The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured retiring Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Musa Omale, with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the Management Team paying tribute to his years of dedicated service, professionalism, and contributions to the Service.
The ceremony which held last Friday at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together senior officers who reflected on the retiring officer’s career and legacy in the Service.
Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi said the Service’s tradition of celebrating officers at retirement provides an opportunity to share goodwill messages, offer advice, and recognise their contributions as they begin a new phase of life.
He described DCG Omale as an officer known for his love of books, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to personal development.
Reflecting on the importance of legacy in public service, Adeniyi noted that officers are remembered by the impact of their actions and conduct.
“When we are in service, we leave imprints and footprints because we never know how people will make reference to them later,” Adeniyi said.
He advised the retiring officer to exercise caution in future investments and engagements, warning against ventures that are not properly understood, while praying for good health and continued opportunities for him to contribute to national development.
DCG Timi Bomodi recalled meeting DCG Omale 35 years ago when they both arrived in Port Harcourt as ‘attachés’ describing him as an officer whose character remained consistent throughout his career.
According to Bomodi, the retiring officer distinguished himself through humility, intellect, and dependability, earning the respect of colleagues across the Service.
“You have remained yourself all through. You are reliable and dependable, and your word is your bond,” Bomodi said.
Director of Legal Services, Smart Akande, also reflected on their time together in Port Harcourt, where they worked on prosecution matters.
He described Omale as articulate, diligent, and quiet, noting that his cooperation contributed significantly to the successful handling of several cases.
“I will not be surprised if he becomes a professor after retirement,” Akande said.
Also, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Nafiu Isiaku commended Omale’s passion for learning, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and willingness to mentor younger officers.
They noted that despite attaining senior ranks in the Service, he remained approachable, disciplined, and dedicated to knowledge-sharing.
Responding, DCG Omale expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General, members of the Management Team, and colleagues for the honour accorded him.
He described himself as a calm person who approaches life steadily and attributed his interest in academia to experiences gained during his early years in the Service.
The retired DCG also recalled representing his superior at a board meeting at his younger age, an experience he described as a defining moment in his professional journey.
Omale pledged to remain available whenever called upon to support the Service and commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his listening leadership style.
