Customs: Salako takes charge at Lilypond Export Command, pledges stronger trade facilitation

By Editor

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has commenced a new phase of leadership following the retirement of its Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi.

Ariyibi formally handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, who has assumed duty as Acting Customs Area Controller.

The handing-over and taking-over ceremony, held on August 24, marked the formal conclusion of Ariyibi’s tenure and followed the established administrative procedures of the NCS.

In a statement, Olusola Oke, Ariyibi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the management of the Service, officers and men of the Command, and stakeholders for their support and cooperation during his tenure.

The retiring CAC attributed the achievements recorded by the Command to teamwork, professionalism, discipline and dedication, as well as sustained collaboration between Customs personnel and stakeholders.

He urged officers and men to extend the same commitment and cooperation to the new leadership, stressing the need to preserve the operational standards and gains recorded under his watch.

Ariyibi also expressed confidence in Salako’s ability to build on the foundation already established and further strengthen the mandate of the Lilypond Export Command.

Responding, the new Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Salako, commended Ariyibi for what he described as his dedicated and meritorious service to the NCS and contributions to the development of the Command.

Salako pledged to provide purposeful, responsive and professional leadership, with emphasis on strengthening the Command’s core responsibilities.

He identified trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and stakeholder engagement as key areas that would receive attention under his leadership.

The Acting CAC also called on officers and men of the Command to uphold discipline, professionalism and teamwork, noting that collective responsibility would be critical to achieving the strategic objectives of the Command and the broader mandate of the NCS.

He further solicited the continued support and cooperation of stakeholders, saying stronger collaboration would be essential to improving operational effectiveness and enhancing the Command’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.

The transition formally brings Ariyibi’s tenure as CAC of Lilypond Export Command to an end following his retirement from the NCS.

The Command commended the retiring comptroller for his service to the Service and the nation and wished him a fulfilling retirement. It also welcomed Salako and wished him a successful and impactful tenure as Acting CAC.