Customs Zone ‘A’ Celebrates the Problem-Solving Legacy of Retiring ACG Babadede

PHOTO L/R: Customs Area Controller, (CAC), Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie; Zonal Coordinator, Mohammed Babadede, his Wife Hajia Amimah Babadede and
Lagos Free Trade Zone, Comptroller Hawah Abubakar during their retirement send off at Zone ‘A’ in Lagos…. YESTERDAY.
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By Olabisi Akinpelu, Correspondent

Officers of Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), have described Assistant Comptroller-General and Zonal Coordinator Mohammed Babandede as a results-driven problem solver.

The accolade capped off his distinguished 35-year career as he entered retirement.

Family, friends, and Zone ‘A’ officers gathered in Lagos yesterday to praise Zonal Coordinator Mohammed Babadede at his well-attended retirement send-off.

The event drew a large crowd, including comptrollers, senior officers, and well-wishers.

The retiring ACG expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for a successful, 35-year career free of any accidents, kidnappings, or mishaps..

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of the Service, Dr Bashir Adeniyi for the opportunity to serve the zone and contribute to national development

After completing his NYSC at age 24, he joined the Nigeria Customs Service. Reflecting on his 59 years of life, he noted that 35 of them were dedicated to the agency, describing it as his second family.

Babadede noted that his journey from primary school through university and into the Customs Service was challenging, yet made possible by perseverance, discipline, dedication, and the grace of Almighty Allah.

Grateful for their unwavering support, he thanked his wife, siblings, and friends for standing by him through thick and thin. He noted that a career in customs, like life itself, has its ups and downs, requiring patience, understanding, and a strong support system to navigate.

He expressed appreciation to all service personnel for their unwavering support and teamwork throughout his tour of duty, while conveying the Comptroller-General of Customs’ special commendation for their commitment to duty and revenue generation.

He urged the officers to maintain high standards of discipline and uphold the integrity of the service, assuring them that management will continue to shield and support personnel who serve with honesty, diligence, and patriotism.

The Zonal Coordinator urged the Service to maintain its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives—particularly in health and education—emphasising that these interventions vitalize host communities and reinforce civil-military relations.

Wishing his colleagues continued success, he hoped they would reach the peak of their careers—attaining at least the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General—while urging them to keep boosting the national economy and facilitating legitimate trade.

Expressing gratitude to the attendees, he noted that he remains a part of the Customs family, viewing retirement not as a separation from the Service, but as a transition into a new chapter of life and service to humanity.

Comptroller Chidi Neokorie of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, advised officers to plan early for retirement and uphold professionalism, quality leadership and dedicated service while in active service to leave a lasting legacy.

He thanked Almighty God for successful careers, recalling colleagues who started the journey together, some deceased, others retired, stressing gratitude and the need to exit honourably by choice, not by force, and with faith in God.

Neokorie urged serving officers to respect junior colleagues, embrace life after Customs, avoid fear of the unknown and never compare retirement ventures with Customs experience to avoid frustration and ensure smooth transition to civilian life.

The Comptroller, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Hawah Abubakar, thanked God for successful service, praying that life after retirement would be greater and more prosperous, and also appreciated the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi, and Babadede for their exemplary mentorship.

She appreciated family and colleagues for their support, urged officers to remain one family, love one another and prayed for peace and divine guidance in all endeavours beyond service years for sustained unity.

Comptroller Joseph Anani, Tincan Island Customs Command, described Babadede as a teacher and father figure, adding that he always ensured everyone succeeded in their various commands through guidance, encouragement and purposeful leadership.

Comptroller Gbenga Otunla of the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, thanked God for the 35 years meritorious service of his senior colleague, urging officers to remain problem solvers, patient and relevant always in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Dr Roland Nwankwo described Babadede as a passionate boss who always encouraged officers to prioritise their health for optimal performance.

The ACG’s brother, Abdullahi Babadede, said his brother did not compromise in his duties, describing him as disciplined, principled and firm in upholding the ethics and values of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Also, Assistant Comptroller, Chioma Azasiri, described Babadede as a mentor and problem solver, saying he had never given up on his responsibilities, rather he surpassed his targets for the benefit of the Service and the nation.

The Managing Director of M Town Hotel, Malam Muhammed Maigeri, described Babadede as a brother and friend who would push you to success regardless of one’s qualifications, background or status through motivation and selfless support.

Celebrating her husband’s milestone of 35 years in the Customs service, Aminah Babadede honored the ACG as a deeply committed and responsible man who navigated every career challenge with dignity and grace.

She beautifully noted that retirement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, rather than an end. Beyond his professional milestones, she celebrated him as a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and a wonderful person loved by all.

Mrs. Babadede offered prayers to Almighty Allah for his continued health, happiness, and deep fulfillment. She prayed that his years of dedication be richly rewarded and that they enjoy a long, peaceful retirement filled with travel and beautiful shared memories.
She concluded by expressing the family’s immense pride in his honorable legacy and his selfless service to the nation.

Six other Zone ‘A’ Comptrollers have also retired. The list includes Emmanuel Oshoba (Apapa Customs), Hawah Abubakar (Lagos Free Trade Zone), Patrick Ntadi (Western Marine), Chidi Nwokorie (Murtala Muhammed International Airport), O.O. Akingbade (Ogun II), and Gambo Aliyu (Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’.