[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Custom Comptroller in charge of Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mrs. Nanbyen Burromvyat took over the mantle of leadership of the command about a year ago. Since her assumption of office, the Area Command has witnessed tremendous positive changes especially in revenue generation, Staff welfare and inter-agencies cooperation.Comptroller Nanbyen Burromvyat hails from the North Central part of the country, Plateau state precisely; graduate of ABU Zaria. She is someone who appreciates her purpose in life and still understand the components of that purpose.She is one woman who has stood out among the few who had more than a fleeting nation of her sojourn on earth. She is a rare breed who viewed life solely from the perspective of his God, and knew that life’s purpose can only be fulfilled when self-will is surrounded to Almighty.A very supportive, encouraging and inspiring fellow who always sets her mind on wahtever she does passionately and quietly. She is a loving, kind-hearted woman and this shows in her dealings with all that come across her, including her fellow officers.One peculiarity of Comptroller Nanbyen Burromvyat is that she operates with synergy in her relationship with not only customs officers but also officers of other sister agencies at the command.This amiable fellow is a woman who has been identified as being effective and efficient in carrying out her official duties. She is a crusader of integrity and peace who believes in efficiency and improved revenue generation as well as zero tolerance for corruption.A due process comptroller who believes in discipline in order to achieve productivity.
REVENUE SUCCESS
The administration of Comptroller Nanbyen Burromvyat has led to a remarkable improvement on the Area Command’s revenue profile as the command generated N7.8 billion between January and October this year.In November also, the command also recorded over N579 million of revenue; all attributed to the diligence, and relentless efforts of this amiable woman and her proactive team by ensuring there is no form of revenue leakage and suppression of smuggling is at its peak. As at November, 2017, the command has made about 96% of its revenue target which can be attributed to support from Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali and his team and also commitment hardwork on the part of the officers of the command.
RELATIONSHIP
The relationship and cooperation of the command with other security agencies has been very cordial.Other sister security agencies have been assisting and complementing the command’s efforts in some of the seizures. Mention must also be made of the untiring cooperation and assistance received during difficult operations from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police and Directorate of State Services.The relationship with the proactive officers of the command has also been very cordial.
CHALLENGES
The greatest challenge facing the Command is that of meeting the monthly revenue target because of virtually low traffic at the port since general cargo vessels do not come to the Port. The shallow channel cannot accommodate large cargo vessels. These together with the local security problems seem to have scared away importers to places like Lagos and Port Harcourt to make this place dormant and make activities low at the port. The attention of the Federal Government is therefore drawn to the port to dredge the channel to stimulate activities, increase operations and revenue generation of the command because of the strategic location of the port.
ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ARMS
The command in line with Headquarters directives has beef up security along the jetties and borders considering the security threats of illegal importation of arms through the nation’s sea ports. The Command in conjunction with other security agencies and units are deploying high level intelligence to fortify the entire area in order to foil any attempts at arms smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
LACK OF PATRONAGE AT THE PORT AND TINAPA
Calabar Free Trade Zone was set up for industrialisation but unfortunately it has been abandoned by all tiers of government.The Tinapa Free Trade Zone was set up for shopping and tourism and creation of jobs and encouragement of made in Nigeria goods but what is seen now is that various government that have come on board have abandoned the vision. For example, our people are used to buying items like syringe which is manufactured in Nigeria (tested and trusted) but prefer to buy from China. Also, an African Transformer which is manufactured in Nigeria lacks patronage from our local buyers. This definefitely brings about unemployment, litters of abandoned projects, and reduction in revenue generation. There is a strong appeal from the Customs Comptroller of the command to the government and good spirited Nigerians not to let the vision of Tinapa Free Trade Zone to die ; as the forthcoming Calabar Carnival should have enough partronage fron both foreigners and Nigerians, people should go to Tinapa to shop as purchases of up to N50, 000 are allowed but Any purchase above this would require opening Form M and payment of appropriate duties. The rice issue should not scare away stakeholders and the trading public. They should enjoy themselves and also go for sight seeing in terms of arts and crafts.
The Grassroots Publishers also urges the federal government and the government of Cross-River state to revive the vision of Tinapa Trade Free Zone.
By Grassroots Publishers