By Stella Okocha
Harboursandportcom: Lagos-Nigeria: December 10, 225: On Wednesday 10th, December, 2025, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, experienced a change in leadership as the outgoing controller, Muhammed Shuaibu handed over power of authority to his successor Gambo Aliyu.
The handover ceremony which took place at the FOU Zone A headquarters, hosted senior officers of the Command, stakeholders, members of the press and other invited guests.
Highlighting his experience as controller for the period of seven months, ACG Shuaibu stated that upon assumption of office on the April 23, 2025, till his time of leaving, the Unit recorded 476 interceptions, amounting to 761 seizures, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N10,051,812,208.00.
He disclosed that the seized items included: 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailer loads), 94 used vehicles (tokunbo), 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa and 1,820 jerrycans of PMS.
According to Shuaibu, other remarkable seizures comprised: 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 industrial drones, 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 4 cylinders of explosives (50 kg each, made in Russia, $20,000 USD and 110,000 CFA (worth #31 million).
He also added that eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion were handed over to NAFDAC for further action; he also stated that the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects.
Moving on from the enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling. To my successor I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.
ACG Mohammed Shuaibu described the occasion as another significant milestone in his professional journey, as he expressed deep appreciation to God, Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and management team, for the trust and support extended to him throughout his tenure; attributing his successful tenure to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu while delivering his speech, expresses gratitude to the CGC and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit. He also commended outgoing ACG Muhammed Shuaibu, for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes. The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.
“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently, ” he said.
Aliyu also seized the opportunity to list out key areas he intends to focus on that will guide the unit under his watch to consolidate professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.
He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.
“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade. The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”
The incoming CAC also assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times, adding that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.
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