NADANIYA TAKES THE MANTLE AS BALOGUN RETIRES FROM CUSTOMS FOU ‘C’

By Stella Okocha

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Owerri, has witnessed a change of leadership as Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun (Rtd.) formally handed over the reins of affairs to the newly appointed Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Farouk Nadaniya.

The handing-over ceremony, held on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, marked the official transition of leadership. The new Acting Comptroller was received by officers and men of the Unit, after which the various Unit Heads were introduced.

In his farewell address, retired Comptroller Balogun expressed appreciation to officers and men of the Unit for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

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

Balogun also charged officers to remain diligent and committed to their respective responsibilities, noting that the achievements recorded by the Unit during his tenure were products of teamwork, dedication and collective effort.

He urged the officers to extend the same level of support and cooperation to the new Acting Comptroller to enable him to effectively discharge his responsibilities.

Taking over the leadership of the Unit, Acting Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya gave thanks to Allah, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful, for the grace and guidance to assume the important responsibility.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D., MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniaa, psc(+), and the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for finding him worthy of the appointment.

Nadaniya described his assumption of office as more than a mere change of leadership, saying it represents a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.

He highlighted the strategic importance of FOU Zone ‘C’ and its critical role in advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade and the protection of national security, in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

The Acting Comptroller charged officers to remain firm, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

He commended the outgoing Comptroller, Balogun, and the officers of the Unit for the achievements recorded under his leadership, stressing that the successes were the result of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty.

Nadaniya particularly charged patrol team leaders to remain disciplined, vigilant, professional and accountable in the execution of their duties.

He further solicited the maximum cooperation and support of officers as the Unit work towards implementing the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, particularly in the areas of modernization, operational efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.

The leadership transition ended with a renewed call for professionalism, teamwork and commitment to the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service as FOU Zone ‘C’ begins a new chapter under Acting Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya.