Lilypond Export Command begins new era as Ariyibi retires, Salako takes over

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a leadership transition following the retirement of its Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi.

Ariyibi formally handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, who has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller.

In a release by Assistant Superintendent of Customs B. Olusola Oke, Public Relations Officer of the command, the handing-over and taking-over ceremony, held on Monday, August 24, 2026, followed established administrative procedures of the Service and marked the conclusion of Ariyibi’s tenure at the Command.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi

In his remarks, the outgoing CAC expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the management of the NCS, officers and men of the Command, and stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

Ariyibi attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline and dedication, as well as effective collaboration between Customs personnel and stakeholders.

The retiring comptroller urged officers and men to extend the same spirit of cooperation and commitment to his successor, while encouraging them to sustain the operational standards and gains recorded during his tenure.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership would build on the existing foundation and further advance the mandate of Lilypond Export Command.

Responding, the new Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Salako, commended Ariyibi for what he described as his dedicated and meritorious service to the Service and his contributions to the development of the Command.

Salako pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership while strengthening the Command’s core responsibilities, particularly trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and stakeholder engagement.

He called on officers and men to maintain discipline, professionalism and teamwork, stressing that collective responsibility was essential to achieving the strategic objectives of the Command and the wider mandate of the NCS.

The Acting CAC also solicited the continued cooperation of stakeholders, noting that strong collaboration would be critical to improving the Command’s operational effectiveness and contribution to national economic development.

The leadership transition formally concludes Ariyibi’s tenure as CAC of Lilypond Export Command following his retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service.

The Command commended the retiring comptroller for his distinguished service to the Service and the nation and wished him a fulfilling retirement, while welcoming Salako and wishing him a successful and impactful tenure as Acting CAC.