Usen Esiet Takes Charge of the Eastern Marine Command

By Temitope Adebiyi

Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet has been appointed as the Acting Comptroller of the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, and he has assumed office.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSC Joshua Iliya, Esiet has embarked on an extensive tour of operational facilities and engaged stakeholders across the command as part of the move to strengthen maritime security and trade facilitation.

The first phase of the familiarisation tour, it was gathered, included key locations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, including Abonnema and Onne Outstations (Port Harcourt), Oron Outstation (Akwa Ibom), and Calabar Outstation (Cross River).

During the visit, Deputy Comptroller Esiet, it was learnt, conducted rigorous inspections of equipment and personnel readiness. He emphasised that the success of the Command relies on a united front. “Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes. A united front is non-negotiable for national security,”

He also held strategic meetings with the Customs Area Controllers of Port Harcourt II (Onne), the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.

Moving further in his reinforcement on maritime safety, DC Esiet paid courtesy visits to top maritime security brass, including the Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Other areas of visit include: the Commanding Officer, Navy Forward Operation Base (FOB), Ibaka, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, and the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, which was aimed at strengthening Inter-Agency and Internal Collaboration.

Recognising the vital role of grassroots support, DC Esiet paid his respects to traditional leadership, visiting 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.

These visits underscores the Command’s commitment to maintaining deep-rooted ties with host communities.Additionally, the Acting Comptroller met with the management of SeWa West Africa Ltd to discuss patrol boat maintenance and specialized officer training, ensuring the Command’s fleet remains a formidable deterrent against illicit activities and ensuring Community and Private Sector Partnership.
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DC Esiet in the meantime, reiterated that his administration will strictly align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

The new Acting Controller, the image maker said, would focus on streamlining maritime enforcement protocols, ensuring officers are motivated and equipped while maintaining an open-door policy with licensed agents and partners.
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The Eastern Marine Command is a specialised wing of the Nigeria Customs Service dedicated to patrolling the nation’s Eastern Waterways, preventing smuggling, and promoting the security of maritime trade.