By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a formal leadership transition following the retirement of the outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi, who handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako.
The handing-over and taking-over ceremony was conducted on 24 August 2026 in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Service, the Command said in a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Customs B. Olusola-Oke, Command Public Relations Officer.
In his remarks, Comptroller Ariyibi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the management of the NCS, officers and men of the Command, and critical stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure.
He attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline, dedication and effective collaboration among officers and stakeholders.
Comptroller Ariyibi, who bows out after a distinguished and meritorious career, urged officers and men to extend the same spirit of cooperation to the incoming Acting CAC. He encouraged them to sustain operational standards and expressed confidence in the new leadership to further advance the mandate of Lilypond Export Command.
Responding, Deputy Comptroller Salako commended Ariyibi for his dedicated service and contributions to the growth of the Command. He pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership while advancing the core mandates of the Service, particularly in trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and effective stakeholder engagement.
Salako called for continued cooperation, discipline and professionalism from all officers, emphasizing collective responsibility in achieving the Service’s mandate and the strategic objectives of Lilypond Export Command. He also solicited the continued support of stakeholders to strengthen operational effectiveness and the Command’s contribution to national economic development.
The exercise formally marks the conclusion of Comptroller Ariyibi’s tenure and the assumption of duty by Deputy Comptroller O.O. Salako as Acting CAC. Officers and men of the Command appreciated Ariyibi for his service and wished him a fulfilling retirement, while welcoming the Acting CAC and wishing him a successful tenure.
