Comptroller Musa Omale: The Seasoned Customs Maestro, Illuminating Paths of Excellence in NCS Sokoto/Zamfara Command

By Muhammad Bashir

…Highlighting the CGC’s Remarkable Efforts in Enhancing the Sokoto/Zamfara Command for Improved Effectiveness….

Musa Omale, the Area Controller overseeing the Sokoto/Zamfara Command in the Nigeria Customs Service, stands as a paragon of transformative leadership. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, his journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to redefining the standards of efficiency and integrity within the Customs Sector.

Comptroller Omale’s enlistment into the Nigeria Customs Service in the early 1990s was nothing short of extraordinary. Recognized as the ‘NYSC FCT Award Winner’ in Abuja, his subsequent appointment was a testament to his patriotic contributions during his National Youth Service. As an Assistant Legal Adviser at the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, his cognitive sharpness and legal acuity positioned him as a key figure in the Customs, Immigration, and Prison Board (CIPB) meetings.

In an era where manual operations and technological constraints prevailed, Omale’s resilience and strategic thinking propelled him to conquer challenges and achieve significant milestones. Rising through the ranks with a technical prowess that set him apart, he was eventually promoted to the esteemed position of Comptroller and assigned to the Sokoto/Zamfara Command in January 2023.

Educationally astute, Omale holds a PhD in law, an achievement that underscores his dedication to intellectual growth. As a registered member of national and international professional bodies, he played a pivotal role in the formulation of the groundbreaking NCS Act 2023, marking a departure from the antiquated Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).

In addition to his administrative role, Omale served as the Editor-in-Chief of the NCS Monthly Order during the tenure of the late Comptroller-General Abdullahi Dikko Inde. His three authored books, focused on the intricacies of the Nigeria Customs Service, are a testament to his intellectual depth. Numerous articles authored by Omale, lauding the Service’s image, further exemplify his commitment to showcasing the organization in a positive light.

Under his stewardship, the Sokoto/Zamfara Command defied the challenges posed by the border closure in July 2023, maintaining a multi-billion Naira revenue status. His leadership in anti-smuggling operations reached its zenith with the interception of 1,800 cartons of foreign bananas, demonstrating a strategic finesse that solidified his reputation as an Anti-Smuggling Czar.

In a moment of exceptional courage, Comptroller Musa Omale demonstrated his unwavering commitment to upholding due process and ensuring the welfare of the public. One remarkable instance that underscores his dedication occurred when he commenced the process for the destruction of expired drugs, food items, and handing over of Cannabis Sativa to the relevant agency.

Comptroller Omale meticulously followed due process before taking any decisive action. Instead of hastily disposing of the items, he initiated a thorough process to secure official approval for their proper disposal. This deliberate approach exemplifies Omale’s dedication to adhering to established protocols and legal frameworks even in challenging situations.

By seeking official approval before disposing of the expired drugs, food items, and cannabis Sativa, Comptroller Omale ensured that every step taken was in strict accordance with established regulations. This commitment to due process not only reflects his integrity but also safeguards against potential legal ramifications, showcasing a leader who places a premium on ethical conduct and legality.

Furthermore, Comptroller Omale’s decision to involve relevant authorities in the disposal process serves as a model for transparency and accountability. He recognized the importance of engaging stakeholders and obtaining necessary approvals, fostering an environment of openness and responsibility within the Customs Service. This approach not only upholds the principles of due process but also establishes a precedent for ethical behavior that resonates throughout the organization.

In essence, Comptroller Musa Omale’s handling of the government warehouse expired goods exemplifies a meticulous adherence to due process. His actions set a benchmark for approaching challenging situations with a commitment to legal procedures, transparency, and accountability. This dedication not only ensures the proper execution of security operations but also establishes a foundation of trust and integrity.

Omale’s leadership style is a nuanced blend of discipline and democracy. His inclusive approach fosters a positive working environment, where each officer is considered a valuable team player. This philosophy extends beyond the customs personnel to include engagement with traditional and religious leaders in the host community, promoting awareness of customs duties and the detrimental impact of smuggling on the economy.

Acknowledging the challenges in documentation processes during his early tenure, Comptroller Omale implemented meticulous reforms, ensuring the seamless handling of case files for seizures and detentions. His belief in the paramount importance of discipline resonates through every facet of his leadership, envisioning a more effective and efficient Command.

Comptroller Musa Omale, a seasoned Customs Officer, emerges as a pivotal figure whose significance extends far beyond mere administrative convenience. His extensive experience, intellectual acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence collectively serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria. In navigating the complexities of customs operations, Omale’s impact surpasses the realm of revenue statistics, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s trajectory.

His extraordinary wealth of experience becomes a cornerstone in building a stronger and more resilient Nigeria. His profound understanding of customs intricacies contributes to the institutional knowledge of the Nigeria Customs Service, fostering a culture of efficiency and adaptability. This institutional wisdom, passed down through the ranks, becomes a vital resource for future officers, ensuring a continuous legacy of competence and expertise.

The ethical standards upheld by Musa Omale further elevate his influence within the customs sector. His commitment to integrity and adherence to ethical principles became guiding lights for the entire Sokoto/Zamfara Command, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. This ethical foundation not only safeguards the reputation of the customs sector but also establishes a benchmark for international respect and cooperation.

Musa Omale stands as more than just a Customs Officer; he is a transformative leader shaping the destiny of the Command and, by extension, the nation. His legacy becomes a testament to the profound impact effective leadership can have on institutional growth and national development. As a custodian of progress and a builder of nations, Omale’s influence extends across borders, symbolizing the potential for positive change that a seasoned Customs Officer can bring to a country’s journey toward prosperity.

In summary, Musa Omale’s leadership in Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command is a narrative of transformative change, marked by intellectual acumen, strategic brilliance, and a commitment to excellence that transcends national borders. As he leaves an indelible mark on the Customs sector.

EMPHASIS…

In reflecting upon his significant achievements, Comptroller Musa Omale acknowledges the pivotal role played by his esteemed superior, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR – while also attributing his success to the invaluable support he always receive from the CGC, thus holding holding him in the highest regard.

Beyond being a Boss, CGC Adeniyi serves as a Mentor to Comptroller Omale, drawing inspiration from Adeniyi’s distinguished track record and the implementation of impactful policies that propelled the Customs Service.

Hardly would Comptroller Musa Omale speak about the developments and milestones that his Command has attained in recent months, without recognizing CGC Adeniyi’s unwavering presence and support throughout his journey. This sentiment extends beyond personal acknowledgment, as Omale underscores CGC Adeniyi’s efforts in bolstering the effectiveness of their Command.

In alignment with the vision set forth by CGC Adeniyi, Comptroller Musa Omale always pledges unwavering commitment to supporting the Customs Service’s pursuit of enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. Embracing the core principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation, Omale positions himself as an integral contributor to the realization of the CGC’s overarching goals. This dedication reflects Comptroller Musa Omale’s strong belief in the transformative impact of the CGC’s visionary policies and sets the stage for a collaborative and forward-thinking approach within the Customs Service.

That is why he envisions that, under the astute leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Customs Service will ascend to a level where it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its counterparts in developed countries. This optimistic outlook is grounded in CGC Adeniyi’s proactive embrace of technological advancements, strategically employed to modernize and elevate the efficiency of Customs Service activities. Omale believes that this commitment to innovation positions the Service on a trajectory towards global parity, reinforcing its competitiveness on an international scale.