Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, recently appointed to lead the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, has hailed the dynamic leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, as a transformative force behind the Nigeria Customs Service’s revitalization.
Balogun, who assumed his new role following a well-earned promotion to Comptroller, is widely respected for his relentless crusade against smuggling and unwavering dedication to Customs integrity. His tenure has already yielded exceptional results — including landmark seizures of contraband valued at ₦3.6 billion within just three months. These include foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, pharmaceutical products, used tyres, second-hand clothing, and illegally trafficked dry-salted donkey skin.
Renowned for his calm demeanor and meticulous approach to documentation, Comptroller Balogun is considered a refined officer of the Service and a formidable anti-smuggling czar. His recent operations have redefined enforcement strategy, making him a formidable adversary to smugglers operating within the Zone C axis.
During a courtesy visit by Assistant Comptroller General SK DanGaladima, Balogun attributed much of his success to the strategic vision of CGC Adeniyi. In his words, “The CGC’s leadership is a beacon of innovation, professionalism, and excellence. His reforms have revitalized operations and morale across the board.”
He commended Adeniyi’s dedication to modernizing Customs processes, enhancing trade facilitation, and prioritizing officer welfare — cornerstones that have fostered operational efficiency and elevated the Service to global prominence. Reflecting these achievements, CGC Adeniyi was recently appointed Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization — a milestone that underscores his leadership credentials and the international recognition of Nigeria’s Customs reforms.
To support tactical deployments, Balogun confirmed the recent arrival of six brand-new and six refurbished operational Hilux vehicles allocated to his command, a reflection of the CGC’s action-oriented governance style.
Balogun reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service, pledging continued contributions to revenue generation and border security in alignment with the CGC’s strategic blueprint.