Lagos Free Trade Zone, Comptroller Hawah Abubakar during their retirement send off at Zone ‘A’ on Thursday in Lagos
Retirement: Zone ‘A’, friends describe ACG Babadede as oriented problem solver
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, Sept. 24, 2026, Officers of Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have described the Assistant Comptroller-General and Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Babadede, as an oriented problem solver.
The accolade came as he bowed out of service following his retirement after 35 years of meritorious service.
The family, friends and officers of Zone ‘A’ gave the commendation during the retirement send-off ceremony organised in honour of the Zonal Coordinator, Mohammed Babadede, on Thursday in Lagos, which attracted comptrollers, senior officers and well-wishers.
The retiring ACG expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for a successful 35-year career without accident, kidnap or mishap.
He also appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, for giving him the privilege to serve the zone and contribute to national development.
He said he joined the service at the age of 24 shortly after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), noting that out of his 59 years on earth, 35 years were spent in the Nigeria Customs Service, which he described as his second family.
Babadede said the journey which began from primary school to university and to the customs service was not easy, but was made possible through perseverance, discipline, dedication and the grace of Almighty Allah.
He appreciated his family, his beloved wife, siblings and friends for standing by him through thick and thin, noting that the customs job, like life itself, has its ups and downs which require patience, understanding and strong family support to overcome.
He commended officers and men of the service for their collaboration and unwavering support throughout his tour of duty, and conveyed the deep appreciation of the Comptroller-General of Customs for their dedication to duty and commitment to revenue generation.
He urged officers to keep the flag flying, remained disciplined and uphold the integrity of the service at all times, adding that customs would continue to protect those who serve it diligently, honestly and with patriotism.
The Zonal Coordinator also charged the Service to sustain its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, especially in health and education, noting that such interventions go a long way in assisting host communities and strengthening civil-military relations.
He prayed for colleagues to rise to the peak of their careers, at least to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General, and urged them to continue working for the betterment of the nation’s economy and the facilitation of legitimate trade.
He thanked everyone for honouring his retirement ceremony and said he remained part of the Customs family, adding that retirement did not mean separation from the Service but transition to another phase of life and service to humanity.
Comptroller Chidi Neokorie of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, advised officers to plan early for retirement and uphold professionalism, quality leadership and dedicated service while in active service to leave a lasting legacy.
He thanked Almighty God for successful careers, recalling colleagues who started the journey together, some deceased, others retired, stressing gratitude and the need to exit honourably by choice, not by force, and with faith in God.
Neokorie urged serving officers to respect junior colleagues, embrace life after Customs, avoid fear of the unknown and never compare retirement ventures with Customs experience to avoid frustration and ensure smooth transition to civilian life.
The Comptroller, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Hawah Abubakar, thanked God for successful service, praying that life after retirement would be greater and more prosperous, and also appreciated the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi, and Babadede for their exemplary mentorship.
She appreciated family and colleagues for their support, urged officers to remain one family, love one another and prayed for peace and divine guidance in all endeavours beyond service years for sustained unity.
Comptroller Joseph Anani, Tincan Island Customs Command, described Babadede as a teacher and father figure, adding that he always ensured everyone succeeded in their various commands through guidance, encouragement and purposeful leadership.
Comptroller Gbenga Otunla of the Murtala Muhammed Area Command, thanked God for the 35 years meritorious service of his senior colleague, urging officers to remain problem solvers, patient and relevant always in the discharge of their duties.
Comptroller Dr Roland Nwankwo described Babadede as a passionate boss who always encouraged officers to prioritise their health for optimal performance.
The ACG’s brother, Abdullahi Babadede, said his brother did not compromise in his duties, describing him as disciplined, principled and firm in upholding the ethics and values of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Also, Assistant Comptroller, Chioma Azasiri, described Babadede as a mentor and problem solver, saying he had never given up on his responsibilities, rather he surpassed his targets for the benefit of the Service and the nation.
The Managing Director of M Town Hotel, Malam Muhammed Maigeri, described Babadede as a brother and friend who would push you to success regardless of one’s qualifications, background or status through motivation and selfless support.
The ACG’s wife, Aminah Babadede, celebrated her husband’s 35 years of dedicated Customs service, describing him as committed, responsible and persevering through career challenges with dignity, steadfastness and uncommon sacrifice.
She said retirement is not the end but the beginning of a beautiful chapter, praising him not only for career achievements but as a husband, father, friend and wonderful person admired by all around him.
Babadede’s wife prayed to the Almighty Allah to bless her husband with good health, happiness, fulfilment, reward his sacrifices abundantly and grant them many more years together to travel and create beautiful memories in retirement peacefully.
She noted that the family remained proud of his legacy of service, integrity and honour to the nation.
Six other Comptrollers also retired from Zone ‘A’.
They are the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba; CAC, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Comptroller Hawah Abubakar and CAC, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi.
Others are CAC, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie; CAC, Ogun II Command, Comptroller O.O. Akingbade; and CAC, By by Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu.