By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Joy Edelduok in grand style, marking her retirement from active service with a colourful ceremony that brought together senior officers, colleagues, family members, friends and well-wishers.
The combined retirement and birthday celebration was held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, in recognition of Edelduok’s years of service and contributions to the Service.
Edelduok, who served as ACG in charge of Excise, Free Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives, was honoured through goodwill messages, tributes, prayers and reflections on her years in Customs.
The ceremony activities, as posted on the NCS platform, captured an atmosphere of appreciation and celebration as colleagues and members of the management team recalled their experiences working with the retiring officer.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services (FATS), Kikelomo Adeola, described Edelduok as an “awesome sister” and a prayer warrior whose faith and values remained evident throughout her career.
Adeola said Edelduok demonstrated that it was possible to pursue career ambitions without compromising personal principles.
“You can be who you are and still get to where you want to be without soiling your hands,” she said, while wishing the retiring ACG a smoother and sweeter phase of life.
Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Excise, Free Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives, Constantine Dim, described Edelduok as a peaceful, prayerful and forward-looking colleague.
Dim recalled their years of working together, noting that her departure would be felt by those who had interacted with her professionally and personally.
“As you go, we want your impact to be multiplied in your community, with even more impact than you had in Customs,” he said.
Other members of the management team and colleagues also paid glowing tributes to Edelduok, describing her as supportive, approachable and committed to lifting others irrespective of their positions or ranks.
They recalled her willingness to encourage, support and pray for officers under her, adding that working with her provided valuable lessons and experiences.
The speakers subsequently wished her fulfilment, success and greater accomplishments as she begins a new phase of life outside active Customs service.
In her response, Edelduok expressed appreciation to the management, officers, colleagues, friends and family members who took time from their schedules to celebrate with her.
Reflecting on her career, she expressed pride in wearing the Customs uniform and gratitude for the opportunities, experiences and relationships the Service provided throughout her years of active duty.
She also acknowledged the support of her husband, whom she credited for standing by her throughout her career.
As she bowed out of active service, Edelduok offered prayers for the younger generation, urging them to remain guided by good values as they pursue their own careers and aspirations.
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note, with colleagues and loved ones joining the retiring ACG to mark both the conclusion of her active Customs career and the beginning of another chapter in her life.
