Balogun Retires, Nadaniya Takes Over as Acting Customs Comptroller in Owerri

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’, Owerri, has witnessed a change of leadership as retired Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun handed over the affairs of the unit to Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya, who has assumed office as Acting Comptroller.

The handing-over ceremony was held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the unit’s headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, where officers and men of the command received the new Acting Comptroller.

Speaking at the ceremony, Balogun expressed appreciation to officers of the unit for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

The retired Comptroller reminded officers that retirement awaits every member of the Service and urged them to begin preparing for life after service from the moment they join the NCS.

He also charged officers to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities, noting that the achievements recorded during his tenure were products of teamwork.

Balogun further urged officers to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor.

Taking over the leadership of the unit, Nadaniya thanked Allah for the opportunity to serve and expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D., MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniaa, psc(+), and the management team for finding him worthy of the responsibility.

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 the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ in advancing the NCS mandate, particularly through anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, trade facilitation and national security, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

The Acting Comptroller commended his predecessor for the achievements recorded under his leadership, attributing them to sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty.

He charged officers, particularly patrol team leaders, to remain disciplined, vigilant, professional and accountable in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

Nadaniya also sought the cooperation of officers in implementing the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, especially in the areas of modernisation, efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.

The ceremony also featured the introduction of heads of various units to the new Acting Comptroller.