By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja-Lagos, Nigeria Customs Service on Tuesday held a decoration ceremony to honour its newly promoted Officers and men.
The event was attended by Officers, guests, and stakeholders, who gathered to celebrate the well-deserved promotions. Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, in his welcome address, congratulated the Officers on their new ranks, describing the event as a significant moment in the history of the unit.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that the promotions were not just about new titles, but a recognition of dedication, loyalty, and commitment to excellence.
He commended the Officers for their diligence, integrity, courage, and professionalism, stating that their elevation was not by chance, but a reward for hard work.
He reminded the newly promoted personnel that with every promotion comes greater responsibility and urged them to uphold the high standards expected of them.
Shuaibu charged the Officers to lead with integrity and humility, wearing their new ranks with modesty and serving as mentors and role models to their colleagues.
He emphasized that true leadership is not about titles or positions, but about service, empathy, and dedication to a cause greater than oneself.
FOU ‘A ‘encouraged the Officers to lead by example, demonstrating the values of the Nigeria Customs Service and contributing to the development of the Service and the progress of the country.
Within the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, a total of 186 Officers benefited from the promotion exercise. The breakdown is as follows:
7 Officers were promoted from Assistant Comptroller of Customs to Deputy Comptroller of Customs.
6 Officers from Chief Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptroller of Customs.
22 Officers from Superintendent of Customs to Chief Superintendent of Customs.
27 Officers from Deputy Superintendent of Customs to Superintendent of Customs.
23 Officers from Assistant Superintendent of Customs I to Deputy Superintendent of Customs.
42 Officers from Assistant Superintendent of Customs II to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I.
48 Officers from Inspector of Customs to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, and 11 Officers from Assistant Inspector of Customs to Inspector of Customs.
Comptroller Shuaibu also offered words of encouragement to those who were not promoted during the exercise, stating that promotion is not a race, but a journey.
He urged them to continue serving with commitment and integrity, assuring them that their time will come.
He emphasized that promotion ultimately comes from God, and their efforts do not go unnoticed.
The promotion exercise was part of a nationwide effort, with a total of 3,312 senior officers promoted during the 63rd Regular Meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. An additional 202 junior officers were also elevated during the 6th Management Meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service held on Friday, 29th August 2025.
Comptroller Shuaibu reminded the audience that promotion is not the end of the road, but a checkpoint on the long path of service. He stressed that there are greater heights to attain, new challenges to confront, and more contributions to be made toward the development of the Service and the progress of the country.
He congratulated the newly promoted officers once again, wishing them continued success and honor to themselves, the unit, and the Nigeria Customs Service at large.
