By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Zonal Coordinator Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), ACG Ify Queen Ogbudu, says the service is dedicated to the prevention of illegal exportation of grains amidst the current food crisis in the country.
A statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday by SC Saidu Nuruddeen, the Public Relations Officer, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, said ACG Ogbudu remarked when she led Comprollers from various Commands within Zone B of the Service on a visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, at his place.
He quoted ACG Ogbudu as highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains to impoverished Nigerians.
She pledged the support of the Customs Service in ensuring that “these grains reach “those in need as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.”
She reiterated the strong relationship between the Emirate and the Nigeria Customs Service while emphasizing an enduring relationship between the officers and men of the Customs Service and the good people of the Kano emirates.
The Zonal coordinator then asked for the Emir’s blessings, fatherly advice and guidance, as she recognised the critical role that the Customs Service plays in maintaining the government’s commitment to addressing poverty and food insecurity.
Responding, the Emir expressed deep appreciation for the Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts at safeguarding the country’s economic integrity despite facing numerous challenges.
He urged Customs officers to maintain diligence in their service to the nation and advised them to exhibit compassion towards the local traders who may act in ignorance.
Bayero also stressed the importance of enlightenment and community engagement to curb breaches and pledged the Emirate’s support in facilitating legitimate trade.
He emphasized the need for officers to show compassion in their duties and commended the progress in reducing disputes between traders and Customs officials through stakeholder engagement.
He expressed appreciation for the ongoing enlightenment initiatives to support local traders and businessmen in pursuing lawful trade.
The Emir thanked the Zonal coordinator for disclosing plans to distribute food items to alleviate the suffering of many Nigerians amid the current hardships.
On the entourage of the Zonal Controller were Area Comptrollers from various commands within Zone B, such as Sambo Kaliel Dangaladima (Comptroller admin Zone B), Dalha Wada Chedi of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, Dauda Ibrahim Chana of Kano/Jigawa and Compt Ahmed Tijjani Abe of Kaduna Area command, respectively.