Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet hits the ground running with strategic engagements as the new Customs Area Controller (CAC) at the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
By Jude Nzennaya,
Port Harcourt
In line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), announced that Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet has officially assumed leadership of the Command as the Acting Comptroller.
In a statement issued by the Command Public Relation Officer (DSC) Joshua Iliya, the Acting Comptroller in a proactive move to strengthen maritime security and trade facilitation immediately initiated an extensive tour of operational facilities and high-level strategic engagements across the region.
The first phase of the familiarization tour spanned key locations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, including Abonnema and Onne Outstations (Port Harcourt), Oron Outstation (Akwa Ibom) and Calabar Outstation (Cross River).
In the course of the visits, Deputy Comptroller Esiet conducted rigorous inspections of equipment and personnel readiness, while stressing that the success of the Command relied on unity and oneness of purpose.
“Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes. A united front is non-negotiable for national security,”
To foster a “one service” approach, the Ag. Comptroller held strategic meetings with the Customs Area Controllers of Port Harcourt II (Onne), the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.
Moving further in his reinforcement tour on maritime safety, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Esiet paid courtesy visits to top maritime security agencies including the Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He also visited the Commanding Officer, Navy Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ibaka, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command and the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, aimed at strengthening inter-agency and internal collaboration.
Recognizing the vital role of grassroots support, DC Esiet equally paid homage to His Royal Highness, Nyemoni Iwo Ama of the Abonnema Wharf Community and the Obong of Calabar, His Royal Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V).
These visits underscore the Command’s commitment to maintaining deep-rooted ties with host communities. Additionally, the Acting Comptroller met with the management of SeWa West Africa Limited to discuss patrol boat maintenance and specialized officer training, ensuring the Command’s fleet remains a formidable deterrent against illicit activities and ensuring Community and Private Sector Partnership.
Esiet reiterated that his administration will strictly align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“The leadership of Ag. Comptroller (DC) Esiet would focus on streamlining maritime enforcement protocols, ensuring officers are motivated and equipped while maintaining an open-door policy with licensed agents and other partners.
“The Eastern Marine Command is a specialized wing of the Nigeria Customs Service dedicated to patrolling the nation’s Eastern Waterways, preventing smuggling, and ensuring the security of maritime trade and activities,” the statement added.
