It was a garland of honour for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 11 Command and the West African Container Terminal (WACT), both in Onne, Rivers State as they were graciously rewarded at the just concluded 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Award Ceremony in Abuja over the weekend.
In a night to reward dedication, commitment, excellence, revenue generation, anti-smuggling war and trade facilitation, awards were bestowed on deserving individuals, terminal operators and other maritime stakeholders who distinguished themselves in various areas of their operations.
At the event, Onne Area 11 Command and WACT received several awards for their outstanding performances.
While the command was named the Best in Anti-smuggling Activities, WACT went home as the Best Terminal in Port Operations and Trade Facilitation.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller for the command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, attributed the success to the officers said men of the area.
“It’s a teamwork by all officers and men of the command. I couldn’t have done it alone if not for the role every officer and men in the Command played in ensuring public health and safety of lives,” he stated, thanking them for their contribution towards making the country safe.
Reacting on behalf of WACT, the General Manager for Government and Public Relations, Mr Innocent Ogbuji, said, “On behalf of the management and staff, we thank the NCS for the award.”
He assured that, “WACT will not rest on its oars to ensure seamless ports operations and trade facilitation in compliance with the fiscal policy of the federal government in line with international standards and best practices.”
“WACT is committed to seamless Port operations, robust synergies with stakeholders and enhancing trade facilitation,” he added.
WACT is a flagship for port operations and trade facilitation, whose investment stands at over $115 million. The terminal is equipped for effective and efficient port operations in the Eastern Maritime corridors of Nigeria.