Daud Olatunji
The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller GA Otunla, on Thursday officially assumed duty with a pledge to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and intensify the fight against smuggling along the nation’s borders.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony held at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Otunla who took over from Comptroller Salisbury Shuaib, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“I assure you all that I will give it my best, guided by the values of professionalism, integrity, and national service,” Otunla said.
The new CAC commended the outgoing controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, for what he described as “sterling leadership and commendable achievements,” noting that under Shuaibu’s watch, the Command recorded notable breakthroughs in revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, and community engagement.
Otunla said the operational environment in Ogun 1 Command, with its vast borders and dynamic socio-economic activities, demanded strategic vigilance.
He vowed to prioritize efficiency, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration, and community relations to drive performance.
“We shall remain unwavering in our commitment to revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of national security,” he said, urging officers and men of the Command to maintain discipline, professionalism, and unity of purpose.
Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders, Otunla assured that his administration would continue to operate an open-door policy and strengthen partnerships to promote peace and progress.
Sounding a warning to smugglers, Otunla declared: “This new administration under my watch will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage.
“We shall deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with trade laws.”
He appealed for the support and cooperation of officers, stakeholders, and the public to enable the Command to achieve its objectives, adding that though the road ahead may be challenging, he was confident that collective efforts would lead the Ogun 1 Area Command to greater heights.
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