The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has paid glowing tribute to retiring Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, DCG Musa Omale, celebrating his decades of dedicated service, professionalism and contributions to the growth and development of the Service.
The ceremony, held at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, members of the Management Team and senior officers who reflected on Omale’s remarkable career and enduring legacy.
Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi described the tradition of honouring retiring officers as an important opportunity to recognise outstanding service, offer goodwill and celebrate achievements as officers transition into a new phase of life.
He commended DCG Omale for his intellectual depth, passion for learning and commitment to personal development throughout his career.
Reflecting on the importance of legacy in public service, Adeniyi noted that the true measure of an officer’s career lies in the positive impact left behind.
“When we are in service, we leave imprints and footprints because we never know how people will make reference to them later,” he said.
The Customs boss also advised the retiring officer to approach future investments and engagements with caution, urging him to venture only into areas he fully understands, while wishing him good health and continued opportunities to contribute to national development.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, DCG Timi Bomodi, recalled first meeting Omale 35 years ago when both officers arrived in Port Harcourt as attachés, describing him as a man whose integrity, humility and professionalism remained consistent throughout his service years.
According to Bomodi, Omale earned widespread respect across the Service through his dependability, intellect and unwavering commitment to duty.
“You have remained yourself all through. You are reliable and dependable, and your word is your bond,” he remarked.
Also speaking, the Director of Legal Services, Smart Akande, reflected on their years of collaboration in Port Harcourt, where they worked together on prosecution matters. He described the retiring officer as articulate, diligent and highly cooperative, noting that his contributions played a significant role in the successful handling of several legal cases.
Akande expressed confidence that Omale could pursue an academic career after retirement, given his passion for scholarship and learning.
Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG Nafiu Isiaku, also praised Omale’s attention to detail, dedication to excellence and willingness to mentor younger officers. He noted that despite rising through the ranks, the retiring officer remained approachable, disciplined and committed to knowledge-sharing.
In his response, DCG Omale expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, the Management Team and colleagues for the honour accorded him.
He described himself as someone who has always approached life calmly and methodically, attributing his passion for academia to experiences acquired during his formative years in the Service.
Omale recalled representing a senior officer at a board meeting early in his career, describing the experience as a turning point that helped shape his professional outlook.
The retired Deputy Comptroller-General pledged to remain available whenever called upon to support the Nigeria Customs Service and commended CGC Adeniyi for what he described as a listening and inclusive leadership style.
The ceremony highlighted the Service’s appreciation of dedication, integrity and excellence, while celebrating a career widely regarded as one marked by professionalism, mentorship and unwavering commitment to national service.
