By Barnabas Esiet.
The newly appointed Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo, has outlined a reform-driven leadership agenda anchored on a three-point framework of Change Management, Compliance Management and Reputational Management.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos recently, Gambo said his administration would prioritise accountability through a motivated workforce, transparency and professionalism, while pursuing operational excellence in line with the mission and vision of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
He noted that the leadership philosophy of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, places strong emphasis on meritocracy and competence-based human resource management.
On Change Management, Gambo explained that his focus would go beyond policy declarations to attitudinal reorientation among Customs officers, the trading public and border communities.
He stressed that sustainable reform begins with a change in mindset, adding that officers must internalise professionalism, discipline and service values, while stakeholders must recognise that Customs operations are guided by national interest and the rule of law.
According to him, the evolving post-globalisation trade environment requires adaptability, intelligence-led enforcement and constructive stakeholder engagement.
He said meaningful change must be both internal and external, reshaping behaviour while strengthening institutional culture.
Addressing Compliance Management, the Controller emphasised strict adherence to procedures and ethical standards, balanced with an understanding of Nigeria’s trade realities.
He said compliance would not be optional, noting that enforcement under his leadership would be firm, fair and intelligence-driven. FOU Zone A, he added, would adopt a “carrot and stick” approach that rewards compliance while decisively sanctioning infractions, in line with the CGC’s broader reform agenda.
Gambo issued a stern warning to smugglers operating across land borders and Nigeria’s waterways to desist from illegal activities, stressing that there would be “no safe routes and no hiding places.” He said surveillance, patrols and intelligence-led operations would be intensified to ensure that offenders are apprehended and prosecuted.
He also cautioned importers and clearing agents against practices such as under-payment, under-declaration, false declaration and trade misinvoicing, warning that such infractions would be detected and all revenue due to the government recovered.
According to him, Customs is strengthening risk assessment systems, post-clearance audits and intelligence collaboration to track consignments from origin to destination.
While reaffirming the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, Gambo maintained that compliance remains non-negotiable, stressing that “those who play by the rules have nothing to fear.”
On Reputational Management, the Controller said accountability and transparency are essential to public trust, noting that the ethical tone set by the CGC has significantly improved public perception of the Service.
He assured that FOU Zone A would sustain and deepen these gains in line with Customs’ mandate within the trade value chain.
Gambo also highlighted the security dimension of Customs operations, warning of the link between smuggling, illicit drugs, arms proliferation and rising criminality. He said effective border control is critical to addressing challenges such as banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, and to safeguarding national stability.
Gambo assumes office at a time when FOU Zone A recorded notable achievements under its outgoing leadership, including 761 seizures valued at over ₦10 billion, 38 arrests and the recovery of more than ₦419 million in underpaid duties. Gambo’s appointment is further bolstered by his reputation for integrity, including a widely cited instance in which he rejected a $50,000 bribe.
The Controller pledged to consolidate these gains by intensifying intelligence-driven operations, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and promoting welfare and professionalism within the ranks, with the aim of advancing the broader objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service in trade facilitation, economic protection and national security.
Comment here