By Sandra Chukwunyere
The new Controller of the Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed has taken over the mantle of leadership of the command from the outgoing Controller, ACG Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta.
This is in accordance with the directive and three-point agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed.
At the handing over ceremony on Friday, January 26, 2023, Comptroller Mohammed promised to work assiduously to sustain the culture of excellence that the command is known for.
He said, “My first assignment will be to make sure that I sustain the tempo at the Command and strive to introduce due process. This due process means we have to do our work dutifully and with regard for professionalism.”
Comptroller Auwal Mohammed promised to ensure that the command continues to be on top in terms of revenue drive and other laudable activities.
While acknowledging that replacing Comptroller Malanta is a huge feat, he noted that he is equal to the task of leading the nation’s busiest port.
“I’m appealing to you not to relent on your efforts and I’m also appealing to you to grant me the same support you granted my predecessor and the sky will not be our limit, but our starting point,” he remarked.
Auwal also encouraged port users to stick to a proper declaration to ensure trade facilitation at the Command.
“The Service is rewarding those who have played a good role in ensuring that the Customs system is enhanced and compliance is strictly adhered to. However, the fact that your name isn’t called doesn’t mean that your work isn’t recognized. You should continue to blow your trumpets by yourself with exemplary conduct and professionalism,” Malanta said.
On his part, the out-going Area Controller who is now Acting Comptroller-General, ACG of the Nigeria Customs Service Malanta Yusfu encouraged Officers at the Command to avail his successor the same level of support he received as the helmsman at the Apapa Area Command.
Malanta described his successor, Comptroller Mohammed Auwal as an exemplary Customs Officer nick-named ‘Due Diligence’ for his top-notch professionalism in Customs processes.
Saying that his tenure as Area Controller was an enjoyable one with robust support from his officers, port stakeholders, and other sister agencies, Malanta prayed that his successor would have similar testimonies to share about the Command during his tenure.
His word “Apapa is my home and will always remain my home. I have friends among the officers and stakeholders, especially the press. I have known some of these friends for more than 15 years. I appreciate the intelligence reports and guidance that you availed me over the years and I want you to give it to my successor,” Malanta said.
As part of efforts to reward exemplary conduct, Comptroller Malanta also gave out awards to several officers at the Apapa Command who had distinguished and aided high-profile seizures and enhanced revenue collection at the Command.
“The Service is rewarding those who have played a good role in ensuring that the Customs system is enhanced and compliance is strictly adhered to. However, the fact that your name isn’t called doesn’t mean that your work isn’t recognized. You should continue to blow your trumpets by yourself with exemplary conduct and professionalism,” Malanta said.
He noted that he did not know most of the officers rewarded personally ,but their dedication to duty at the terminals where they were posted to work distinguished them.
The awards were also extended to excellent officers of other sister agencies as officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) got awards.
After a parade, Customs Officers saluted Malanta who moves to the Customs headquarters in Abuja as the Acting ACG in charge of ICT/ Modernization.
