By Bello Ibrahim
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria - September 8, 2025 (Series News)
The new Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, Mr. Mahmud Matawalle-Ibrahim, has assumed duty with a pledge to strengthen anti-smuggling operations, revenue generation, and border control. Speaking during the official taking over of the leadership of the command in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, Matawalle-Ibrahim expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him to head the command.
He commended his predecessor, Comptroller Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, for laying a solid foundation, assuring that his administration would consolidate on the achievements recorded and strive for greater success. "The Kebbi Area Command occupies a position of strategic national importance by safeguarding Nigeria's borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and boosting revenue generation," Matawalle-Ibrahim said.
To achieve his objectives, Matawalle-Ibrahim outlined his plans, which include robust anti-smuggling operations through intelligence-driven and coordinated actions, enhanced revenue performance through transparent processes, automation, and data-driven enforcement, effective border management in collaboration with sister security agencies and host communities, stakeholder engagement and compliance sensitization to build trust, foster dialogue, and encourage voluntary compliance, and personnel welfare and capacity building through training, skill development, and a conducive working environment.
The new Area Controller warned that sabotage and indiscipline would not be tolerated under his leadership, adding that accountability would be firm and fair, while outstanding performance would be duly recognized and rewarded. He urged officers and men of the command to rededicate themselves to the core values of the NCS of integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.
"I assure the CGC and all stakeholders of my unwavering resolve to deliver on the strategic mandate of the Service," Matawalle-Ibrahim said. "Together, we shall sustain a command rooted in discipline, accountability, and excellence."
In his farewell address, the outgoing Area Controller, Nwokorie, appreciated officers and men of the command and heads of sister security agencies for their cooperation and support during his tenure. He urged officers and men of the command to extend the same support to Matawalle-Ibrahim to enable him to succeed in his national assignment.
Tags
Customs