Nwala Unveils 4-Point Agenda As She Takes Charge Of Customs In C’River, Akwa Ibom

By Samuel Egbewole 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appointed Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DCC) Nkeiruka Nwala as the Acting Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, with revenue generation, trade facilitation, border security and professionalism identified as the key priorities of her administration.

Nwala assumed duty following a formal handover and takeover ceremony held at the Customs House in Calabar.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Yireabasi Ukpong, and made available to newsmen in Calabar.

In her remarks, the new Acting Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in her.

She described the Command as strategically important because of its responsibilities across a major seaport, the Calabar Free Trade Zone, international border operations and commercial corridors in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

Nwala outlined four major areas of focus for her administration: revenue generation and compliance, trade facilitation, border and economic security, as well as professionalism and partnership.

She pledged to strengthen revenue collection in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, promote voluntary compliance and facilitate legitimate trade.

While promising to create an enabling environment for lawful business activities, she said the Command would maintain firm enforcement against smuggling and other activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s economic and security interests, particularly along the Mfum-Ekok border corridor.

The Acting Area Controller also called for stronger collaboration with sister government and security agencies, traditional institutions, the Nigerian Ports Authority, free trade zone operators, licensed customs agents, businesses and other stakeholders.

According to her, effective customs administration depends on partnerships founded on fairness, transparency, mutual respect and strict adherence to the law.

Nwala acknowledged the contributions of her predecessor, Comptroller Momodu Giwah Dauda, and pledged to build on the achievements recorded under his leadership while pursuing improved operational efficiency, stronger revenue performance and more responsive trade facilitation.

She further solicited the cooperation of officers, stakeholders and host communities, assuring them of her commitment to integrity, legitimate trade facilitation, border protection and the safeguarding of Nigeria’s economic interests.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to effective customs administration and constructive stakeholder engagement across its areas of operation.