By Femi Anamelechi
The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector.DC Adigun disclosed that the renewed commitment was part efforts by KLT Command to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and economic growth. The Acting Area Controller made this known through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the command in Lagos.Deputy Comptr. Bolaji Adigun , emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and critical stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in promoting the objectives of the Service and supporting national development.
He pointed out that strategic role of the media, stating that the media remains an important partner in economic growth of Nigeria through information sharing on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling activities.According to him, maritime journalists play a strategic role in shaping public opinions and general perception of developments within the port industry and therefore have a responsibility to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage. The Acting Area Controller assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to maintain an open-door policy and foster constructive relationships with stakeholders in the maritime sector.In his Response, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the visit was part of the association’s stakeholder engagement programme following the inauguration of its new executive committee. The newly elected president of MARAN stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the command and further strengthen the cordial relationship that has existed between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service over the years.
Onigbinde commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, noting that the command remains an important component of Customs operations within the nation’s port system. He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-oriented journalism, stressing that maritime reporters have a critical role to play in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry and assured KLT area command of the association’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and balanced reporting of the present positive reforms in Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
