The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has paid glowing tribute to retiring Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Musa Omale, celebrating his decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and outstanding contributions to the Service.
The honour was bestowed during a retirement ceremony held on June 5, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, where the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the Management Team gathered to reflect on Omale’s distinguished career and enduring legacy.
Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi described DCG Omale as an officer renowned for his intellectual curiosity, love for learning, and commitment to personal development. He noted that the Service’s tradition of celebrating retiring officers provides an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and offer guidance as they transition into a new phase of life.
The Customs boss emphasized the importance of legacy in public service, stating that officers are ultimately remembered by the impact of their actions and conduct.
“When we are in service, we leave imprints and footprints because we never know how people will make reference to them later,” Adeniyi said.
He advised the retiring officer to approach future investments and engagements with caution and wisdom while wishing him good health and continued opportunities to contribute to national development.
Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi recalled first meeting Omale 35 years ago in Port Harcourt when both officers began their careers as attachés. He praised Omale’s consistency, humility, and dependability throughout his years of service.
“You have remained yourself all through. You are reliable and dependable, and your word is your bond,” Bomodi said.
Director of Legal Services, Smart Akande, also lauded Omale’s professionalism and diligence, recalling their collaboration on prosecution matters in Port Harcourt. He described the retiring officer as articulate and hardworking, adding that his academic inclination could see him excel even after retirement.
“I will not be surprised if he becomes a professor after retirement,” Akande remarked.
Other senior officers, including Assistant Comptroller-General Nafiu Isiaku, commended Omale’s passion for knowledge, attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and dedication to mentoring younger officers. They noted that despite attaining senior leadership positions, he remained approachable and committed to sharing knowledge with colleagues.
In his response, DCG Omale expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, the Management Team, and his colleagues for the recognition accorded him. He described himself as a calm and steady individual and attributed his interest in academia to experiences gained during his formative years in the Service.
He also recounted a defining moment in his career when he represented a superior officer at a board meeting while still relatively young, describing the experience as pivotal to his professional growth.
Omale pledged to remain available to support the Nigeria Customs Service whenever called upon and commended CGC Adeniyi for his inclusive and listening leadership style.
The ceremony highlighted the Service’s appreciation for exemplary service and celebrated the remarkable legacy of an officer widely respected for his integrity, intellect, and dedication to duty.
