Comptroller Chukwudi Ogbonna, in charge of Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa-Ibom Command, has hit the ground running by paying courtesy visits to military, paramilitary organisations and other government agencies.
In a statement issued to members of the press, the Area Controller indicates that the command has also, in the shortest period, recorded a seizure of 9,050 Ltrs of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS), 109 X50 kg bags of foreign per boiled rice, 225 pieces of used tyres and 19 bales of second-hand clothing being smuggled in and out of the country.
According to the report, Comptroller Ogbonna, upon his resumption of office on 22 April 2024, has also consulted with relevant stakeholder groups in Cross River state, Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Command as directed by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service.
On 23 May 2024, the CAC embarked on a familiarisation tour of Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone at IkotAbasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State with the primary aim of having first-hand knowledge of the activities of the Free Trade Zone.
The Customs Area Controller was particular about their utilisation of duty-free consignments coming into the Zone, their challenges, and areas in which they may need support from the NCS.
Notable among his familiarisation tour to sister agencies was his visit to the Commissioner of Police, Waheed Aliyara, at the Police Headquarters in Uyo on 22 May 2024.
The CAC, among other issues, stressed the importance of collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, in response, promised to give the CAC maximum cooperation and support.
Comptroller Ogbonna also visited Cross River State Commissioner of Police Gyogon Grimah. He appreciated the Commissioner and his team’s support over the years and solicited better cooperation.
Other agencies he visited are the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Cross River State, 13 brigades of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria National Park Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) and the Department of State Service (DSS), with the the primary aim of encouraging unity among stakeholders and security agencies.