By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appointed Comptroller Blessing Ihenacho as the new Customs Area Controller of the Imo/Abia Area Command, Owerri. She succeeds Comptroller Friday Akpan, who has retired from active service.
The formal handover ceremony was held on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, at the Command’s headquarters conference room. Comptroller Ihenacho, the 26th Area Controller of the Command, was introduced by the Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Nnamdi Aligwekwe.
In his valedictory remarks, Comptroller Akpan thanked the officers and men of the Command for their support throughout his tenure. He urged them to extend the same loyalty to his successor, noting that he was leaving the Service “fulfilled and in good health.”
Speaking on behalf of the officers, Deputy Comptroller of Administration, Kingsley Daniels, commended Akpan for his leadership and assured Comptroller Ihenacho of full cooperation to ensure her success.
In her inaugural address, Comptroller Ihenacho applauded her predecessor for ensuring a smooth transition and wished him a rewarding retirement.
She pledged to enhance the Command’s efficiency in revenue generation and strengthen the implementation of government fiscal policies.
“Our success is the CGC’s success; therefore, we cannot afford to fail the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR,” she said.
She further urged officers to maintain discipline, integrity, and professionalism, stressing her determination to work with the team to surpass revenue targets and uphold the Service’s reputation.
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