The Nigeria Customs Service Board has approved the promotions of 4,291 senior officials, as well as the confirmation of one Deputy Comptroller-General and seven Assistant Comptroller-Generals.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced in a news statement on Friday that the board made this decision during its 61st regular meeting last week, which was led by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
Maiwada noted that the promotions fill vacancies caused by the retirement of some management team members from various geopolitical zones around the Federation.
He said that the decision demonstrates the service’s commitment to inclusivity, institutional balance, and compliance with the Federal Character Policy outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Giving a breakdown of the 4,291 officers elevated, he added that 80 deputy comptrollers moved to the position of customs comptroller, 151 assistant comptrollers were promoted to deputy comptrollers, and 612 chief superintendents of customs were promoted to assistant comptrollers.
“Others are 641 Superintendents of Customs promoted to Chief Superintendent of Customs, 392 Deputy Superintendents of Customs promoted to Superintendent of Customs, 590 Assistant Superintendents of Customs I promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Customs, 965 Assistant Superintendents of Customs II (ASC II) to ASC I, and 860 Inspectors of Customs (IC) to ASC II,” he explained.
He also stated that 16 officers received special promotions to the next level in appreciation of their outstanding performance in various roles.
The board also granted a posthumous promotion to recognise the late Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Etop Essien, who died on June 25, 2024, during a presentation before the National Assembly House Committee on Public Accounts.
“This gesture acknowledges his invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication, showcasing the organisation’s appreciation of exceptional service and commitment,” Maiwada said.
The board also launched a strategic restructuring strategy to enhance service delivery and administrative operations. It approved the transfer of the Post Clearance Audit Unit from the Tariff and Trade Department to the Office of the Comptroller-General.
Maiwada claimed that the section will now be led by an Assistant Comptroller General, ensuring better oversight, increased efficiency, and alignment with worldwide best practices.
Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, commended the recently promoted, appointed, and retained officials on behalf of the NCSB.
Adeniyi urged them to remain committed to the service’s key missions and to strive for excellence, emphasising the NCS’s commitment to developing a motivated staff with clear career development.
