Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has effected a leadership change in its Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, with Deputy Comptroller Haliru Isah Abdullahi assuming duty as the new Acting Customs Area Controller.
Abdullahi took over from Deputy Comptroller Babagana Shettima at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday, September 25, 2026, at a formal handing over ceremony during which the Command’s flag and official documents were transferred to the new leadership.
The development comes as the Customs Service intensifies efforts to boost revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen border security across the country, particularly in frontier communities where cross border commercial activities remain critical to local economies.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Abdullahi pledged to build on the achievements recorded by his predecessor while ensuring that the Command remained firmly focused on the statutory responsibilities of the Service.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him, stressing that the new assignment demanded discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty.
The new Acting Area Controller also acknowledged the contributions of Shettima, describing him as an accomplished crisis manager who, according to him, had left the Command in a stronger position.
Abdullahi said his administration would consolidate existing gains while ensuring that officers and men remained committed to effective border control, revenue mobilisation and trade facilitation.
Addressing personnel, he declared that discipline, professionalism and integrity would remain central to his administration, warning that officers must uphold the standards expected of them in the discharge of their duties.
“Discipline and professionalism remain the bedrock of the Service and are non-negotiable tools for effective border security, facilitation of legitimate trade and enhanced revenue collection for national development.”
He further directed officers to discharge their responsibilities diligently and maintain professionalism in their dealings with traders, stakeholders and communities operating within the Command’s jurisdiction.
The new administration is expected to strengthen enforcement operations along the borders of Sokoto and Zamfara states while maintaining a balance between combating illicit activities and facilitating legitimate movement of goods and commercial activities in line with extant laws.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Acting Area Controller, Shettima, welcomed Abdullahi to the Command and called on officers and men to extend maximum cooperation and support to the new leadership.
Shettima stressed that collective commitment and professional conduct among personnel would remain crucial to the realisation of the Customs Service’s mandates of revenue collection, trade facilitation and protection of Nigeria’s territorial and economic interests.
He urged personnel to remain focused, disciplined and professional in the performance of their duties, assuring the incoming Area Controller of the cooperation of officers across the Command.
The leadership transition was witnessed by principal officers, sectional heads and other senior personnel of the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening enforcement operations, improving revenue collection, facilitating legitimate commerce and securing Nigeria’s borders as part of the broader national effort to protect the economy and promote sustainable development.
