Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone 'C' Owerri in Imo state has a new Customs Controller, He is Mr. Ali Ibrahim.
In a brief ceremony held at the FOU Zone 'C' in Owerri to usher him in, the New Controller extolled the efforts of his predecessor, Yusuf Lawal for making the unit one of the best in the country. He congratulated the outgoing Controller on his retirement and wish him the best as a new phase of life begins for him.
The event which had principal officers of the zone in attendance, was an ample opportunity for Mr Ibrahim to encourage the officers to ensure that status quo is maintained.
Mr Ibrahim express gratitude to the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) for the chance to serve and promise to fight against smuggling in the Zone.
Ibrahim asked for total cooperation from all officers in the Zone to enable him achieve all he has set out to do. He promised to make officers welfare a top priority.
He promised to work closely with journalists in order to sensitize the general public on the activities of the Zone. He warned smugglers to stay clear of the Zone's operational reach saying that it won't be business as usual.
“I want to use this medium to request maximum cooperation from our officers and to ensure compliance with the current import and export guidelines as well as warn smugglers that with our planned water-tight security, FOUC will be made uncomfortable for their illicit activities”. He said.
Speaking too, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of FOUC Administration, Sunday Opakanmi, described Lawal as a God-fearing, astute and friendly father figure, whose achievements were written in gold and prayed God to grant him long life and peace of mind to enable him to enjoy his retirement.
In his remarks, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs in charge of Aba/Eleme patrol base, Mr Joseph Adelaja, prayed God’s blessings on the new Comptroller as he wished him a successful time in the zone.
Adding his voice, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs and Officer in Charge of Port Harcourt information patrol team, Mr Ibrahim Usman pledged his support for the new comptroller and called on men and officers of the Zone to maximally cooperate with the new leadership which he said would bring about spectacular seizures especially as the yuletide approaches.
