Maritime Journalists Celebrate Outgoing Customs Comptroller Gambo Aliyu

By Stella Okocha

Maritime journalists under the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) have honoured the outgoing Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, for his outstanding leadership, professionalism and contributions to the fight against smuggling.

The journalists paid a farewell visit to Aliyu at his office in Lagos on Wednesday, describing him as a media-friendly Customs officer who distinguished himself through integrity, accessibility and intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations.

Speaking during the visit, Aliyu disclosed that the FOU Zone ‘A’ had generated and recovered more than ₦2 billion for the Federation Account over the past nine months.

According to him, the figure represents approximately five times the Unit’s annual revenue target.

He further revealed that the Unit intercepted more than 21,000 bags of smuggled rice, equivalent to about 35 truckloads, within the period under review. Other seizures included illicit drugs and various prohibited items.

Aliyu attributed the achievements to the dedication of officers and the support of the Customs management, noting that the Unit had increasingly adopted intelligence-led strategies in its anti-smuggling operations.

“Our approach to tackling smuggling has been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions,” he said.

The outgoing Controller also highlighted the critical role of the media in combating smuggling and other forms of economic crime, describing journalists as strategic partners in the fight.

“We view journalists as strategic partners and critical allies in our fight against crime and smuggling—a challenge no single agency can tackle alone,” he said.

Aliyu said that although the Service was making concerted efforts to suppress smuggling, the continued cooperation of strategic stakeholders, particularly the media, remained essential to achieving sustainable results.

“On a personal note, as a former member of the press, I am incredibly proud to stand alongside you,” he added.

As part of the farewell ceremony, the maritime journalists presented Aliyu with a token of appreciation in recognition of his leadership and cordial relationship with the media.

Chairman of the NNMJ, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, said the occasion was unusual because the journalists were not at the FOU to report an official event but had deliberately gathered to celebrate a Customs officer whom they regarded as both a friend and a professional partner.

“Controller Gambo Aliyu, we came here today just to say that we are incredibly proud of you,” Aderibigbe said.

He described journalists as the watchdogs of society, acknowledging that their responsibility to scrutinise public institutions could sometimes make stakeholders uncomfortable, but stressing that their ultimate commitment was to the truth.

Aderibigbe said Aliyu had distinguished himself sufficiently to earn the respect and appreciation of maritime journalists.

“Today, you wear the uniform, and journalists celebrate your achievements. Tomorrow, you may transition to civil life in Abuja.

“Please hold fast to your convictions, sir. Remember that your most loyal allies—those who will never fail you—are the dedicated men and women of the press,” he said.

He urged other officers of the Nigeria Customs Service to emulate Aliyu’s leadership qualities, professionalism and commitment to duty.

Also speaking, Chairman of the NNMJ Advisory Board, Sesan Onileimo, reaffirmed the journalists’ appreciation of Aliyu, describing him as a man who keeps his word.

Onileimo recalled an encounter with the Controller in December during which Aliyu made a commitment that he subsequently fulfilled.

“I left and told my colleagues not to worry because we were in safe hands. I want to sincerely thank you for what you have done,” he said.

He said Aliyu’s ability to keep his promises despite challenges demonstrated his integrity and had helped strengthen his relationship with maritime journalists.

“If 200 journalists in Lagos can say, ‘Controller Gambo is our friend,’ what more proof do you need?” Onileimo asked.

He stressed that the journalists had not come to seek favours but to recognise and appreciate an officer whose conduct had earned their respect.

“From what we have as journalists, we brought a small token of appreciation. Thank you for being a true friend to the media and for always keeping your word,” he said.