The Nigeria Customs Service, Kaduna Area Command, on Friday held a formal handing over ceremony as the outgoing Customs Area Controller, ACG Ahmed Abe, officially transferred leadership to Comptroller Sa’adu Hassan.
Abe, who served as Area Controller before his promotion, described his tenure as a rewarding journey marked by significant achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abe expressed gratitude to the officers and men of the command for their dedication and teamwork, which he said were instrumental to the Command’s outstanding performance.
“For the period of January to August 2025, the Command generated a total revenue of ₦30,090,207,200.36.
“This represents a 61.89% increase from the ₦18.5 billion recorded during the same period in 2024—an impressive growth of over ₦11.5 billion,” Abe said.
He attributed the achievement to enhanced compliance, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation reforms, and improved stakeholder engagement.
“Our strategy was multi-faceted: plugging revenue leakages, intensifying surveillance, investing in officer training, and building trust with the trading public,” he noted.
Beyond revenue, Abe highlighted investments in officers’ capacity development, collaboration with other security agencies, and community outreach, including scholarship programs for underprivileged students.
“I thank the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management team for their unwavering support.
“To the officers of this Command, your loyalty and resilience have been the pillars of our success,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the new Area Controller, Comptroller Sa’adu Hassan, commended his predecessor’s achievements, vowing to consolidate and build on the strong foundation laid.
“ACG Abe’s leadership has been exceptional. His vision, strategic reforms, and commitment to excellence have repositioned this Command as a national model,” Hassan said.
“My focus will be on sustaining the revenue drive, leveraging technology for smarter operations, enhancing intelligence-led enforcement, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders,” he added.
Hassan also emphasised welfare and professional development, describing a well-trained and motivated workforce as vital to achieving set goals.
Representing the Zonal Coordinator, ACG Nsika Umoh, Comptroller Administrator, ,Amwe Aku, praised Abe as a “pillar of support,” known for his humility, patience, and leadership integrity.
“His absence will be deeply felt. He brought peace, unity, and professionalism to the Command.
“We welcome the new Controller and assure him of our full support,” she stated.
In a goodwill message, the Port Manager of Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Mr Salami Rasag, extAbe’s leadership style, describing it as consultative and responsive.
“Stakeholders are happy with his openness and prompt action in resolving issues. His tenure made a difference,” Rasag said.
Several officers also paid glowing tributes toAbe, describing him as a man of integrity and a bridge builder who promoted harmony, encouraged training, and supported officer welfare.
“There is a mix of emotions today joy for his new elevation, and sadness for his departure.
“His legacy of unity, hard work, and compassion will remain with us,” one officer said.
The ceremony ended with prayers and well wishes for both the outgoing and incoming Area Controllers, with attendees expressing optimism for continued excellence at the Kaduna Area Command.
