The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has witnessed a leadership transition following the retirement of the outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi.

Comptroller Ariyibi formally handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, who has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller. The handing-over ceremony was conducted in line with established administrative procedures of the Service.

In his remarks, Comptroller Ariyibi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, officers and men of the Command, and stakeholders for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

He attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline, dedication and effective collaboration among officers and stakeholders.

As he bowed out of the Service after a distinguished career, Comptroller Ariyibi urged officers and men of the Command to extend the same level of cooperation and commitment to the new leadership. He also encouraged them to sustain the standards and gains achieved during his tenure.

In his response, the new Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, commended Comptroller Ariyibi for his dedicated service and contributions to the development of Lilypond Export Command.

Deputy Comptroller Salako pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership while advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and effective stakeholder engagement.

He called on officers and men of the Command to maintain discipline, professionalism and a strong sense of collective responsibility. He also appealed to stakeholders to continue supporting the Command in strengthening its operations and contributing to national economic development.

The leadership transition formally marks the end of Comptroller S.O. Ariyibi’s tenure as Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command following his retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service.

The officers and men of the Command expressed their appreciation to Comptroller Ariyibi for his distinguished and dedicated service and wished him a fulfilling retirement. The Command also welcomed Deputy Comptroller O.O. Salako and wished him a successful and impactful tenure.

B. Olusola-Oke
Assistant Superintendent of Customs
Command Public Relations Officer
Lilypond Export Com