Customs: Martina Gyado Takes Over as Controller at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal

Joy Mmereole Okoli

Following the recent redeployment of some officers and Comptrollers by the acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal ( KLT ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has gotten a new Customs Area Controller in person of, Comptroller Martina Tilly Gyado. She formally took over on Friday from Comptroller Timinadi Bomodi yesterday 15th of September, 2023.

At a brief handing-over ceremony in the KLTC conference hall, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timinadi Bomodi, who led the command from January to mid-September 2023, disclosed that the command raked in N36.93 Billion, representing a 22.44% increase when compared to the N30.16 Billion it generated during the same period in 2022. He also noted that it represents 59.37% of the total expected revenue for 2023.

While welcoming and congratulating the incoming Customs Area Controller on her posting to KLTC,, he also appreciated the Officers and Men for their professionalism, discipline, and the massive support he received during his time. He said, “We pray that in the future, there will be more significant and positive strides both for the Command and the Service at large.”

The incoming Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Martina Tilly Gyado in her response, thanked God and the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for finding her worthy of the appointment and promised to meet management’s expectations.

The new CAC states that her leadership would adopt emotional intelligence strategies and apply Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis in addressing matters of revenue collection, anti-smuggling, trade facilitation, and robust stakeholder engagement to improve compliance.

“I am here to deploy emotional intelligence, which comprises teamwork, interpersonal relationships, and knowledge of the environment.”

She also emphasized that her doors are open to criticism and that she is willing to accommodate even negative criticism as long as it benefits the Command. She then tasked Officers and Men for robust cooperation while thanking stakeholders for finding time to grace the event.

She urge for the support of her predecessor. Asking him not to be tired of her calls as she will be calling him from time to time for his encouragement, support and wisdom to be able to achieve the task ahead.