Comptroller Peters takes over Western marine Command .Lauds BN Binga on outstanding performance

Comptroller Peters takes over Western marine Command

.Lauds BN Binga on outstanding performance

By Udeme Clement

It was a moment of commendation, as the new Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters officially took over leadership of Western Marine Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, from his predecessor, Comptroller BN Binga.

Speaking at the occasion in Lagos, Peters described Comptroller Binga as experienced and intelligent officer, even as he promised to tap from his wealth of knowledge, as well as expertise whenever situation arises.

He said, “The Command under Comptroller Binga performed very well in curtailing smuggling on sea. We are ready to build on the achievements of my predecessor and to step up security surveillance on the creeks, waterways. In doing so, we will always seek the expertise of Comptroller Binga.”

He pointed out, “Customs is doing a lot in tackling smuggling on high sea. Western Marine Command is a terrain for professionals. It is the Federal Operations on Sea.

“We are calling for greater working synergy with the media in area of information sharing. The media practitioners should not hesitate to inform the Service whenever they have useful intelligence. We must do everything for the betterment of our economy”.

More so, Comptroller Peters said that Western Marine under his watch will leave no stone un-turn in curbing illicit trade on creeks and waterways, in order to support revenue generating formations enhance income flow for the Federal Government.

His assertion, “Western Marine as amphibious arm of the Service will maintain a good working collaboration with relevant stakeholders in carrying out its statutory functions.”

In his response, Comptroller Binga stressed, “I am handing over the Command to a very competent officer.  I believe he will do more to surpass what we have done so far in this Command.

“Comptroller Peters is PSC ++ officer and I know that he will do very well in moving the Command forward. He is a core professional in Customs operations.  He has what it takes to succeed in his new assignment. I wish him good luck”.

Financial Business News learnt that the Command under the supervision of Comptroller Binga made tremendous impacts in anti-smuggling drive on creeks and high sea.

Some of the mind boggling seizures recorded by Compt. Binga include uniforms of Nigerian Military, Immigration, Police and Air-Force.

In 2019 alone, Compt. Binga and his team recorded 30 seizures of various items, namely foreign rice; textile materials; cannabis sativa; wrappers; petroleum products; tramadol; buffalo horns; large quantities of smuggled poultry products; second-hand shoes and clothes, among other prohibited items worth over N129.5million, as against N98.1million recorded the previous year -2018.

Also, Western Marine under Compt. Binga participated in 2019 ‘Anti-smuggling sensitisation workshop’ held at Yaba College of Technology Lagos, where over 290 participants were enlightened on the dangers of smuggling to the nation’s economy. The Command delivered a well-researched lecture and was honoured with award of ‘Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria.’