By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Officer In charge of Enforcement Unit,Apapa Command has been promoted to Comptroller in a fresh sets of promotion validated by the oraganisation.
The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), at its 61st regular meeting held on December18, 2024, chaired by the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and seven Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs)
Additionally, the Board approved the promotion of 4,291 senior Officers marking a major milestone in the Service’s commitment to fostering career growth and operational efficiency.
The newly appointed members of the NCS Management Team include DCG S. Chiroma (North-East) and ACGs ZM Gaji (North-East), OA Adebakin (South-West), GM Omale (North-Central), MS Yusuf (North-Central), DA Nnadi (South-East), HK Ejibunu (North-Central), and D. Hassan (North-East).
In a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, these appointments were made to fill vacancies arising from the retirement of previous management members, ensuring national inclusivity and compliance with the Federal Character Policy as outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
In the promotion exercise, 80 Deputy Comptrollers were elevated to Customs Comptroller, while 151 Assistant Comptrollers advanced to Deputy Comptroller. Additionally, 612 Chief Superintendents of Customs were promoted to Assistant Comptroller, alongside significant advancements across other ranks, including Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, and Inspectors of Customs. The promotions recognized exceptional performance among both General Duty and Support Staff personnel.
The Board also approved special promotions for 16 officers for their exemplary contributions to the Service. In a poignant gesture, a posthumous promotion was granted to the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away on June 25, 2024, while presenting to the National Assembly. This recognition highlights the Service’s appreciation for outstanding dedication.
Furthering its commitment to operational excellence, the Board approved a strategic restructuring by transferring the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit directly to the Office of the Comptroller General from the Tariff and Trade Department. Now led by an Assistant Comptroller General, this move aims to enhance oversight and efficiency.
To address the high turnover of senior officers, the Board granted a 12-month service extension to selected officers from all six geopolitical zones, ensuring continuity in leadership. The officers benefiting from this extension include ACGs B. Imam (North-East), IG Umar (North-West), KC Egwu (South-East), and Comptrollers F. Abdulqadri (North-Central), MT Awe (South-West), and OF Ojiefor (South-South).
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, congratulated all appointed, promoted, and retained officers. He urged them to remain committed to the NCS’s mandates and reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to career progression and excellence. He also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all officers and commended the Minister of Finance for facilitating the timely completion of the 2024 promotion cycle.
This development underscores the NCS’s resolve to foster a motivated workforce and strengthen its operational standards, ensuring continued service excellence.
