The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a leadership transition, with Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet officially assuming office as the Acting Comptroller. He succeeds the outgoing Comptroller, AB Jaja, reports ITREALMS.
The formal transition and subsequent strategic tour were disclosed in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Joshua Iliya, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The first phase of Ag. Comptroller Esiet’s familiarization tour spanned key operational locations across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. These included the Abonnema and Onne outstations in Rivers State, the Oron outstation in Akwa Ibom State, and the Calabar outstation in Cross River State.
During the inspections, the new Customs boss conducted rigorous assessments of equipment and personnel readiness. He emphasized that the operational success of the Command relies heavily on collective dedication and unified action.
"Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes," Esiet declared, insisting that a united front is non-negotiable for national security.
To foster a cohesive "one service" approach, the Acting Comptroller held strategic closed-door 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.
In a bid to reinforce deep waterways security, DC Esiet also paid courtesy visits to top maritime security commanders in the region. His itinerary included high-level meetings with:
The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt; The Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka; The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command; and the Cross River State Commissioner of Police.
Recognizing the critical role of grassroots intelligence and host-community support, the Acting Comptroller paid traditional respects to key monarchs in the region. He visited 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, underscoring the Command's commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence and strong community ties.
On the technical front, Esiet met with the management of SeWa West Africa Ltd to finalize logistics regarding patrol boat maintenance and specialized officer training. The move is aimed at ensuring the Command's fleet remains a formidable deterrent against illicit maritime activities.
Reiterating his administration's alignment with the national directive, DC Esiet stated his total commitment to the policy guidelines of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
He assured stakeholders that his leadership will focus on streamlining maritime enforcement protocols, boosting officer morale, equipping frontline personnel, and maintaining an open-door policy with licensed customs agents and genuine trade partners.
The Eastern Marine Command is a specialized waterborne wing of the Nigeria Customs Service, mandated to patrol the nation's eastern waterways, prevent smuggling, and protect international maritime trade channels.
Bon Peters/Editor
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