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By Correspondent in Lagos.
The Comptroller of the Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Patrick Ntadi, has called on officers of the command to uphold the Service’s reputation in order to strengthen public trust and enhance compliance among stakeholders.
Ntadi gave the advice on Tuesday in Lagos during a Reputation Management Cascade Training organised for officers of the command.
He described the Nigeria Customs Service as one of the most dignified institutions in the country, stressing that its mandate is fundamentally centred on service to humanity.
“Officers must remember that we are a bridge between the government and the trading public, especially clearing agents. We should never shout at any stakeholder because such conduct tarnishes our reputation,” Ntadi said.
The comptroller commended officers for their neat appearance and professionalism, urging them to consistently give their best in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, effective reputation management and credible professionalism are critical to the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service, citing the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation and national security.
Also speaking at the training, the facilitator, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Dauda Ibrahim, described reputation management as a collective responsibility that cuts across all levels of the Service, from frontline officers at border posts to administrative staff and management.
“As officers, you are ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service wherever you go. Whatever you do, positively or negatively, reflects on the command and the Service at large,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that Comptroller-General of Customs and his management initiated the training to ensure that officers are guided by the highest ethical standards.
“An informed officer is professionally balanced and can represent the Service anywhere in the world,” he added.
In his presentation, Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC), Harry Ameh, spoke on ‘The Role of the Customs Reputation Ambassador’, urging officers to see themselves as custodians of the Service’s image.
Ameh outlined seven key attributes officers must imbibe such as control of situations, courtesy without loss of dignity, consultation with colleagues, command of attention, clean hands in all respects, clarity in questioning, and careful examination.
He warned that a single act of misconduct could tarnish the reputation built by thousands of diligent officers, noting that reputation management begins with individual accountability.
“Reputation is an expensive currency for any organisation and is vital to the effective operations of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
In a related development, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Muhammed Babadede, commended officers of the Western Marine Command for their dedication in combating smuggling.
Babadede said he was directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs to appreciate the officers for their commitment, which enabled the command to surpass its 2025 revenue target.
He urged them to redouble their efforts in the new year and assured officers of management’s resolve to improve their welfare, particularly through the provision of befitting accommodation.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
