CG ADENIYI APPOINTS ANTI-SMUGGLING EXPERT, COMPT BISHIR ABDULLAHI BALOGUN AS NEW HELMSMAN OF FOU ZONE ‘C’ OWERRI
Comptroller Bishir ABDULLAHI Balogun is one of today’s distinguished officers in the Customs who has paid his dues in the war against smuggling.
In his tour of duty round several Customs formations, he made indelible marks.
His sojourn in Apapa briefly was remarkable while in Seme/Badagry command where he served last as a Deputy Comptroller before he earned his latest rank of full comptroller was a watershed.
He served under several Area controllers at Seme, creating for himself an environment that would later metamorphose into an engine room where strategies to nip smuggling in the board were thought out.
Seme/Badagry command’s anti smuggling feats in the last five years are a product of the sagacity of this rare officer.
Comptroller Balogun believes so much in professionalism and raising the bar for the service.
He is not given to manipulation of the system for self, he was able to inject fresh ideas in stabilizing the Seme corridor even when its revenue went down low when certain imports were banned from being cleared from the borders.
His quality service at the command is no doubt a time he garnered all he needed to superintend over any anti- smuggling unit .
The choice of Compt Balogun by the Comptroller General could therefore, be described as a ‘round peg in a round hole’
An appointment well merited.
Coming at a time when smugglers are designing sophisticated strategies to evade duties, Balogun comes in handy as one who has put intelligence at his disposal in all his dealings in the policing of the borders.
No doubt, the zone is a wider unit with almost twelve states within his jurisdiction, the new controller needs to also reorganize his wirkforce to reflect his new vision, while injecting new officers to replicate his achievements at his last command.
Just yesterday, Compt Mike Ugbagu handed over to to the new Controller of the unit who thanked and appreciated the outgoing Controller retired Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu for his outstanding performance during his tenure, and his significant role in curbing and bringing smuggling activities to it’s minimal level within his jurisdiction.
Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun reinstated his commitment in ensuring that the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service in Anti-smuggling, Trade facilitation, blockage of revenue leakages and moreover national security is achieved. He charged officers of the unit to carry out their duty professionally, also display high level of discipline and commitment in the discharge of their duties and obligations. He also promised to operate on open door policy for both officers, sister Agencies and the host communities at large in ensuring a seamless operation within and around the unit’s jurisdiction.
Furthermore, the new Controller Seeked for the unwavering support and co-operation of the officers of the unit, stakeholders, and sister Agencies to achieve a united goal.
The outgoing Controller, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu in his parting speech thanked the Almighty God for seeing him through his tenure, while appreciating officers of the unit and sister Agencies for their constant unalloyed support,he enjoined them to do same to his successor.
The incoming Controller of the unit pledged to build on the ongoing sustainable development and the initiatives of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in efficiency and strategic evolution.
He toured round the unit facilities, accompanied by the outgoing Controller of the unit and senior officers/men of the unit. He used that opportunity to emphasize on the importance of team work and the importance of resolute in the fight against smuggling, illicit trade, and economic sabotage. Which he said will surely improve the nations development in all ramifications.
