The Customs High Command has effected a change in the leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos.
To this end, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), FOU, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu has bowed out just as his successor in office, Comptroller Gombo Aliyu has stepped into his shoes.
Speaking at a symbolic transition of leadership which took place at the Unit conference hall in Ikeja recently, Shuaibu who is now an Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) formally handed over the reins of office to Aliyu.
The ceremony was witnessed by the unit principal officers, patrol leaders, media representatives, and well-wishers.
Shuaibu used the occasion to express deep appreciation to almighty God, Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team, for the trust and support extended to him throughout his tenure.
According to him, serving as Comptroller of FOU Zone A had been both an honour and a privilege.
He commended officers of the Unit for their dedication, resilience, and teamwork, noting that their collective efforts led to notable successes in combating smuggling. His words: “Together, we confronted high-profile challenges and upheld the highest standards of professionalism in addressing emerging issues.”
Reflecting on his seven months in office, ACG Shuaibu described the period as eventful and rewarding, adding that the Unit significantly suppressed smuggling activities through strategic operations.
He used the occasion to enumerate the strides he has made while he was in office. These include 476 interceptions involving 761 seized items, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N10, 051, 812, 208.00. The seized items include 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailer loads); 94 used vehicles (tokunbo); 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa; and 1,820 jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS)
Other remarkable seizures comprise 15 assorted rifles; 4,841 rounds of ammunition; 2 industrial drones; 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine; 4 cylinders of explosives (50 kg each, made in Russia); and $20,000 USD and 110,000 CFA (worth N31 million).
ACG Shuaibu also disclosed that eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion were handed over to NAFDAC for further action.
On revenue recovery, the Customs Chief stated that the Unit intensified compliance checks on questionable import and export consignments, issuing Demand Notices (DNs) that generated N419, 202, 459. 85.
He congratulated Comptroller Aliyu on his emergence as his successor, just as he expressed confidence that the new leadership would consolidate on the Unit’s achievements and introduce fresh strategies for enhanced performance.
Aliyu in his response thanked the CGC and management for the opportunity to serve in his present position even as he acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Shuaibu.
A statement by NCS, FOU, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos and signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Hussaini Abdullahi quoted the new CAC emphasizing the unit’s vital role in combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly within the strategically sensitive Lagos operational corridor.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Aliyu used the occasion to outline his key priorities which include strengthening enforcement operations; upholding professionalism, discipline and integrity.
Others are enhancing collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders; improving officers’ welfare and capacity development; promoting open communication transparency and teamwork.
He also highlighted three guiding principles that will shape his administration namely, change management; compliance management; and reputational management
Aliyu called for unity, dedication, and renewed commitment from officers, assuring them of responsible and constructive engagement with the media just as he also wished ACG Shuaibu continued success in his future endeavours.
The event concluded with the presentation of gifts by the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and the officers and men of the Unit, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the cake.
