D/COMPT ESIET TAKES CHARGE AT EASTERN MARINE COMMAND
In a bid to continue to consolidate on the Policy Thrust of The CGC, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced that Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet has officially assumed leadership as the Acting Comptroller of the Command.
The Acting Comptroller in a proactive move to strengthen maritime security and trade facilitation, according to a press release by DSC Joshua Iliya, PRO of the Eastern Marine Command, has immediately initiated an extensive tour of operational facilities and high-level engagements across the region.
As sighted in the release by Nigerian MomentumNews Online & Magazine, the first phase of the familiarization tour spanned key locations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, including Abonnema and Onne Outstations (Port Harcourt), Oron Outstation (Akwa Ibom), and Calabar Outstation (Cross River).
In the course of the visits, Deputy Comptroller Esiet conducted rigorous inspections of equipment and personnel readiness. He emphasized that the success of the Command relies on a united front. “Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes. A united front is non-negotiable for national security,” Comptr. Esiet noted.
To foster a “one service” approach, the Ag. Comptroller held strategic meetings with the Customs Area Controllers of Port Harcourt II (Onne), the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.
Moving further in his reinforcement on maritime safety, DC Esiet paid courtesy visits to top maritime security brass, including the Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Other areas of visit include: the Commanding Officer, Navy Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ibaka, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, and the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, which was aimed at strengthening Inter-Agency and Internal Collaboration.
Recognising the vital role of grassroots support, DC Esiet paid his respects to traditional leadership, visiting His Royal Highness, Nyemoni Iwo Ama of the Abonnema Wharf Community, and His Royal Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V), the Obong of Calabar.
These visits underscores the Command’s commitment to maintaining deep-rooted ties with host communities.Additionally, the Acting Comptroller met with the management of SeWa West Africa Ltd to discuss patrol boat maintenance and specialized officer training, ensuring the Command’s fleet remains a formidable deterrent against illicit activities and ensuring Community and Private Sector Partnership.
DC Esiet in the meantime, reiterated that his administration will strictly align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
The press release however, stated that the leadership of Ag. Comptr. Esiet would focus on streamlining maritime enforcement protocols, ensuring officers are motivated and equipped while maintaining an open-door policy with licensed agents and partners.
It is worthy to note that the Eastern Marine Command is a specialized wing of the Nigeria Customs Service dedicated to patrolling the nation’s Eastern Waterways, preventing smuggling, and ensuring the security of maritime trade and activities.