By Bon Peters
ENUGU/Nigeria: The Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was a hub of celebration over the weekend as Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs, SK Dangaladima, paid a working visit and showered encomiums on the Area Controller, Comptroller Comfort Senas Ukpanah, for her exceptional performance in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructural development.
Speaking during his inspection, ACG Dangaladima praised Comptroller Ukpanah for what he described as one of the most organized and aesthetically developed Customs facilities within Zone C. He noted that the Command’s transformation reflected a high level of collaboration among officers and stakeholders. “What I have seen here today is impressive. This is the most beautiful and organized command I have visited in Zone C,” he said. “It takes a truly dedicated officer to achieve this level of progress.”
He further commended the Command’s revenue performance, highlighting a remarkable 18% year-on-year increase. He encouraged officers to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, stressing the need for mutual respect between Customs personnel and clearing agents. Dangaladima also emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, urging officers to attend mandatory staff development courses as a prerequisite for future promotions.
In her welcome address, Comptroller Ukpanah expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, which she said provided a platform to showcase the Command’s achievements for the first half of 2025. She disclosed that the Command generated over ₦26.3 billion, up from ₦22.2 billion in the same period in 2024—an increase of over ₦4 billion. She attributed the success to alignment with the reform agenda of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which focuses on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
Ukpanah highlighted the expansion of bonded terminals under her leadership from 11 to 13, including the first terminal in Ebonyi State. She also showcased various completed projects such as the reconstruction of the Customs Officers’ Mess and Canteen, road construction within the headquarters, and staff quarters renovations across Onitsha and Enugu. On stakeholder engagement, she said her Command actively collaborates with community leaders, government agencies, and the private sector to boost compliance and improve trade facilitation.
The visit also featured the commissioning of new facilities and a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu of Ibagwa Nike, where ACG Dangaladima was honoured with a traditional chieftaincy title. Representatives of freight forwarding associations including ANLCA and NAGAFF lauded Comptroller Ukpanah for providing a conducive business environment and her inclusive leadership style.
Despite challenges such as inadequate enforcement vehicles, potable water, and staffing gaps, Comptroller Ukpanah reaffirmed her Command’s commitment to excellence, calling the visit a morale booster for officers and men under her watch.
