The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, has celebrated the retirement of 49 officers of the command, describing them as exemplary patriots who served the nation with distinction and integrity.
The event, held at the Idiroko Border Command Headquarters, was graced by stakeholders, journalists, and junior officers who gathered to honour the departing personnel for their years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and to the country.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Otunla said the send-forth ceremony was organised to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of the retiring officers.
“On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, we decided that our retiring officers, about 49 of them, the highest being a Deputy Comptroller should not just leave quietly. With the support of our stakeholders, we chose to give them a befitting send-forth celebration,” he said.
He explained that the retirees had mentored several younger officers during their service, emphasising that their legacy would continue through those who learned from their leadership and commitment to enforcement duties.
“Many of these officers were my real strikers in enforcement operations. We recorded remarkable seizures through their efforts, and they did it as a team with their subordinates. The younger ones have surely learned one or two things from them,” Otunla added.
The Comptroller also reflected on the nature of Customs work, describing officers as “task collectors” whose duties often make them unpopular but essential.
“If you ask the public who hates Customs, many will raise their hands because we collect taxes. But if you ask who wants to join Customs, millions will raise theirs. We may not be loved, but we are respected for doing our job.
“We collaborate with the immediate community because we can’t do it alone. We are here to protect the people and safeguard the integrity of the nation,” he added.
The highlight of the event was the double recognition of Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Idris Adamu, Coordinator Intervention Ogun I Command, who received two awards, one from Comptroller Otunla for outstanding service, and another from members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in appreciation of his professionalism and strong media relations.
Comptroller Otunla commended CSC Adamu and other retirees for their dedication, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service whose sacrifices contributed immensely to the success of the Ogun I Command.
“Our officers are leaving behind a legacy of excellence, discipline, and dedication to duty. Their efforts in combating smuggling, securing the borders, and enhancing revenue generation will not be forgotten,” he said.
In his remarks, CSC Idris Adamu said: “It is with deep gratitude and a profound sense of fulfillment that I stand before you today as I take a bow from active service. Looking back over the years, I feel truly honoured to have served this great institution, the Nigeria Customs Service with dedication, loyalty, and pride.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the leadership and management team Nigeria customs service and our area controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, whose guidance, mentorship, and commitment to excellence have inspired many of us throughout our careers. Sir, your encouragement and unwavering support have made this journey a rewarding one, and I remain deeply grateful.
“To my colleagues and subordinates, I say thank you for the teamwork, cooperation, and friendship that made every challenge surmountable. Together, we have shared long days, tough duties, and proud moments that will remain with me forever.
“I am particularly humbled and honoured by the recognition and the award bestowed upon me today. This means a lot to me, not just as a symbol of my service, but as a reminder that diligence, integrity, and dedication never go unnoticed.
“As I retire, I carry with me beautiful memories, valuable lessons, and a heart full of gratitude. I wish the Service continued success and greater achievements under the visionary leadership of our Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and the entire management team”.
The ceremony ended with presentations of plaques, cultural displays, and tributes from colleagues and stakeholders, all applauding the retirees for their years of distinguished service to the nation.
