Customs confirms appointment of DCG Chiroma, promotes 4,291 senior officers

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB), Friday, confirmed the appointment of new managerial personnel and approved the promotion of 4,291 senior officers during its 61st regular meeting held on December 18, 2024.

The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

The newly appointed members of the NCS management team include Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) S. Chiroma, alongside seven Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs): Z.M. Gaji, O.A. Adebakin, G.M. Omale, M.S. Yusuf, D.A. Nnadi, H.K. Ejibunu, and D. Hassan.

These appointments fill vacancies created by the retirement of several management team members from various geopolitical zones, reflecting the NCS’s commitment to national inclusivity and adherence to the Federal Character Policy as per Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

A statement issued by Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized that the promotion of senior officers underscores the exceptional performance of both General Duty and Support Staff during the 2024 promotion exercise.

The breakdown of the promoted officers is as follows: 80 Deputies advanced to Customs Comptrollers, 151 Assistants to Deputy Comptrollers, and 612 Chief Superintendents to Assistant Comptrollers, among others.

In recognition of outstanding contributions, the NCSB also approved special promotions for 16 deserving officers and a posthumous promotion for the late Deputy Comptroller, Etop Andrew Essien, who passed away during a National Assembly presentation in June 2024. This gesture honours his dedication and contributions to the NCS.

To enhance service delivery and streamline operations, the Board authorized a strategic restructuring that elevates the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit to the Office of the Comptroller General, now overseen by an Assistant Comptroller General. This move aims to improve oversight and efficiency within the organization.

Additionally, in response to the high turnover rate among senior officers, a 12-month service extension was granted to distinguished officers from each of the six geopolitical zones, following Presidential approval. The officers benefiting from this extension include ACGs B. Imam, I.G. Umar, and K.C. Egwu, as well as Comptrollers F. Abdulqadri, M.T. Awe, and O.F. Ojiefor.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, congratulated all newly appointed and promoted officers, urging them to uphold the core mandates of the Service.

He further expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Finance for the timely conclusion of the 2024 promotion cycle, extending warm wishes for the Christmas and New Year seasons.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Nigeria Customs Service, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and the professional growth of its workforce.