…As Oramalugo Tasks Officers to Renew Their Commitment
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday emphasised the importance of fairness, meritocracy, and professionalism in the Service, reiterating his belief that capacity and integrity, not origin or connections, should guide appointments and deployments within the service.
Speaking while commissioning the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) Office and the Senior Officers Mess and Gym, the CGC said he saw himself as a product of merit and fairness, and believes that anyone, irrespective of where they come from, should be given an opportunity if they are capable.
In his words: “Whether your forefathers landed in Badagry in 1752 or not, if you have the capacity, we will give you a chance.”
R-L: The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, the Seme Border Customs Command Boss, Ben Oramalugo (Middle) and his wife and Seme chapter COWA chairperson.
The CGC lauded the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) for their continued support and commitment to the welfare of officers and their families.
He praised his wife, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her leadership in advancing skills acquisition and economic empowerment programs for customs officers’ wives nationwide.
He also hinted that the first set of trainees from the Customs Officers’ Wives Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja—launched by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu—would be graduating later in the week. The centre offers training in bread making, hairdressing, computer literacy, and small business operations.
He was delighted that officers’ wives have been useful and become invaluable ambassadors, adding that their support has helped officers to function better.
Adeniyi hailed the new gym and officers’ mess as part of a broader welfare package designed to promote work-life balance and healthy living, especially given the command’s distance from urban centres like Lagos and Badagry.
He also commended the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo for his consistent record of excellence and community engagement.
The CGC declared that Oramalugo’s track record had been a deciding factor in his strategic redeployment across key commands over the years.
He assured officers that future deployments and promotions would continue to be merit-based, as he disclosed that the last set of controller deployments and assignments were based strictly on promotion exam rankings, ensuring that high performers were matched with the most strategic commands.
“We can achieve a very healthy balance between fairness and merit and still get our system going. Your performance will speak louder than any recommendation. Prepare well for your promotion exams, because not everyone can move up in the pyramid,” he advised.
Earlier in his welcome address, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, expressed deep gratitude and pride in receiving the CGC and his entourage in Badagry, an ancient city renowned for its historical and commercial significance.
According to Oramalugo, “This event is more than the unveiling of physical structures—it is a celebration of our shared vision and commitment to the welfare and morale of our officers,” said Oramalugo.
“The new COWA office complex will enhance community engagement and support for officers’ families, and serve as a hub for innovation and positive impact.”
Oramalugo praised CGC Adeniyi’s reforms and transformative leadership, noting the significant changes within the Nigeria Customs Service under his watch.
He announced that the Command generated over N2.88 billion in revenue and facilitated exports of over 184,000 metric tons, valued at N36 billion from January to April 2025.
He said that the command’s anti-smuggling operations also led to seizures with a duty-paid value of N800 million.
In recognising the role of COWA and his wife’s support, the Comptroller thanked her and his team of officers, describing the path to the commissioning as a collective effort marked by sacrifice, discipline, and dedication.
