NNMJ Honours Aliyu as FOU Zone ‘A’ Recovers ₦2bn in Nine Months
Kathy Kyari
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has recovered more than ₦2 billion for the Federation Account and intercepted over 21,000 bags of smuggled rice in the last nine months, outgoing Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has disclosed.
Aliyu made the disclosure in Lagos on Wednesday during a farewell visit by maritime journalists under the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), who honoured him for his outstanding leadership, professionalism and contributions to the fight against smuggling.
The recovered revenue, according to the outgoing Controller, represents about five times the Unit’s annual revenue target, while the seized rice is equivalent to approximately 35 truckloads.
He attributed the achievements to the commitment of his officers, the support of the Customs management and the increasing reliance on intelligence-driven operations.
“Our approach to tackling smuggling has been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions,” he said.
Aliyu, who also disclosed that the Unit intercepted illicit drugs and other prohibited items during the period under review, stressed the importance of collaboration between the Customs Service and the media in the fight against economic crimes.
“We have seized over 21,000 bags of rice, which equates to roughly 35 truckloads taken out of the food supply chain.”
“We view journalists as strategic partners and critical allies in our fight against crime and smuggling—a challenge no single agency can tackle alone”, Gambo Aliyu said, noting the paternal influence of distinguished Tony Momoh and Sam Amuka.
On collaboration, Aliyu said: “While we are doing everything in our power to suppress smuggling, we need the collaboration of strategic partners like the media to fully eradicate it.”
He expressed gratitude to the management of the Service for its support and commended officers of the Unit for their tireless efforts in executing the headquarters-assigned mission.
During the event, the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists honoured Aliyu for his exceptional leadership, integrity, accessibility and intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations.
The journalists described the outgoing Controller as a media-friendly Customs officer and a gentleman who had distinguished himself through professionalism and an open-door policy.
In his address, Chairman of the NNMJ, Aderibigbe, said the journalists had gathered not merely to cover an event but to celebrate an officer whose relationship with the media had earned him their respect and admiration.
“Gentlemen, today isn’t for long speeches,” Aderibigbe announced. “Controller Gambo Aliyu, we came here today just to say that we are incredibly proud of you.”
He drew an analogy from James Hardly Chase’s 1957 book, The Guilty Are Afraid, to describe the relationship between journalists and public officers, noting that while people sometimes dread the media, journalists ultimately return to the truth.
“In 1957, a prolific British author, James Hardly Chase, wrote a book titled The Guilty Are Afraid. Oftentimes, you’ll find stakeholders dreading journalists as if they were scorpions. And there’s no doubt about it—journalists do share some characteristics with scorpions."
“Sometimes, you find that people dread journalists because they view them like watchdogs. Sometimes, that fear is justified. Journalists have the capacity to both bark and bite. Yet, despite the traits people fear, we always return to the truth. Only the guilty are truly afraid of journalists.”
The NNMJ Chairman said Aliyu’s conduct and achievements had made him deserving of the honour.
“My colleague here, Controller Gambo, has distinguished himself. That is why, on this wonderful occasion, we felt compelled to come together and celebrate him as our good friend.”
Addressing Aliyu on his transition from active service, Aderibigbe urged him to remain committed to his principles and maintain his relationship with the media.
“Today, you wear the uniform, and journalists celebrate your achievements. Tomorrow, you may transition to civil life in Abuja.”
“Please hold fast to your convictions, Sir. Remember that your most loyal allies, those who will never fail you are the dedicated men and women of the press”, the NMJ Chairman said.
He also urged other Customs officers present at the event to emulate Aliyu’s leadership qualities.
“Gentlemen, we honour Controller Aliyu today. We know that many of you will one day rise to this very position. Let us learn from and emulate the remarkable leadership of this officer and gentleman. God bless you, Sir,” Aderibigbe prayed.
Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board of the NNMJ, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, reaffirmed the pride of maritime journalists in Aliyu’s achievements and his relationship with the media.
Onileimo recalled advising the outgoing Controller during a visit to his office in December on the need to maintain an open-door policy with journalists.
He said Aliyu had fulfilled that promise, describing him as a man of his word.
“My friend and brother, we are so proud of you. You are truly a man of your word”, Onileimo added.
He further commended the Controller for keeping his promise despite the challenges associated with public service.
"I want to sincerely thank you for what you have done. It is rare for people to make a promise and actually keep it. In Nigeria, many people make promises that are hard to fulfil. It is easy to find excuses not to achieve a goal. However, finding a way to overcome those hurdles shows true integrity.
Onileimo noted that Aliyu’s open-door policy had strengthened his relationship with maritime journalists across the country.
“Thank you very much for your actions. Everyone here can confirm that you have a strong relationship with the Maritime Media, and it's more than two hundred memberships.”
“If 200 journalists in Lagos can say, ‘Controller Gambo is our friend,’ what more proof do you need?”
He said the journalists had come to express appreciation for Aliyu’s support and accessibility, stressing that the gesture was a demonstration of their respect for his service.
“We are here today to thank and appreciate you. We don’t have silver or gold. But as my brother mentioned earlier, people often think journalists only know how to take or collect. Yet sometimes, we meet someone who truly deserves our praise, and that is why we came.”
“From what we have as journalists, we brought a small token of appreciation. Thank you for being a true friend to the media and for always keeping your door open. Thank you very much,” Onileimo said.
The event brought together senior Customs officers from the Unit and top maritime journalists for a farewell celebration and gift exchange in honour of the outgoing Controller.
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