The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, January 23, 2025, decorated newly appointed and promoted officers at its headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The event, attended by friends, family, and colleagues, marked the conclusion of the 2024 promotion exercise.
Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated the officers and urged them, particularly those in the senior cadre, to mentor younger officers in discipline, dedication, and professionalism.
According to a statement by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the CGC emphasized the importance of professionalism at the management level. He stated that serving in the leadership of the NCS requires not only competence but also adherence to ethics and government policies.
“What has happened today is indeed a call to a higher level of service. We will now expect you to operate at a strategic level, where you will be involved in decision-making and the implementation of government policies. This is a very onerous task that requires personal discipline, dedication, and professionalism. It also demands that you adhere to the ethics of the job,” Adeniyi said.
He further stressed the importance of mentorship, noting that the NCS is at a pivotal point with a growing number of officers needing guidance. He charged the newly promoted officers with the responsibility of sharing their experiences and shaping the next generation of customs officers.
Newly appointed Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) Suleiman Chiroma, who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the promoted officers, pledged their commitment to their new roles. He acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with the elevation and vowed to contribute positively to the growth of the service.
“This decoration is not by our wisdom or strength but by the special grace of the Almighty God. It highlights the immense expectations placed upon us, as to whom much is given, much is expected. We pledge to contribute positively to the successes of the service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General. We understand that the reward for hard work is more hard work, and we will strive to maintain and uplift the image of the service and our nation,” Chiroma stated.
Following the promotion and elevation exercise, the CGC and the Board of the NCS made key appointments, including Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Dera Nnadi, who was placed in charge of Strategic Research and Policy. Known for his loyalty, competence, and diligence, Nnadi has played a vital role in various critical assignments within the service.
Also decorated was ACG Musa Omale, a respected officer who was elevated to his new rank. Omale, a former staff member in the CGC’s office, previously served as the Customs Area Controller of Sokoto/Kebbi Area Command. A product of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Omale is known for his intellectual contributions to customs administration.
The promotion exercise underscores the NCS’s commitment to capacity building and ensuring that officers at all levels are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern customs operations.