NCS Board Approves New Management Team, Strengthens Leadership for Customs Modernisation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major step in its continuing institutional modernisation drive with the approval of new management appointments and special promotions during its 64th Regular Meeting. The decision marks another strategic move by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, to deepen leadership renewal and accelerate Nigeria’s trade-facilitation agenda.
In a statement issued by NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, the Board confirmed the elevation of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs) — a process anchored on statutory requirements, merit, and strict adherence to the Federal Character Policy in line with Section 14(4) of the NCS Act, 2023.
New Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs)
The newly appointed DCGs reflect a broad-based national representation, drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones:
- Baba Imam – North-East
- Isah Umar – North-West
- Tijjani Abe – North-West
- Timi Bomodi – South-South
- Oluyomi Adebakin – South-West
Their elevation underscores the Service’s drive to strengthen high-level oversight for enforcement, compliance, revenue optimisation and digital transformation.
New Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs)
Eight senior officers were also promoted to the rank of ACG, drawn across strategic formations:
- 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
- M.D. Malah – North-East
Maiwada noted that the appointments are intended to sharpen policy execution, strengthen command responsibilities and enhance operational efficiency across the country’s vast customs landscape.
Special Promotions for Exemplary Service
The Board further approved special promotions for ten officers who demonstrated extraordinary professionalism, leadership and contributions to revenue mobilisation, national security, and operational innovation:
- A.C. Fanyam – Comptroller of Customs
- G.M. Shidali – Comptroller of Customs
- S. Omofoma – Deputy Comptroller of Customs
- O.A. Oladepo – Deputy Comptroller of Customs
- A.Y. Musa – Deputy Comptroller of Customs
- A. Ogboru – Deputy Comptroller of Customs
- A.A. Maiwada – Deputy Comptroller of Customs
- C.N. Essien – Assistant Comptroller of Customs
- H. Aliyu – Assistant Comptroller of Customs
- A.S. Shofadekan – Deputy Superintendent of Customs
The Board emphasised that this top-tier category of recognition is reserved for officers whose work has transformed customs operations — including those who cracked complex enforcement cases, expanded revenue yield, enhanced border security, or delivered digital breakthroughs in line with the Service’s modernisation drive.
BRANDECONOMY Insight: A Leadership Refresh for a Reform-Focused Customs
The NCS is in the middle of an ambitious institutional overhaul — spanning automation, data integration, border security reforms and trade facilitation upgrades. Strong leadership succession is therefore critical.
This latest round of appointments signals:
- Continuity and stability in strategic commands
- Elevation of reform-minded officers capable of driving the Customs Modernisation Project
- Sharper operational oversight across commands, zones and border corridors
- Improved inter-agency synergy with finance, trade, security and maritime regulators
With Nigeria pushing to expand non-oil revenue streams, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and digitise cargo clearance systems, the new management cohort is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the next phase of customs transformation.
