Odita Sunday 
Esiet Assumes Leadership of Customs Eastern Marine Command, Begins Stakeholder Engagements
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced that Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet has officially assumed office as the Acting Comptroller of the Eastern Marine Command.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Joshua Iliya.
According to the statement, the Acting Comptroller has commenced strategic operational inspections and stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening maritime security and trade facilitation.
The first phase of the familiarisation tour covered operational locations in Rivers State, Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State, including Abonnema and Onne outstations in Port Harcourt, Oron Outstation and Calabar Outstation.
During the visits, Deputy Comptroller Esiet inspected operational equipment and personnel readiness.
“Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes. A united front is non-negotiable for national security,” he stated.
The Acting Comptroller also held meetings with Customs Area Controllers of Port Harcourt II Area Command (Onne), the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command.
As part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, Esiet paid courtesy visits to the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, the Commanding Officer of the Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command, and the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State.
The statement added that the Acting Comptroller also engaged traditional rulers, including His Royal Highness, Nyemoni Iwo Ama of Abonnema Wharf Community and His Royal Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar.
The visits, according to the Command, underscore its commitment to strengthening relationships with host communities.
Esiet also met with the management of SeWa West Africa Ltd to discuss patrol boat maintenance and specialised officer training.
The Acting Comptroller reiterated that his administration would align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The statement added that the Command would focus on improving maritime enforcement protocols, personnel motivation and stakeholder engagement
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