By Bon Peters
The Customs Area 5 Ibeto Seaport And Terminals Port Harcourt, Rivers State Thursday witnessed a change of batton as the pioneer Area Controller, Comptroller Martha Abubakar handed over the mantle of leadership to her successor, Comptroller Usman Yayaha.
This was as industry watchers and stakeholders described the handover as a mark of fulfillment for Comptroller Martha Abubakar, who within the short time of being the pioneer Customs Area controller upped the ante in revenue generation and trade facilitation, raking in over N4.2 billion within three months of commencement of operations at the Port and Terminals before her retirement from service.
In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Usman Yayaha expressed his willingness to leaverage on the existing foundations lead by his predecessor even as he hinted that his leadership mantra would anchor on the Policy thrust of the Comptroller General Of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR’s , consolidation collaboration and innovation .
He applauded the Comptroller General Of Customs and his management team for giving him an opportunity to serve insisting he would do that with dedication, commitment and high sense of professionalism adding he was open to Constructive dialogue, interaction and communication for the interest and development of Nigeria .
His words: “I want to use this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for this day, and also appreciate and thank our amiable CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for finding me worthy of this appointment”
Comptroller Yayaha said, “I wish to also pay glowing tribute to my predecessor, retired Comptroller Martha Abubakar, whose tenure here has been nothing short of historic ”
He noted that it was encouraging to see familiar and new faces in the room which he described as his colleagues and stakeholders adding that he felt at home already and would apply his mode of team work which came naturally, to ensure the realization of his objectives at the Command.
He further reiterated his willingness to work closely with all the critical stakeholders saying, “I sincerely look forward to working closely with you all to achieve government objectives and ensure we promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu through what we do here.”
Comptroller Yayaha emphasized that his mission at the command was a task and responsibility founded on trust and he vowed he would not do it alone hence he therefore ,called for collaboration to take the command to a greater heights through compliance and total adherence to the rule of law at all times.
He hinted that his priority was to ensure that the command optimized revenue collection and trade facilitation through efficiency, transparently and in line with government policy.
He further stated that he would focus on enhancing processes, ensuring usage of technology to improve revenue streams for the benefit of Nigeria even as he promised to do his best to lead with integrity, accountability, and dedication.
Comptroller Yayaha stressed the need for officers and men of the command to work together so as to overcome challenges and maximize revenue collection for national development.
“Let’s work together to ensure effective revenue mobilization, supporting Nigeria’s growth and development,” he said.
Comptroller Yayaha said, “I’m open to constructive dialogue, interaction, and unhindered communication in the interest of Nigeria.”
He said that his openness was applicable to all sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders, noting that he was honoured to connect with them as part of his new role within the port.
“As we move forward, i am committed to collaboration, consolidation, and innovation which are the pillars of our CGC policy thrust.”
Earlier in her speech, Comptroller Martha Abubakar (rtd) has expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for seeing her though in good health, in her carrier at the Nigeria customs Service which she said spanned over three decades.
She also felicitated with the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the confidence reposed in her.
Comptroller Abubakar (rtd) noted that such accorded her the opportunity to contribute to national development, adding that the cooperation, commitment and unwavering support of the Area 5, officers and Men, made her turn an empty ground to a vibrant Command.
“Your commitment, professionalism cooperation and team work made the writing of this historic report possible,” she said.
She however, applauded the management and staff of Ibeto Seaport and Terminals for their support and encouragement while thanking the sister agencies and Customs Licenced agents for their collaboration.
Comptroller Abubakar (rtd) insisted that with the solid foundation already established at Customs Area 5, Command, she has no doubt in her mind that the command would turn a business hub in Rivers State and beyond and achieve greater heights even as she enjoined the officers and other critical stakeholders to extend their cooperation to the in-coming Area Controller, Compt Usman Yahaya.
