Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone A, Lagos, of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS has urged newly promoted officers of the Unit to imbibe the tenets of integrity and humility in service, insisting that their higher ranks come with greater responsibility.

Speaking during the official decoration ceremony for the newly promoted officers and men in Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Shuaibu congratulated the officers, describing the event as a significant moment for the Unit, according to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi.

Recall that the Nigeria Customs Service Board had penultimate week, approved the appointment of four new Deputy Comptroller-Generals and 12 Assistant Comptroller-Generals, as well as the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks.

These approvals were made at the 63rd regular meeting of the Board, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in Abuja.

According to the FOU Lagos- boss, the promotions were not merely new titles, but a recognition of the officers’ dedication and loyalty to the Service and the Nigerian nation.

“The promotions being celebrated here today are not just titles conferred; they are a reflection of your commitment to excellence, your patriotism, and your steadfast service to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our great nation. Your elevation is not by chance; it is a reward for hard work” he stated.

While commending the officers for their diligence, courage, and professionalism, which facilitated their elevation as a reward for hard work, he reminded them that every promotion comes greater responsibility and urged them to uphold the high standards expected of them.

“This is not just a step up in rank it is a call to higher standards of leadership and accountability,” he added.

To those who were not promoted during the exercise, Comptroller Shuaibu urged them to continue to serve with commitment.

“Promotion is not a race; it is a journey. Continue to serve with commitment and integrity. Be patient and persistent. Your time will come,” he assured, adding, “Promotion ultimately comes from God, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.”

It was gathered that out of a total of 3,312 senior officers and 202 junior officers recently promoted by the Customs Board, a total of 186 officers were from the unit.

A breakdown of the 186 promoted officers show that seven were elevated from the rank of Assistant Comptroller of Customs to Deputy Comptroller of Customs, six from Chief Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptroller of Customs and 22 from Superintendent of Customs to Chief Superintendent of Customs.

Others include 27 officers promoted from the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Customs to Superintendent of Customs, 23 Assistant Superintendent of Customs I to Deputy Superintendent of Customs, 42 Assistant Superintendent of Customs II to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, 48 Inspector of Customs to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II and 11Assistant Inspector of Customs to Inspector of Customs.

 “Promotion is not the end of the road; it is a checkpoint on the long path of service. There are greater heights to attain, new challenges to confront, and more contributions to be made toward the development of our Service and the progress of our country.

“Once again, I congratulate all the newly promoted officers. May you continue to bring honour to yourselves, to this Unit, and to the Nigeria Customs Service at large”, Comptroller Shuaibu said in his concluding remarks.