Onne Area 11 Customs Command Bids Farewell to Comptroller Baba Imam, Welcomes Comptroller Mohammed Babandede
By Bon Peters
ONNE/Nigeria: On a grand occasion at the Onne Area 11 Customs Command, Port Harcourt, a sensational handing-over parade marked the transition of leadership from the out-going Area Controller, Comptroller Baba Imam, to his successor, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede. The event, held on Friday, was attended by various commanders, heads of security agencies, and stakeholders in the port environment.
In his farewell address, Comptroller Baba Imam expressed gratitude to God for his mercy and love, as well as to the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve. He credited the Command’s successes to improved synergy, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with security agencies and stakeholders.
Under his leadership, the Command achieved unprecedented revenue records, including generating over 22 billion Naira in a single day and 162 billion Naira in the first three months of 2024. Comptroller Imam highlighted efforts to enhance trade facilitation, such as training programs and the construction of modern facilities like a conference room and a computer training center.
He also emphasized the importance of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), noting that officers could not have made significant impacts without stable home environments. He thanked his wife, who chaired the association, and outlined the support provided, including establishing a COWA office and refurbishing canteens and salons in the Customs barracks.
In his address, the incoming Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, pledged to sustain the Command’s achievements and operate an open-door policy. He called for support from all officers and stakeholders to enhance revenue generation, value addition, and the suppression of smuggling.
The occasion was filled with mixed emotions as officers, stakeholders, and guests bid farewell to Comptroller Baba Imam and welcomed Comptroller Mohammed Babandede. Commodore GJ Kashim commended the outgoing Controller for improving synergy among security agencies, while Mr. Jim Steward praised him for streamlining container terminal activities. Managing Directors of bonded terminals and customs brokers also lauded his efforts in trade facilitation.
In his welcome address, Deputy Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie described the occasion as a mix of feelings, acknowledging the impact of Comptroller Baba Imam’s tenure. He pledged continuous support for the new Controller, emphasizing the need for collective effort to ensure his success.
The high point of the occasion was the commissioning of Comptroller Baba Imam Car Parks A and B at the Customs gate. Representatives from various agencies and organizations, including NPA, NIMASA, Nigeria Police, DSS, NDLEA, terminal operators, customs bonded terminals, NAGAFF, and ANLCA, were present to witness the ceremony.
