Balogun Decorates 67 Newly Promoted Officers in Zone C

…Says Promotion Comes With Higher Responsibilities

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), held a vibrant decoration ceremony Thursday to honour 67 officers recently elevated to new ranks. The event, hosted at the Unit’s headquarters in Owerri, was marked by pride, celebration, and a renewed call to duty.

In his opening remarks, the Unit Controller, Comptroller B. A Balogun of the Unit welcomed invited guests, officers and men to what he described as a ‘joyous and important occasion’ even as he emphasized that the promotions were not routine but a recognition of “dedication, discipline, and excellence in service to the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at large.

Speaking further, the Comptroller noted that promotion in the Service is a reward for hard work, loyalty, and commitment, and comes with heightened expectations. “This recognition is a call to higher performance, integrity, and leadership,” he said, urging the newly promoted officers to uphold the core values of the NCS, namely integrity, transparency, and professionalism.

The ceremony which saw officers promoted across various ranks comprised of AC-DC 3, CSC-AC 1, SC-CSC 4, DSC-SC 7, ASC1-DSC 15, ASC11-ASC1 17, IC-ASC11 18, and AIC-IC 2 making a total of 67.

The Unit helmsman extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs and the Service’s management, reminding the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibilities.

He encouraged them to wear their ranks “with pride, humility, and renewed commitment to the Service and to Nigeria.”

Comptroller Balogun also acknowledged the support of families, friends, and colleagues, whose sacrifices contributed to the officers’ success.

In a gesture of inclusivity, the Comptroller addressed those who were not promoted, urging them to remain resilient and prepare harder for future opportunities. “Promotion is not the end—it is a journey. Stay committed,” he advised.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for continued guidance and strength for all officers in the discharge of their duties. The Comptroller reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to anti-smuggling operations, revenue recovery, and trade facilitation, positioning Zone C as a vital arm of the Nigeria Customs Service.