In a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port Command, has commenced round-the-clock port operations, incorporating night scanning of containers. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, announced this development during his inaugural parade with command officers and personnel on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Controller Nnadi underscored that this initiative aligns with the ongoing rebranding efforts of the command and is in harmony with the overarching objectives set by the headquarters. Commending the officers for their unwavering dedication and strict adherence to directives, Nnadi expressed appreciation for their commitment to working on weekends.
He remarked, “Just last week, I issued a port order mandating you to commence work at 8 a.m. and conclude by 6 p.m. Before the weekend, I extended that to include effective operations on Saturdays and Sundays, and all of you graciously honored that, even amidst inconveniences.”
In a separate development, Controller Nnadi reiterated the command’s uncompromising stance against corruption, echoing the position of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. He handed over $54,330, identified as a tramadol bribe, to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Michael Wetkas.
According to Nnadi, “the tramadol was falsely declared as electrical appliances valued at over N856 million with the intent to conceal them, while the cash was offered to compromise customs officers, a clear violation of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”
He commended the officers who upheld ethical standards, emphasizing their vital role in ensuring national security. Nnadi also expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede, under whose leadership the seizure occurred.
The two individuals associated with the containers are currently under investigation by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control for potential prosecution.
Furthermore, the six officers who rejected the $54,330 bribe received commendation letters from the CGC. Wetkas of the EFCC, upon receiving the funds, celebrated the collaborative victory for the country and all security agencies. He pledged ongoing cooperation between the EFCC, Nigeria Customs Service, and other sister agencies, highlighting a new era of closer inter-agency collaboration.
