PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Inside the newly commissioned N19.6bn Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday commissioned the new Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) world-class corporate Headquarters in Abuja, worth 19.6 billion Naira.
The commissioning attended by NewsClick Nigeria’s correspondent took place at the premises of the new building, located at the Central Business District (CBD), Maitama, Abuja, had in attendance several dignitaries and heads of various agencies of government in the country and members of the diplomatic corp.
Speaking at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari who was pleased with the new customs corporate building noted that he was deliberate in appointing Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd) the Comptroller General of the service as he was a colleague in the military and he knew him very well. He also added that the decision to close the Nigerian border was a deliberate one as it has created more jobs, and the country now grows what we eat.
Also Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of Customs, Hammed Ibrahim Ali, noted that the contract for the project which was awarded in 2005 was slowed down by several contract variations. However he appreciated President Buhari for his support and effort in making the Nigerian Custom Service a world class custom. He expressed his deepest gratitude to President Buhari for his profound support and commitment to the Nigerian Customs Service, noting that his leadership, vision, dedication and commitment to the Nation have been pivotal in shifting the transformation of the customs service.
He noted that the customs is particularly grateful to the president for signing into law, the customs bill, while stating that the service will remain resolute in the delivery of their mandate with utmost professionalism.
On his part Chairman of the Organising Committee for the commissioning of the Customs corporate headquarters, DCG Bashiru Adewale Adeniyi, noted that the new headquarters provides a lot of space which poised a challenge at the former headquarters, noting that the new headquarters is a smart building. He appreciated the President and other dignitaries present to grace the occasion.
Also speaking, Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, Mrs Ahmed Zainab who considered it an honour to be present at the commissioning of the new headquarters, noted that the building serves as a symbol of unwavering commitment to enhance the operation of the Nigerian Customs Service and ensuring its readiness in tackling challenges of the 21st century.
The new Custom Corporate Headquarters comprises Wing A, B, and bridges with a tower that has twelve floors. The building is the first of its kind in Abuja, that has a UPS that can power the building, if the lights and generators are turned off.
See photos and videos below:
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