Acting Comptroller Esiet Takes Over Mantle Of Leadership At Eastern Marine Command
By Asuquo Nuwak
Acting Comptroller Esiet Takes Over Mantle Of Leadership At Eastern Marine Command
••• Initiates an extensive tour of operational facilities and high level engagements across the region.
In line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has announced that Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet has officially assumed leadership as the Acting Comptroller of the Command.
In a move to strengthen maritime security and trade facilitation, the Acting Comptroller, in a press release by DSC Joshua Iliya, Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Marine Command, has immediately embarked on extensive tour of operational facilities and high-level engagements across the region.
Official statement from the command stated that the first phase of the familiarization tour included key locations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, as well as Abonnema and Onne outstations in Rivers, Oron outstation in Akwa Ibom, and Calabar outstation in Cross River.
Accordingly, Deputy Comptroller Esiet conducted inspections of equipment and personnel readiness, disclosing that the success of the command depends on a united front.
Deputy Comptroller Esiet is quoted as noting that: “Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes. A united front is non-negotiable for national security”.
In order to foster a “one service” approach, the Acting. Comptroller held strategic meetings with the Customs Area Controllers of Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne; the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.
In order to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, DC Esiet paid courtesy visits to top maritime security formations, including the Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, in Rivers state capital,
the Commanding Officer, Navy Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ibaka, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, and the Cross River State Commissioner of Police.
In recognising the vital role of royal fathers and grassroots support, DC Esiet respectfully paid visit to traditional leadership, visiting His Royal Highness, Nyemoni Iwo Ama of the Abonnema Wharf community, and His Royal Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu (V), the Obong of Calabar.
Significantly, these visits underscores the command’s commitment to maintaining deep-rooted ties with host communities.
Additionally, the Acting Comptroller met with the management of SeWa West Africa Ltd to discuss on patrol boat maintenance and specialized officer training, ensuring that the command’s fleet remains a formidable deterrent against illicit activities and ensuring community and private sector partnership.
He revealed that his administration will strictly align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
Official statement from the command stated that the leadership of Acting Comptroller Esiet planned to focus attention on streamlining maritime enforcement protocols, ensuring officers are motivated and equipped, while maintaining an open-door policy with licensed agents and partners.
It is noteworthy to state that the Eastern Marine Command is a specialized wing of the Nigeria Customs Service, dedicated to patrolling the nation’s eastern waterways, preventing smuggling, and ensuring the security of maritime trade and activities.
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