Nigeria Customs Bids Farewell as ACG Babandede, Six Senior Officers Bow Out After 35 Years of Dedicated Service

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday, 24 September 2026, bade farewell to seven senior officers of its Zone A Unit, who officially retired after 35 years of meritorious service.

In a ceremony organised to mark their retirement at the Zonal Headquarters, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, the retiring Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, led the event.

Other retiring senior officers include Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of FOU Zone ‘A’; Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar of Lekki Free Trade Zone Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, CAC Western Marine Command; Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, CAC Apapa Area Command; Comptroller Olushola Akingbade, CAC Ogun II Area Command; and Comptroller Chidi Nwokori, CAC Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command.

Speaking, ACG Babandede appreciated colleagues, friends and family for their support throughout his career, reflecting on a tenure earmarked with both challenge and accomplishment.

“After 35 years in the Nigeria Customs Service, I have every reason to thank Almighty Allah. We entered with two legs and we are exiting with two legs. Some were not that lucky. This journey has been a long one, with many ups and downs, but we have successfully come through it,” he said.

Babandede see the NCS as a family, stressing his retirement should not be seen as a complete departure from the Agency.

“Customs is my family. I cannot be out of Customs because this is the job I know. I have no other job apart from Customs. So, do not see me exiting as going away from my family; Customs will always remain my constituency,” he said.

Similarly, CAC Chidi Nwokori reflected on the significance of retirement and urged officers to treat people with respect, noting that every position and responsibility has a beginning and an end.

Colleagues, friends, family and other well-wishers who graced the event, commended Babandede’s leadership, professionalism, and his commitment and dedication to the Nigeria Customs Service.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts and the cutting of the cake by the retiring officers, marking an emotional transition as they formally concluded their service.