The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Onne Area II Command has celebrated the promotion of 36 officers in a formal decoration ceremony held on Monday at the command’s headquarters in Rivers State.
The event, presided over by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, witnessed the presence of senior officers from sister security agencies and key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
In his address, Comptroller Babandede congratulated the newly promoted officers, urging them to maintain professionalism, integrity, and dedication in their duties. He underscored the importance of collaboration in improving operational efficiency and called for stronger partnerships with security agencies and maritime stakeholders.
He further reminded the officers that the promotion is both a recognition of their past efforts and a call to greater responsibilities. Babandede emphasized that it is a privilege, not a right, and called for renewed commitment and diligence in their service to the nation.
“Promotion is a privilege; it is not a right. For those who have not gotten it, their time will come, and God’s willing, they will get it. For those that are promoted, I will urge them to see themselves as chosen not because they are the best, but because they are lucky, and also more responsibilities are on their shoulders.
“You have been given a very big task by promoting you; by the service promoting you. Therefore, the service expects much from you. You have to be a patriotic officer. You must display a High level of integrity. You must have the interest of the service and Nigeria at heart,” he said.
One of the newly decorated officers, AO Fakhogi, expressed gratitude on behalf of the group, pledging their commitment to contributing more effectively to the Command’s mission of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.
The NCS Onne Area II Command plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s trade landscape, overseeing critical port activities in the region. The promotion and decoration of officers are expected to further boost the morale and operational capabilities of the Command.