The newly appointed Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, has formally taken over command with a call for maximum cooperation and dedication from officers and men of the unit in fulfilling the anti-smuggling mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Comptroller Shuaibu acknowledged the weight of the task ahead and expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs and the Almighty for the opportunity to serve.
“We have an opportunity, as given to us by the Comptroller General, to make a difference and contribute our own quota in prosecuting the war against smuggling,” he said. “The workload ahead is enormous and can only be tackled with unity, cooperation, and commitment.”
In his address, he appreciated the leadership of his predecessor, Comptroller Oladeji, and emphasized his intent to maintain open lines of communication for continued guidance.
“I am taking over, but I will be calling you from time to time to learn from your wealth of experience,” he stated, acknowledging the valuable insight of the outgoing Controller.
On his part, Comptroller Oladeji expressed confidence in his successor’s capacity to steer the Unit forward. He thanked the Comptroller General and all officers for their unwavering support during his tenure and announced his redeployment to Abuja to assume new responsibilities.
Comptroller Shuaibu, who hails from Lafia in Nasarawa State, holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.
Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu solicited the support and maximum cooperation of the officers and men of the Unit to deliver on the mandates of the Service. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the service’s seven 7 Golden Rules (7Cs) to always guide the actions and decisions of officers.
The transition marks a new phase for FOU Zone A as the unit intensifies efforts to curb smuggling and enforce trade regulations across its area of jurisdiction.