The newly appointed Customs Area Controller in charge of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Aliyu Gambo, has stated that his leadership at the command will target smugglers and importers who under-declare their import items.

According to a press release, Gambo made this known while unveiling a reform-driven leadership agenda structured around a three-point framework of change management, compliance management and reputational management.

He explained that his core objective is to institutionalise accountability through a motivated workforce, transparency and professionalism, while driving operational excellence in alignment with the mission, vision and leadership philosophy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Gambo noted that the CGC’s administration places strong emphasis on meritocracy and competence-based human resource management within the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Change management under my leadership will focus on attitudinal reorientation rather than mere policy declarations, extending to Customs officers, the trading public, and border communities,” he said.

He stressed that sustainable reform must begin with a shift in mindset, adding that Customs officers are expected to internalise professionalism, discipline and service values.

Gambo further explained that stakeholders must also understand that Customs operations are guided strictly by national interest and the rule of law.

He noted that Customs operates within a complex post-globalisation trade environment that requires adaptability, intelligence-led enforcement and constructive engagement with stakeholders.

The FOU Zone A controller added that change must be both internal and external, reshaping individual behaviour while strengthening institutional culture across the Service.

He emphasised strict adherence to established procedures and ethical standards, while maintaining a practical understanding of Nigeria’s trade realities.

Gambo made it clear that compliance with Customs regulations would not be optional, stating that “but enforcement would be firm, fair, and intelligence-driven.”

He said the command would adopt a carrot and stick approach that rewards compliance while decisively sanctioning violations, “in line with the CGC’s broader reform agenda centred on merit, competence, and fairness.”

The controller issued a stern warning to smugglers operating across land borders and Nigeria’s waterways, stressing that there would be no safe routes and no hiding places for illegal activities.

He disclosed that surveillance, patrols and intelligence-led operations would be intensified to ensure that smugglers are apprehended and prosecuted.

Gambo added that anyone involved in smuggling, regardless of the scale of operation or route used, would face the full weight of the law.

He also cautioned importers and clearing agents who believe they can short-change the government through under-payment, under-declaration or false declaration of goods.

“Importers who think they can evade their obligations through under-declaration or under-payment should rethink, because Customs will detect these practices and recover every kobo that is due to the government,” Gambo warned.

He explained that the Service is strengthening its risk assessment systems, post-clearance audit mechanisms and intelligence collaboration to track consignments from origin to final destination.

Gambo noted that distance or foreign shipping points would not shield offenders from detection or accountability.

While reaffirming Customs’ commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, he stressed that compliance remains non-negotiable, stating that “those who play by the rules have nothing to fear, but compliance is not optional.”

On reputational management, Gambo said accountability and transparency are fundamental to public trust, noting that the ethical tone set by the Comptroller-General of Customs has significantly improved public perception of the Service.

He assured that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, would sustain and deepen these gains, emphasising that the Service has a social contract with Nigerians and must deliver value while fulfilling its mandate within the trade value chain.

Beyond revenue generation and trade facilitation, Gambo highlighted the security dimension of Customs operations, warning of the link between smuggling, illicit drugs, arms proliferation and rising criminality.

He observed that challenges such as banditry, terrorism and kidnapping have made effective border control a national security imperative critical to safeguarding lives, the economy and national stability.

Gambo assumes office at a critical period, following an impressive performance by the outgoing leadership of FOU Zone A.

The previous administration recorded 761 seizures valued at over N10bn, including rice, vehicles, drugs and weapons, alongside 38 arrests and the recovery of more than N419m in underpaid duties.

His appointment is further strengthened by his established reputation for integrity, most notably demonstrated by his decision to reject a $50,000 bribe, an action that has become part of his professional record.

As he builds on these achievements, Gambo has pledged to intensify intelligence-driven operations, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and promote welfare and professionalism within the ranks.

He said these measures would ensure that FOU Zone A not only sustains its anti-smuggling successes but also advances the broader objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service in economic protection, trade facilitation and national security.