The Ondo/Ekiti Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has welcomed Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC), Patience Ita as the new Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), following the retirement of Comptroller Queen Obazee.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Nzubechi Iheagwaram.
According to the statement, DC Ita officially assumed office on Thursday, April 30, 2026, during a formal handover ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Akure, marking a leadership transition in the command.
In her inaugural address, the new Acting CAC expressed her appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service’s management for the confidence reposed in her appointment.
She also commended her predecessor, Comptroller Queen Obazee, for what she described as a distinguished and impactful career in the Nigeria Customs Service, congratulating her on her retirement after completing her tenure at the command.
DC Ita pledged to sustain the operational achievements recorded under the former CAC by consolidating on the existing foundation to ensure continuity in service delivery, revenue generation, and trade facilitation.
Speaking on her leadership vision, she said her administration would align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs through enhanced collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders to improve operational efficiency within the command.
The Acting CAC further charged officers and men of the command to uphold discipline, accountability, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the integrity of the Service must remain paramount.
“Leadership may change, but our commitment to national service remains constant. You are not to constitute non-tariff barriers to trade but facilitators of legitimate trade,” she stated.
She urged officers to remain committed and focused, regardless of administrative changes, while reiterating the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to the Service’s core mandates.
During the handover, the outgoing CAC called on officers and men, including stakeholders, to support DC Ita in achieving the mandate given to her by the CGC.
The Statement further stated that under her leadership, the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command is expected to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, promote transparency, and enhance trade facilitation and revenue collection efforts in line with the economic and security objectives of the Federal Government.
