New Ikeja Customs boss targets smugglers, under-declaring importers
The newly designated Customs Area Controller overseeing the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Aliyu Gambo, has announced that his leadership will focus on targeting smugglers and importers who fail to accurately declare their imported goods.
As mentioned in a press release, Gambo shared this information while presenting a reform-oriented leadership agenda based on a three-part strategy that includes change management, compliance management, and reputational management.
He outlined that his main goal is to establish accountability through a motivated workforce, transparency, and professionalism while striving for operational excellence in line with the mission, vision, and leadership principles of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Gambo highlighted that the CGC's administration strongly emphasizes merit and competence-based human resource management within the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Under my leadership, change management will prioritize shifting attitudes instead of just stating policies, influencing Customs officers, the business community, and border areas,” he stated.
He underscored that sustainable reform must initiate with a change in mindset, mentioning that Customs officers should consistently embrace professionalism, discipline, and service values.
Gambo added that stakeholders must acknowledge that Customs operations strictly adhere to national interests and the rule of law.
He noted that Customs functions within a complicated post-globalization trade landscape that necessitates adaptability, intelligence-led enforcement, and constructive stakeholder engagement.
The FOU Zone A controller mentioned that change must occur internally and externally, transforming individual behaviors while reinforcing the institutional culture across the Service.
He stressed the importance of strictly following established procedures and ethical standards while having a practical understanding of Nigeria’s trade realities.
Gambo made it clear that adhering to Customs regulations is mandatory, emphasizing that “enforcement will be decisive, just, and driven by intelligence.”
He stated that the command would implement a balanced approach that incentivizes compliance while firmly addressing violations, “in line with the CGC’s broader reform agenda focused on merit, ability, and fairness.”
The controller cautioned smugglers operating across land borders and Nigeria’s waterways, asserting that there would be no safe routes or hiding places for illegal conduct.
He revealed that monitoring, patrols, and intelligence-led operations would be enhanced to ensure that smugglers are caught and prosecuted.
Gambo remarked that anyone engaged in smuggling, irrespective of the size of their operation or the route taken, would encounter the full force of the law.
He also warned importers and clearing agents who think they can cheat the government through underpayment, under-declaration, or false reporting of goods.
“Importers attempting to evade their responsibilities through under-declaration or under-payment should reconsider, as Customs will uncover these antics and recover every kobo owed to the government,” Gambo cautioned.
He explained that the Service is strengthening its risk assessment systems, post-clearance audit processes, and intelligence collaboration to monitor consignments from origin to final destination.
Gambo indicated that distance or international shipping locations would not protect offenders from detection or accountability.
While reaffirming Customs’ dedication to facilitating legitimate trade, he emphasized that compliance is non-negotiable, stating, “Those who abide by the rules have nothing to fear, but compliance is not optional.”
Regarding reputational management, Gambo mentioned that accountability and transparency are crucial for earning public trust, pointing out that the ethical framework established by the Comptroller-General of Customs has greatly enhanced public perception of the Service.
He assured that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, would continue to uphold and expand these improvements, stressing that the Service has a social contract with Nigerians and must provide value while fulfilling its responsibilities within the trade value chain.
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