A New Customs Sheriff, Comptroller Godwin Otunla Assumes Leadership at Ogun Area 1 Customs … Solicits for Support, Warns Economic Saboteurs to Steer Clear

A New Customs Sheriff, Comptroller Godwin Otunla Assumes Leadership at Ogun Area 1 Customs

… Solicits for Support, Warns Economic Saboteurs to Steer Clear

Recent routine customs redeployment has berthed another fine officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, to the leadership helm at Ogun 1 area Command of the Service, Idiroko as the Customs Area Controller (CAC).

The command received the new Comptroller in the wake of the recent redeployment of the erstwhile CAC, Comptroller MS Shuaibu whose redeployment to take charge of affairs at FOU Zone ‘A’ was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm by industry watchers, for his choice which was tagged: A round peg in a round hole, judging by his enforcement expertise to place FOU ‘A’ back on track to its place of pride, after the unprofessional conduct of the immediate past leadership that downturn operations at the unit in the last one year.

In his welcome speech, the new Ogun Area 1 CAC, Comptroller Godwin Otunba, described his new assignment as very crucial, as he assured the management of the Nigeria Customs Service of his determination to put in his best by adopting values of professionalism, Integrity and national Service as guide.

While he appreciated the Comptroller – General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, for entrusting him with the new daunting task at the most notoriety smuggling command axis of the service, Comptroller Otunla was full of commendation of his predecessor Comptroller M.S Shuaibu, for his sterling leadership quality which earned him significant operational breakthroughs, such as increased revenue collection, enhanced anti-smuggling operations, and improved community engagement.

In his exact words during the change of baton exercise, “Permit me to also specially commend my predecessor, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, for his sterling leadership and commendable achievements during his tenure. I salute your efforts and wish you success in your future endeavours,” the CAC said.

Otunla, who has over the years paid his dues in the enforcement circle, first when he deputised as Second in command to the Coordinator of CGC Strike Force Zone ‘A’ during the erstwhile reign of Comptroller AB Shuaibu at the defunct unit, as well as when he held sway as Deputy Comptroller in Charge of Administration at Ogun Area II Command in Abeokuta, has said that he is well prepared to administer quality leadership at the command, which has over the year noted to be highly volatile and notoriety for smuggling activities due to close border ties with neighboring countries with its associated numerous illegal routes.

Comptroller Otunla in addition reaffirmed that he is fully aware of the unique operational environment of Ogun 1 Area Command, with its vast borders, with dynamic socio-economic activities, and its ever evolving security landscape.

He also noted that he is aware of the strategic importance of Idiroko Command to the national economy and border security, pointing that his first mission as CAC, is to consolidate on the gains already recorded and pursue continuous improvement in the areas of efficiency, enforcement, intelligence driven operations, robust stakeholder collaboration and community relations.

According to the CAC, “We shall remain unwavering in our commitment to actualising the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service including revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of national security.

“I want to appeal to all officers and men of this Command to remain committed, disciplined, and professional in the discharge of your duties. Our success as a team will depend largely on our unity of purpose, adherence to ethical conduct, and pursuit of excellence.

“Together, we will sustain the culture of diligence and ensure that the Command remains a model of efficiency and service delivery.

“Our traditional rulers, community leaders, host communities, and all relevant stakeholders, it is my pleasure to assure you of our resolve to continue operating open doors policy.

”We shall build on the robust partnerships established by my predecessor, and we shall deepen collaboration in ways that foster mutual understanding, peace, and shared progress”, the new customs Sheriff said.

Otunla however warned economic saboteurs and smugglers who may wish to test the Command resolve, that new administration under his watch will not tolerate any form of sabotage, as it shall deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with extant trade laws and regulations.

He also noted that his led management approach shall be firm, fair, and intelligence driven.

Earlier in his handover and farewell speech, the immediate past Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu reeled out some of his achievements in terms of interception of illegal goods, Anti-Smuggling campaign, and facilitation of legitimate trade, as he stated that his leadership had collectively repositioned Ogun I Command as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

“As I move to the next stage of my career as a customs officer, I must express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs for the trust reposed on me and for providing the support that enabled the Command’s successes.

In conclusion, Comptroller Shuaibu said that he was confident that the Ogun 1 Area Command new CAC, Comptroller Otunla, which he passed the leadership baton to will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the administration of the Command, as he canvassed the unwavering support of all officers and men, Sister Security agencies, traditional institutions as well as stakeholders for the new man at the helm of affairs.