The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a change of leadership following the retirement of its Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi, and the assumption of duty by Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako as Acting Customs Area Controller.
The formal handing-over and taking-over ceremony was conducted in line with the administrative procedures of the Service, marking the end of Ariyibi’s tenure and the commencement of Salako’s leadership of the Command.
In his farewell remarks, Ariyibi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the management of the Service, officers and men of the Command, as well as stakeholders, for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.
He attributed the achievements recorded under his leadership to teamwork, professionalism, discipline, dedication and effective collaboration between the Command and its stakeholders.
Ariyibi, who retired after a distinguished career in the Nigeria Customs Service, urged officers and men to extend the same commitment and spirit of cooperation to the new leadership.
He also charged them to sustain the operational standards and gains recorded during his tenure, expressing confidence that the incoming Acting CAC would build on the foundation already established and further advance the mandate of the Lilypond Export Command.
In his response, Salako commended Ariyibi for his dedicated and meritorious service to the Service, particularly his contributions to the growth and development of the Command.
The new Acting CAC pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership, with emphasis on advancing the core mandates of the NCS, including trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and effective stakeholder engagement.
Salako called on officers and men of the Command to maintain discipline, professionalism and collective responsibility in the discharge of their duties.
He also solicited the continued support and cooperation of stakeholders, stressing that their collaboration would be critical to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Command and its contribution to national economic development.
The leadership transition formally concludes Ariyibi’s tenure as Customs Area Controller following his retirement from the Service, while ushering in Salako as Acting CAC.
The officers and men of Lilypond Export Command commended Ariyibi for his distinguished service to the NCS and the nation, wishing him a fulfilling retirement, while welcoming Salako and expressing optimism for a successful tenure under his leadership.