In a move that has tongues wagging across the region, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has just witnessed a major shake-up. Deputy Comptroller Moses Adewole has swooped in as the new Acting Customs Area Controller, replacing Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, who’s been shipped off to Lagos. 

The handover, which played out at the Command’s Ibadan headquarters, was nothing short of a spectacle. Top customs brass, government officials, and a parade of dignitaries turned up, all eager to see who’s in and who’s out. Clearly, this was more than just a routine change,it was a show of power and influence.

In his first official speech, Adewole wasted no time in showering praise on the Comptroller-General, BA Adeniyi, and the management team for “trusting” him with the job. He made sure to highlight the “crucial moment” the Command is facing, hinting at the pressure to deliver on revenue, anti-smuggling, and community relations. But will he live up to the hype?

Adewole didn’t stop there. He heaped accolades on his predecessor, Aliyu, calling his leadership “exemplary” and his achievements “remarkable.” It was a classic case of back-patting, but the real test will be whether Adewole can actually match or surpass Aliyu’s record.

The new boss was quick to point out the Command’s supposed “successes” under Aliyu, especially in revenue and anti-smuggling. He promised to “build on these achievements” and work hand-in-hand with his officers. But with smuggling still rampant and revenue targets always looming, many are skeptical about how much will really change.

Adewole also made a big show of calling for inter-agency cooperation, declaring, “You cannot do it alone.” It’s a familiar line, but critics say such promises often fizzle out once the cameras are gone.

He laid out a vision packed with buzzwords: training, professionalism, efficiency, and community engagement. Adewole talked up the need for “capacity building” and cozying up to traditional rulers and local communities. But for many, these are just the usual talking points trotted out at every leadership change.

Meanwhile, outgoing Comptroller Aliyu took his final bow, thanking his team for their “professionalism” and “resilience.” He boasted about anti-smuggling wins and protecting the economy, but stopped short of addressing ongoing challenges that have plagued the Command.

Aliyu urged Adewole to keep up the good work, especially in human capital and community relations. He also plugged a pet project,a solar-powered centre in Iragbiji,urging his successor to see it through. Whether this initiative will actually materialize or just gather dust remains to be seen.

The event drew a who’s who of regional power players, including the Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland Security to the Oyo State Governor, ACG Barr. Segun Adegoke (retd). Their attendance was touted as proof of “collaboration,” but some see it as little more than political theater.

As Adewole takes the reins, expectations are being hyped up for more revenue, tougher anti-smuggling, and better community ties. But with so much fanfare and so many promises, only time will tell if this leadership change is more than just business as usual for the Oyo/Osun Customs Command.