By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

High Chief Egietseme Idinye has commended the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) for putting a stop to killing of smugglers in villages, border towns and other flashpoint adding that the CG strongly believes in sanctity of life in the overall interest of the country and that of the citizenry.

He also praised the CG for signing various agreements, including Chinese partnership with Nigeria in export and import and paying attention to retired officers, as well as training and retraining of officers in the country.

Idinye further applauded the CG for inaugurating a tactical team, “Operation Whirlwind”, aimed at combating smuggling of petroleum products to the neighboring countries and other act of economic sabotage in the country.

According to Idinye the numerous breakthroughs recorded by the CG of Customs were parts of the success stories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON in commemoration of his one year anniversary in office.

He further expressed satisfaction with Adeniyi’s initiatives, emphasizing its positive impact on stakeholders. He highlighted the innovative interventions in the Service, noting that it has been returned to capable hands well-versed in the system’s nuances, trade facilitation, dedication, revenue generation and dedication to officers’ career progression.

Speaking at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja on Sunday, Idinye remarked, “The Comptroller-General’s numerous milestones are quite commendable and they are reflections of a stronger commitment and patriotism to rid Nigeria of economic sabotage and other related nefarious activities. I have said it before, Mr. Wale Adeniyi’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu was a round peg in a round hole. He has signed various agreements including Chinese partnership with Nigeria in export and import.”

Foreseeing a notable improvement in the Nigerian maritime sub-sector, Idinye also credited the recent upward positive surge in the Service’s revenue to the strategic leadership of Adeniyi, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s astute selection.

While speaking specifically about the benefits of “Operation Whirlwind”, Idinye stressed that it will increase operational efficiency and ultimately minimize smuggling activities, and heighten morale among personnel under Adeniyi’s leadership. Idinye also appealed to the National Assembly to continue supporting revenue-generating organizations like Customs.

He added that Adeniyi’s zest for excellence will help to protect Nigeria’s economic interests with unwavering dedication and integrity in fighting those who don’t wish the country well socio-economically. He wishes the new team well as they prepare to embark on their mission and vision to serve and protect their fatherland.

The Etsako High Chief also hailed the Nigeria Customs Service for flagging off a sensitisation programme with Songhai Health Trust to sensitise officers on the benefits of accessing the National Health Insurance Scheme.

“This is a way of providing quality health care services to officers that are affordable and stress-free. It is an insurance program that when officers key into it they will have no course to regret it. The new leadership of NCS is leaving no stone unturned to improve on the welfare of its officers by all standards.” Idinye stated

He further saluted the team of medical units of the NCS for going around different zones, commands, and other customs formations to sensitise officers on the scheme’s benefits.