By Sylvanus OBASI
Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun is the Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, zone C Owerri, of the Nigeria Customs Service. He was recently deployed to the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, just three months ago, following his well-deserved promotion to comptroller of Customs.
Throughout his distinguished career, comptroller Balogun has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to combating smuggling activities. Notably, during his tenure as a team leader in the first disbanded Border Drill under retired ACG Ammajan, he terrorized smugglers.
His efforts culminated in the remarkable seizure of 49 smuggled vehicles containing contraband goods at the Ajilete Forest along the Idiroko axis, a significant achievement that brought the smugglers to their knees.”
Before his promotion to comptroller and subsequent deployment to the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C in Owerri, Balogun’s contributions as the Deputy comptroller in charge of Revenue at Seme Customs Area Command were exemplary.
His dedication and success in enhancing Revenue collection and enforcing compliance have been pivotal in strengthening the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Comptroller Balogun’s unwavering dedication to his duties and proactive leadership continues to make positive impact in the fight against smuggling at Fou Zone C, Owerri.
He has, within three months at Fou Zone C, made unprecedented seizures of various contraband goods, including foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, used tyres, dry salted donkey skin worth N3.6 billion, and pharmaceutical products, as well as second-hand clothing, among others.”
Being one of the refined officers of the Service, he has shown commitment, passion and integrity in all assignments given to him.
Soft spoken, meticulous in documentation and above all an anti-smuggling Czar.
Little wonder he has been a thorn in the flesh of smugglers since assumption of office three months ago at Fou Zone C, Owerri by making unprecedented seizures due to his strategy in redesigning the fight against dare devil smugglers.
During the visit of the Zonal Coordinator, zone C, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, SK DanGaladima, to his office on Thursday when asked regarding the secret successes of the Service since the Comptroller General of customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR came on board, comptroller Balogun revealed that the Comptroller General’s Dynamic Leadership has transformed the Customs landscape.
According to him, in just two short years, the Comptroller General of Customs, has emerged as a transformative leader, steering the Service towards unprecedented level of efficiency and innovation.
His unwavering commitment to trade facilitation, modernisation of Customs processes, and the welfare of officers has set him apart as a standout figure among peers.
These sterling qualities of the CGC were responsible for his recent appointment as the Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO)
Comptroller Balogun described CGC Adeniyi’s Leadership as a beacon of innovation, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence in Customs administration.
He highlighted the Comptroller General’s strategic initiatives and reforms, which have reinvigorated Operations across commands especially in Fou Zone C.
According to Balogun, “The CGC’s visionary Leadership has been instrumental in enhancing anti-smuggling efforts, boosting officers morale, and ensuring more efficient service delivery. His policies have given us a renewed sense of direction and purpose “
He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service under the guidance of the Comptroller General and ensuring that Fou Zone C continues to contribute significantly to revenue generation and security.
As a leader who matches words with actions, just last week, he and his management team allocated six brand-new and six refurbished operational Hilux vehicles to the command for optimal performance.
Comptroller Balogun posited that the CGC has continued to lead the charge in transforming the Customs Service. His vision and dedication to trade facilitation, modernisation, and officers welfare paint a bright future for the Service.
He maintained that CGC has exemplified how innovative Leadership can drive meaningful change and position an organisation as a key player in national development.
“CGC’s recent appointment as the Chair person of the World Customs Organization (WTO) Council is a testament to his unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership qualities in taking the Nigeria Customs Service to greater heights.”
“We are proud of him as he has stood out among his peers”.
