By Musemil Abubakar
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced major leadership promotions and structural appointments following its 64th Regular Meeting, held on Tuesday, in a move aimed at strengthening efficiency, boosting morale, and reinforcing strategic command within the Service.
The Nigeria Customs Service Board, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, approved the elevation of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals—one of the largest senior-level promotions in recent years.
Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the appointments align with statutory provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and comply with Federal Character principles.
Those promoted to Deputy Comptroller-General include:
Baba Imam (North-East), Isah Umar (North-West), Tijjani Abe (North-West), Timi Bomodi (South-South), Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West).
Similarly, the eight newly elevated Assistant Comptroller-Generals are: 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).
The Board said the promotions are expected to strengthen strategic leadership across key command structures, improving policy implementation, compliance oversight, and operational readiness in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border protection.
In a related move, ten officers were granted Special Promotions for what the Board described as exceptional professionalism and distinguished service performance.
The beneficiaries include:
Comptrollers A.C. Fanyam and G.M. Shidali;
Deputy Comptrollers S. Omofoma, O.A. Oladepo, A.Y. Musa, A. Ogboru, and A.A. Maiwada;
Assistant Comptrollers C.N. Essien and H. Aliyu;
and Deputy Superintendent A.S. Shofadekan.
Edun said the reform-driven promotions underscore the administration’s commitment to professionalising the Service and motivating officers to meet evolving global trade and security demands.
“The Service must continually adapt to global trade dynamics, strengthen its internal systems, and ensure Nigeria’s borders remain secure,” the minister said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing internal reforms, including automation, command restructuring, and intensified anti-smuggling operations.
