Mr. Bashir Adewale deniyi ‘MFR’
BY GODWIN OBI
Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, (FOU) zone A, Comptroller I.K Oladeji has commended the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale deniyi ‘MFR’ for applying all credible tools to force down the rate of smuggling activities in recent time in the country
Addressing members of the League of Maritime Editors (LOMÉ) who paid him a courtesy visit on Monday, the FOU Area Controller disclosed that his officers recently rejected a bribe of N50 million offered to prevent the impounding of containers filled with illegal goods.
Comptroller Oladeji emphasized the integrity and commitment of his officers, who are dedicated to impounding prohibited goods and ensuring proper import duties are paid.
He credited the Customs Comptroller General, Wale Adeniyi, for enhancing officers’ welfare, which has bolstered their dedication to duty and rejection of bribes.Under Oladeji’s leadership, FOU Zone A has seized 16 containers in two months and has met its 2024 revenue target by June.
According to him, the exhibitions of such products in Adamawa, Lagos, Abeokuta, Onne and Calabar attest to the fact that the Comptroller General is working harder than ever , and putting round pegs in round holes.
Oladeji stated that the arms and ammunition’s seizure, as well as several containers of prohibited drugs seized in the last one year was unprecedented.
He noted also that the establishment of the Whirlwind Task Force Team has contributed immensely in curbing the illegal exportation of petroleum products out of Nigeria.
The unit focuses on anti-smuggling efforts while facilitating trade by promptly releasing law-abiding consignments. Oladeji also highlighted the importance of educating officers on humane enforcement practices and the significant role of FOU in monitoring and intercepting containers with infractions.
‘Since this Comptroller General came on board , all aspects of the Service not looked into before are now being constantly policed. Look at the issue of arms and ammunition, imagine the influx of drugs curtailed’ he deposed.
The FOU boss pointed out that all efforts are geared towards ensuring that smugglers are brought to their knees.
The Comptroller General 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 3 containers of poultry products, describing it as a big feat for the service.
On the blockade of roads by the operatives of the Federal Operations Unit sometimes, the Controller said it was based on intelligence and to forestall the diversion of containerised goods from the various Bonded Terminals.
Comptroller I.K Oladeji
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 saluted the Comptroller General for the robust welfare package in today’s service,insisting that due to the CG’s dedication to duty, ‘if you call him by 2 am, he will pick your call and address your problem’.
The League of Maritime Editors’ President,High Chief Timothy Okorocha, earlier extolled Oladeji’s efforts and discussed the League’s upcoming AGM seminar in August 2024.
He informed the Controller of the plans of the Association to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 22 and 23 respectively at the Lagos Travel Inn, on Toyin street Ikeja, and requested his attendance and delivery of a lecture on the success and challenges of the war against smuggling.
Chief Okorocha also told the FOU helmsman of the Association’s election coming up during the Annual conference.
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