Shuaibu takes over at Idiroko, promises to sustain trade facilitation, border security

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu on Tuesday took over the realm of affairs at the Ogun 1 Command of the Nigerian Customs Service(NCS) Idiroko with an avowed determination to sustain trade facilitation, and strengthen.

Shuaibu who took over from Comptroller James Ojo who has served meritoriously for 35 years vowed to give smugglers and their activities sleepless night.

The new controller emphasized the importance of teamwork, innovation, and discipline in achieving the command’s goals.

He however pledged to uphold the values and mission of the Nigeria Customs Service while striving for operational excellence.

Shuaibu who had handed over to Ojo in April 2024 when he was deployed to lead the recently disbanded Sector 2 of the federal government’s Joint Border Patrol Team applauded the outgoing controller for leaving a legacy of resilience, collaboration, and notable achievements.

The new Customs Area Commander Shuaibu stated, “I call upon all officers and stakeholder in the command to join me in this renewed effort, as the task ahead is daunting, but with unity, dedication and grace of God, we can surmount every challenges.’’

He extended hand of fellowship, sought collaboration with sister agencies to ensure border security and facilitate legitimate trade.

The retiring controller, Comptroller James Ojo express his gratitude to the command officers and men for their unwavering support and cooperation during his tenure.

He however stated, “Under my watch, the command not only enforced the mandate of revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation but also made strides in building stronger collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders. Also, together we have intercepted illicit goods, curbed smuggling and facilitated legitimate trade.’’

He revealed that through collective efforts Comptroller Ojo took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the command officers and men for their unwavering support and cooperation during his tenure. As the newly deployed Area Controller, Comptroller Shuabu has resumed duties at the Command headquarters in Idiroko.

The outgoing Area Comptroller, James Ojo, made this known during the handover ceremony on Tuesday in Idiroko.

Mr. Ojo expressed gratitude, pride, and humility to the officers and men of the command as he retired and formally handed over the mantle of leadership of the command to the new area comptroller.

He said, “Under my watch, the command not only enforced the mandate of revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation but also made strides in building stronger collaboration with sister agencies and stakeholders. Also, together we have intercepted illicit goods, curbed smuggling and facilitated legitimate trade.’’

The outgoing controller said that their collective efforts had positioned the Ogun Area 1 Command as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

Mr. Ojo lauded the command’s officers and men for their cooperation and support, saying it had helped in achieving a remarkable milestone.

He implored the officers and men of the command to also give unwavering cooperation to the new area comptroller, so he could also succeed.

Mr. Ojo commended the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, for the trust reposed in him and for providing the support that enabled the command to succeed.

The outgoing controller said collective efforts with officers, men and sister agencies had positioned the Ogun Area 1 Command as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

Comptroller Ojo commended the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, for the trust reposed in him and for providing the needed support that has brought them this far.

The high-level cooperation in the area was once more demonstrate by the presence of representatives of the Customs Service from the neighbouring Republic of Benin, other sister security agencies as the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others.