Customs Area 5: Compt Abubakar Retd Bows out, Comptroller Yahaya Takes Over

The new customs Area 5 Ibeto Seaport And Terminals Port Harcourt, Rivers State Thursday witnessed a change of baton as the pioneer Customs Area Controller , Comptroller Martha Abubakar handed over the mantle of leadership in what industry watchers and stakeholders described as a mark of fulfillment for the outgoing Customs Area 5 command controller, who within the short time of being the pioneer Customs Area controller, upped the ante in revenue generation and trade facilitation raking in over N4.2 Billion within three months of commencement of operations at the Port and Terminals before her retirement from the service.

Speaking during his acceptance speech, Comptroller Usman Yayaha expressed his willingness to leverage on the existing foundations lead by his predecessor even as he hinted that his leadership mantra would anchor on the Policy thrust of the Comptroller General Of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR's , consolidation, collaboration and innovation .

He applauded the Comptroller General Of Customs and his management team for giving him opportunity to serve, insisting he would do that with dedication, commitment and high sense of professionalism adding he was open to Constructive dialogue, interaction and communication for the interest and development of Nigeria.

His words: "I want to use this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for this day, and also appreciate and thank our amiable CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, dsm, fnipr,psc (+) for finding me worthy of this appointment."

Continuing he asserted “I wish to also pay glowing tribute to my predecessor, retired Comptroller Martha Abubakar, whose tenure here has been nothing short of historic "

He noted that it was encouraging to see familiar and new faces in the room which he described as his colleagues and stakeholders, adding that he felt at home already and would apply his mode of team work which came naturally to ensure the realization of his objectives at the Command.

He further reiterated his willingness to work closely with all the critical stakeholders saying, "I sincerely look forward to working closely with you all to achieve government objectives and ensure we promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu through what we do here."

He emphasized that his mission at the command was a task and responsibility founded on trust and he vowed he would not do it alone. He called for collaboration to take the command to a greater heights through compliance and total adherence to the rule of law at all times.

He hinted that his priority was to ensure that the command optimized revenue collection and trade facilitation through efficiency, transparently and in line with government policy.

He further stated that he would focus on enhancing processes, ensuring usage of technology to improve revenue streams for the benefit of Nigeria, even as he promised to do his best to lead with integrity, accountability, dedication., adding he was excited to get to know each of them better, understand the command's dynamics and the need to working together so as to overcome challenges and maximize revenue collection for national development.

 "Let's work together to ensure effective revenue mobilization, supporting Nigeria's growth and development." he requested.

He insisted. "I'm open to constructive dialogue, interaction, and unhindered communication in the interest of Nigeria."

He said that his openness was applicable to all sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders, noting he was honoured to connect with them as part of his new role within the port.

“As we move forward, i am committed to collaboration, consolidation, and innovation which are the pillars of our CGC policy thrust."

Comptroller Yahaya informed them that their interests, feedback, and partnership were crucial to the success of the command adding that he looked forward to engaging them to understand their expectations, and working together to drive the growth of the command.

He therefore thanked them for their trust and involvement saying, he was excited with the journey ahead and looking forward to building strong relationships with each of them.

Earlier in her speech, Retired Comptroller M Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for seeing her though in good health in her carrier at the Nigeria customs Service which she said spanned over three decades.

She also felicitated with the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for the confidence reposed in her.

She noted that such accorded her the opportunity to contribute to National development.

She emphasized, that the cooperation, commitment and unwavering support of the Area 5, officers and Men, made her turn an empty ground to a vibrant Command.

 "Your commitment, Professionalism cooperation and team work made the writing of this historic report possible” she said.

She applauded the management and staff of Ibeto Seaport and Terminals for their support and encouragement while thanking the sister agencies and Customs Licensed agents for their collaboration.

She insisted that with the solid foundation already established at Customs Area 5, Command, she has no doubt in her mind that the command would turn a business hub in Rivers state and beyond and achieve greater heights, even as she enjoined the officers and other critical stakeholders to extend their cooperation to the in-coming Area Controller, Compt Usman Yahaya.

Others who gave their goodwill messages include representatives of Ibeto group, represented by the duo of Eze Echesi, group Executive Director, operations and Mr. Oliver Anachebe Nwagbala the Terminal Manager. sister agencies like NDLEA, SON, Agricultural Quarantine Services, ANLCA NAGAFF among others, who were unanimous in praising the retired Comptroller as well as welcoming the new Area 5 Controller, Comptroller Usman Yahaya.

High-point of the event was the presentation of a big plasma Television to the pioneer Area Controller of Ibeto Seaport and Terminals retired Comptroller Martha Abubakar as a parting gift.

Sent-in by Bon Peters, from Port-Harcourt in Rivers State

×