LAGOS JULY 16TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has honoured the Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, with its 2026 Leadership Excellence Award for Outstanding Enforcement and Trade Facilitation.
The award was presented during CONMMEP’s Annual General Meeting, Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Ikeja, Lagos, where maritime journalists, regulators, policymakers and industry stakeholders gathered to examine the role of enforcement, trade and the media in advancing Nigeria’s economic development.
Speaking at the event, CONMMEP President Udo Onyeka said the recognition was in appreciation of Comptroller Aliyu’s leadership, which has successfully combined robust anti-smuggling operations with measures aimed at facilitating legitimate trade and improving operational efficiency.
According to him, the award reflects Aliyu’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and intelligence-driven enforcement across the South-West corridor, one of Nigeria’s busiest trade routes.
In its citation, CONMMEP noted that under Aliyu’s leadership, the FOU Zone A has intensified surveillance and enforcement operations along strategic border corridors, including Idiroko, Seme, Imeko, Ilara and Ilaro, significantly disrupting the diversion of petroleum products and other smuggling activities.
CONMMEP further commended the Unit’s collaboration with other government agencies, which it said has contributed to faster cargo clearance for compliant importers and exporters while strengthening border security.
“Trade facilitation is not the opposite of enforcement; it is the reward for effective enforcement,” the association stated. “Comptroller Aliyu has demonstrated that curbing smuggling enhances government revenue, stabilises local markets and creates a more competitive environment for legitimate businesses.”
Explaining the rationale behind the award, CONMMEP said effective border enforcement plays a critical role in protecting government revenue, strengthening investor confidence and promoting a rules-based trading environment.
The association noted that improved enforcement efforts have helped reduce revenue leakages, encouraged compliance with customs regulations and supported Nigeria’s drive to expand non-oil exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
CONMMEP also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability through responsible journalism, describing the media as a strategic partner in strengthening transparency within the maritime and trade sectors.
The association praised Comptroller Aliyu for maintaining an open relationship with the media, saying such engagement has enhanced factual reporting and strengthened public confidence in the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Receiving the award in his office, Comptroller Aliyu dedicated the honour to officers and personnel of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, as well as partner security and regulatory agencies. He reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to intelligence-led operations, enhanced border security and the continued facilitation of legitimate trade.
CONMMEP maintained that effective enforcement and seamless trade facilitation are complementary objectives essential to Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that leaders who successfully balance both responsibilities are making significant contributions to the development of the country’s maritime and border trade corridors.
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