Comptroller Adenuga Celebrates DC Edime’s Retirement, Bids CSC Sulaiman Farewell to Apapa Command
Comptroller Wale Adenuga has praised Deputy Controller Audu Samson Edime for his meritorious service as he retires from the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service while he appreciated the Public Relations Officer Isah Sulaiman for his commitment and good conduct as he is being posted to Apapa Command.
During the retirement and send-forth ceremony which was held at the Command, Comptroller Adenuga noted that the prescribed retirement age of 60 exists for a reason, emphasising that public service is ultimately service to humanity and to God.
“We are celebrating DC Scanning, Audu Samson Edime because he is a man of God and a dedicated officer,” he said.
Addressing the outgoing PRO, he offered words of encouragement and admiration.
“To our PRO, Isah Sulaiman, when you get to your new post, the sky will be your limit. You will excel. I have truly enjoyed working with you. I will never leave you behind; I will always reach out from time to time. You are an embodiment of humility, and I appreciate you.”
Adenuga added that the bond they have built would continue to unite everyone, even as responsibilities and postings change.
Deputy Comptroller Audu Samson Edime reflected on his decades-long career in the Nigeria Customs Service, expressing gratitude to God and pride in serving with integrity as he bows out of active service.
Edime noted that many colleagues across the Service know him well and can attest to his commitment to duty. He stated that wherever he found himself, he always put in his best, even when his work required him to operate in secluded, highly technical environments.
The retiring officer emphasised that he is leaving the Service strictly on account of age, in line with the 60-year retirement threshold, not due to length of service. He thanked God for giving him the strength, discipline, and opportunity to serve without regret.
Edime also encouraged officers who are approaching retirement to prepare themselves early and trust God for the grace to transition smoothly.He urged serving officers not to fear retirement, describing it instead as a transition to a better phase of life.
“I have spent years in scanning, professionally and diligently. That is the assignment I was given, and that is the office I am retiring from.By the grace of God, I have made the best use of everything entrusted to me. I have no regrets serving in Customs. I am proud to have been a Customs officer.
“I have never been afraid of retirement. I believe I am going to the next level, and it will be better because I will now have time for myself and for many other things,” he concluded.
The Public Relations Officer of the Seme Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman, expressed deep appreciation to God, the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, colleagues, and security agencies as he prepares to leave the command for a new assignment.
Sulaiman described the event as the first time he has ever been celebrated in such a manner, noting that he had always seen himself as a “government nation officer” rather than the type who expected elaborate recognition.
He said the Seme Command had become a “second home,” crediting Area Controller Comptroller Wale Adenuga for creating a work environment built on unity, respect, and compassion.
Sulaiman commended the Area Controller’s leadership, describing his appointment to Seme as a “saving grace” for the Nigeria Customs Service. He pointed to the command’s significant revenue increase from N500 million monthly to N1.5 billion in September and October, as evidence of the controller’s impact.
He extended his appreciation to all principal officers, unit heads, and colleagues including DCs of Export, Admin, Enforcement, Police, and others whose cooperation and professionalism strengthened the operations of the PRO’s office. He paid special tribute to his team, acknowledging their loyalty, creativity, and dedication.
He noted that leaving Seme comes with “mixed feelings,” but expressed confidence that the high professional standards they built together would continue.
Sulaiman also recognized heads of sister security agencies along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Immigration, DSS, Police, NDLEA, FRSC, Quarantine Service, Port Health, SON and others, praising their unprecedented collaboration.
He thanked the media for responsible reportage and their support in amplifying the command’s activities nationally, urging them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.
“Seme is home because we are blessed with a leader who plays the role of a father, a partner, and a mentor. I worked with senior officers who treated me like a younger brother and junior officers who looked up to me as one.
“I am among the lowest-ranking officers privileged to sit with you and your principal staff. I have seen the days and the nights you put in to place this command where it is today.
“Every moment spent here has shaped me personally and professionally. As I move into a new phase, I pray for the continued progress of the Seme Command and God’s protection over my Area Controller and the officers and men,” he concluded.
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