Group Hails Customs Reforms

A Non – Governmental Organisation (NGO), under the aegis of Center For  Reform And Education Initiative (CREI), has expressed satisfaction over the ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

The body expressed the belief that such development would go a long way in re-positioning the Service for greater achievement in the area of Internal Revenue Generation (IGR) and global relevance.

Making the commendation in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Enugu, the Executive Director of CREI, Hon Chinwe Ugwu, noted that much had been achieved in the NCS since the incumbent Comptroller General, Abdullahi Dikko took  over leadership of the para-military organisation.

“We have observed with satisfaction the wind of change blowing in the Nigerian Customs Service with the attendant improvement in service delivery and staff motivation,” Ugwu said.

She further noted that the Comptroller General has kept faith with his six point agenda in driving reforms in the NCS for the overall interest of the nation and its economy.

The CREI boss also noted  that the NCS has rapidly embraced the Information Communications Technology (lCT) as amply reflected in all their activities.

Hon. Ugwu continued that the reform agenda  also robbed off on the welfare  package of the NCS work force, citing the 100 percent increase in salaries and allowances of officers and men of the Service, which took effect in January 2010, as well as the provision of residential accommodation for staff to buttress her point.

The organisation, also commended the NCS for the purchase of operational staff vehicles, arms and ammunition, armored vehicles and boats, thereby improving the capacity of the outfit with a view to checkmating smugglers and their activities in the country.

“This well thought  out welfare package is a sure way of fighting corruption  in the Service and enhancing productivity because, with high motivation the officers and men would be ever willing and ready to give their best”, she said.

According to her, the recorded revenue increase of about N150 billion was a sign that the staff of NCS are well motivated to carry out their duties with high sense of responsibility.

Hon. Uwgu, therefore, called on all stakeholders to join hands with the Custom boss to enable him realise his objectives for the organisation, especially going by the strategic role the Service plays in the nation’s economy.

“We call on Nigerians, especially the relevant stakeholder, to give the NCS maximum cooperation to enable the Controller General of Customs, to attain his goals of putting the NCS on the proper pedestal for efficient and effective service delivery to the nation, and making the Service a reference point in the international forum of similar organizations .