The Nigeria Customs Service has undergone a major shake-up following the approval of new management appointments and special promotions by the Nigeria Customs Service Board at its 64th regular meeting held on Tuesday.
The meeting, 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 most significant leadership restructuring exercises within the Service in recent years.
A statement by Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Wednesday said the appointments were approved 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, November 25, 2025. Key decisions affecting the Service’s leadership structure and personnel development were considered during the meeting.
“The board headed by the Minister 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 the rank of 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). Their elevation follows the retirement of some senior officers and is expected to deepen strategic leadership across key formations.
Similarly, the board approved the appointment of eight new Assistant Comptroller-Generals: 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 noted that the new appointments would strengthen compliance management, policy execution, and the Service’s readiness to tackle emerging challenges in trade facilitation, border security, and revenue generation.
In a related development, 10 officers received Special Promotion for what the Board described as “exceptional professionalism, leadership, and outstanding service performance.”
They include: Comptroller: A.C. Fanyam, G.M. Shidali; Deputy Comptroller: S. Omofoma, O.A. Oladepo, A.Y. Musa, A. Ogboru, A.A. Maiwada; Assistant Comptroller: C.N. Essien, H. Aliyu; Deputy Superintendent: A.S. Shofadekan
The special promotion category, the board explained, is reserved for officers whose contributions have significantly enhanced Customs operations, improved revenue mobilisation, or strengthened national security across commands and units.
Edun, who presided over the meeting, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to building a motivated and strategically positioned workforce capable of driving 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 come at a time when the Customs Service is implementing sweeping reforms, including automation of processes, restructuring of commands, and enhanced anti-smuggling operations. The board stated that the new leadership appointments are part of ongoing efforts to ensure effective succession planning and boost morale among officers.
“The Service must remain responsive to evolving trade, security, and administrative challenges,” the board added.
