At Last, Customs Anti-Smuggling Czar, Shuaibu, Takes Over Leadership at FOU ‘A’ Customs, As Oladeji Bows to Pressure

At Last, Customs Anti-Smuggling Czar, Shuaibu, Takes Over Leadership at FOU ‘A’ Customs, As Oladeji Bows to Pressure

At last, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, a renowned customs Anti-Smuggling Czar has eventually taken over leadership reign at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, the foremost enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service, as the 28th Controller in charge of the unit.

The handover exercise took place yesterday, Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at the Unit’s headquarters after more than a week when the ‘with immediate effect’ Staff Order was issued amidst speculations about the refusal of the erstwhile Controller, Kola Oladeji to vacate office.

Comptroller MS Shuaibu, the New Controller of FOU ‘A’, giving his taking over speech

It was not however clear, the reason for the delayed handover exercise that eventually came to fore, as industry Watchers opined that it may not be unconnected with pressures from the barrage of media reports on the issue, while some have said that he may not have mustered the needed support from his ‘power that be’ backers.

Meanwhile, speaking at the brief handing- over ceremony that took place at the conference hall of the Unit, the new helmsman, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu promised to deploy his wealth of experience to navigate the complexities of the Unit.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu according to the press statement signed by the Unit’s Image Maker, CAC Hussaini Abdullahi, also solicited the support and maximum cooperation of the officers and men of the Unit to deliver on the mandates of the Service, as he emphasized the importance of adhering to the service’s seven 7 Golden Rules (7Cs) to always guide the actions and decisions of officers.

The new Comptroller expressed gratitude to the Almighty Allah and the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for the opportunity to serve as Controller in Charge of FOU ‘A’, while he as well expressed optimism that the unit will excel in its mandates.

Comptroller Shuaibu a seasoned officer per excellence, with high enforcement expertise has worked and served in different capacities across several customs formations.

Earlier in his address, the out-going Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Kolapo Oladeji, urged the new Comptroller to maintain the Unit’s momentum by keeping the flag flying and expressed confidence in his ability to enhance the efficiency of the Unit.