By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Tuesday, 29 September 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Imo State, has witnessed a change in leadership following the retirement of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun and the assumption of office by Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya as the new Acting Comptroller of the Unit.
The development was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Superintendent of Customs, Rose Nche, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’, Owerri.
The handing-over ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ in Owerri on Friday, September 25, 2026, where Nadaniya was formally received by officers and men of the Unit.
The event also featured the introduction of the various unit heads to the new Acting Comptroller.
Speaking during the ceremony, the retired Comptroller, Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, expressed appreciation to officers and men of the Unit for their unalloyed support throughout his tenure.
Balogun reminded the officers that retirement awaits every officer of the Nigeria Customs Service and advised them to begin preparing for life after service from the moment they join the organisation.
He urged the officers to remain diligent and committed to their respective responsibilities, noting that the achievements recorded by the Unit during his tenure were made possible through teamwork and collective commitment to duty.
The retired Comptroller also called on the officers to extend the same level of support and cooperation to the new Acting Comptroller to enable him to effectively discharge his responsibilities.
Taking over the leadership of the Unit, Acting Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya first expressed gratitude to Allah, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful, for His grace and guidance in enabling him to assume the new responsibility.
Nadaniya also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D., MFR, dsm, fnipr, fniaa, psc(+), and the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for finding him worthy of the responsibility.
The new Acting Comptroller described his assumption of office as more than a change of leadership, saying it represents a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.
He stressed the strategic importance of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ to the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in the areas of anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade and national security.
According to him, these responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Nadaniya charged officers of the Unit to remain firm, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
He commended the leadership of the Unit under the retired Comptroller, Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, for the achievements recorded during his tenure.
He said the accomplishments were not achieved by chance but were the result of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty by Balogun and the officers who contributed to the progress of the Unit.
The Acting Comptroller also specifically charged patrol team leaders to maintain discipline, professionalism, vigilance and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He sought the maximum cooperation and support of the officers towards implementing the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, particularly in the areas of modernisation, efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.
Nadaniya’s assumption of office comes as the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ begins a new phase under his leadership, with the Unit expected to continue its operational responsibilities in combating smuggling, protecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and supporting national security.
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