By Udeme Clement

There is no gain saying about the fact that International security dangers adversely affect the world business environment, hence the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has resolved to celebrate International Customs Day  (ICD) every year to fulfil the requirements of the Customs bodies.  It also  regulates the better establishment with meaningful appreciation of the business environment.”

These were the words of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, Comptroller  Mohammed  Uba Garba, at a brief  but colourful programme to mark the event, in Owerri.

Uba challenged officers of the Unit to gird their loins and to be prepared for the task ahead in respect  of the onslaught against smuggling  of  contraband goods  into the country.

He said, “It is imperative for us to re-strategize  our operations against unpatriotic practices of smugglers and their cohorts. The theme,  ‘Data Analysis for Effective Border Management’ was well mapped out to highlight the  significance of business partnership approach. It equally contributes in many areas  such as trade supply chain security, world customs growth, enhancement of business standards and  public  private enterprises. The event plays a fundamental role in developing and promoting businesses across the globe as against  increasing the risks of international security.”

He went on, “CGC Hameed Ali  and his management team  have since key into the  objective  of this  celebration, which has not only  become  a source of inspiration and motivation to the men of the FOU Zone C, but has made us a  paragon  in the crusade against  smuggling of illegal goods into the country. Our current data base in respect of checkmating  anti-smuggling activities by some unpatriotic Nigerians shows that we have continued to acquire  stronger fame and credibility in the onslaught  against  smugglers and their agents. However, we cannot claim to have reached the apogee because it is not yet over until it is over”.