By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, has witnessed a change of leadership with the handing over of affairs from Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun (Rtd) to the newly appointed Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya.
The handing-over ceremony took place at the Unit’s headquarters on Friday, 25th September 2026 in Owerri, Imo State.
In his farewell address, retired Comptroller Balogun thanked officers of the unit for their support throughout his tenure. He noted that retirement awaits every officer and advised them to prepare for it early, while urging diligence and teamwork.
He also charged officers to extend the same support to his successor.
In his acceptance speech, Acting Comptroller Nadaniya thanked Almighty Allah for his grace to assume the responsibility and expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for finding him worthy.
Nadaniya said his assumption of office is not merely a change of leadership, but a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability.
He emphasized the strategic importance of FOU ‘C’ in advancing the mandate of the Service through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade and national security in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He charged officers, particularly patrol team leaders, to remain disciplined, professional, vigilant and accountable, and sought their cooperation in implementing the CGC’s strategic vision of modernization, efficiency and compliance.
