By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector as part of efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and economic growth.
Adigun made this known through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the command in Lagos.
The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and critical stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the objectives of the Service and supporting national development.
He noted that the media remains a vital partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling activities.
According to him, maritime journalists play a strategic role in shaping public perception of developments within the port industry and therefore have a responsibility to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and balance in their reportage.
Adigun assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to maintain an open-door policy and foster constructive relationships with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Speaking earlier, President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the visit was part of the association’s stakeholder engagement programme following the inauguration of its new executive committee.
Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the command and further strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service over the years.
He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, noting that the command remains an important component of Customs operations within the nation’s port system.
The MARAN president also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-oriented journalism, stressing that maritime reporters have a critical role to play in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
He assured the command of the association’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.
