A Humble Servant’s Legacy: ACG Ejibunu Hussein Kehinde Bids Farewell to Nigeria Customs Service

Mary Nnah

The retirement reception of ACG Ejibunu Hussein Kehinde (RTD) was a grand celebration, filled with warmth and camaraderie, as friends, family, and well-wishers converged in Ikeja, Lagos, to honor his 35-year illustrious career in the Nigeria Customs Service. Having served with distinction across all six geo-political zones of Nigeria, ACG Kehinde exemplified the highest ideals of integrity, discipline, and national service.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Nigeria Customs Service into a more efficient and effective institution. His strategic vision and relentless pursuit of operational excellence led to transformative achievements in revenue generation and elevated the professional standards of the service. Notably, he served as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, a special initiative launched by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to combat the smuggling of petroleum products and diversion across Nigeria’s borders.

Under his leadership, Operation Whirlwind achieved remarkable success, seizing over 1,750,000 liters of PMS with an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2.2 billion. His contributions to the service have been multifaceted, catalyzing innovations in enforcement protocols, nurturing inter-agency collaborations, and fostering inclusive leadership that inspires both officers and citizens alike.

From the bustling corridors of the South-West to the borderlands of the North-East and North-West, ACG Kehinde’s trail of excellence is etched into the institutional fabric of the Nigeria Customs Service. His dedication and commitment to duty have earned him numerous accolades, and his legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of customs officers.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and superiors, who described ACG Kehinde as a diligent, efficient, and honest officer. Deputy Comptroller Rtd. Barr. Kudaisi Toyin praised his integrity and approach to service, saying, “He was very honest in his approach to issues. I believe that there are many opportunities available to him, and I am optimistic that he will not disappoint all of us.”

Deputy Comptroller General RTD Mohammed Abba-Kura also lauded ACG Kehinde’s dedication and hard work, noting that he was a true enforcement officer who made remarkable achievements during his stint as the head of FOU Zone A. “He reorganized the zone, making it a beacon for other FOUs,” he said. “He merited all the promotions he got in the service. He was able to reorganize the place, and his efforts led to numerous seizures of arms, ammunition, Indian hemp, and other dangerous drugs, as well as assorted expensive vehicles that were about to be smuggled into the country.”

As ACG Kehinde embarks on this new chapter, his colleagues and friends wish him well, expressing hope that he will continue to contribute to the service in other capacities. Despite his retirement, ACG Kehinde remains active, exploring new endeavors such as farming. His legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of customs officers, and his contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

In his farewell, ACG Kehinde leaves behind a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence. His departure marks the end of an era, but his impact on the Nigeria Customs Service will be felt for generations to come.