Auwal Mohammed Takes Over Apapa Customs Command, Says I am Equal to the Task

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Comptroller Auwal Mohammed, newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has taken over reigns of the command on Friday from the outgoing Controller; ACG Yusuf Ibrahim Malanta.

DAILY TREND reports that ACG Malanta, a revenue mobilizer for the service raked an unprecedented N1.02trillion in year 2022, the highest in the history of the service.

ACG Malanta has been promoted to the Customs headquarters in Abuja as the Acting ACG in-charge of ICT/ Modernization.

At an elaborate handing over service in Apapa on Friday, the new Area Controller, Auwal Mohammed noted that he was aware the shoes of ACG Malanta is quite big, but he is prepared for the job.

“We know how far we have gone at this Area Command, we know how the service and the Federal Government is relying on the officers of this command to generate and collect revenue and also carryout effective anti-smuggling.

“I know the shoes I am stepping into, but I want to assure you that I am prepared for the job” he assured

Speaking further, Compt Auwal said “I am coming from Onne Port, though smaller, but we have done our best there, and here, we are going to double and triple what we did at my last area Command

“My first assignment is to make sure that I sustain the tempo, that is why in addition to remodelling of the command, we are going to introduce due process, this means doing your work without any blemish.

“I am going to corporate with you, encourage and legitimately support you. I am appealing to you not to relent on your efforts but to double the total support have to my senior colleague”

“I am inheriting a well structured Area Command, from what I have seen, all I can do is improve on it.

“I want to urge the releasing and examination officers that, no package or containers should leave Apapa port without hundred percent examination”

“In making decisions on whether cargoes should be suspect or non suspect, the officers must exhibit all sense of responsibility, so that you don’t release an uncustom cargo” he warned

Speaking earlier, the out-going Area Controller, ACG Yusuf Malanta encouraged officers at the Command to avail his successor the same level of support he received as helmsman at the Apapa Command.

Malanta described his successor, Comptroller Mohammed as an exemplary Customs officer nick-named ‘Due Process’ for his top-notch professionalism in Customs processes.

Speaking, he said “Auwal is all about due process, so we are now in the era of due process. I know Compt Auwal can do it better, he has a much more midas touch”

“I urge the stakeholders to continue to be compliant, the era of cutting corners should stop, go straight and you would be there earlier than you think. Trade can only be predicted when you are compliant”

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 most of the recommendations for the officers rewarded came from the terminals where they were posted to work as he didn’t know some of these officers personally but their work distinguished them for recognition.

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.