The Assistant Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Sambo Kaliel-Dangaladima, has tasked personnel on community engagement to overcome challenges, ensure a safe and more secure Kebbi.
Kaliel-Dangaladima, gave the task while addressing officers and men of Kebbi Area Command in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
The ACG said that he was in the state in line with the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi’s policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
“I am aware of the numerous security challenges facing our beloved state, from banditry to kidnapping, smuggling, and other cross-border crimes.
“But I have faith in each and every one of you. Together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure a safe, more secure Kebbi.
“To achieve our goals, we must strengthen our partnerships with local stakeholders, traditional leaders, and sister agencies.
“We must also engage with our communities, listen to their concerns, and address their needs. This is crucial in building trust and fostering a culture of cooperation,” he said.
Kaliel-Dangaladima said the current administration had returned the responsibility of posting and discipline of officers from the rank of inspector and below, to be handled at the zones in the course of resuscitating the powers of the Zonal Offices.
“The zone is working on the implementation of these directives and has already constituted a disciplinary committee and is working towards reshufflement of the affected officers respectively,” he said.
On the issue of welfare, Kaliel-Dangaladima, said the comptroller-general was aware of the hardship being experienced by the officers and men of the NCS due to the current economic situation in the country.
“The CGC is working tirelessly to ensure that something is done to ease the effects of the current high cost of living.
“I assure you that the CGC will put a very big smile on your faces. Your hard work and professionalism have not gone unnoticed, keep striving for excellence, and let’s work together to make Kebbi command a model of efficient and effective customs operation,” he advised.
In a related development, Kaliel-Dangaladima, also inaugurated mini-football pitch constructed by the stakeholders of the area command.
“So, I urge our stakeholders to continue to cooperate with our officers, try to be friendly to them anytime you see them on the roads at various check points,” he said.
The ACG commended the command for the establishment of the sport facility and other infrastructure, saying that, “work without play, makes Jack a dull boy”.
An e-library/learning centre was built in addition to the football pitch by the stakeholders, who comprised exports and import traders and businessmen along border communities, among others.
The e-library was named after the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi.