By Ebunoluwa Sessou

After 36 years of meritorious service to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Awe Michael Toyin will finally retire.

In a statement, Awe disclosed that his retirement would serve as a way of giving back to society by engaging more in humanitarian services.

As he exits public service, Awe leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, excellence, and commitment to national development.

Born in Okebode Ijesha, Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State, Awe hails from the respected Awe Ojolo Dynasty of Obanla Agaako in Ijesha land. His early education began at St. John Primary School, Okebode, and Okebode Grammar School, before he completed his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Suleja, Niger State.

Driven by a passion for academic excellence, Awe obtained both his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Business Administration from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and Yaba College of Technology, respectively. He later advanced his studies with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Calabar, and another Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.

Awe was enlisted into the Nigerian Customs Service on November 27, 1989, beginning a career marked by dedication, discipline, and professionalism. Over the decades, he served across multiple units and commands nationwide, gaining extensive experience in valuation, export, excise, enforcement, and intelligence.

His career reached a significant milestone in 2023 when he was promoted to the rank of Comptroller, a development that ushered him into higher leadership responsibilities. In 2024, he was appointed Customs Area Comptroller of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Cargo Command, Ikeja, Lagos, where he delivered what colleagues describe as exceptional performance.

During his tenure at the cargo command, Awe recorded remarkable achievements, including unprecedented revenue generation, reportedly the highest since the inception of the NCS. He also led major anti-smuggling operations that resulted in significant seizures of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Under his leadership, the command generated over N800 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV), setting new operational benchmarks.

In recognition of his outstanding managerial capabilities and performance, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, recommended him for a one-year presidential service extension, which he served while still heading the cargo command.

Beyond his operational accomplishments, Awe is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and currently serves as the National Vice President of the Institute of Corporate and Business Management of Nigeria.

Colleagues describe him as a results-driven leader, fondly referring to him by nicknames such as “The Boss,” “Achiever,” “Frontliner,” “Bulldozer,” and “Actor,” reflecting his dynamic personality and work ethic.
He is married to Princess Folashade Faith Awe, and their union is blessed with four children.

Stakeholders within the service say his retirement marks the end of an era, while expressing confidence that his contributions will continue to inspire a new generation of customs officers.