Nadaniya Enjoins Stakeholders in Zone C to Be Compliant

The Controller of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya, has charged stakeholders to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations governing importation, exportation, and other trade practices.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday, Nadaniya reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, while emphasizing that enforcement of compliance remains a priority. He pledged to promote a fair and transparent operating environment where compliant traders will be supported, but deliberate violations of customs laws will be resisted.

“My leadership will remain guided by fairness, professionalism, accountability, and the overall interest of the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation,” he assured. He acknowledged the cooperation extended to his predecessor and expressed hope for continued goodwill and collaboration.

Nadaniya urged stakeholders to expedite the clearance of outstanding SGDs, stressing that revenue collection is a core responsibility of the Service. He disclosed that the persistent backlog has necessitated the deployment of customs police for revenue recovery, and appealed for decisive action to resolve the issue.

On the matter of transire, he reminded stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with established Nigeria Customs Service procedures and regulations. He encouraged them to engage constructively with the Service, provide useful feedback, and promptly address challenges that may hinder legitimate business.

Highlighting the purpose of the meeting, Nadaniya said it was aimed at strengthening relationships, promoting mutual understanding, and advancing the objectives of the Service. “Our collective priority is to facilitate legitimate trade, protect government revenue, enforce compliance with extant laws, and combat smuggling and other illicit trade,” he noted.

He assured stakeholders of his commitment to maintaining open and constructive engagement, recalling his previous interactions with many of them during his time with the Strike Force and at Onne Port. He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and his management team for entrusting him with this responsibility.

“I consider this appointment a great honour and a call to higher responsibility,” he concluded.