We are not Noisemakers, Our Achievements at FOU ‘A’ speaks volume – Comptroller Oladeji
… Lauds CGC Adeniyi’s efforts, Says Smuggling has declined
Comptroller Kola Oladeji, Controller, FOU Zone ‘A’
The present Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued its oversight function, of policing the entire southwest region with renewed vigour to achieve immeasurable quantum of seizures, as well as record of an improved volume of intercepted consignments found culpable of the nation’s trade laws, without making much noise about them.
The Customs Controller, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, who made this disclosure on Monday July 15, 2024 when members of the League of Maritime Editors paid him a courtesy visit, said that the now well professionally positioned enforcement unit is expectedly performing its anti-smuggling functions with more energies channeled towards information profiling, achieving regular seizures of contraband items, and detention of improperly cleared consignments, or by omission from the ports.
He further said that, the unit, since he came on board has intercepted quite an unprecedented quantum numbers of containers that fell short of the trade laws, most of which are underpayments from irregular consignment profiling.
According to the Customs Controller, operatives of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), have severally had cause to reject bribe offers in tune of millions of naira to refrain from impounding containers found wanting, as he mentioned a recent bribe case of N50 million offered them, to discourage the Unit, from intercepting some containers of illegal goods.
Comptroller Oladeji fielding questions during the visit
Comptroller Oladeji however said that under no circumstances would any of his officers receive such bribe as they have been strictly warned against such habit. He pointed that their job pre-occupation is to ensure that contraband and prohibited items are disallowed, as well as offensive importation which have issues with the trade laws.
According to him, the fact that the Customs Comptroller General, Wale Adeniyi has made the welfare of the officers and men of the Customs to be very attractive, has also made the officers to be more dedicated and committed to their duties, as well as shun any form of compromise.
He further said that, dubious importers do frequently tempt the unit’s field officers with bribe, but however noted that his operatives have so far been patriotic and professional enough to turn them down, adding that they have been mindful of the negative effects of such illicit goods on the citizenry, and the nation at large, had they submitted themselves for compromise and allowed such into the economy.
The FOU ‘A’ boss pointed out that all efforts are geared towards ensuring that smugglers are brought to their knees.
He further disclosed that FOU ‘A’ have intercepted not less than Sixteen (16) containers in the last two months since he assumed office as the Controller in Charge of the Unit, as he pointed out that so far, there was never a single accidental discharge from any of his officers and men in the entire operations that led to several seizure and detention feat recorded by the unit under his watch in all the entire South West spectrum of the unit’s jurisdiction.
The Controller stated that, the current Customs CG has ensured that he put in place the right tools to enable enforcement operatives to successfully fight the anti – smuggling war.
Meanwhile, Comptroller IK Oladeji has as well revealed that smuggling of goods and unwholesome products are on the decline nationwide.
He adduced this to the efforts of the CG of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, noting that the indices from the maritime industry, arising from the several exhibitions of seizures of dangerous products by the Comptroller General of the customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, is an attestation to this assertion.
Oladeji said, the exhibitions of such offensive items in Adamawa, Lagos, Abeokuta, Onne and Calabar proved the fact that the Comptroller General is working harder than ever, and as well putting round pegs in round holes.
The Unit’s Controller also stated that the arms and ammunition seizure, in addition to several containers of prohibited hard drugs seized in the last one year was unprecedented.
Similarly, he applauded the CGC for the establishment of Whirlwind Task Force Team which has so far contributed immensely in curbing the illegal exportation of petroleum products out of Nigeria.
“Since this CGC came on board, all aspects of the Service not hitherto looked into are now being constantly policed. Look at the issue of arms and ammunition, imagine the influx of drugs curtailed” he said.
Oladeji further stated that the Comptroller General of Customs is using the right tools to fight smuggling tooth and nail, adding that smuggling is a monster that must be fought to a stand still.
He recalled that the Premier command Apapa recently intercepted three containers of poultry products, describing it as a big feat for the service.
Comptroller Oladeji and some of his Mgt team in group photograph with members of the League
On the question regarding the blockade of roads by the operatives of the Federal Operations Unit sometimes, the Unit’s Controller said it was based on intelligence and to forestall the diversion of containerised goods from the various Bonded Terminals, which he said is presently being devised by dubious importers to carry out their illicit trade.
He fingered wrong/false declarations as one of the common tricks used by importers/exporters to smuggle cargoes, noting that a recent discovery showed that some containerised goods were declared as agricultural products, but when they were subjected to 100 percent examination, they were discovered to be fully Chinese clothing.
On the Customs/ community periodic violence which used to be the case in some borders, he pledged that there will not be accidental discharge during his stewardship, adding that there is none so far.
Oladeji noted that he has warned his officers not to kill anyone because of one bag of rice such person is carrying as according to him, such rice is not worth taking anyone’s life.
He applauded Comptroller General Adeniyi MFR for the robust welfare package in today’s service, pointing that the CG’s dedication to duty has catapulted the service to higher level of achievement. “If you call him by 2am, he will pick your call and address your problem”, Oladeji said.
Meanwhile, in his earlier speech, the President of the League of Maritime Editors, High Chief Timothy Paul Okorocha had congratulated the FOU Boss on his appointment and meeting up to the expectations with huge seizures since he came on board.
He informed the Controller of the plans of the Association to hold a conference in commemoration of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 22 and 23 respectively, which will usher in new executives of the association, at the Lagos Travel Inn, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Attendance of the FOU ‘A’ boss was also sorted, and as well the delivery of a lecture on the success and challenges of the war against smuggling.
+ There are no comments
Add yours