Nigeria Customs Mourns Former Deputy Comptroller-General Ibrahim Idris Suleiman, Dead at 66
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been plunged into mourning following the demise of one of its most revered retired officers, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Ibrahim Idris Suleiman, who passed away on Sunday, 7 April 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after a brief illness. He was 66.
In an official statement released on Monday, 8 April 2025, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, announced the sad news on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the seasoned officer.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi paid glowing tribute to the late DCG Suleiman, describing him as a consummate professional known for his integrity and unwavering dedication to national service.
“DCG Suleiman was widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to national service,” Adeniyi stated.
Born on 20 October 1958 in Mani Local Government Area of Katsina State, Ibrahim Idris Suleiman was a distinguished scholar and civil servant.
He began his academic pursuit at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with Second Class Upper Division in July 1981. Upon graduation, he proceeded to complete the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1982.
His illustrious journey in the Nigeria Customs Service began on 4 August 1982 when he was enlisted as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs.
Over the course of three and a half decades, Suleiman steadily climbed the ranks through sheer diligence and commitment.
In 2011, he was appointed Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and subsequently elevated to the position of Deputy Comptroller-General in 2012. He served in this capacity with distinction until his retirement on 4 August 2017.
The late DCG Suleiman leaves behind a legacy of integrity, discipline, and exceptional public service. His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and admirers within and beyond the Service.
The Nigeria Customs Service, alongside his family and loved ones, has offered prayers for the repose of his soul, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
“We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus as his final abode,” the Service’s statement concluded.
