Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ (FOU C), Owerri, has witnessed a change of leadership as retired Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun handed over the affairs of the unit to Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya, who has assumed duty as Acting Comptroller.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, marked the end of Balogun’s tenure and the beginning of Nadaniya’s leadership of the strategic anti-smuggling formation.
Nadaniya was formally received by officers and men of the unit, after which the various unit heads were introduced to the new Acting Comptroller.
In his farewell remarks, Balogun expressed appreciation to the officers and men of FOU C for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.
The retired Comptroller reminded the officers that retirement is an inevitable stage in the career of every Customs officer, urging them to begin preparing for life after service from the moment they join the organisation.
He charged officers to remain diligent and committed to their respective responsibilities, noting that the achievements recorded by the unit during his tenure were largely the result of teamwork and collective commitment.
Balogun also called on the officers to extend the same level of cooperation and support to his successor to enable him to effectively discharge his responsibilities.
Taking over the leadership of the unit, Nadaniya expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity and guidance to assume the new responsibility.
He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D., MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniaa, psc(+), and the management team of the NCS for finding him worthy of the appointment.
The new Acting Comptroller described his assumption of office as more than a mere change of leadership, saying it represents a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.
According to him, FOU Zone ‘C’ occupies a strategic position in the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in combating smuggling, protecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and contributing to national security.
Nadaniya said the unit would continue to discharge its mandate in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He charged officers and men to remain firm, professional, vigilant and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
The Acting Comptroller commended the achievements recorded by the unit under Balogun, stressing that the successes were not accidental but were achieved through sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty.
He urged officers to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while sustaining the operational standards of the unit.
Nadaniya particularly charged patrol team leaders to maintain discipline, professionalism, vigilance and accountability in their operations.
He solicited the cooperation and support of officers in implementing the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, especially in the areas of modernisation, operational efficiency, compliance and improved Customs procedures.
He assured that the new leadership would remain focused on strengthening the effectiveness of FOU Zone ‘C’ and advancing the overall mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.