Port Harcourt, October 24, 2025

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Eastern Marine Command (EMC), Port Harcourt, Comptroller Anderson Jaja, has embarked on a familiarization tour across key formations and stakeholder institutions under his jurisdiction, aimed at reinforcing inter-agency collaboration and improving maritime security operations along Nigeria’s waterways.

In a statement issued by Chief Superintendent of Customs Tangwa Emmanuel, Public Relations Officer of the Command, the tour commenced on October 16, 2025, with a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, the Amanayabo of the Ancient Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika, Rivers State.

Comptroller Jaja commended the monarch’s efforts in sustaining peace and order within the coastal communities, while also seeking continued support in intelligence sharing and community partnership to strengthen Customs operations in the region.

The familiarization visits continued at the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, where the CAC met with Captain Aliyu Abdullahi. He conveyed the message of cooperation from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and emphasized the importance of sustained inter-agency synergy to curb smuggling and foster legitimate trade.

At the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Base, Port Harcourt, Comptroller Jaja met with Commodore Cajetan Aniaku, reiterating the need for joint efforts in maritime surveillance, logistics support, and tactical training. Commodore Aniaku lauded the Customs leadership for its reform-driven approach and congratulated the Comptroller-General on his recent appointment as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council and his PhD award in Leadership and Strategic Studies.

The statement further noted that the familiarization tour will extend to other formations within the Command’s jurisdiction as part of Comptroller Jaja’s drive to deepen cooperation among security agencies and strengthen maritime security for improved trade facilitation.