The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a formal leadership transition following the retirement of the outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi, who handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, who assumes duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller. The handing-over and taking-over ceremony was conducted in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Service.
In his remarks, the outgoing CAC, Comptroller S.O. Ariyibi, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, officers and men of the Command, and critical stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure. He attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline, dedication and effective collaboration among officers and stakeholders.
Comptroller Ariyibi, who bows out of the Service after a distinguished and meritorious career, urged officers and men of the Command to extend the same spirit of cooperation and commitment to the incoming Acting CAC. He encouraged them to sustain the operational standards and gains recorded during his tenure, while expressing 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 incoming Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, commended Comptroller Ariyibi for his dedicated and meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and his contributions to the growth and development of Lilypond Export Command. He pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership while advancing the core mandates of the Service, particularly in trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and effective stakeholder engagement.
Deputy Comptroller Salako called for the continued cooperation, discipline and professionalism of all officers and men of the Command, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in achieving the mandate of the Service and the strategic objectives of Lilypond Export Command. He also solicited the continued support and cooperation of stakeholders towards strengthening the Command’s operational effectiveness and contribution to national economic development.
The officers and men of the Command appreciate Comptroller Ariyibi for his distinguished, dedicated and meritorious service to the Service and the nation, and wish him a fulfilling and successful retirement. The Command also welcomes the Acting CAC and wishes him a successful and impactful tenure.