The Nigeria Customs Service has moved to strengthen revenue protection and operational accountability at Onne Port, with officers directed to tighten import documentation checks, prevent under-valuation and ensure accurate assessment of government duties and charges.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji L. Adigun, gave the directive while addressing officers and men of the Command during a welcome parade organised following his assumption of leadership.

Adigun specifically directed personnel to pay closer attention to the classification, valuation and quantities of imported goods, as well as applicable duties and other statutory charges, warning that negligence, deliberate misdeclaration and improper documentation could create opportunities for revenue leakages.

He also urged officers to intensify efforts towards meeting the Command’s annual revenue target, stressing that improved productivity, accountability and commitment were necessary to translate the confidence placed in the Command into measurable results.

The Acting Controller said the Command’s performance depended on collective responsibility, calling for stronger teamwork, mutual respect, collaboration and professionalism among personnel, irrespective of rank or designation.

On operational discipline, he described punctuality, accountability, respect for constituted authority and compliance with established procedures as non-negotiable, urging officers to maintain high standards of integrity and transparency.

Adigun, however, stressed that revenue collection must be balanced with trade facilitation to ensure that legitimate businesses operate without unnecessary hindrances while government revenue is fully collected.

He also urged personnel to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Aliyu Alkali, while addressing existing operational challenges.

The Acting Controller assured officers that his office would remain open to constructive engagement and service-oriented recommendations aimed at improving operational efficiency.

He described his appointment as a call to greater responsibility and pledged to discharge his duties with fairness, discipline and commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service.