A new leadership has emerged at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Owerri, as Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun (rtd.) handed over the leadership of the unit to the newly appointed Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Farouk Nadaniya.
The handing-over ceremony was held at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
According to the unit’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Rose Nche, the new Acting Comptroller was received by officers and men of the unit, after which the various unit heads were introduced.
In his address, retired Comptroller Balogun thanked the officers of the unit for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
He noted that every officer of the Service would eventually retire and urged personnel to prepare for retirement from the moment they joined the Service.
Balogun also charged the officers to remain diligent in their various areas of responsibility, highlighting the numerous achievements recorded during his tenure through teamwork.
He further urged the officers to extend the same unwavering support to the new Acting Comptroller.
While assuming the leadership of the unit, Acting Comptroller Nadaniya expressed gratitude to Allah, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful, for His infinite grace and guidance in enabling him to assume what he described as an important responsibility.
He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for finding him worthy of the responsibility to serve in the capacity.
Nadaniya stated that his assumption of office was not merely a change of leadership but a renewed call to service, responsibility, and accountability.
He stressed the strategic importance of FOU ‘C’ and its critical role in advancing the mandate of the Service through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade, and national security, in line with the provisions of 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 leadership of the unit for its achievements so far, noting that the accomplishments were the result of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage, and commitment to duty by his predecessor and other officers who had contributed to the progress of the unit.
Nadaniya equally encouraged patrol team leaders to remain disciplined, professional, vigilant, and accountable in the discharge of their duties.
He sought the maximum cooperation and support of the officers in implementing the strategic vision of CGC Adeniyi, particularly in the areas of modernisation, efficiency, compliance, and improved customs procedures.
