By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Nigeria Customs Service has carried out a major shake-up in its top ranks after the Customs Board approved a fresh round of management appointments and special promotions during its 64th Regular Meeting held on Tuesday. The changes are expected to reinforce leadership capacity and drive more effective service delivery across the organisation.
The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, endorsed new Deputy Comptroller-Generals and Assistant Comptroller-Generals in what has become one of the most extensive leadership reorganisations within Customs in recent years.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed that the decisions align with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, alongside the Federal Character principles contained in Section 14(4) of the Constitution.
According to the statement:
“The Nigeria Customs Service Board has approved the appointment of new management members and special promotions following its 64th Regular Meeting, held on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. Key decisions affecting the Service’s leadership structure and personnel development were considered during the meeting.
“The board headed by the Hon. Min 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.”
NEW DEPUTY COMPTROLLER-GENERALS
• Baba Imam (North-East)
• Isah Umar (North-West)
• Tijjani Abe (North-West)
• Timi Bomodi (South-South)
• Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West)
The new DCGs step in following the retirement of senior officers, and are expected to oversee major strategic units within the Service.
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)
• M.D. Malah (North-East)
The Board said the appointments would strengthen operational oversight in critical areas such as trade facilitation, revenue assurance and border management.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
The following officers were elevated for exemplary service and professional conduct:
• Comptroller A.C. Fanyam
• Comptroller G.M. Shidali
• Deputy Comptroller S. Omofoma
• Deputy Comptroller O.A. Oladepo
• Deputy Comptroller A.Y. Musa
• Deputy Comptroller A. Ogboru
• Deputy Comptroller A.A. Maiwada
• Assistant Comptroller C.N. Essien
• Assistant Comptroller H. Aliyu
• Deputy Superintendent A.S. Shofadekan
Edun, who led the meeting, said the Board considered the promotions essential in strengthening the Service’s reform agenda.
“The Service must continually adapt to global trade dynamics, strengthen its internal systems and ensure Nigeria’s borders remain secure,” he said.
The restructuring comes as the Customs Service continues to implement new reforms, including automation upgrades, command realignments and tougher anti-smuggling operations, all aimed at improving efficiency and preparing the next generation of leadership.
The Board added that the Service “must remain responsive to evolving trade, security and administrative challenges.”