Comptroller Shuaibu Bows Out, Hands Over Leadership Of Ogun I Customs Command

Comptroller Shuaibu Bows Out, Hands Over Leadership Of Ogun I Customs Command
….new CAC,Otunla vows to deepen anti-smuggling efforts

Comptroller MS Shuaibu (L) handling over leadership of Ogun1 customs command to the new CAC, Comptroller GA Otunla

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a heartfelt and emotional ceremony held at the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Command headquarters in Idiroko, Comptroller Muhammed Salisu Shuaibu officially handed over the reins of leadership to his successor, Comptroller GA Otunla, marking the end of his tenure as Customs Area Controller of the Command.

Addressing a gathering that included traditional rulers, sister security agencies, officers of the Command, and members of the press, Comptroller Shuaibu expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve in a role he described as the pinnacle of his illustrious career in the Nigeria Customs Service.

Outgoing CAC, Comptroller MS Shuaibu,(L),and New CAC, Ogun1 customs command, Comptroller GA Otunla, during the handover ceremony at the command on Thursday .

“It has been an incredible journey, marked by challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons,” he said. “Serving as the Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command has been the highlight of my professional life.”

During his speech, Shuaibu highlighted the Command’s achievements under his leadership, citing robust collaboration with stakeholders, sister security agencies, and counterparts from the Republic of Benin. He emphasized key milestones in revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities.

A cross section of officers at the handover ceremony

According to him, the Command generated over N43.4 million in revenue from January to April 2025. In the fight against smuggling, the Command made 161 seizures of prohibited goods, including 3,699 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, three long-barrel guns, cartridges, and CFA 7 billion.

“These decisions were never personal,” he noted. “Though difficult, they were made in the interest of national economic prosperity and border security.”

Comptroller Shuaibu also extended his appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the opportunity and support, and paid tribute to the officers and men of the Command for their unwavering dedication.

He warmly welcomed Comptroller Otunla to the post, urging officers, sister agencies, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to give him the same cooperation he enjoyed.

In his closing remarks, the outgoing CAC quoted Saint Paul, saying: “I have run with perseverance and have finished the race,” leaving the assessment of his o performance to those he served.
Speaking at the ceremony,the new sheriff of the Command,Comptroller GA Otunla expressed deep gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the NCS management for entrusting him with the critical assignment
” I do not take this trust for granted,” he said. “I will be guided by the values of professionalism, integrity, and national service as I carry out this assignment.”

The new CAC lauded the outgoing Controller, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, for what he described as a legacy of “sterling leadership,” citing his tenure as one of strategic gains in revenue collection, anti-smuggling success, and stakeholder engagement.

“As I assume this role, my vision is to consolidate on the gains already recorded and pursue continuous improvement in the areas of efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration, and community relations,” Otunla stated.

He called on officers and men of the Command to remain disciplined and professional, noting that unity and ethical conduct would be essential for the Command’s success. He also reiterated the core mandates of the NCS—revenue generation, trade facilitation, suppression of smuggling, and national security—as his priorities.

Addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders, Otunla pledged to maintain an open-door policy and foster deeper collaboration. “We shall build on the robust partnerships established by my predecessor and deepen collaboration in ways that foster mutual understanding, peace, and shared progress,” he said.

Sending a stern warning to smugglers and economic saboteurs, the new CAC declared that the Command under his leadership would be “firm, fair, and intelligence-driven,” deploying all lawful means to enforce compliance with trade laws.

Comptroller Otunla solicited the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, emphasizing that while the tasks ahead may be daunting, collective efforts would propel the Command to greater heights.

Present at the event were officers of the Command, sister security agencies, traditional leaders, and members of the press.
The event marks a significant transition for the Ogun I Command, as it continues its critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and enhancing economic security.