There is a change of baton at the Nigeria Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri as Comptroller Michael Ugbagu bows out of the service and hands over to his successor, Comptroller BA Balogun
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt.
A new Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller BA Balogun has taken over the mantle of leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri, on Thursday March 20, 2025. Comptroller Balogun succeeds Comptroller Michael Ugbagu who proceeded on retirement on the same day.
The new Controller of the Unit thanked and appreciated the retiring Controller, Ugbagu for his outstanding performance during his tenure, and his significant role in curbing and bringing smuggling activities to its minimal level within his jurisdiction.
The new CAC reiterated his commitment to ensure that the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service in anti-smuggling, trade facilitation, blockage of revenue leakages and national security would be achieved under his watch. He charged officers of the command to carry out their duties in a profession manner, and also display high level of discipline and commitment in the discharge of their duties and obligations. Comptroller Balogun promised to operate on open door policy for both officers, sister agencies and the host communities to ensure that there will always be a seamless operation within and around the Unit’s jurisdiction.
Comptroller Balogun pledged to build on the ongoing sustainable development and the initiatives of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi in efficiency and strategic evolution.
Furthermore, he solicited for the unwavering and maximum support and co-operation of the officers and men of the unit, stakeholders, and sister Agencies to achieve a united goal.
Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu in his parting speech thanked the Almighty God for seeing him through his tenure, while appreciating officers and men of the unit and sister Agencies for their constant unalloyed support, he enjoined them to do same to his successor.
Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun toured round the unit facilities, accompanied by the reitering Comptroller and senior officers/men of the unit. He used that opportunity to emphasize on the importance of team work and the importance of resolute in the fight against smuggling, illicit trade, and economic sabotage. Which he said will surely improve the nations development in all ramifications.
