The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri, witnessed the handing over of the reins of affairs from Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun (Rtd) to the newly appointed Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller (DC) of Customs, Farouk Nadaniya.
Ag. Comptr Farouk Nadaniya
The handing-over ceremony took place at the Unit’s Headquarters on Friday, 25th September, 2026 in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The new Acting Comptroller was received by the officers and men of the Unit, followed by an introduction of the Unit heads at the event.
In his address, retired Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun thanked the officers of the Unit for their unalloyed support throughout his tenure.
He categorically emphasised that retirement awaits every officer of the service, and further advised that officers should prepare for their retirement as soon as they join the service.
Comptr. Balogun in the meantime, charged officers to be diligent in their various areas of duty, as he enumerated the numerous achievements that were made possible through teamwork.
He also urged the officers of the Unit to show their unwavering support to the new Acting Comptroller, DC Nadaniya.
While taking over from the erstwhile Controller of the Unit, Acting Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya gave thanks to Allah, the beneficent, and the most merciful, for his infinite grace and guidance to assume his current and important responsibility.
He further expressed his profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D, MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniaa, psc(+) and his management team, for finding him worthy of the responsibility, and to serve in such capacity.
The new Acting Comptroller reinstated that his assumption of office was not merely a change of leadership, but a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.
He further portrayed the strategic importance of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘C’ and its critical role in advancing the mandate of the Service, through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trades and national security, in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Acting Comptroller Nadaniya however, charged officers to remain firm, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
He equally commended the leadership of the Unit for its achievements so far, which according to him, did not happen by chance but through the result of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty by his predecessor, retired Comptroller Balogun and officers, who have contributed to the progress of the Unit.
He strongly called the attention of the patrol team leaders to remain disciplined, professional, vigilant and accountable.
Ag. Comptr. Nadaniya in the same vein, sought for the maximum co-operation and support of men and officers of the Unit on the implementation of the strategic vision of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), particularly in the areas of: modernization, efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.
