DCG Mohammed Bello Jibo once said that Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun the one time celebrated DC Import at Seme Border command was one of the best thing to happen to Seme border. He went ahead to confirm that his coming was like poaching as he made every effort to get him around and that his coming gave him, DCG Jibo as the area controller then a relief.
"Revenue unit of Seme Border is one very vital unit of the command. DC Balogun is the best thing to happen to the command. The workaholic and quintessential gentleman kept the revenue generation at the border on a constant and rising tempo," Mohammed Jibo, the then Area Controllersaid.
This he did by advising all the Area Controllers sent to the command for better result.
Commenting on the revenue figure generated, another former Customs Area Controller of Seme Border Command, ACG Timi Bomodi disclosed that the previous challenge of revenue in the Command was overcome. He pointed out that there will be a boost in revenue if the Memorandum of Understanding signed with their counterpart (Republic of Benin) is strictly adhered to.
Such memorandum were part of intellectual inputs made by Comptroller Balogun who will prefer to brainstorm on such issues. It was on this note that he was always in the forefront on issue of International Trade Facilitations.
The news of Balogun's promotion was received with joy by critical stakeholders at the border but with serious feeling that they will REALLY miss him.
Comptroller Balogun has served under, DCG Jibo, ACG Dera Nnadi, ACG Timi Bomodi and briefly with Comptroller Kayode Kolade. His recent promotion to Comptroller of Customs no doubt is well deserving while his deployment to the Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone C, Owerri is another good thing to happen to Nigeria Customs Service.
The information reaching this media through the command Public Relations Officer, CSC Rose Nche has it that the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri, witnessed the handing over ceremony of the outgone Controller, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu to the incoming Area Controller, Comptroller Bashir Abdullahi Balogun.
He went ahead to confirm that his coming was like poaching as he made every effort to get him around and that his coming gave him DCG Jibo as the area controller then a relief.
Revenue unit of Seme Border is one very vital unit of the command. DC Balogun is the best thing to happen to the command. The workaholic and quintessential gentleman kept the revenue generation at the border on a constant and rising tempo. This he did by advising all the Area Controllers sent to the command for better result.
Commenting on the revenue figure generated, another former Customs Area Controller, ACG Timi Bomodi disclosed that the previous challenge of revenue in the Command has been overcome. He pointed out that there will be a boost in revenue if the Memorandum of Understanding signed with their counterpart (Republic of Benin) is strictly adhered to.
Such memorandum were part of intellectual inputs made by DC Balogun who will prefer to brainstorm on such issues. It was on this note that he was always in the forefront on issue of International Trade Facilitations.
The news of DC Balogun's promotion was received with joy by critical stakeholders at the border but with serious feeling that they will REALLY miss him. Comptroller Balogun has served
The information reaching this media through the command's Public Relations Officer, CSC Rose Nche has it that the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘C’ Owerri, witnessed the handing over ceremony of the outgone Controller, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu to the new Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun. The change of leadership took place on the 20th of March 2025 at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri.
On the the report, it could be realized that the former Customs Area Controller of the zone, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu bowed out of the Service on retirement. The outgone Area Controller, Comptroller Ugbagu thanked the Almighty God for seeing him through his tenure, while appreciating officers of the Unit and sister Agencies for their constant unalloyed support and enjoined them to do same to his successor.
Comptroller Balogun on his acceptance speech thanked and appreciated the outgone Controller, retired Comptroller Ugbagu for "his outstanding performance during his tenure and his significant role in curbing and bringing smuggling activities to it’s minimal level within his jurisdiction.”
He reinstated his commitment in ensuring that the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service in Anti-smuggling, Trade facilitation, blockage of revenue leakages and moreover national security is achieved.
“I charge all officers and men of the unit to carry out their duty professionally, also display high level of discipline and commitment in the discharge of your duties and obligations," Comptroller Balogun said.
He promised to operate an open door policy for both officers, sister Agencies, critical stakeholders and the host communities at large in ensuring a seamless operation within and around the unit’s jurisdiction. He used that opportunity to emphasize on the importance of team work and the importance of resolute in the fight against smuggling, illicit trade, and economic sabotage. Which he said will surely improve the nations development in all ramifications.
He also pledged to build on the ongoing sustainable development and the initiatives of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR in efficiency and strategic evolution.
After the official handing over ceremony, the new Area Controller of the Unit toured round the unit facilities, accompanied by the outgone Controller of the unit and senior officers/men of the unit.
