|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Nigerian exporters have outlined the need for an export seat at the top echelon of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to export promotion.
The Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) made this appeal when it hosted a farewell dinner to honour Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, who recently retired as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Lilypond Export Command.
During the event at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, the AWAEMAP President, Hon. Olubunmi Olumekun, aligned with the Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, the current Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, who observed that Export deserves a place at the topmost administration of NCS to be headed by either a Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs or an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
Olumekun thanked the former Lilypond boss for his people-centric leadership style which saw him standing in the gap for exporters even during engagement with other port regulators like Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
According to the AWAEMAP President, the celebratory dinner was a testament to the impact Comptroller Odusanya made during his tenure.
He seized the opportunity to beckon on the new Lilypond Customs boss, Comptroller Ariyibi, to practice the same level of collaboration and commitment to export promotion.
During the programme which brought together top customs officials, exporters, maritime professionals, and stakeholders in the trade and logistics sector, Comptroller Ariyibi, reechoed the outstanding performance of his predecessor, stressing that he found no need to change any personnel on assumption at the Command because he met officers that are astute professionals and diligent.
Comptroller Ariyibi emphasized his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and ensuring that all obstacles to export operations are minimized.
His words: “Export is what drives Nigeria’s economy. Anything that hinders export is what the government does not want, and I will do all within my capacity to facilitate and support exporters.”
Comptroller Odusanya, in his response, expressed heartfelt appreciation to AWAEMAP for its cooperation during his tenure, acknowledging the association’s vital role in promoting export trade and strengthening the nation’s economy.
The retired Controller chronicled the journey of Lilypond Export Command as a “one-stop export command,” a vision pioneered by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the first Controller of the Command, whose legacy he continued and has now passed on to his successor.
While thanking the export group for the ceremony, he assured that he would remain accessible for consultancy services having already aligned with a top stakeholder in a bid to keep an active role in the sector.
The celebrant had kind words for his former officers, sister agencies, port stakeholders and gave a big endorsement to his successor, Ariyibi, who he ripped to enhance the performance of export via Lilypond Command.
Meanwhile, the event also featured goodwill messages from other stakeholders, including Mr. Adewunmi Augustine, Area Commander, NDLEA Lilypond Command, who commended the synergy between security agencies and the export community.
On his part, the President of National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC), Prince Adeyinka Bakare, described export as the heartbeat of the nation’s economy.
Bakare stressed thanked Comptroller Odusanya for his outstanding service and support during his tenure and opined that Nigeria needs more selfless leaders like the retired Comptroller.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), AWAEMAP, Alh. Inaolaji Nofiu, lauded the retired Comptroller’s leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by cooperation, innovation, and tangible achievements in export facilitation.
AWAEMAP Vice President, Alhaji Moruf Raheem, reechoed this sentiment while delivering the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller, customs officers, and AWAEMAP executives and members present.
