The Nigeria Customs Service has embarked on a significant leadership restructuring following the approval of new management appointments and special promotions by the Nigeria Customs Service Board. The approvals were made during the board’s 64th regular meeting held on Tuesday, signalling one of the most extensive personnel shake-ups within the Service in recent years.
The meeting, presided over by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, endorsed a new line-up of senior officers. According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the decisions were taken in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as the Federal Character guidelines outlined in Section 14(4) of the Constitution.
Maiwada explained that the board ratified the promotion of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals, reaffirming its commitment to building a balanced leadership structure capable of advancing the Service’s reform agenda. The newly promoted Deputy Comptroller-Generals are Baba Imam (North-East), Isah Umar (North-West), Tijjani Abe (North-West), Timi Bomodi (South-South), and Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West). Their promotions follow the retirement of several senior officers, creating room for enhanced strategic command across various formations.
The elevation of eight officers to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General was also confirmed. Those promoted are C.G. Ogbonna (South-East), I. Abba-Aji (North-East), G.M. Haruna (South-South), E.J. Edelduok (South-South), G. Gaura (North-West), I. Isyaku (North-West), M.S. Shuaibu (North-Central), and M.D. Malah (North-East). The board stated that the appointments are expected to strengthen key operational areas, including compliance oversight, policy implementation, and the Service’s preparedness to manage rising challenges in trade facilitation, border protection, and revenue mobilisation.
In a separate development, the board approved Special Promotion for ten officers who were recognised for exceptional service delivery, leadership excellence, and contributions to operational efficiency. Those honoured include Comptrollers A.C. Fanyam and G.M. Shidali; Deputy Comptrollers S. Omofoma, O.A. Oladepo, A.Y. Musa, A. Ogboru, and A.A. Maiwada; Assistant Comptroller C.N. Essien; and Deputy Superintendent H. Aliyu and A.S. Shofadekan. The board clarified that Special Promotion is reserved for officers whose work has significantly improved customs processes, boosted revenue generation, or enhanced national security across commands.
Speaking at the meeting, Finance Minister Wale Edun reiterated the board’s determination to build a highly motivated and well-structured workforce capable of driving the operational and administrative reforms introduced under the new Customs Act. He emphasised that the Service must continue to evolve in line with global trade standards, strengthen internal systems, and ensure the effective protection of Nigeria’s borders.
The latest promotions come at a time when the Nigeria Customs Service is implementing broad reforms, including automation of operations, command restructuring, and intensified anti-smuggling campaigns. The board noted that these new leadership appointments form part of a long-term succession plan designed to improve efficiency, instil discipline, and elevate morale within the Service as it confronts emerging national and international challenges.
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