The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday celebrated its out-going Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, and retiring Head of the Scanning Unit, Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime, in a ceremony that highlighted their exceptional service and contributions to the Command.
The event, which held at the Officers’ Mess, was attended by officers of the Command, sister security agencies and media professionals who gathered to pay tribute to the two officers for their professionalism, loyalty and contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service.
Sulaiman, who assumed duty as PRO of the Seme Command on February 7, 2025, received glowing tributes from heads of sister security agencies, officers of the Command and members of the media, who lauded his professionalism, humility and unwavering dedication to duty.
Representatives of security agencies operating along the Lagos–Seme Corridor described him as an astute professional with impeccable training, noting that he consistently promoted mutual respect in inter-agency relations. They hailed him as an outstanding image maker who exemplified the qualities of a model Customs officer.
According to them, Sulaiman’s tenure brought a dynamic approach to communication and collaboration among stakeholders along the corridor. They said he would be greatly missed for his coordination, passion for duty, ability to foster cooperation, and his friendly, approachable personality.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, described Sulaiman as “an embodiment of humility” and one of the best PROs in the Service.
“I will truly miss you, and I have enjoyed working with you. You will attain greater heights and excel,” Adenuga said. “He should have left for Apapa earlier, but he was purposely retained in Seme so I could stabilise. If I had my way, I would cancel his transfer and make him stay with me longer.” Adenuga said.
Adenuga thanked officers and men of the Command, sister agencies and the media for their support, which he said contributed to improved performance, particularly in revenue generation.
Members of the press also described Sulaiman as a “journalist’s delight,” praising his accessibility, professionalism and deep knowledge of his duties. They assured him of their continued cooperation in his new posting.
In an emotional response, Sulaiman said the commendations deeply humbled him, noting that it was the first time he had been publicly celebrated by stakeholders. He credited Comptroller Adenuga with laying the foundation for his successful tenure, adding that the Customs Service had given him the platform to contribute to national service — a responsibility he pledged to continue upholding.
He expressed sadness at leaving a Command he considered home and appreciated senior and junior officers for their support and camaraderie. He also thanked sister agencies and the media for their collaboration, urging them to extend the same support to his successor.
The ceremony also celebrated the retirement of Deputy Comptroller Edime Audu Samson, the outgoing Head of the Scanning Unit. Officers, sister agencies and well-wishers praised him for a successful career and commended his dedication to national service.
Speaking on behalf of NAFDAC, Seme Command Director, Dr. Nurudeen Audu, said retirement should be seen as “a transition, not a death sentence.” He urged retiring officers to stay active, explore entrepreneurship and avoid idleness, noting that NAFDAC was ready to support ex-security personnel interested in business ventures.
In response, Comptroller Adenuga announced plans to organise an entrepreneurship lecture for officers approaching retirement, to be facilitated by Dr. Audu.
A visibly fulfilled Deputy Comptroller Edime expressed gratitude to God, the Service and his colleagues, noting that he had no regrets about his career. “I will use the time on my hands to do useful things,” he assured.
