Comptroller Ntadi Rebrands Western Marine Command, Lays Foundation For Effective Workforce
Comptroller Ntadi Rebrands Western Marine Command, Lays Foundation For Effective Workforce
…as WMC wears a new look with massive infrastructural development
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command is gradually transforming with an eye-catching landscaping and massive infrastructural development being carried out since the arrival of the new Area Controller, Comptroller Patrick N. Ntadi.
The usually quiet and not so colourful area has taken a serious transformation right from under the bridge where a very conspicuous and colourful signpost announces the Command.
Aside from this, the WMC under the watch of Controller Ntadi is also ensuring that its personnel are needed equipment to police the Creeks and also go to sea when called upon, being a specialised Command. The refurbishment of patrol boats, gunboats and the take-off tents have been taken care of, while plans for procurement of new sea going vessels are on the card. As they also look forward to reintroduction of the “Customs Pride & the group of Nine” when fully functional because of the size and suitability to sea operations, which will in no small way, be bullish in the fight against smuggling through the Creeks and waterways.
Compt. Ntadi reiterated that the WMC is working assiduously to bring down smuggling activities in the creeks under his jurisdiction to its lowest minimum.
He stated this while speaking to members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), who paid him a courtesy call in his new office
The CAC the transformation being witnessed was born out of his desire to make a landmark legacy that would outlive his term in the Command.
The CAC has started on a good footing, by dislodging the ever bustling under bridge market in front of the Command gate which was thronged by street urchins, accommodating all manner of makeshift businesses and the hoodlums or urchins who occupied the vicinity and constituted nuisance had been flushed completely.
While conducting journalists around the newly renovated flat-bed boats with seats,two newly constructed hostel accommodation, office blocks and other relevant facilities that should aid smooth anti-smuggling operations in the creeks.
Controller Ntadi attributes these innovations to the support he got from the CGC, Compt. Adewale Adeniyi and other people who knew what it takes to run against smugglers on the waterways. Some of the boats, he explained, were branded with names of personalities who visited the Customs Command to encourage and boost the morale of officers and men of the WMC. Names such as, Orbih, Olomu, Bomodi and Shuaibu.
Other facilities being constructed by the Command include new hostels, office blocks and a well-renovated jetty.
Important facilities such as sheds in Ere, Gbokoda and Barbeach, were rebuilt to accommodate officers and men who were on duty in these areas.
Properly branded Raincoats, medicines and other medical equipment were also procured by the Command to aid first response to any casualty of snake bites, Scorpion stings and other ailments in the line of duty.
Comptroller Ntadi is confident that with the dint of hard work by the officers and men of the Command in the creeks and coastal lines of the sea, the notorious works of anti-state operators would be heavily curtailed.
He said that the response and attention of the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi to activities at the Command is a morale booster for the Command as boats suitable for sea operations will soon be made available.
He also thanked the officers and men of the Command for their loyalty and hard work without which progress would not have been possible.
The CAC also took journalists round the entry point of the facility that is currently undergoing a high-level construction and facelift.
He took newsmen to the site of a five-aside football pitch, a basketball and a volleyball, court that are being built for people living in that area to help reduce idleness which breeds other social vices such as drug abuse, stealing and bullying, among young people.
This gesture according to the Comptroller is the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility to society. “They will only come to the football pitch or basketball court and other facilities for games to keep them busy and away from crime, after which they will go back to their various homes tired.”
Comptroller Ntadi rued the activities of some journalists who he said were misinforming the public about the operation of the Command.
He said that journalists are important in the daily life of every society. However, he continued that the act of twisting stories or fabricating unconfirmed news is a dent to the journalism profession and could be an act of libel and may result in defamation of character to institutions and personalities.
The soft-spoken Customs chief said that he would not advocate the censoring of news by anyone from any quarter, rather he advised that when rumours are bandied around it is in the powers and responsibilities of newsmen to do a double check and reconfirmation before publishing it to help the general public with the truth at all times.
The CAC, noted that he was nonetheless grateful to MAJAN and all other well-meaning journalists in the beat for speaking fearlessly and truthfully on matters concerning the sector no matter whose ox was gored.
That said, he reiterated his confidence in the press that the fire of true and uncompromising reporting will not be put out by a negligible few who are bent on soiling the image of this noble profession.
In his response, the President of MAJAN, Jerry Aguigbo on behalf of the association, thanked the CAC for his warm reception and applauded the Controller for the on-going construction, reconstruction of physical structures and facelift of the infrastructures at the Western Marine Command. He said that with the level of work already done, the Western Marine Command is now comparable to many other government Agencies round the world. ” The present outlook is so befitting that it could rival what is obtainable at the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs in Abuja.
Adding that the Area Controller is laying a very good foundation for a happy and effective workforce. This he said, is stemmed from the fact that the conducive atmosphere, befitting accommodation and commensurate work tools will give you some well motivated workforce.
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