New leadership emerges in Oyo/Osun Area Command, DC Adewole assumes duty

By Omeiza Bilal

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has successfully completed a seamless leadership transition with Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Wale Adewole, assuming office as the Acting Customs Area Controller, following the redeployment of Comptroller Gambo Aliyu to the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Lagos.

The handing-over ceremony, held on Monday, 22 December 2025, marked the formal transfer of leadership at the Command and underscored the Service’s commitment to continuity, professionalism and operational efficiency. The event was attended by officers of the Command and other stakeholders in the area.

According to a press release by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Abiodun Akintola, DC Adewole expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service Management team for the confidence reposed in him.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ag Customs Area Controller described the appointment saying, “This appointment is a call to higher service, and I am committed to professionalism, integrity, renewed enforcement drives and teamwork in advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

DC Adewole also commended the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, for his exemplary leadership and notable achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and stakeholder engagement. He assured officers and stakeholders that his administration would consolidate the gains recorded and work diligently to surpass existing milestones.

In his remarks, the outgoing Customs Area Controller described his tenure as fulfilling and impactful, marked by strong collaboration with the government and people of Oyo and Osun States, effective synergy with sister security agencies, and sustained engagement with traditional rulers within the Command’s area of responsibility.

“The Command’s improved revenue performance was achieved through enhanced compliance, structured engagement with excise factories, and the deployment of the B’odogwu Unified Customs Management System. I want to also commend the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and resilience, which translated into significant anti-smuggling successes and protection of the national economy,” he added.

He further urged his successor to sustain capacity-building initiatives, deepen engagement with border communities and ensure the completion of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility project, the proposed Solar-Powered Healthcare Centre at Iragbiji.

The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages and a reaffirmation of commitment by both officers to service excellence, continuity, and the overall vision of the Nigeria Customs Service.