By Seun Ibiyemi
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu has officially assumed leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), promising to strengthen intelligence-driven operations against smuggling and other illicit trade activities threatening national security and economic growth.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Wednesday at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for the opportunity to serve.
He also commended the outgoing Controller, Assistant Comptroller General Muhammed Shuaibu, for his remarkable achievements during his tenure.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.
The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling, and safeguarding the economic integrity of our nation. I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command, we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently,” Aliyu said.
Outlining his strategic focus, Aliyu emphasized professional conduct, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and the welfare of officers.
He further stressed that ethics, discipline, integrity, and accountability would remain non-negotiable pillars of the unit’s operations.
Aliyu assured the public and stakeholders that justice, equity, and fairness would guide all actions, while operations would be structured around three key objectives: management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He also pledged to maintain an open-door policy to foster collaboration with all officers and partners.
In his valedictory speech, ACG Shuaibu highlighted the unit’s major successes over his seven-month tenure starting April 23, 2025.
The unit recorded 476 interceptions, seizing a total of 761 items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N10.151 billion.
Notable seizures included 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 98 used vehicles, 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 15 rifles with 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine, and four cylinders of Russian-made explosives.
The unit also secured N31 million from cash seizures, handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, and recovered over N419 million through enforcement of compliance regulations.
ACG Shuaibu credited these achievements to the dedicated officers and the support of stakeholders, urging continued cooperation for Comptroller Aliyu’s tenure.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling. To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations and wish you great success,” Shuaibu concluded.