Seme Customs, Sister Agencies Extol CSC Sulaiman’s Professionalism, Dedication at Send-Forth Ceremony

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday organised a surprise send-forth ceremony for its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, as he prepares to resume duty at the Apapa Area Command.

The event, held at the Officers’ Mess, also doubled as a retirement ceremony for the Head of the Scanning Unit, Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime.

Sulaiman, who assumed duty as PRO of the Seme Command on February 7, 2025, was showered with encomiums by heads of sister security agencies, officers of the Command and members of the media, who commended his professionalism, humility and dedication to duty.

Speaking on behalf of sister agencies operating along the Lagos–Seme Corridor, senior officers described Sulaiman as an astute professional with impeccable training and delivery, noting that he consistently upheld mutual respect in inter-agency relations. They eulogised his professional qualities, describing him as an image maker per excellence who reflects the ideals of a model Customs officer.

According to them, Sulaiman brought a special and dynamic touch to his duties, ensuring effective communication and cooperation among stakeholders along the corridor. They noted that he would be greatly missed, citing his coordination and passion for his work, as well as his qualities as a bridge builder and an amiable, friendly and kind officer.

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, said Sulaiman made his job easier, describing him as an embodiment of humility and one of the best PRO in the entire Customs Service.

“I will truly miss you and I have enjoyed working with you. You will attain greater heights and excel,” Adenuga said. “He should have left for Apapa earlier, but he was purposely retained in Seme just because of me, so I could stabilise. If I have my way, I would cancel his transfer and make him stay with me longer.”

The Comptroller thanked officers and men of the Command, sister agencies and the media for their continuous support, which he said contributed to improved performance, particularly in revenue generation.

Members of the press also described Sulaiman as a “journalist’s delight,” praising his accessibility, professionalism and deep understanding of his job. They pledged to extend the same cordial working relationship to him in his new Command.

An emotional Sulaiman, in his response, said he was deeply humbled and profoundly encouraged by the kind words from all present, noting that the send-forth meant a great deal to him as it was the first time he was being celebrated for his work in the presence of stakeholders.

He credited Comptroller Adenuga with laying the foundation for his success at the Seme Command, adding that the Service provided him with the platform to serve the country, a responsibility he pledged to continue to discharge to the best of his ability.

Sulaiman expressed sadness at leaving a Command he described as home, appreciating senior officers who treated him like a younger brother and junior officers who looked up to him for guidance. He thanked the Comptroller for fostering unity, leading by example and creating an enabling environment that enhanced the Command’s performance.

He also commended fellow officers for their support, sister agencies for their synergy and knowledge sharing, and members of the press for their cooperation. He appealed for the same level of support for his successor.

The ceremony also featured a formal send-off for the retiring Head of the Scanning Unit, Deputy Comptroller Edime Audu Samson, whose years of service to the Customs were equally celebrated by officers of sister agencies and well wishers.

Speakers congratulated Edime for what they described as “finishing well,” assuring him that retirement does not mark the end of service to the nation. They noted that with his wealth of experience, the retired officer still has much to contribute to the Nigeria Customs and the country at large.

Speaking on the post-service opportunities available to retired officers, the Director of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Seme Command, Dr. Nurudeen Audu, described retirement as “not a death sentence,” but a transition into a new phase of life. He advised retirees to remain physically active, keep busy and venture into business and full-scale entrepreneurship to avoid health challenges that may arise from idleness in later years.

Dr. Audu also disclosed that NAFDAC is prepared to collaborate with retiring military and paramilitary officers by offering various support packages aimed at helping them become successful entrepreneurs after retirement.

In response to Dr. Audu, Comptroller Adenuga, announced that the Command would organise an entrepreneurship lecture for officers nearing retirement, to be facilitated by Dr. Audu, as part of efforts to prepare them for life after service.

One his part, the visibly fulfilled Deputy Comptroller Edime expressed gratitude to God for life, good health and the opportunity to serve the nation. He said he had no regrets about his career in the Service and was proud of his contributions, stressing that he had never been afraid of retirement.

“I will use the time on my hands to do useful things,” he said, thanking the management of the Command, sister agencies and colleagues for their support throughout his years of service.

The ceremony underscored the strong inter-agency collaboration and goodwill fostered during Sulaiman’s tenure at the Seme Area Command as he transits to the strategic Apapa Customs Command.