…Celebrating Remarkable Achievements

Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu bids farewell to his tenure as Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, passing the baton to the incoming Controller James Folorunsho Ojo, amidst celebrations of significant accomplishments achieved under his leadership.

The transition ceremony, marked by the recent redeployment of Area Controllers and Heads of Units/Formations by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc(+), symbolized the seamless continuity of operations and the preservation of mission objectives within the Command.

Addressing a distinguished gathering including the newly appointed Area Controller, Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo, heads of security agencies, management team members, and critical stakeholders, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve and to the Customs leadership for entrusting him with various responsibilities.

Reflecting on his tenure, Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted significant achievements, including a notable increase in revenue generation, enhanced anti-smuggling efforts, and substantial contributions to the overall development of the Command. Under his stewardship, the Command also engaged in impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Since assuming leadership on September 18, 2023, Comptroller AB Shuaibu has initiated significant transformations within the Ogun 1 Command in Idiroko, evidenced by a range of operational and community-focused improvements.

Immediately upon taking office, the Command executed a major operation, seizing vehicles loaded with smuggled rice and substantial quantities of cannabis sativa. The success of this operation, based on credible intelligence, drew the praise of the Customs General Controller (CGC), who visited the state to highlight the achievement in a press conference.

In an effort to streamline operations and enhance trade facilitation, Comptroller Shuaibu dramatically reduced the number of checkpoints from 32 to just five along the critical Idiroko-Owode corridor. This move has been complemented by a vigorous campaign against illegal activities by “campboys” along the same route.

Infrastructure upgrades have also been a priority, with renovations to the administrative block and the replacement of furniture in the Comptroller’s office. Further, the command has seen the installation of a new power generator, benefiting both staff and stakeholders, and the restoration of power supply in both the senior and junior barracks.

The welfare of the command’s personnel has also received attention with provisions for daily meals for officers on guard duty and light breakfasts at the command’s headquarters. Subsidies have been applied to meals at the Officers’ Mess, enhancing affordability for personnel.

In line with corporate social responsibility, the Command has launched initiatives such as ‘Art for Economic Development’ and ‘Cloth a Child’, which distribute school uniforms and supplies to underprivileged children. Collaboration with local youth groups to combat smuggling and inter-border security meetings further highlight the Command’s proactive community engagement.

The outgoing Area Controller attributed these successes to the unwavering support of the NCS Headquarters, the dedication of officers and men, and collaborative efforts with critical stakeholders. He urged continued commitment from officers to sustain the Command’s performance tempo under the incoming administration.

Comptroller Shuaibu also appealed for steadfast support for his successor from critical stakeholders, acknowledging the impartiality of news coverage provided by the press throughout his tenure.

Welcoming Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo to the Command, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed confidence in his capabilities to lead with integrity, vision, and excellence, assuring him of the unwavering support of officers and men.

In closing, Comptroller Shuaibu extended heartfelt appreciation to all officers and men of Ogun 1 Command, heads of security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, youths, and other stakeholders for their collaborative efforts and support during his tenure.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of gratitude and anticipation for the Command’s continued success under new leadership, as Comptroller AB Shuaibu hands over the reins to Comptroller James Folorunsho Ojo.