ACG Dangaladima Commands Imo/Abia for increased Revenue of ₦19.8B
By Femi Anamelechi
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Sambo Dangaladima, expressed NCS appreciation for the commitment and resilience of officers of the Imo/Abia Area Command. He pointed this out during his maiden official visit to the command headquarters in Owerri on Wednesday, 9 July 2025.The visit was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Nnamdi Aligwekwe. It formed part of a zonal tour directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to assess the operational conditions across all commands within Zone ‘C’.
The ACG was received by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Imo/Abia Command, Comptroller Friday Akpan, alongside senior officers and key stakeholders. ACG Dangaladima engaged officers in a strategic interaction focused on operational realities, collaborative efforts, and service delivery.Comptroller Akpan in his remar highlighted the command’s long-standing history, noting that it commenced operations over 43 years ago.“I am privileged to be the 25th Area Controller of this command,” he said.The CAC further briefed the Zonal Coordinator on the command’s performance, revealing that between January and June 2025, the command generated a total revenue of ₦ 19,896,955,655.99.
Speaking further, Comptroller Akpan pointed out their challenges “Security challenges have severely disrupted trade activities in Imo and Abia States, affecting the productivity of excise factories and bonded terminals. Nevertheless, our officers remain undeterred and continue to work hard to meet revenue targets.”He also drew attention to the need for improved manpower and infrastructure. He appealed for the deployment of more junior officers to bolster guard duties amid rising insecurity, while urging the Service to consider installing sporting and recreational facilities in the command in line with the CGC’s Work-Life Balance initiative.
CAC Friday Akpan emphasised that poor road networks leading to the command continue to damage operational vehicles and hamper stakeholders’ mobility. He called for urgent intervention to support smoother logistics and enhance the command’s efficiency.Stakeholders from bonded terminals and excise factories commended Nigeria Customs Service for introducing a new Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) known as B’odogwu, describing it as a transformative step that would significantly simplify and facilitate trade procedures across the region.ACG Dangaladima assured the command that their challenges would be documented and communicated to the Service headquarters.“I am here to gather firsthand information about your achievements and the issues affecting your operations,” he stated. “Be rest assured, we will continue to work towards providing the necessary support to enhance your performance.”The ACG expressed Nigeria Customs Service appreciation to the officers professionalism and urged them to remain committed.“The CGC is fully aware of your efforts, and your contributions to national revenue and security are appreciated. I encourage you not to relent in your efforts to meet and exceed expectations,” he added.
