The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders in the maritime sector to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and economic growth.
Adigun made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the command in Lagos. He was represented by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Controller, Jonah stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the objectives of the Service and contributing to national development.
He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation efforts, and anti-smuggling operations.
According to him, maritime journalists play a strategic role in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port industry, underscoring the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reporting.
He assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy and maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders across the maritime sector.
Earlier, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the visit formed part of the association’s stakeholder engagement programme following the inauguration of its new executive committee.
Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the command and further strengthen the longstanding cordial relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
The MARAN president also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-oriented journalism, noting that maritime reporters have a key role to play in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
He further assured the command of MARAN’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of both organisations to fostering stronger partnerships and enhancing communication in support of the growth and development of the nation’s maritime industry.
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