Esiet Strengthens Maritime Security at Eastern Marine Command
Esien Esiet Takes Charge of Customs Eastern Marine Command, Moves to Strengthen Maritime Security
The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has entered a new phase of leadership following the assumption of office by Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet as Acting Comptroller of the Command.
Esiet succeeds Comptroller A.B. Jaja and has wasted no time in setting the tone for his administration, embarking on a series of strategic engagements aimed at enhancing maritime security, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and boosting trade facilitation across the nation’s eastern waterways.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Marine Command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Joshua Iliya, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the statement, the Acting Comptroller immediately commenced an extensive familiarisation and operational assessment tour across key maritime locations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. The tour covered the Command’s outstations in Abonnema and Onne in Rivers State, Oron in Akwa Ibom State, and Calabar in Cross River State.
During the visits, Esiet inspected operational equipment and assessed personnel readiness, stressing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in combating smuggling and other maritime crimes.
He emphasized that sustained synergy among officers and security agencies remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain, noting that a united front is essential for achieving national security objectives.
As part of efforts to deepen institutional cooperation, the Acting Comptroller held strategic meetings with Customs Area Controllers overseeing Port Harcourt II Area Command (Onne), the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command.
The engagements were designed to foster greater coordination among Customs formations and promote a unified approach to enforcement and trade facilitation.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration with other security agencies, Esiet also paid courtesy visits to key maritime and security leaders, including the Commander of NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, and the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State.
Beyond security stakeholders, the Acting Comptroller extended his outreach to traditional institutions and host communities. He visited His Royal Highness Nyemoni Iwo Ama of the Abonnema Wharf Community and His Royal Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, the Obong of Calabar, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with communities that play vital roles in maritime operations.
In a move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, Esiet also engaged the management of SeWa West Africa Limited on the maintenance of patrol boats and specialized training for Customs officers. The discussions focused on strengthening the Command’s maritime capabilities and ensuring its fleet remains effective in deterring smuggling and other illicit activities.
The Acting Comptroller further pledged to align his administration with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s, policy direction. He stated that his leadership would prioritise efficient maritime enforcement, improved officer welfare, operational readiness, and constructive engagement with licensed customs agents and other stakeholders through an open-door policy.
The Eastern Marine Command remains one of the specialised operational units of the Nigeria Customs Service, charged with securing Nigeria’s eastern waterways, curbing smuggling, and facilitating legitimate maritime trade.
With a focus on collaboration, community engagement, and operational excellence, stakeholders believe Esiet’s leadership could further strengthen the Command’s role in protecting Nigeria’s maritime economy and national security.
