By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) SK Dangladima of the Nigeria Customs Service has called for renewed discipline and professionalism among officers and men during his official working visit to the Eastern Marine Command, Port Harcourt, as part of his tour of Customs formations in Zone C.
Addressing officers at the Command’s headquarters, ACG Dangladima expressed concern over what he described as a noticeable decline in discipline within the ranks. He warned that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated and directed the Customs Police to take responsibility for maintaining order and discipline in line with the service’s regulations.
“Discipline is gradually reducing among the officers and men. That should not be the case,” he said. “Anyone found wanting will be dealt with according to the laid down rules of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
As part of efforts to improve working conditions, the ACG assured personnel that he would make a formal representation to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for the construction of a befitting office structure for the Eastern Marine Command.
Speaking on the recent promotion exercise, ACG Dangladima dismissed insinuations of favoritism, stating that the process was merit-based and transparent. He emphasized that promotion within the service is earned and not influenced by sentiment.
“All of us were involved in the marking of scripts under the direct supervision of the CGC,” he noted. “We didn’t know whose scripts we were marking. Whatever score you got was a reflection of what you wrote. Promotion will surely come in due time, it is not a do-or-die affair.”
Highlighting the importance of continuous training, the ACG reminded officers that professional development is now a requirement for career progression. He urged officers to enroll in relevant courses, noting that both junior and senior officers must show evidence of self-improvement as a basis for future promotion.
On health and well-being, ACG Dangladima advised officers to prioritize regular medical check-ups and maintain strong family connections, noting that the nature of their duties requires a healthy mind and body.
In a show of confidence in the command’s leadership, Dangladima commended the Eastern Marine Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller CC Dim, describing him as a “team player” and part of a new generation of competent officers who are transforming the service.
“Comptroller Dim is one of the outstanding officers whose leadership has brought recognition to this command. He’s in the mold of the CGC, who has distinguished himself with decades of service and institutional knowledge,” Dangladima said.
He also lauded the command’s cordial working relationship with sister security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, saying such collaboration has enhanced operational success and maritime security.
“I will engage the CGC and his management team to ensure that Eastern Marine Command gets its own office structure soon. This will reflect the importance of the command and boost morale among officers,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Comptroller CC Dim welcomed the ACG and expressed gratitude for the visit, which he described as a morale booster for his team. He noted that the command’s strong relationships with stakeholders and other agencies had resulted in awards and commendations, though he identified manpower shortage as one of the challenges facing the command.
The visit is part of ACG Dangladima’s ongoing tour of all Customs commands within Zone C to obtain firsthand insight into their operations and challenges, and to reinforce policy directives from the national headquarters.
