By Bon Peters, Port Harcourt
It was garland of honour for the Nigeria Customs Service Area 11 Command and the West African Container Terminal WACT both in Onne Rivers state as the dual were graciously rewarded at the just concluded Comptroller General of Customs 2024 Award Ceremony in Abuja weekend, our correspondent reports.
In a night to reward dedication, commitment, excellence, revenue generation, anti- smuggling war and trade facilitation, awards were bestowed on deserving individuals, terminal operators and other maritime stakeholders who distinguished themselves in various areas of their operations.
To that effect, Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Area 11, command and West Africa Container Terminals, WACT, also in Onne received several awards for their outstanding performances.
While the Nigeria Customs Service Area 11, Command received the award for the best in anti-smuggling activities by what industry watchers see as concerted efforts in saving a lot of lives from destruction through various interceptions of arms and ammunition, drugs among others, the West African Container Terminals, WACT, bagged the best Terminal in Ports operations and trade facilitation.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller, Customs Area 11 Command Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, attributed the success to the officers said men of the Command. His words “It’s a team work by all officers and men of the command. I couldn’t have done it alone if not for the role every officer and men in the Command played in ensuring public health and safety of lives. ”
However, the CAC appreciated all officers and men of the Command for their contribution towards making the country safe.
Reacting on behalf of WACT, the General Manager, government and public relations, West African Container Terminals, WACT, Mr Innocent Ogbuji, said, ” On behalf of the Management and Staff, we thank Nigeria Customs Service for the award”.
Insisting that “WACT will not rest on its oars to ensure seamless Ports operations and trade facilitation in compliance with the fiscal policy of the federal government in line with international standards and best practices.”
Continuing, Ogbuji added “WACT is committed to seamless Port operations, robust synergies with stakeholders and enhancing trade facilitation”
WACT is a flagship for Ports operations and trade facilitation, whose investment stands at over 115 million dollars. The terminal is equipped for effective and efficient port operations in the Eastern Maritime corridors of Nigeria.
