The Nigeria Customs Service has named Comptroller Adebola Salawu as the new Customs Area Controller for its Lagos Industrial Area Command, succeeding the retiring Comptroller Sarah Wadinda in a leadership transition aimed at bolstering excise operations and economic contributions.

The appointment was announced on the service's official X account (@CustomsNG) on Saturday, with a handover ceremony at the command's headquarters in Festac Town, Lagos.

Public Relations Officer Superintendent Juliana Tomo confirmed the details in a Monday statement, praising Wadinda's tenure marked by strong leadership and community initiatives like the Customs Cares project at Festac Senior Grammar School. Under her guidance, the school gained a water treatment plant, e-library, photocopier, and refurbished toilets, successes attributed to stakeholder partnerships.

Wadinda, who retired after a distinguished career, thanked Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi for the opportunity and urged officers to support Salawu fully. In her remarks, she highlighted the command's role in trade facilitation and revenue generation. Salawu, in turn, commended Wadinda's legacy and committed to advancing excise duties. "I assure officers and stakeholders of my commitment to improving excise operations," she stated, calling for collaboration on the newly launched Unified Customs Management System (B’Odogwu). She emphasized in-house training and stakeholder engagement to enhance performance and national growth, aligning with broader customs reforms under Adeniyi.

The Lagos Industrial Area Command oversees key industrial zones, focusing on excise compliance, anti-smuggling, and economic facilitation. Salawu's leadership comes amid ongoing efforts to modernize operations, including digital tools to curb illicit trade.