ACG Orbih assumes leadership of Nigeria Customs Service Zone A

By Amaechi Okoro

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone ‘A’ Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, marked a transition in its leadership on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Orbih officially assumed office as the new Zonal Coordinator.

This appointment brings a seasoned professional with extensive experience in customs administration to the forefront of Zone ‘A’, the largest and arguably the most dynamic zone within the NCS.

ACG Orbih’s career spans decades of dedicated service, during which he has established himself as a versatile and effective leader in the Nigeria Customs Service.

Before his current role, he served as the Customs Area Controller for the Imo/Abia Command, where he was instrumental in improving revenue generation, enforcing anti-smuggling measures, and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders.

His tenure in this position was marked by remarkable strides in operational efficiency and compliance enforcement.

Additionally, Orbih previously held the position of Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘C’, where he oversaw operations in the southeastern part of the country.

Under his leadership, the zone experienced enhanced coordination, significant revenue increases, and improved stakeholder relations.

His ability to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions has earned him respect within the service and among external stakeholders.

ACG Orbih’s credentials extend beyond his roles in the NCS. He has attended numerous professional courses on leadership, management, and customs operations at esteemed institutions both locally and internationally.

These trainings have equipped him with the knowledge and tools to address the evolving challenges facing customs administration in a globalized economy.

In his inaugural address, ACG Orbih laid out his vision for Zone ‘A’, emphasizing the need for teamwork, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.

He pledged to align his leadership with the policy thrust of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which prioritizes consolidation, collaboration, and innovation across all facets of the service.

Orbih highlighted the critical role of Zone ‘A’ in driving the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate, given its strategic location in Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub.

The zone oversees key ports and border points, making it a crucial component of Nigeria’s revenue generation and trade facilitation efforts.

Recognizing this, the new zonal coordinator expressed his commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening enforcement measures, and fostering a culture of professionalism among officers and stakeholders.

ACG Orbih’s extensive background positions him to make a substantial impact on the performance of Zone ‘A’. His track record of success in previous roles demonstrates his ability to navigate complex operational landscapes while achieving measurable results.

As the zonal coordinator, he is expected to deploy his wealth of experience to tackle pressing issues such as smuggling, revenue leakages, and inefficiencies in trade facilitation processes.

Moreover, his emphasis on innovation suggests a readiness to adopt modern tools and practices to improve customs operations.

Orbih has been a strong advocate for the integration of technology into customs processes, recognizing its potential to enhance transparency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve service delivery.

In addition to internal reforms, ACG Orbih underscored the importance of fostering robust partnerships with stakeholders.

He noted that collaboration with the private sector, government agencies, and international partners is essential for achieving the NCS’s goals.

By prioritizing stakeholder engagement, Orbih aims to build trust and mutual understanding, which are critical for the success of customs operations in a rapidly evolving economic environment.

As ACG Charles Orbih takes the reins of Zone ‘A’, expectations are high for a transformative tenure that will consolidate the zone’s position as a leader in customs operations. His wealth of experience, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence provide a strong foundation for achieving this goal.

The Nigeria Customs Service, under his leadership, is poised to make significant strides in revenue generation, enforcement, and trade facilitation.

This report was compiled by Diaspora Digital Media based on a press release issued by the Zonal Public Relations Officer of Zone ‘A’.

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