Customs commissions new conference and training center in Onne

The Nigeria Customs Service,Onne Area 11 Command has commissioned its new conference hall and training center.

The two projects initiated by the command was supported by compliant and tractable stakeholders within the command.

The Area Controller of the command, Compt. Baba Imam,in his welcome address at the commissioning lauded the stakeholders for welcoming the Command's vision of having a conducive training and conference center and made it a reality, in order to keep both officers and stakeholders in the loop with the best international practices on import and export guidelines.

The controller disclosed that the conference center to be commissioned has a 110 seating capacity while the training center has 40.

He added that to sustain synergy, collaboration and to give sense of belonging to its stakeholders, who transact a legitimate business within the Command, a sit out was equally constructed for them to use while conducting their businesses.

Compt. Imam specially appreciated the management of West Africa Container Terminal, Don Climax Bonded Terminal, Odest Bonded Terminal, and the Association of Nigeria Customs Licensed Agents (Onne) chapter for their direct commitment to the course of the projects.

He also acknowledged and appreciated Prestige Bonded Terminal, Kingsoo Bonded Terminal, international traders association and other numerous stakeholders, who came together and gave their necessary support and cooperation in achieving the tremendous infrastructural development.

He stated that as part of its appreciation, the command will recognize the stakeholders that played a key role in the construction and establishment of the conference and training facilities, adding that aside the command’s appreciation letters, the CGC has sent a commendation letter.

"These commendation and recognition letters will be presented by the ACG to our eminent stakeholders.

Distinguish Guests, ladies and gentlemen the command assures that these facilities will be put to effective use, and guarantees also that they are open for use to all our stakeholders. So I urge you to apply to my Office when the need arises, stating the purpose of its use, and, I assure you, the request would be granted," he assured.

The controller said that the facilities serve as a morale booster to officers so that they will continue to be more productive in trade facilitation and revenue generation activities through training and meetings that would enhance their performance and productivity.

He pledged that the command would continue to initiate similar projects and remain in the forefront in the execution of such projects to ensure efficiency and efficacy in service delivery.

"I will not relent to remind our stakeholders to continue complying with the government’s extant laws on import and export.

"Furthermore, let me reiterate here that legitimate importers and exporters shall continue to have access to us at all times. We shall consistently adopt mechanism that will ensure the removal of bottlenecks associated with import and export.

We are resolute and committed to trade facilitation as one of our cardinal mandate, " he stated.