As Musa Omale completes his service years with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and retires, the management of the Service pays glowing tributes to the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Customs, while celebrating his distinguished career
By Innocent Chukwu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured a retired Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of the Service, Musa Omale, for his outstanding contributions to the advancement and prosperity of the Service, with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the management team praising his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to national service.
The retirement ceremony, held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together senior officers and colleagues who reflected on Omale’s remarkable career and enduring legacy within the Service.
Speaking during the event, CGC Adeniyi described the retirement celebration as an important tradition that allows the Service to recognize officers for their contributions while offering goodwill and guidance as they transition into a new phase of life.
He portrayed Omale as an officer distinguished by his intellectual depth, passion for learning, and unwavering commitment to self-development, noting that his career serves as an example for younger officers.
According to the Customs boss, the true measure of a public servant lies in the legacy they leave behind through their actions and conduct. He said, “When we are in service, we leave imprints and footprints because we never know how people will make reference to them later”.
He advised the retiring officer to remain cautious in future investments and engagements, stressing the importance of understanding ventures before committing resources, while also praying for his continued good health and success. Tributes also poured in from members of the management team who recounted Omale’s impact on the Service over the decades.
Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi recalled meeting Omale 35 years ago when both officers arrived in Port Harcourt as attachés. He described him as a man whose humility, integrity, and reliability remained constant throughout his career. “You have remained yourself all through. You are reliable and dependable, and your word is your bond,” Bomodi said.
Director of Legal Services, Smart Akande, also praised Omale’s diligence and professionalism, recalling their collaboration on prosecution matters in Port Harcourt. He noted that Omale’s articulate and meticulous approach contributed significantly to the successful handling of several legal cases.
“I will not be surprised if he becomes a professor after retirement,” Akande added.
Similarly, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Nafiu Isiaku commended the retiring officer’s passion for knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to mentoring younger officers.
Speakers at the event unanimously described Omale as an approachable leader whose discipline, dedication to excellence, and willingness to share knowledge earned him widespread respect across the Service.
In his response, Omale expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, the management team, and colleagues for the honour bestowed on him. He described himself as someone who has always approached life with patience and calmness, attributing his passion for academics and learning to experiences gathered during his formative years in the Service.
The retired Deputy Comptroller-General also reflected on a defining moment early in his career when he represented a superior officer at a board meeting despite his relatively young age, describing the experience as instrumental to his professional development.
He pledged to remain available to support the Nigeria Customs Service whenever called upon and commended the Comptroller-General for his inclusive and listening leadership style.
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note, with colleagues and friends paying glowing tributes to a career marked by integrity, scholarship, mentorship, and unwavering service to the nation.
