The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has urged its newly promoted officers to remain committed to the high standards of professionalism and service expected of them. A total of 186 officers were decorated with their new ranks at a ceremony held at the Command, where the Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Shuaibu, delivered a charge on leadership, accountability, and dedication.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi, Shuaibu described the event as a milestone in the history of the unit. He explained that the promotions went beyond the conferment of new titles, noting that they represented recognition of the officers’ years of hard work, loyalty, and patriotism.
“The promotions being celebrated here today are not just titles conferred; they are a reflection of your commitment to excellence, your patriotism, and your steadfast service to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our great nation,” he said. “Your elevation is not by chance; it is a reward for hard work. Every promotion comes with greater responsibility, and I urge you all to uphold the high standards expected of you. This is not just a step up in rank; it is a call to higher standards of leadership and accountability.”
The Customs chief reminded the officers that their new ranks came with fresh expectations. He stressed that they must serve as role models to their colleagues by leading with integrity, humility, and a strong sense of duty. According to him, leadership in the Service should not be defined by position or title but by the ability to inspire others through service, empathy, and commitment to a greater cause.
Shuaibu further emphasised the importance of humility, urging the newly promoted officers to wear their ranks with modesty and use their positions to mentor others. He noted that the true measure of leadership lies in one’s ability to serve the team and foster an environment of accountability and respect.
He also reminded them that promotion is not the final destination in their careers but a checkpoint on their professional journey. “There are greater heights to attain, new challenges to confront, and more contributions to be made toward the development of our Service and the progress of our country,” he said. He encouraged the officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to nation-building while continuing to represent the values of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The ceremony came on the heels of a broader round of promotions within the Service. In September, The PUNCH reported that the Nigeria Customs Service Board had approved the appointment of four Deputy Comptroller-Generals and 12 Assistant Comptroller-Generals, alongside the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across different ranks. The decisions were taken at the Board’s 63rd regular meeting, presided over by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in Abuja.
Shuaibu concluded his remarks by congratulating the newly promoted officers and charging them to bring honour to themselves, the Command, and the Service as a whole. He expressed confidence that with continued dedication, they would contribute significantly to the growth and efficiency of the Nigeria Customs Service and, by extension, to the development of the nation.
