Adigun Assumes Duty at Onne Customs Command, Declares War on Revenue Leakages
The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has directed officers and men of the Command to intensify measures to block revenue leakages and redouble their efforts towards meeting the Command’s revenue target for the year.
DC Adigun gave the directive during a welcome parade organized in his honour by personnel of the Command following his assumption of duty.
Speaking on revenue generation, the Acting CAC urged officers to push harder to achieve the Command’s annual target.
He stressed that the confidence reposed in the Command must be translated into measurable results, improved productivity and greater accountability.
He stated that, “officers must take ownership of their respective responsibilities and approach their assignments with renewed dedication and determination”.
To safeguard government revenue, he emphasized the need for meticulous documentary checks and proper examination of import declarations.
He directed officers to pay close attention to the accuracy of classification, valuation, quantities, applicable duties and other statutory charges, warning that negligence, under-valuation, deliberate misdeclaration and improper documentation could create opportunities for revenue leakages.
DC Adigun also tied the Command’s revenue performance to operational discipline, describing accountability, punctuality, respect for constituted authority and strict adherence to established procedures as non-negotiable.
He charged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, noting that the credibility of the Service rests not only on its revenue performance but also on the professionalism with which its statutory responsibilities are discharged.
He further cautioned officers that “revenue collection must go hand-in-hand with trade facilitation by ensuring that legitimate businesses operate seamlessly while all appropriate government revenue is duly collected”.
He urged them to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Aliyu Alkali, and strive to overcome the Command’s operational challenges.
The Acting CAC described his appointment as a call to greater responsibility, dedication and commitment to the Service, and assured personnel of his determination to discharge his duties with fairness, discipline and a strong sense of purpose.
He maintained that the Command’s ability to deliver on its mandate depends on the collective efforts of all personnel, irrespective of rank or designation, and called for stronger teamwork, mutual respect, collaboration and professionalism.
He also appealed for open communication and constructive engagement, assuring officers and men that his office remains open to reasonable, constructive and service-oriented discussions, and encouraging them to bring forward ideas and recommendations that could improve operational efficiency and, by extension, revenue performance.
