Transparency, Revenue Growth Mark Ibrahim Mohammed’s Stewardship at Onne Customs FOT Gate
The administration of Deputy Comptroller Ibrahim Mohammed as Officer in Charge (O/C) of the Federal Operations Terminal (FOT) Gate at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area II Command, Onne Seaport, Rivers State, has been credited with fostering transparency, improved stakeholder relations and enhanced revenue generation.
According to a statement by media consultant, Comrade Blaise Tochukwu Elumezie, the emergence of Ibrahim Mohammed has brought a new atmosphere of accountability and efficiency to the operations of the exit gate, which had in the past been plagued by complaints from freight forwarders over alleged exorbitant charges on the movement of 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
The statement noted that some freight forwarders had previously expressed concerns over difficulties in accessing officers in charge of the gate, alleging that they were often referred to junior officers whose decisions on charges remained binding.
Such practices, stakeholders claimed, contributed to increased cargo clearance costs that were eventually passed on to importers and consumers.
However, the situation was said to have changed with the appointment of Deputy Comptroller Mohammed, described as a seasoned customs officer who rose through the ranks and possesses extensive knowledge of operations at the Area II Command.
His familiarity with the workings of the gate, having previously served as a staff officer to a former deputy comptroller in charge of the facility, was said to have equipped him with the experience needed to tackle longstanding operational challenges.
The statement highlighted the cordial relationship that currently exists between the customs management at the gate, freight forwarders and other stakeholders operating within the Onne Port environment, attributing the development to Mohammed’s leadership style and commitment to transparency.
It added that the prevailing atmosphere of peace and productive service delivery among officers and stakeholders did not emerge by chance, but was the result of effective mentorship and administrative qualities demonstrated by the officer.
Mohammed was also commended for aligning his operations with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, particularly in the areas of stakeholder engagement, ease of doing business and trade facilitation.
The statement further noted that despite maintaining cordial relations with freight forwarders, the deputy comptroller has continued to insist on strict compliance with customs regulations, including proper declaration of goods and accurate payment of duties.
His administrative abilities and respect for constituted authority were also said to have strengthened his working relationship with the Customs Area Controller of Onne Area II Command, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali.
The publisher maintained that the decision of the Customs management under Adeniyi to appoint Mohammed as O/C of the FOT Gate has yielded positive results and expressed optimism that his wealth of experience would continue to impact officers under his supervision and contribute to the overall effectiveness of customs operations at Onne Port.
Elumezie commended the Comptroller-General and his management team for what he described as a strategic deployment, expressing confidence that the deputy comptroller’s leadership would continue to promote professionalism and enhance service delivery at the command.
