The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has promoted 4,291 senior officers during its 61st regular meeting held on December 18, 2024. The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also confirmed the appointment of one Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) and eight Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs).

The newly confirmed members of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Management Team include DCG S. Chiroma (North-East), ACGs Z.M. Gaji (North-East), O.A. Adebakin (South-West), G.M. Omale (North-Central), M.S. Yusuf (North-Central), D.A. Nnadi (South-East), H.K. Ejibunu (North-Central), and D. Hassan (North-East).

These appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the retirement of senior officers across various geopolitical zones, reflecting the Service’s commitment to national inclusivity, institutional balance, and adherence to the Federal Character Policy as mandated by Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Promotion Breakdown

The NCS Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, provided a breakdown of the promotions, noting that they include 80 Deputy Comptrollers (DC) promoted to Customs Comptrollers (CC); 151 Assistant Comptrollers (AC) to Deputy Comptrollers (DC); 612 Chief Superintendents of Customs (CSC) to Assistant Comptrollers (AC); 641 Superintendents of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendents of Customs (CSC); 392 Deputy Superintendents of Customs (DSC) to Superintendents of Customs (SC); 590 Assistant Superintendents of Customs I (ASC I) to Deputy Superintendents of Customs (DSC); 965 Assistant Superintendents of Customs II (ASC II) to ASC I; 860 Inspectors of Customs (IC) to ASCII

Special and Posthumous Promotions

Sixteen officers received special promotions for exceptional performance in their roles. Additionally, a posthumous promotion was awarded to the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away on June 25, 2024, while presenting before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.

“This gesture acknowledges his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication, a testament to the organisation’s appreciation of exceptional service and commitment,” said Maiwada.

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Strategic Restructuring

The Board approved the transfer of the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit directly to the Office of the Comptroller General, elevating its status and appointing an Assistant Comptroller General to oversee it. This restructuring aims to enhance oversight, increase efficiency, and align operations with global best practices.

Service Extensions for Continuity

To address the high turnover rate of senior officers, the Board granted a 12-month service extension to selected distinguished officers representing the six geopolitical zones. These officers include ACG B. Imam (North-East); ACG I.G. Umar (North-West); ACG K.C. Egwu (South-East); Comptroller F. Abdulqadri (North-Central); Comptroller M.T. Awe (South-West), and Comptroller O.F. Ojiefor (South-South)

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated all newly promoted and retained officers, encouraging them to uphold the Service’s core mandates and strive for excellence.

He extended holiday greetings and expressed gratitude to the Minister of Finance for ensuring the timely conclusion of the 2024 promotion cycle. “The Service reaffirms its commitment to fostering a motivated workforce with assured career progression and a steadfast focus on excellence,” he stated.