By Fredrick Ameh
That directive is shaping a fresh operational push by the Nigeria Customs Service as it moves to reopen its long-abandoned Umuahia out-station in Abia State.
The move follows a two-day working visit by the Customs Area Controller of the Imo/Abia Area Command, Blessing Ihenacho, to key formations under the Command.
At the centre of the inspection was the Umuahia out-station, which has been inactive for over three years and is currently in a state of disrepair.
Following the assessment, the Command directed immediate environmental clean-up of the facility as a short-term step, alongside plans to rehabilitate key infrastructure, including water systems and residential quarters for officers.
Officials say the reopening is aimed at strengthening Customs presence closer to bonded terminals and excise factories within Abia State, to improve compliance monitoring, enforcement, and revenue generation.
Beyond infrastructure, the visit also focused on operational coordination. The Comptroller engaged sister security agencies in the state, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing shared enforcement challenges and improving border and trade security operations.
She also met with terminal operators and excise traders, urging compliance with Customs regulations while reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement.
Stakeholders reportedly welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward improving regulatory efficiency and boosting economic activity in the state.
The development underscores a broader strategy by the Customs Service to reactivate dormant formations and strengthen field presence across strategic locations.
For the Service, the message is clear: operational coverage is being restored, and enforcement capacity is being brought closer to where it is needed most.
