The Edo and Delta Journalists Forum of Nigeria Union of Journalists Lagos Council paid a courtesy visit to the Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu.
Led by the Forum’s Chairman, Deacon. Ovie Edomi, the delegation lauded Aliyu’s sterling stewardship, spanning over three decades, and his remarkable anti-smuggling exploits that have distinguished him as one of the Service’s finest officers.
Dr. Edomi explained that the visit was rooted in the pride of identity and affinity among brethren from Edo and Delta, noting that such cultural bonds strengthen national unity rather than diminish it.
He emphasized that journalists, while committed to projecting the national cause, must also celebrate their heritage and outstanding compatriots.
“Comptroller, success has many relations. We are proud of your sterling performance, with the FOU Zone ‘A’ serving as the crowning glory. On behalf of our members, we present you with a Recognition Award that speaks of your glowing stewardship and successes in the Nigeria Customs Service over the past three decades,” Edomi declared.
Born in the UK, Aliyu joined the NCS as Assistant Superintendent of Customs and rose meritoriously to the rank of Comptroller.
His career has been marked by integrity, discipline, and excellence. He has attended numerous professional courses in security education, crisis management, international diplomacy, and human resource development.
Aliyu’s vigilance at Tin Can Island Port Command led to multiple interventions against arms and illicit drugs.
His integrity was further demonstrated when he rejected a $33,000 bribe, forfeited to the federal government.
Since assuming leadership of FOU Zone ‘A’ in December 2025, Aliyu has overseen 617 anti-smuggling interventions in just ten weeks, including seizures of over 6,000 parcels of cannabis, pangolins, used compressors, and petroleum products worth nine billion Naira.
Responding, Aliyu described the group’s visit as a “homecoming,” expressing gratitude for the recognition. He pledged continued collaboration with journalists to strengthen developmental journalism and ensure accurate reportage of Customs activities.
“We take this job seriously as a national duty.
Our interdictions are shifting from reactive enforcement to predictive enforcement, using responsible tools and techniques.
This increases our success rate and strengthens our resolve to protect society from drugs, arms, and unsafe imports,” Aliyu said.
He highlighted the Service’s focus on compliance management, plugging revenue leakages, and safeguarding food security.
He also praised the Comptroller General of Customs and President for commissioning a new state-of-the-art office in Iperu, Ogun State, which he described as a morale booster for officers.
Aliyu concluded by acknowledging the teamwork of his deputies and officers, stressing that policing over 75,000 square kilometers of land and 752 kilometers of coastline requires collective effort. “It is not a one-man job. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” he noted.
The visit underscored the enduring bond of the old Bendel State, with journalists celebrating Aliyu as a “star boy” of Edo heritage who continues to make his people proud within the Customs Service.