The Zonal Coordinator for Zone B Headquarters in Kaduna, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Nsikan Patrick Umoh, has called on personnel to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, emphasising that national development requires collective responsibility.
Speaking during a working visit to the Nigeria Customs Service’s Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, ACG Umoh stressed that the Service’s reputation hinges on the integrity, discipline, and professionalism of every officer.
“National development requires all hands on deck,” she stated. “When stakeholders comply with trade laws and Customs officers act with integrity, we reduce bottlenecks, promote non-oil exports, and strengthen our GDP.”
In her address to officers and men of the Command, ACG Umoh warned against compromise or misconduct, noting that actions by even a few individuals could undermine public trust built over years.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs is driving reforms to modernise operations and facilitate trade,” she said. “But no reform succeeds without disciplined officers committed to the national interest. Be firm but fair, courteous to compliant traders, and uncompromising against smugglers. Let your character bring honour to the uniform.”
Addressing stakeholders—including importers, exporters, and licensed customs agents—ACG Umoh called for trust, transparency, and integrity in all dealings. She stressed that collaboration is essential for boosting legitimate trade, improving revenue collection, and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth.
The ACG also paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 10, Sokoto, to deepen inter-agency collaboration. Both reaffirmed their commitment to national security and economic growth.
ALSO READ: Igala Forum Backs ADC's Leke Abejide For Kogi GovernorshipBy Abubakar Yunusa The Igala Leadership Forum (ILF), a distinguished assembly of Igala elites representing all nine local governments, including Bassa, has formally endorsed Hon. Leke Abejide, the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the preferred choice for the upcoming Kogi State gubernatorial election.In a collective stance, the Igala group has expressed its concern over the state's prolonged underdevelopment, poverty, and insecurity, attributing these challenges to the lack of competent and honest leadership by successive governors over the past two decades.With a keen desire to bring about a transformative shift in the state's trajectory, the ILF earnestly urges the people of Kogi State to exercise their voting rights judiciously and select the most suitable candidate for the task at hand.The elite forum emphasizes that supporting Hon. Leke Abejide's candidacy aligns with their commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Kogi West, who have consistently supported the Igala community. The group also takes a critical stance against Usman Jibrin of the Accord party and Muritala Yakubu Ajaka of the SDP, accusing them of leveraging the current Igala situation for personal gains and vendetta. The ILF asserts that such actions have diverted attention from the genuine aspirations of the Igala community, necessitating a redirection and repositioning ahead of future elections.Ibrahim Oma Koji Attah, in a statement on behalf of the ILF, affirms Hon. Leke's friendship and sensitivity towards the Igala community, praising his track record of avoiding reckless statements or derogatory remarks about the largest tribe in the state. Furthermore, Oma-Koji Attah extends a call to other Igala candidates, urging them to foster collaboration and ensure that the historical relationship between the East and the West remains mutually beneficial.The group uses this platform to firmly caution Yahaya Bello against resorting to thuggery during the 2023 elections, asserting that vigilant eyes will be monitoring the process to ensure a fair and just outcome. Additionally, the ILF condemns the continuous misappropriation of workers' salaries by the government and places confidence in the Leke/Omede ticket to address this pressing issue.Meanwhile,the ILF encourages the Igala and Bassa communities to regard the people of Okun as brothers, fostering unity among the regions. The group places responsibility on Igala leaders who have engaged in unscrupulous dealings with Usman Jibrin and Muritala Ajaka, thereby undermining the integrity of the 2023 election process. The ILF firmly maintains that the return of the Ebira community to Lugard House in January 2024 must not be allowed.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller for Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Comptroller Aliyu Isa Ndako, reiterated the Command’s commitment to an open-door policy, stakeholder partnership, and efficient service delivery.
A statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) 1 Bashir Tanimu, noted that the visit included interactive sessions with officers and representatives of trade associations, aimed at ensuring seamless trade facilitation.
