By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has decorated its newly promoted senior officers, following the approval of their appointments by the Nigeria Customs Service Board, in a ceremony held on 27 November 2025 at the NCS Headquarters auditorium.
The event marked the formal decoration of five newly appointed Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs, Baba Imam, Isah Umar, Tijjani Abe, Timi Bomodi and Oluyomi Adebakin. Their elevation follows the recent retirement of key senior officials and is expected to reinforce strategic leadership and policy direction across Customs formations nationwide.
Also decorated were eight newly appointed Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs: CG Ogbonna, I. Abba-Aji, GM Haruna, EJ Edelduok, G. Gaura, I. Isyaku, MS Shuaibu and MD Malah. Their rise to the Service’s upper command cadre is anticipated to enhance policy execution, strengthen compliance oversight and support operational efficiency in critical areas of Customs administration.
In addition, ten officers received special promotions in recognition of exceptional performance, professionalism and notable contributions to national revenue generation, enforcement operations and administrative excellence. According to the Board, the beneficiaries were selected based on demonstrable impact within their various commands and units.
Addressing the newly promoted officers and their families, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated them on their achievements and reminded them of the weight of responsibility that accompanies higher office. He encouraged them to remain custodians of the institution’s values and uphold the integrity that defines the Service.
“It is my prayer that this new set of officers will fulfil their obligations and live up to the challenge given to them. Decisions will be taken as members of management, and when they are taken irrespective of differences during the build-up, they now become the decisions of everybody,” the CGC said.
He further cautioned that senior officers at this level often face external pressures, urging them to stay resolute. “We’re also very vulnerable to pressures at this level from outside the Service. This is the time for us to see the Service as our own. This is the time for us to stand up for whatever value we have created for ourselves,” he added.
Adeniyi also underscored the significance of special promotions, advising officers who were not recognised to remain committed, as genuine effort and positive contributions would always be acknowledged in due time.
He emphasised mentorship as a critical duty of senior officers, urging the newly elevated leaders to guide junior personnel, transfer institutional knowledge and strengthen professional capacity across all ranks.
The NCS affirmed that the recent appointments reflect the Service’s continued commitment to rewarding merit, improving the quality of leadership and enhancing operational effectiveness at every level of its structure.
