on Thursday 21st November 2024 also Published in the Sun newspaper 📞:08111113007 Gmail:BenOkezie17@gmail.com