Maritime journalists under the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) have honoured the outgoing Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, for his outstanding leadership, professionalism and contributions to the fight against smuggling.
The journalists, who paid a farewell visit to Aliyu in his office in Lagos on Wednesday, described him as a media-friendly Customs officer and a gentleman who distinguished himself through integrity, accessibility and intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations.
Speaking during the event, Aliyu disclosed that the FOU Zone ‘A’ had generated and recovered more than ₦2 billion for the Federation Account over the last nine months.
According to him, the amount represents about five times the Unit’s annual revenue target.
He also revealed that the Unit intercepted more than 21,000 bags of smuggled rice, equivalent to approximately 35 truckloads, during the period under review, alongside illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Aliyu attributed the achievements to the commitment of his officers and the support of the Customs management, stressing that the Unit’s operations were increasingly driven by intelligence.
“Our approach to tackling smuggling has been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions,” he said, emphasising the importance of media support in the fight against smuggling and other forms of economic crime.
His words: “We have seized over 21,000 bags of rice, which equates to roughly 35 truckloads taken out of the food supply chain.”
“We view journalists as strategic partners and critical allies in our fight against crime and smuggling—a challenge no single agency can tackle alone”, Gambo Aliyu said, noting the paternal influence of distinguished Tony Momoh and Sam Amuka.
On collaboration, Aliyu said: “While we are doing everything in our power to suppress smuggling, we need the collaboration of strategic partners like the media to fully eradicate it.”
Also, Aliyu expressed gratitude to the management of the Service for their support and commended his team, whose tireless efforts ensured the success of the headquarters-assigned mission.
During the celebration, Comptroller Aliyu was honoured by the Network of Maritime Journalists in the country for his exceptional leadership and anti-smuggling efforts.
In his address, the Chairman of the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists NNMJ noted that while journalists are typically invited just to cover events, this time they actively came together to celebrate Controller Aliyu Gambo—a man he described as a straightforward, honest, and candid officer, as well as a true friend to the media.
“Gentlemen, today isn’t for long speeches,” Aderibigbe announced. “Controller Gambo Aliyu, we came here today just to say that we are incredibly proud of you.”
He remarked, “In 1957, a prolific British author, James Hardly Chase, wrote a book titled The Guilty Are Afraid. Oftentimes, you’ll find stakeholders dreading journalists as if they were scorpions. And there’s no doubt about it—journalists do share some characteristics with scorpions.
“Sometimes, you find that people dread journalists because they view them like watchdogs. Sometimes, that fear is justified. Journalists have the capacity to both bark and bite. Yet, despite the traits people fear, we always return to the truth. Only the guilty are truly afraid of journalists.”
“My colleague here, Controller Gambo, has distinguished himself. That is why, on this wonderful occasion, we felt compelled to come together and celebrate him as our good friend.”
“Today, you wear the uniform, and journalists celebrate your achievements. Tomorrow, you may transition to civil life in Abuja.”
“Please hold fast to your convictions, Sir. Remember that your most loyal allies—those who will never fail you—are the dedicated men and women of the press”, the NMJ Chairman said, before turning to counsel other officers at the event.
“Gentlemen, we honour Controller Aliyu today. We know that many of you will one day rise to this very position. Let us learn from and emulate the remarkable leadership of this officer and gentleman. God bless you, Sir,” Aderibigbe prayed.
Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board of the NNMJ, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, used his address to reaffirm that the country’s maritime journalists are proud of Comptroller Aliyu.
Onileimo recalled walking into Aliyu’s office one day in December to advise on the need to run an open-door policy with the media. “You promised it would be done.”
“My friend and brother, we are so proud of you. You are truly a man of your word,” Onileimo added:
“I want to sincerely thank you for what you have done. It is rare for people to make a promise and actually keep it. In Nigeria, many people make promises that are hard to fulfil. It is easy to find excuses not to achieve a goal. However, finding a way to overcome those hurdles shows true integrity.”
“Thank you very much for your actions. Everyone here can confirm that you have a strong relationship with the Maritime Media, and it’s more than two hundred memberships.”
“If 200 journalists in Lagos can say, ‘Controller Gambo is our friend,’ what more proof do you need?”
“We are here today to thank and appreciate you. We don’t have silver or gold. But as my brother mentioned earlier, people often think journalists only know how to take or collect. Yet sometimes, we meet someone who truly deserves our praise, and that is why we came.”
“From what we have as journalists, we brought a small token of appreciation. Thank you for being a true friend to the media and for always keeping your door open. Thank you very much,” Onileimo said.
The event actually brought together senior Customs officers from the Unit and top maritime journalists for a gift exchange.
