The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated one of its most significant leadership restructuring exercises in recent years, following the approval of new management appointments and special promotions by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB).
The decisions were taken during the NCSB’s 64th regular meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, which was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
The appointments were officially confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, who noted that the exercise was conducted in strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the Federal Character principles as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Board confirmed the elevation of five officers to the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) and eight officers to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG). These promotions follow the recent retirement of several senior officers and are designed to strengthen strategic leadership across key geopolitical zones and operational formations.
The newly appointed Deputy Comptroller-Generals include:
- Baba Imam (North-East)
- Isah Umar (North-West)
- Tijjani Abe (North-West)
- Timi Bomodi (South-South)
- Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West)
Similarly, the eight new Assistant Comptroller-Generals confirmed by the Board are 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).
In a related and notable development, the NCSB granted Special Promotions to 10 officers, recognizing their “exceptional professionalism, leadership, and outstanding service performance.”
The beneficiaries of this special promotion a category reserved for those whose contributions significantly enhanced Customs operations, revenue mobilization, or national security include two Comptrollers, five Deputy Comptrollers, two Assistant Comptrollers, and one Deputy Superintendent.
Minister Wale Edun, reaffirming the Board’s dedication to building a strategically positioned and motivated workforce, stressed the necessity for continuous adaptation.
“The Service must continually adapt to global trade dynamics, strengthen its internal systems and ensure Nigeria’s borders remain secure,” the Minister stated.
The appointments are seen as a critical component of the ongoing sweeping reforms being implemented across the Customs Service, which encompass the automation of processes, restructuring of commands, and enhanced anti-smuggling operations. The Board emphasized that the leadership changes are crucial for effective succession planning and boosting morale, ensuring the Service remains responsive to evolving trade, security, and administrative challenges.
