By Femi Anamelechi
The acting Customs Area Controller in charge of Muritala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Jacob Onele has taken a positive step towards assessing the operational readiness of officers and men under his leadership to uphold the Service core values.He made the move on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, during a familiarisation visit to strategic posts at the airport with the aim of reviewing capabilities and welfare of operatives while listening to their challenges.The DC speaking to officers of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit and Baggage Operations, the newly deployed acting Area Controller expressed satisfaction with the current performance so far saying there is still need to reinforce professionalism, vigilance and discipline to achieve effective service delivery.”For my officers, based on my assessment, I can grade them 9 over 10. Because nobody is perfect. But from the day I took over as Acting Area Controller, I told them discipline is non-negotiable. And so far, so good, they have lived up to that expectation,” he saidOnele stated that proactive surveillance and robust communication with sister agencies is an excellent approach to gathering credible intelligence which makes it easier to coordinate enforcement operations that safeguard the nation’s border through the airport.
He urged his officers to be professional when handling passengers while highlighting the effective of Simplified Customs Advance Declaration (SCADS) System which enables fast-track item clearance.” You are the gateway to the country. You must dress neatly and project Nigeria the right way. Do not engage in any inappropriate act. As your conduct defines how the country is perceived,” he warned.The acting Area Controller ended the familiarisation visit with a tour of other strategic locations such as; VVIP Fast-Track Section, Currency Declaration Unit, and Terminal 2 Departure Hall, where he engaged with representatives of sister security agencies marking the beginning of his tenure as one built on inter-agency collaboration.
