David Oladimeji
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has ushered in a new era of leadership with Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Moses Wale Adewole, stepping in as Acting Customs Area Controller. This development follows the redeployment of Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos.
The transition, described as seamless by observers, was marked by a ceremonial handing-over attended by officers, stakeholders, and traditional leaders, highlighting the importance of continuity in leadership within the Command.
During the ceremony, Deputy Comptroller Adewole expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, fnipr, psc (+) PhD, and the entire management team for the confidence placed in him. He called the appointment a “call to higher service.”
Adewole pledged to uphold the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, discipline, and teamwork as pillars for advancing the Command’s mandate across Oyo and Osun States.
He commended his predecessor, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, for his exemplary leadership and notable achievements, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and stakeholder engagement.
The Acting Controller assured officers and stakeholders that his administration would consolidate the achievements of the previous leadership while striving to surpass existing milestones in operational performance and community relations.
He outlined key operational priorities, including enhanced and transparent revenue collection, strengthened anti-smuggling measures through collaboration with sister security agencies, and continuous capacity building for officers.
Adewole also emphasized improving officers’ welfare, work ethics, and discipline as essential components for a motivated and efficient workforce.
Sustained engagement with traditional institutions, business communities, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders across the two states will be a top focus under his leadership, he said.
In his farewell remarks, Comptroller Aliyu described his tenure as fulfilling and impactful, highlighting strong collaboration with the governments and people of Oyo and Osun States, as well as effective coordination with sister security agencies.
Aliyu also commended the Command’s improved revenue performance, attributing it to enhanced compliance, structured engagement with excise factories, and the deployment of the B’odogwu Unified Customs Management System.
He lauded the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and resilience, which translated into significant anti-smuggling successes and the protection of national economic interests.
The outgoing Controller urged his successor to sustain capacity-building initiatives, deepen engagement with border communities, and oversee the completion of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project — the Solar-Powered Healthcare Centre at Iragbiji.
The handover ceremony concluded with goodwill messages from officers and stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to service excellence, operational continuity, and the broader vision of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the mandate of the NCS while ensuring that the gains achieved under previous leadership are maintained and enhanced.
