NADANIYA CHARGES STAKEHOLDERS TO CLEAR UNUTILIZED SGDs, ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH TRANSIRE RULES; WHILE PLEDGING TO FACILITATE LEGITIMATE TRADE
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, Farouk Nadaniya has charged stakeholders to carry out their functions by adhering strictly to the relevant laws and regulations governing importation, exportation and other trade practices.
In a meeting with stakeholders from the zone today, he emphasized the Unit’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, but that such commitment would not diminish the management’s resolve to enforce compliance.
He pledged that his office will continue to promote a fair and transparent operating environment where compliant traders will be supported, while deliberate violations of customs laws will be resisted.
‘I assure you that my leadership will remain guided by fairness, professionalism, accountability, and the overall interest of the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation’ Going memory lane, he acknowledged the support and cooperation they extended to his predecessor, noting that he looks forward to receiving same level of cooperation, understanding and goodwill.
‘I believe that, working together, we can build on the achievements already recorded and further improve operational efficiency, trade facilitation, and service delivery within his area of responsibility.
He used the opportunity of the meeting to appeal to the stakeholders to expedite action towards clearing the backlog of unutilized SGDs, bearing in mind that revenue collection remains one of the core responsibilities of the service.
He disclosed that the persistent backlog has necessitated the deployment of customs police for revenue recovery. ‘I urge you to seize this opportunity to address the situation decisively and ensure prompt clearance of all outstanding SGDs’
On the issue of transire, he charged them to always ensure compliance with all established Nigeria customs service procedures and regulations.
He encouraged them to continue to engage with the service through the appropriate channels, provide useful feedback,and promptly address any challenge that may hinder the smooth conduct of legitimate business.
Noting that the purpose of the meeting was to strengthen existing relationship, promote mutual understanding and ‘seek your continued cooperation and support in advancing the objectives of the service. ‘As we all know, the effective discharge of our responsibilities requires a strong collaborative efforts.
Our collective priority is to facilitate legitimate trade, protect government revenue, enforce compliance with extant laws and regulations, and combat smuggling and other forms of illicit trade’
He told them that those objectives are best achieved when they work together in an atmosphere of trust, transparency, professionalism and mutual respect.
Deputy Comptroller Nadaniya solicited for their cooperation and assured them of his commitment to maintaining an open and constructive relationship with all stakeholders.
He recalled that their ways have crossed either when he was at the Strike force or while he was in charge of Compliance at the Onne port. ‘These experiences have afforded me the opportunity to interact with many of you and appreciate the vital role you play in the effective implementation of the Service’s mandate.
He thanked the Almighty God for the opportunity to serve, while expressing his appreciation to the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD and his management team for finding me worthy of this trust and confidence to serve.
‘I consider this appointment a great honour and a call to higher responsibility’