By Onu Okorie

Nigeria Customs Service’s Lilypond Export Command has a new head after Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi formally retired from the Service and handed over leadership of the Command to Deputy Comptroller Olusola O. Salako, who now takes charge as Acting Customs Area Controller.
The handover ceremony followed the Service’s standard administrative procedures for leadership transitions, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs B. Olusola-Oke.
Outgoing Controller Cites Teamwork Behind Command’s Gains
In his farewell remarks, Ariyibi thanked Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service’s management, officers of the Command, and outside stakeholders for their support during his tenure. He credited the Command’s achievements to teamwork, professionalism, discipline and close collaboration between officers and stakeholders.
Closing out what the Command described as a distinguished career, Ariyibi urged staff to give Salako the same level of cooperation they had extended to him, and to maintain the operational standards built up during his time in charge. He said he was confident the incoming leadership could build on that foundation and carry the Command’s mandate further.
Incoming Acting Controller Pledges Focus on Trade Facilitation, Anti-Smuggling Work
Salako, responding, commended Ariyibi’s service to the Nigeria Customs Service and his role in developing Lilypond Export Command. He committed to leading with purpose and professionalism going forward, with particular emphasis on trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, anti-smuggling operations and stakeholder engagement.
He also called on officers and staff to maintain discipline and cooperation, framing collective responsibility as central to meeting both the Service’s broader mandate and the Command’s own strategic goals, and asked stakeholders to continue supporting the Command’s operations in support of national economic development.
Transition Formalised
The ceremony formally closed out Ariyibi’s tenure as Customs Area Controller and confirmed Salako’s assumption of duty in an acting capacity. In its statement, the Command thanked Ariyibi for his years of service and wished him a fulfilling retirement, while welcoming Salako and wishing him a successful tenure at the helm.