Abuja: The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has praised the visionary leadership and reform-driven legacy of his predecessor, Dr. Bello Mohammed, as the former comptroller-general celebrates his 80th birthday. Adeniyi described the octogenarian as a transformative leader whose tenure between 1988 and 1993 laid a solid foundation that continues to shape the operations and reputation of the NCS.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeniyi emphasized that Mohammed’s forward-looking reforms repositioned the Service as one of Nigeria’s most efficient revenue-generating and security agencies. These reforms also elevated the welfare and professional standing of its staff. Adeniyi remarked, “Mohammed’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence laid a foundation that continues to shape the Service today. We honour your legacy and enduring contributions to national development. Happy 80th birthday, sir.”
The NCS boss highlighted that Mohammed’s leadership helped redefine the Service’s mandate through the enactment of the Customs and Excise Management Act. This transformation elevated the department to a full-fledged para-military organization, aligning the job status and benefits of Customs personnel with other security agencies such as the Police, Army, Navy, and Air Force.
During his tenure, Mohammed represented Nigeria on the global stage, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Brussels-based Customs Cooperation Council (CCC). He was also the Head of the West and Central Africa Regional Group of the CCC, south of the Sahara. His leadership earned the NCS international recognition and respect.
Adeniyi, who currently serves as Nigeria’s first elected Chairman of the CCC, expressed that the current success and global recognition enjoyed by the NCS are enduring fruits of Mohammed’s reform legacy. He expressed gratitude that the former C-G lived to witness the results of the seeds he planted and described him as a leader whose contributions remain indelible in the annals of the NCS.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Dr. Bello Mohammed, a trained veterinary doctor from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, began his public service career in 1977 as a commissioner in the old Sokoto State. He rose to national prominence as Director of Customs and Excise (1990-1992) and later as C-G of the NCS (1992-1993). His tenure transformed the Service, enhanced staff welfare, and strengthened institutional efficiency, making the Customs a model for other para-military agencies such as the Immigration and Correctional Services.