Families, Well-Wishers Celebrate Akabusi’s Retirement From Customs
ZAINAB JUNAID
In a colourful ceremony, families and friends thronged the main hall of the “Place Ltd Anchor Events” on Saturday, 24 January 2026, to celebrate Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC John Zimako Akabusi’s retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after a meritorious Service.
The event brought together Senior and Junior officers of Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Speaking as the Chairman of the Occasion, Rtd Deputy Comptroller Clement Amaweh, paid a heartfelt tribute to Rtd. CSC Akabusi, crediting his impact.
He shared emotional accolades about Rtd CSC Akabusi, highlighting his journey from being colleagues in the service to Akabusi becoming a mentor.
Amaweh, who was a high- ranking officer in the Nigeria Customs Service, served as officer in charge of the Ohumbe Outstation in Yewa North, Ogun State before his retirement as Deputy Comptroller of Customs, recalled how Akabusi had a vision for developing a niche outside the service even in their early days.
He also mentioned how Akabusi’s guidance played a significant role in his interest in oil and gas, and lauded the Rtd officer for helping him learn the business functionally and called him a mentor “in every sense of it”.
Amaweh concluded by emphasising Akabusi’s impact as a colleague, friend, brother, business partner, and mentor.
Other guests also gave goodwill messages, highlighting his roles in their lives and presented him with plaques.
In his remarks, Rtd CSC Akabusi extended heartfelt appreciation to the guests for their presence and support.
He also thanked his family, colleagues, and mentors for their guidance throughout his career in the Service.
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The celebrant recalled how his team were committed and diligent in their duties, noting apathy sets in without strong men.
Akabusi also urged newsmen to be noble and deliver the truth, no matter what.
“The apathy to do a job set in when you don’t have strong men, and I know that during our time, by the grace of God, there was no empathy, we stood our ground. And i pray that our colleagues that we leave behind, still in Service, will do the same. And you in the press will be noble enough to deliver a true message at all costs,” he advised.
CSC Akabusi joined the Nigeria Customs Service as a level 3 personnel, driven with passion to grow.
He rose through the ranks to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, and eventually became Chief Superintendent of Customs.
He was honoured with the prestigious PSC at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Abuja in December 2021.
Rtd CSC Akabusi served in various formations, including PHC11, Enugu, Edo, Apapa, Seme, Borno/Yobe, and Zone D HQ.
He also worked at FOU A and C, before retiring from FOU A.
The Rtd CSC, led notable operations for national security and received awards like Operation Officer of the Year and Best Officer of the Month.