The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and eight Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs) while promoting 4,291 senior officers. These decisions were reached during the Board’s 61st regular meeting, held on December 18, 2024, under the leadership of the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The newly confirmed members of the Nigeria Customs Service Management Team include S. Chiroma as Deputy Comptroller General (North-East) and Z.M. Gaji (North-East), O.A. Adebakin (South-West), G.M. Omale (North-Central), M.S. Yusuf (North-Central), D.A. Nnadi (South-East), H.K. Ejibunu (North-Central), and D. Hassan (North-East) as Assistant Comptrollers General. These appointments fill vacancies created by the retirement of senior officers from various geopolitical zones, ensuring inclusivity, institutional balance, and adherence to the Federal Character Policy as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The Board also approved the promotion of 4,291 senior officers, highlighting exceptional performance during the 2024 promotion exercise. Among those promoted, 80 Deputy Comptrollers were elevated to Customs Comptroller, 151 Assistant Comptrollers to Deputy Comptroller, and 612 Chief Superintendents of Customs to Assistant Comptroller. Additionally, 641 Superintendents of Customs advanced to Chief Superintendent, 392 Deputy Superintendents moved to Superintendent, and 590 Assistant Superintendents of Customs I were elevated to Deputy Superintendent. Others include 965 Assistant Superintendents of Customs II promoted to ASC I and 860 Inspectors of Customs promoted to ASC II.
In recognition of extraordinary contributions, the Board approved special promotions for sixteen officers based on their exceptional performance in various roles. The late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away on June 25, 2024, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts, was posthumously promoted. This honor underscores the Service’s appreciation for his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication.
As part of its strategic restructuring, the Board elevated the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit, transferring it directly to the Office of the Comptroller General from the Tariff and Trade Department. Now headed by an Assistant Comptroller General, the PCA will ensure stronger oversight and increased efficiency, aligning with global best practices and the Service’s commitment to operational excellence.
To preserve institutional knowledge and ensure operational continuity amidst a wave of retirements, a 12-month service extension was granted to six senior officers representing the six geopolitical zones of the Federation. This measure, approved by the President, addresses the high turnover rate in NCS management.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, congratulated all the newly appointed, promoted, and retained officers, urging them to uphold the Service’s core mandates and strive for excellence. He expressed gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Finance for facilitating the timely conclusion of the 2024 promotion cycle. Adeniyi also extended warm Christmas and New Year wishes to all officers, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to fostering a motivated workforce with clear career progression and a steadfast focus on excellence.
The NCSB’s recent actions demonstrate its dedication to inclusivity, operational excellence, and staff motivation, further strengthening the Service’s role in national development.
