By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) recently hosted a farewell dinner to honor Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, who has retired from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after serving as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Lilypond Export Command from September 2023 to August 2025.
The event, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, was a testament to the impact Comptroller Odusanya made during his tenure, and it brought together top customs officials, exporters, maritime professionals, and stakeholders in the trade and logistics sector.
Speaking during the dinner, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, the current CAC of Lilypond Export Command, commended AWAEMAP for its continued collaboration with the NCS and assured exporters of his full support. He emphasized his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and ensuring that all obstacles to export operations are minimized.
According to him, “Anything that hinders export is what the government does not want, and I will do all within my capacity to facilitate and support exporters.” This pledge was a reassuring message to the export community, who appreciate the importance of seamless export operations.
Comptroller Odusanya, in his response, expressed heartfelt appreciation to AWAEMAP for its cooperation during his tenure. He acknowledged the association’s vital role in promoting export trade and strengthening the nation’s economy.
The retired Controller highlighted the journey of Lilypond Export Command as a “one-stop export command,” a vision pioneered by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the first Controller of the Command, whose legacy he continued and has now passed on to his successor. This reflection demonstrated Comptroller Odusanya’s understanding of the Command’s history and his role in shaping its future.
The event also featured goodwill messages from other stakeholders, including Mr. Adewunmi Augustine, Area Commander, NDLEA Lilypond Command, who commended the synergy between security agencies and the export community. The President of AWAEMAP, Hon. Olumekun Olubunmi, gave a brief overview of the association’s growth and impact within the export sector, appreciating Comptroller Odusanya for his outstanding service and support during his tenure. These messages underscored the significance of collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders in the export sector.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Alh. Inaolaji Nofiu, lauded the retired Comptroller’s leadership, describing his tenure as one marked by cooperation, innovation, and tangible achievements in export facilitation. This sentiment was echoed by the Vice President of AWAEMAP, Alh. Moruf Raheem, who delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Comptroller, customs officers, and AWAEMAP executives and members present. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the new CAC for continued progress in export facilitation.
The dinner was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, including top Customs officials, exporters, maritime professionals, and stakeholders in the trade and logistics sector, all of whom came together to bid farewell to Comptroller Odusanya and celebrate his achievements.
Newspoint247 reports that the farewell dinner hosted by AWAEMAP was a celebration of Comptroller A. Y. Odusanya’s achievements and a testament to the impact he made during his tenure. The event brought together stakeholders from across the export sector, who came together to appreciate his service and commitment to facilitating export trade. As the sector continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of Comptroller Odusanya will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of export professionals.
