New Ogun Customs boss warns officers against indiscipline

The new Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun II Area Command, DC Dennis Ituma, has declared discipline, professionalism, accountability and operational excellence as the cornerstones of his administration.

Ituma warned that acts of indiscipline, negligence and misconduct are capable of bringing the service into disrepute.

Those acts, he warned, would not be tolerated.

Ituma made this known in Abeokuta on Wednesday while addressing officers and men of the Command during his maiden parade, where he formally outlined his leadership vision, expectations and strategic priorities for the Command.

He emphasised that discipline would remain a fundamental requirement for every officer, irrespective of rank or position, stressing that the effectiveness and success of the Command would depend largely on the collective commitment of personnel to their statutory responsibilities.

According to him, discipline must go beyond mere compliance with instructions to encompass punctuality, proper dressing, personal appearance, respect for constituted authority, obedience to lawful directives and dedication to assigned duties.

“Discipline is the bedrock of every successful organisation, particularly a paramilitary institution such as the Nigeria Customs Service. It must be reflected in our appearance, punctuality, comportment, respect for constituted authority, obedience to lawful instructions and commitment to assigned responsibilities,” he stated.

“I expect every officer, irrespective of rank or position, to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.

“Punctuality, proper dressing, neatness, respect for colleagues and adherence to Service rules and regulations must be evident in our daily conduct. Every officer must take personal responsibility for upholding the values and standards of the Service,” Ituma said.

He, however, clarified that his emphasis on discipline was not intended to intimidate personnel but to strengthen institutional order, improve productivity and promote responsible conduct.

In a move aimed at motivating personnel and encouraging healthy competition, Ituma announced the introduction of the Controller’s Award for Outstanding Officers in Ogun II Area Command.

The award initiative, he explained, would recognise and celebrate officers who demonstrate exceptional commitment, professionalism and outstanding performance in their respective areas of responsibility.

The categories include Outstanding Officer in Trade Facilitation, Outstanding Officer in Revenue Generation, Neatest Officer and Most Disciplined Officer.

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He said the initiative was designed to institutionalise a culture of merit, recognise exemplary conduct and encourage officers to strive for higher standards of service delivery.

To guarantee fairness and credibility, the Controller said a committee would be constituted to coordinate the award process and recommend appropriate assessment criteria.

Setting out his broader expectations, Ituma called for renewed commitment to the core objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly revenue generation, legitimate trade facilitation, enforcement and effective monitoring of operational areas.

He stressed that every officer had a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Command’s objectives, irrespective of rank or position.

Recognising the importance of technical competence in the discharge of Customs responsibilities, Ituma also identified continuous training and professional development as key priorities of his administration.

He disclosed that arrangements would be made for in-house training programmes, particularly in Excise Procedures and Free Trade Zone Procedures.

According to him, leadership must be demonstrated at every level through responsibility, integrity, accountability and commitment to duty.

While appreciating officers for their dedication, sacrifices and contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service, the Controller called for sustained commitment and cooperation as he begins his administration.

The Nigeria Customs Service is a paramilitary agency responsible for collecting import duties and other levies, facilitating legitimate trade, and enforcing laws against smuggling and the importation of prohibited goods.

It is one of the federal government’s major revenue-generating agencies and its area commands are headed by Customs Area Controllers who are periodically redeployed.

Ogun State is strategically important to the service because of its proximity to Lagos and its land borders with the Republic of Benin. Customs commands in the state, including Ogun I and Ogun II, operate in a corridor known for heavy cross-border trade and for smuggling of items such as foreign rice, vehicles and petroleum products.

Questions of staff discipline and public conduct have periodically drawn attention to the service and successive Comptroller-Generals have stressed professionalism, anti-corruption standards and performance-based recognition in the ranks.