The Nigeria Customs Service has approved key management appointments and special promotions following its 64th Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, in a move aimed at strengthening leadership and boosting operational efficiency.

The Nigeria Customs Service Board, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, endorsed the elevation of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals, marking one of the largest leadership reshuffles in recent years.

A statement released by Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada on Wednesday said the appointments were in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Federal Character principles outlined in Section 14(4) of the Constitution.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Customs Service Board has approved the appointment of new management members and special promotions following its 64th Regular Meeting, held on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. Key decisions affecting the Service’s leadership structure and personnel development were considered during the meeting.

“The board headed by the Hon. Min of Finance and Coordinating Economy, Wale Edun, confirmed the appointment of five Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs and eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs, in line with statutory provisions and the Federal Character Policy of the Federal Government as contained in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.”

Those promoted to Deputy Comptroller-General are Baba Imam (North-East), Isah Umar (North-West), Tijjani Abe (North-West), Timi Bomodi (South-South), and Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West).

The appointments follow the retirement of senior officers and are expected to strengthen strategic leadership across the Service’s key formations.

Eight officers were elevated to Assistant Comptroller-General: C.G. Ogbonna (South-East), I. Abba-Aji (North-East), G.M. Haruna (South-South), E.J. Edelduok (South-South), G. Gaura (North-West), I. Isyaku (North-West), M.S. Shuaibu (North-Central), and M.D. Malah (North-East).

The board said the appointments would enhance compliance management, policy execution, and the Service’s readiness to tackle challenges in trade facilitation, border security, and revenue generation.

In a related development, 10 officers received Special Promotions in recognition of “exceptional professionalism, leadership, and outstanding service performance.”

The beneficiaries include Comptrollers A.C. Fanyam and G.M. Shidali; Deputy Comptrollers S. Omofoma, O.A. Oladepo, A.Y. Musa, A. Ogboru, and A.A. Maiwada; Assistant Comptrollers C.N. Essien and H. Aliyu; and Deputy Superintendent A.S. Shofadekan.

Edun, who presided over the meeting, said the promotions underscored the Board’s commitment to building a motivated workforce capable of implementing reforms under the new Customs Act.

“The Service must continually adapt to global trade dynamics, strengthen its internal systems and ensure Nigeria’s borders remain secure,” the minister said.

The latest promotions coincide with ongoing reforms in the Customs Service, including automation, command restructuring, and intensified anti-smuggling operations, aimed at boosting efficiency, morale and succession planning.

“The Service must remain responsive to evolving trade, security and administrative challenges,” the Board added. (PUNCH)