By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a leadership transition following the retirement of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi.
Ariyibi formally handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, who has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller.
The handing-over and taking-over ceremony was conducted in line with the established administrative procedures of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In his remarks, the outgoing CAC expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the management of the Service, officers and men of the Command, and other critical stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.
Ariyibi attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline, dedication and effective collaboration among officers and stakeholders.
He urged officers and men of the Command to extend the same spirit of cooperation and commitment to the incoming Acting CAC, while encouraging them to sustain the operational standards and gains recorded during his tenure.
The retired Customs Area Controller expressed confidence in the ability of the new leadership to build on the existing foundation and further advance the mandate of Lilypond Export Command.
In his response, the new Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, commended Ariyibi for his dedicated and meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and his contributions to the growth and development of the Command.
Salako pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership while advancing the core mandates of the Service, particularly trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and effective stakeholder engagement.
He called for continued cooperation, discipline and professionalism among officers and men of the Command, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the mandate of the Service and the strategic objectives of Lilypond Export Command.
The Acting CAC also solicited the continued support and cooperation of stakeholders towards strengthening the Command’s operational effectiveness and contribution to national economic development.
The leadership transition formally marks the end of Comptroller Ariyibi’s tenure as Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command following his retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service.
The officers and men of the Command appreciated Ariyibi for his distinguished and dedicated service to the Service and the nation and wished him a fulfilling retirement.
The Command also welcomed Deputy Comptroller Salako and wished him a successful and impactful tenure.
