The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Industrial Area Command (LIAC), FESTAC Town, has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Comptroller Sarah Wadinda as the new Customs Area Comptroller (CAC). Succeeding the recently retired Comptroller Rebecca Chokor, Comptroller Wadinda has articulated a clear vision for the command, emphasizing trade facilitation, revenue collection, and open communication with both officers and stakeholders. This commitment aligns with the broader strategic direction set by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who has prioritized collaboration, consolidation, and innovation as key pillars for the NCS. Wadinda’s arrival marks a significant transition for the LIAC, promising a renewed focus on optimizing customs operations within its jurisdiction.
Comptroller Wadinda’s leadership philosophy centers on the twin objectives of trade facilitation and revenue generation. Recognizing the importance of a seamless flow of goods and services for economic growth, she has pledged to create an environment conducive to legitimate trade activities. Simultaneously, she acknowledges the crucial role of the NCS in collecting revenue for national development and has emphasized the need to enhance revenue collection strategies within the LIAC. This dual focus underscores her commitment to striking a balance between promoting economic activity and fulfilling the fiscal responsibilities of the customs service. Her open-door policy further solidifies this approach, signaling a willingness to engage with stakeholders and address their concerns proactively.
The new CAC has identified collaboration as a cornerstone of her leadership strategy. She aims to foster stronger working relationships between the LIAC and excise traders, recognizing their integral role in the excise ecosystem. By engaging in constructive dialogue and understanding the challenges faced by traders, she aims to streamline compliance procedures and create a more mutually beneficial operating environment. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance transparency, reduce friction, and ultimately contribute to improved excise duty collection. Comptroller Wadinda’s emphasis on collaboration extends internally as well, with a call for enhanced cooperation and dedication among LIAC officers to achieve the command’s objectives.
Innovation is another key element of Comptroller Wadinda’s vision for the LIAC. She recognizes the dynamic nature of the trade landscape and the need for the customs service to adapt and evolve. By embracing innovative solutions and technologies, she aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations. This may involve exploring new methods of risk assessment, streamlining customs procedures, and leveraging data analytics to improve decision-making. This focus on innovation demonstrates a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to modernizing the LIAC to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global trade environment.
The primary responsibility of the LIAC, as outlined by Comptroller Wadinda, is the supervision, collection, and accounting of excise duty from factories producing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages within Lagos State. This involves meticulous monitoring of production processes to ensure adherence to excise regulations. The command also plays a crucial role in facilitating trade by providing necessary support and guidance to excise traders. By ensuring compliance with established laws and regulations, the LIAC contributes to the integrity of the excise system, protects consumers, and facilitates legitimate business operations. This emphasis on regulatory compliance underscores the command’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all stakeholders.
Comptroller Wadinda has encouraged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the relevant NCS laws and regulations to ensure smooth and compliant excise trade operations. This proactive approach aims to minimize misunderstandings and potential conflicts by promoting transparency and clarity regarding the legal framework governing excise activities. She has also pledged to build upon the legacy of her predecessor, upholding the core values of the NCS while bringing her own unique leadership style and vision to the LIAC. This commitment to continuity and improvement signifies a stable transition and a dedication to further strengthening the command’s role in facilitating trade and ensuring revenue collection. The new CAC’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the LIAC, with the promise of enhanced collaboration, innovation, and a continued focus on fulfilling its core mandate.
