By Lucy Ogalue
The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi, has praised the visionary leadership and reform-driven legacy of his predecessor, Dr Bello Mohammed, as the former comptroller-general clock 80.
Adeniyi, in a congratulatory message released by Mohammed’s media office in Abuja, described the octogenarian as a transformative leader.
He said Mohammed’s tenure between 1988 and 1993 laid the solid foundation that continued to shape the operations and reputation of the NCS.
According to him, Mohammed’s forward-looking reforms repositioned the Service as one of Nigeria’s most efficient revenue-generating and security agencies, while also elevating the welfare and professional standing of its staff.
“Mohammed’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence laid a foundation that continues to shape the Service today.
“We honour your legacy and enduring contributions to national development. Happy 80th birthday, sir,”Adeniyi said.
The NCS boss said that Mohammed’s leadership helped redefine the Service’s mandate through the enactment of the Customs and Excise Management Act.
” This transformed it from a department to a full-fledged para-military organisation.
” The reform also raised the job status and benefits of Customs personnel to align with other security agencies such as the Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“During his tenure, Mohammed represented Nigeria on the global stage, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Brussels-based Customs Cooperation Council (CCC).
“He was also the Head of the West and Central Africa Regional Group of the CCC, south of the Sahara. His leadership earned the NCS international recognition and respect,” he said.
Adeniyi, who currently serves as Nigeria’s first elected Chairman, CCC, said the current success and global recognition enjoyed by the NCS are enduring fruits of Mohammed’s reform legacy.
He expressed gratitude that the former C-G lived to witness the results of the seeds he planted, describing him as a leader whose contributions remain indelible in the annals of the NCS.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the icon is a trained veterinary doctor from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who began his public service career in 1977 as a commissioner in the old Sokoto State.
He rose to national prominence as Director of Customs and Excise (1990–1992) and later as C-G of the NCS (1992–1993).
His tenure, according to the release, transformed the Service, enhanced staff welfare, and strengthened institutional efficiency.
This made the Customs, a model for other para-military agencies such as the Immigration and Correctional Services.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ese E. Ekama-Williams
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