Balogun takes over Customs’ Federal Operations Unit

Promises to tackle smuggling, facilitate trade in Zone C

COMPTROLLER Bishir Abdullahi Balogun has taken over as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Comptroller Balogun, who took over from Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu, on Thursday, reinstated his commitment to ensuring that the core mandates of the Service in anti-smuggling, trade facilitation, blockage of revenue leakages and national security are achieved.

Balogun, however, appreciated the outgoing controller for outstanding performance during his tenure, and his significant role in curbing and bringing smuggling activities to its minimal level within his jurisdiction.

According to the Public Relations Officer, Zone C of the command, CSC R. Nche, Comptroller Balogun, took over the mantle of leadership on the 20th of March 2025 at the unit headquarters in Owerri.

“The NCS Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri witnessed the handing over ceremony of the outgoing Controller, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu, to the incoming Controller, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun. The change of baton and mantle of leadership took place on the 20th of March 2025 at the unit headquarters in Owerri.

“The new Controller of the unit thanked and appreciated the outgoing Controller, retired Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu, for his outstanding performance during his tenure and his significant role in curbing and bringing smuggling activities to its minimal level within his jurisdiction.

“Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun reinstated his commitment to ensuring that the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service in Anti-smuggling, Trade facilitation, blockage of revenue leakages, and national security are achieved. “

The Customs spokesman also disclosed that the new Controller also sought the unwavering support and cooperation of the officers of the unit, stakeholders, and sister Agencies to achieve a united goal.

“He charged officers of the unit to carry out their duty professionally and also display a high level of discipline and commitment in the discharge of their duties and obligations. He also promised to operate on an open door policy for both officers, sister Agencies and the host communities at large in ensuring a seamless operation within and around the unit’s jurisdiction.”

Speaking earlier, the outgoing Controller, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu appreciated officers of the unit and sister Agencies for their constant unalloyed support.

He, however, urged them to extend the same support and partnership to his successor.

“The incoming Controller of the unit pledged to build on the ongoing sustainable development and the initiatives of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in efficiency and strategic evolution.

“He toured around the unit facilities, accompanied by the outgoing Controller of the unit and senior officers/men of the unit. He used that opportunity to emphasize the importance of teamwork and the importance of resolute in the fight against smuggling, illicit trade, and economic sabotage. Which he said will surely improve the nation’s development in all ramifications.”

Tola Adenubi