By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has bid farewell to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede and six other senior officers who retired from active service after decades of contribution to the nation’s border management and revenue protection efforts.
The seven officers were formally honoured on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during a retirement ceremony held at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
Babandede, who served as the Zonal Coordinator, retired alongside Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of FOU Zone ‘A’; Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Lagos Free Trade Zone Command; Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, CAC, Western Marine Command; Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, CAC, Apapa Area Command; Comptroller Olushola Akingbade, CAC, Ogun II Area Command; and Comptroller Chidi Nwokori, CAC, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command.
Speaking at the ceremony, Babandede expressed gratitude to God, colleagues, friends and family members for their support throughout his 35-year career in the Service.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “After 35 years in the Nigeria Customs Service, I have every reason to thank Almighty Allah. We entered with two legs and we are exiting with two legs. Some were not that lucky.”
He described his career as a journey that came with its share of challenges and accomplishments, adding that he was grateful to have completed his service successfully.
Babandede also stressed his enduring attachment to the Nigeria Customs Service, describing the institution as his family and assuring that retirement would not sever his relationship with the Service.
“Customs is my family. I cannot be out of Customs because this is the job I know. I have no other job apart from Customs. So, do not see me exiting as going away from my family; Customs will always remain my constituency,” he said.
The retiring officers, whose careers collectively span several decades, served in various operational and command positions across the Service, contributing to customs administration, enforcement and border-related responsibilities.
Also speaking during the ceremony, CAC Chidi Nwokori reflected on the transition that comes with retirement and urged serving officers to remain conscious of the importance of treating people with respect.
He noted that every position carries a beginning and an end, stressing the need for officers to make meaningful contributions while entrusted with responsibility.
The ceremony also featured tributes from colleagues, friends and family members, who acknowledged the retirees’ years of service and contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The event ended with the presentation of gifts to the retiring officers and the cutting of the retirement cake, providing an opportunity for colleagues, friends and family members to celebrate the retirees as they formally concluded their active careers in the Service.
