FOU C gets new leadership as Nadaniya takes over from Balogun

…Pledges stronger anti-smuggling operations

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Imo State, has witnessed a change of leadership, with Deputy Comptroller of Customs Farouk Nadaniya assuming office as Acting Comptroller following the retirement of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun.

The leadership transition took place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, where Nadaniya formally took over the reins of the unit and was received by officers and men of the command.

The ceremony also featured the introduction of heads of various units and sections to the new Acting Comptroller.

In his farewell remarks, the retired Comptroller Balogun expressed appreciation to officers and men of the unit for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure, attributing the achievements recorded under his leadership to teamwork and collective commitment.

Balogun reminded officers that retirement is an inevitable stage of every Customs career and urged them to begin preparing for life after service from the moment they join the Service.

He also charged officers to remain diligent and committed to their respective responsibilities, while urging them to extend the same support and cooperation to Nadaniya to enable him to effectively lead the unit.

Taking over the leadership of FOU Zone ‘C’, Nadaniya thanked Allah for the opportunity and expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS Management for entrusting him with the responsibility.

The new Acting Comptroller described his appointment as more than a change of leadership, saying it represented a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.

He highlighted the strategic importance of FOU Zone ‘C’ to the NCS mandate, particularly in anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade and national security.

Nadaniya said the unit would continue to discharge these responsibilities in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, while ensuring that officers remain professional and focused in the performance of their statutory duties.

He commended his predecessor for the achievements recorded during his tenure, noting that the successes were products of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty by Balogun and the officers of the unit.

The Acting Comptroller specifically charged patrol team leaders to remain disciplined, vigilant, professional and accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He also solicited the cooperation and support of officers in implementing the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General, particularly in the areas of modernisation, operational efficiency, compliance and improved Customs procedures.

Nadaniya urged the officers to sustain the gains recorded by the unit while remaining committed to the broader objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The transition marked the formal commencement of Nadaniya’s tenure as Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘C’, as Balogun bows out of the Service after his career in Customs.