By Innocent Orok
Following the recent redeployment of some Customs Area Controllers by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, stakeholders, security agencies from Benin Republic and Nigeria and NCS Officers on Tuesday celebrated Comptroller Ahmadu Shauibu for his leadership and humanitarian gestures during his tenure at one of Nigeria’s foremost border, Idiroko border.
Compt.Shaibu who was recently redeployed to the Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone B in Kaduna had handed over the mantle of leadership to Comptroller James Ojo on Tuesday .
In his farewell speech, Comptroller Shuaibu revealed that his administration was able to reduce the number of checkpoints at the Idiroko border corridor from 32 to 5 Checkpoints to eliminate barriers to trade.
He also noted that his major accomplishment was replacing the previous toga of Ogun 1 Area Command as a battlefield to a new era of peace and collaborations with zero casualties recorded despite colossal seizures in seven months.
According to Shauibu “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 as most outstanding feats recorded under his leadership at the Command.
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 team for their supports, even as he praised the traditional rulers and youth leaders of the area for their massive supports and 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.
He said : “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 Assistant Comptroller General of Customs to further contribute his patriotic efforts to uplift the NCS.
Comptroller Ojo 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 and other stakeholders who praises the unflinching and leadership supports they all received from Comptroller Shauibu. The high point of the event was characterized by varying laudable testimonies of Shuaibu’s productive, patriotic and humility era at Ogun 1 Command. Different groups presented various parting gifts to the outgoing Controller.
