As part of efforts to reward stakeholders at the Seme-Krake border and recognize high-performing officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Customs Command hosted stakeholders and honoured exemplary officers for 2023 successes.
Speaking at the celebratory party on Friday, the Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, noted that after the Command surpassed its 2023 revenue target by almost 300 percent, it became pertinent to celebrate that success and reward excellent officers.
His words: “The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, encourages us to have a work-life balance and throughout the year 2023 the officers of Seme-Krake joint-border post put in their best to ensure that we didn’t just meet the management’s expectations but went further to do tremendously well.”
“We aren’t just celebrating the Customs officers, but all other stakeholders who have collaborated with us throughout the year. Some of these collaborations manifested in various seizures. Everyone within the Seme border region is a stakeholder in the Nigerian project and the best we can do is to thank them for the level of support they availed us in 2023 even as we encourage them to cooperate with the Service more in 2024.”
The Customs boss opined that the party ambience is also a platform that provides an opportunity for unofficial interaction between Customs, other security agencies, and all stakeholders within the Seme border region.
“Behind the uniform, these officers are human beings and this gathering offers a unique opportunity to build connections. We haven’t had serious clashes with the community as we have always been at peace with them. We let them know that our responsibilities as a government agency isn’t in any way inimical to their progress. We work hand-in-hand hoping that as we achieve our goals as an agency the community also makes progress,” Comptroller Bomodi remarked.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Badagry-West LCDA, Hon. Joseph Gbenu commended the NCS for the initiative to host the party, stressing that Customs has played a leading role in developing the Badagry community.
“What I am witnessing today is different from the kind of Customs engagement with stakeholders previously. They may have been having their end-of-year party in the past; but this is the first time they have thrown it open to everyone. This will foster collaboration and synergy among Customs and other security agencies and the entire community,” Gbenu said.
Speaking with News Diet on the sidelines, one of the Customs awardees, Kennedy Eneh, thanked the Area Controller for the honour, even as he pledged to put in more efforts in 2024.
“The award makes me feel good about being a Customer officer. It shows that the Area Controller knows that we are really working for the Command and for the nation. I didn’t set out to win an award, but I always put in my best and I’m glad to be able to receive an award for it. I also have to thank my colleagues and officers because I didn’t do it alone,” he said.
Eneh, who paid a crucial role in anti-smuggling in 2023, encouraged Nigerians to explore legitimate businesses other than smuggling which he described as a disservice to the nation.
Meanwhile, the Officer-in-Charge of Operations, Seme, SC E. Ashinze, expressed delight that Seme Customs is succeeding and surpassing the expectations of the Customs management without having to clash with stakeholders.
“We feel highly elated and gratified to be Customs officers serving at Seme border. Some of us were expecting promotions but didn’t get it, but an outing like this reminds us that we are doing a good work and we must keep at it. We must keep working for the federal government.”
“The Area Controller has shown that he loves and appreciates the work we are doing. So, we thank him and promise to work even harder in 2024. All OCs are here, all stakeholders are here, because we love the Controller and we are privileged to be under his leadership. Today, the Command is exceling in exports. It has never been this good because people were afraid to approach the border with their goods. Export is thriving because the stakeholders can see that we facilitate legitimate trade,” Ashinze said.
