The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has announced that Deputy Comptroller (DC) Esien Etim Esiet has officially assumed leadership as the Acting Comptroller of the Marine Command.
This is in a bid to continue to consolidate on the Policy Thrust of The CGC and strengthen maritime security and trade facilitation.
According to a press statement by the public relations officer of the Eastern Marine Command-DSC Joshua Ileya, The Acting Comptroller has immediately initiated an extensive tour of operational facilities and high-level engagements across the region.
Consequently, the first phase of the familiarization tour cut across 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).
During the tour, Deputy Comptroller Esiet conducted rigorous inspections of equipment and personnel readiness, while emphasizing 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”, 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 included: 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 rulers – His Royal Highness, Nyemoni Iwo Ama of the Abonnema Wharf Community and His Royal Eminence, The Obong of Calabar-Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V). The visits underscore the Command’s commitment to maintaining deep-rooted ties with host communities.
Also, 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.
In the meantime, DC Esiet has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strictly align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
The statement further stated that; the leadership of Ag. Comptr. Esiet would focus on streamlining maritime enforcement protocols, while ensuring officers are motivated and equipped as he vowed to maintain an open-door policy with licensed agents and partners.
Recall 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.
