Freight Forwarding Associations pledge unalloyed Cooperation, as Ag. Comptroller Nadaniya of Customs FOU Zone C, Engages stakeholders in Owerri

The freight Forwarding associations operating under the Federal operations Unit (FOU)zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service have pledged their unalloyed support and collaboration to the new FOU Zone C, boss, Ag. Comptroller DC.Farouk Nadaniya .

The associations made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the new Fou zone C, Customs boss Thursday October 22 2026 in Owerri, the Imo state Capital , underscoring their determination and zeal to comply with the federal government fiscal policy on export, import, cargo documentation and clearance procedures.

The associations who were represented by their executives insisted on their determination to work in synergy with the Ag. Comptroller DC Farouk Nadaniya adding that they believe in his wealth of experience especially in relation to compliance and other Customs extant Laws.

Speaking on behalf of other Customs agents, the Chairman Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Onne seaport chapter, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku expressed delight in the appointment of Ag. Comptroller DC, Farouk Nadaniya.

He described DC F Nadaniya as a thorough breed who has worked in some departments of the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne applauding his sense of responsibility especially when he was the Deputy Comptroller, Compliance at Onne Area 11, Customs Command.

He noted that they were happy for his elevation and prayed to Almighty God to protect and guide him in his new assignment.

His words “we are happy for your initiative by inviting us to this meeting and am assuring you of our unalloyed support and commitment"

"The collaboration and support that was accorded to your predecessor will be extended to you" Chief Isikaku said.

On the renovation of the FOU Zone C, Headquarters, the Agents said they were delighted in what they saw. 

In his remarks, the acting. Comptroller, DC Nadaniya, said that it gave him great pleasure to welcome them to the all important stakeholders’ meeting.

He said he gave thanks to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve and for bringing him and the stakeholders together, even as he also used the opportunity to express his profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Ph.D and his Management Team for finding him worthy and reposing trust and confidence in him to serve as the Acting Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Imo State.

He added "I consider this appointment a great honour and a call to higher responsibility.”

The Ag. Comptroller emphasized that his relationship with many of the agents was not entirely new, as according to him, he had the opportunity to work with them during his earlier assignment under the defunt Strike Force, Zone ‘C’ and more recently, when he served as the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Compliance at Port Harcourt II Command, Onne.

“These experiences have afforded me the opportunity to interact with many of you and appreciate the vital role you play in the effective implementation of the Service’s mandate. It is, therefore, always a pleasure to be in your midst” he said.

He disclosed that the purpose of the meeting was to strengthen their existing relationship, promote mutual understanding, and sought their continued cooperation and support in advancing the objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He averred that "As we all know, the effective discharge of our responsibilities requires a strong partnership between the Service and its stakeholders.”

Continuing he added “Our collective priority is to facilitate legitimate trade, protect government revenue, enforce compliance with extant customs laws and regulations, and combat smuggling and other forms of illicit trade."

These objectives according to him "are best achieved when we work together in an atmosphere of trust, transparency, professionalism, and mutual respect.”

He however , used the opportunity to solicit for all stakeholders and operators cooperation and assure them of his unalloyed commitment to maintaining an open and constructive relationship with all stakeholders.

“I encourage you to continue to engage with the Service through the appropriate channels, provide useful feedback, and promptly address any challenge that may hinder the smooth conduct of legitimate business.”

He also used the opportunity to appeal to them to expedite action towards clearing the backlog of unutilized Single Goods Declaration (SGDs,) bearing in mind that revenue collection remained one of the core responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He emphasized that “The persistent backlog has necessitated the deployment of Customs Police for revenue recovery."

"I urge you to seize this opportunity to address the situation decisively and ensure prompt clearance of all outstanding SGDs."

"Regarding transire, always ensure strict compliance with all established Nigeria Customs Service procedures and regulations.”

He then acknowledged the support and cooperation that all the stakeholders extended to his predecessor during his tenure saying that he looked forward to receiving the same level of cooperation, understanding, and goodwill.

"I believe that, working together, we can build on the achievements already recorded and further improve operational efficiency, trade facilitation, and service delivery within our area of responsibility.”

 “Let me emphasize that our commitment to facilitating legitimate trade does not diminish our resolve to enforce compliance. Rather, we shall continue to promote a fair and transparent operating environment where compliant traders are supported, while deliberate violations of customs laws are addressed in accordance with the law.”

“I assure you that my leadership will remain guided by fairness, professionalism, accountability, and the overall interest of the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation. I equally expect stakeholders to uphold their responsibilities by complying with the relevant laws and regulations governing importation, exportation, and other customs related activities.”

Present at meeting include, Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, FOU Zone C Owerri, Chief Kingsley Offor, ANLCA Board of Trustee member, Mr. Chidera Oganuzor 

Chairman/ CEO Odest Global Resources, Mr. Mike Ebeatu, immediate Past Chairman ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter, Chief Chinedu Ikenga, NAGAFF chairman, Onne Dr Ike Okechukwu APFFLON chairman Onne, Forwarder Kolawale Atanda, Chief Bala Rabiu, Lawan , Chief Emeka Nwosu, importers and exporters from Aba, Abia State among others.

Written by: Bon Peters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

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