By Bon Peters
In a prestigious ceremony held in Abuja over the weekend, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 11 Command and West African Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State, were honored for their outstanding contributions to maritime operations and national security.
The 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Award Ceremony, designed to recognize excellence, dedication, and significant achievements in the customs and maritime sectors, saw awards presented to individuals, terminal operators, and organizations that have distinguished themselves in areas such as revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and trade facilitation.
The NCS Area 11 Command, based in Onne, was lauded for its exemplary anti-smuggling operations, which have played a crucial role in intercepting dangerous goods, including arms, ammunition, and drugs, thus preventing significant harm to public health and safety. The Command’s success is attributed to the collective efforts of its officers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of the country’s borders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, Customs Area Controller for NCS Area 11, expressed his gratitude to the officers and men of the Command, emphasizing that their contributions made the award possible. “It’s a team effort, and I couldn’t have done it alone,” Babandede said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of every officer in ensuring the safety of the nation.”
Meanwhile, West African Container Terminal (WACT) was honored as the best terminal in port operations and trade facilitation. The award recognized WACT’s exceptional role in streamlining port operations, ensuring efficient cargo handling, and facilitating trade in line with Nigeria’s fiscal policy and international best practices.
Mr. Innocent Ogbuji, General Manager of Government and Public Relations for WACT, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the terminal’s management and staff. “We thank the Nigeria Customs Service for this recognition,” Ogbuji said. “We remain committed to seamless port operations and enhancing trade facilitation, ensuring robust collaboration with stakeholders and adherence to global standards.”
WACT, which has invested over $115 million in modern infrastructure, continues to serve as a cornerstone for port operations in Nigeria’s Eastern Maritime Corridor, driving both local and international trade.
The ceremony served as a moment to celebrate not only the achievements of these two organizations but also the broader efforts within Nigeria’s maritime sector to improve security, efficiency, and compliance with international standards. Both NCS and WACT reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the integrity of the country’s ports and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.