Retired Comptroller of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Patrick Ntadi, on Monday bowed out of service, highlighting key achievements recorded during his tenure.
Ntadi spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after handing over to his successor at the Command’s headquarters in Tincan, Lagos.
He expressed gratitude to God for a successful career despite the challenges associated with Customs operations.
The retired Comptroller also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his support, which he said contributed significantly to the milestones recorded under his leadership of the strategic command.
Ntadi said he was leaving the Command with a number of achievements, expressing confidence that his successor would surpass the records with the support of officers and men.
He commended the personnel for their cooperation, loyalty and commitment, saying their support helped transform the Command in spite of limited resources.
According to him, restoring the morale of officers was his greatest achievement.
He said officers had since regained confidence and pride in wearing the Customs uniform.
Ntadi also identified the dislodgement of hoodlums who had terrorised riverine communities as another major achievement of his tenure.
He added that the Command constructed the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), which hosted 13 schools in July.
The retired comptroller said the Command also witnessed significant infrastructural improvements, including the renovation of residential quarters, beautification of its environment and construction of a new main gate.
He described the gate as the “ambassador” of the Command.
Ntadi, however, said more work needed to be done, particularly in water patrol operations, which he described as capital intensive.
He identified the lack of flat-bottom boats and other critical equipment as major challenges affecting effective patrols along the waterways.
He expressed optimism that his successor would complete ongoing projects, including efforts to return two grounded vessels to operation.
Ntadi also urged officers and men to support the new leadership to enable the Command achieve greater successes.
The newly-appointed Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, said he was privileged to assume leadership of the strategic command at a crucial time.
Jonah said he had briefly worked with Ntadi at the Intelligence Unit in Port Harcourt and was familiar with his capacity and achievements.
He pledged to consolidate and build on his predecessor’s achievements, assuring officers and stakeholders that he would strengthen existing structures and improve operational efficiency along the Western waterways.
