Comptroller AB Jaja takes over the helm of affairs at the Eastern Marine Customs Area Command, Rivers State, with a pledge to enhance trade facilitation and community engagement
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
In a smooth change of baton, Comptroller Anderson Jaja has officially taken over the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) Amphibious Unit in the South eastern part of the country, otherwise known as the Eastern Marine Command, assuring legitimate traders along the Eastern Maritime corridor of his commitment to facilitate trade and collaborate with stakeholders.
In his inaugural remarks while addressing journalists as head of the Eastern Marine Command on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Succeeding Assistant Comptroller Genera of Customs (ACG) CC Dim, who was newly promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General recently and redeployed to Abuja, Comptroller Jaja expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dss psc (+) for entrusting him with the strategic role.
He praised his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Chika Dim who has just been promoted to the rank for the remarkable work done during his tenure.
“ACG Dim has done incredibly well, it is always good to leverage on the foundations laid by a good man,
“During his tenure, he brought innovations in both administration and operations. I will build on that and ensure we sustain the gains and drive the command towards greater heights.” he said.
Jaja emphasized that his mandate is not to impede legitimate business but to facilitate trade, generate revenue, collaborate with stakeholders, and combat smuggling.
“We have to keep our borders, particularly the riverine areas, safe so that people can carry out their legitimate business also we have to protect government infrastructure and collaborate with sister agencies to achieve this,
“We must work hand in hand with our partners, security agencies and the host communities we serve.” he added.
Comptroller Jaja promised on expand the scope of the Eastern Marine Command (EMC’s) Area of Responsibility (AOR) while promising to maintain the monthly work-life balance initiative with Heads of Federal Government Establishment in Port Harcourt introduced by his predecessor.
“Health is wealth, and a healthy man is a happy man, full of vibrancy, “I intend to continue the work-life balance program because a healthy officer is a productive officer,
“Health is wealth. You have to be healthy for your brain to work optimally. Work-Life Balance will be sustained, and collaboration is key, “We cannot do it alone. We will improve on it and encourage officers to exercise more and stay healthy.” he said.
The Controller charge his officers, emphasized the importance of punctuality, discipline and accountability in carrying out their defined schedules
“Let us be punctual, disciplined and accountable in our duties for these values are crucial to our success and the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service.” He added.
In his parting speech, ACG Chika Dim described his time in Eastern Marine Command (EMC) as fulfilling and thanked the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir A Adeniyi and his management team for such a rare opportunity to serve one of the service amphibious arm in the South- Eastern part of the nation saying his approach has rebranded the Nigeria Customs Service, he enjoined the officers and men to accord Comptroller A. B Jaja the cooperation he enjoyed from them and even more.
Comptroller Anderson Jaja assured that his tenure would be marked by innovation, collaboration and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He then called on all officers to support him in achieving the commands’ objectives which is, one among many, the suppression of smuggling along the creeks, waterways and to work together towards a brighter future for the Eastern Marine Command (EMC) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
He also announced plans, pending Customs management approval, to establish a Customs Marine Unit at Bonny to ensure more effective coverage of the riverine areas.
