By Our Reporter
Following the handover of leadership of Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), to a new boss, Dr Godwin Sunday Audu by the agency’s pioneer Comptroller , Dr. Vincent Isegbe at the expiration of his tenure on the 12th of December, 2023, the new boss has vowed to make life and business easier for the agro exporters.
Recall that the handover was in accordance with the NAQS Establishment Act which requires that authority be handed over to the next most senior Director in the agency to step in, in an acting capacity.
Dr. Audu, who is Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Quarantine, has since assumed the office and responsibilities as the acting Comptroller-General of the agency.
The acting Comptroller-General expressed gratitude to the pioneer Comptroller General for his commendable service and commitment in establishing a solid foundation for the agency.
Addressing journalists at the agency’s head office in Abuja, Dr. Audu outlined key areas of focus for the agency.
According to him, “in alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration and the strategic blueprint of the Minister of Agriculture, we shall do more in the delivery of our services and mandate”.
In a statement by the Head, Media, Communications and Strategy of the Agency, Dr. Chigozie Nwodo, the new helmsman outlined the following focal points of his administration: Ease of Doing Business: in line with the Presidential Enabling Environment Council effort within the export environment in which the agency participates, NAQS is committed to enhancing the export environment by expediting inspection and certification services, streamlining application processes, and automating quarantine procedures.
These efforts aim to significantly make life easier for agro-exporters and reduce the processing time for agricultural export documentation.
Double Taxation: The agency will optimize operations at interstate control stations to minimize delays in the haulage of agro commodities. Collaborative efforts with stakeholders will address and eliminate illegal operators causing bottlenecks on federal highways.
Discipline and Inclusion: Dr.
Audu highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline, order, and inclusiveness within the organization stating that commitment ensures the development of officers and the sustainability of equal opportunities for all personnel.
He assured all stakeholders that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service is dedicated to enhance its service delivery, aligning its mandate with the Renewed Hope agenda of the federal government.
