Tributes continue to pour in as family, friends and well wishers around the world mourn the passing of Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde, former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. A Fulani from Musawa Town, a Local Government in Katsina State, North-Western part of Nigeria. The name “Dikko” attached to his name originates from the name of the First Fulani (Sullubawa) Emir Sarki Muhammadu Dikko dan Gidado (1865 – 1944)”. As many if not all indigenes from Katsina are referred to as “Katsinawan Dikko” (Katsina Emirate: The people of Emir Dikko) Just like “Kanawan Dabo” (Kano Emirate: The People of Emir Dabo) and “Sakkwatan Shehu” (Sokoto: The People of Shehu (Shehu Danfodio)) etc.
Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko MFR, OFR, CFR was born 11th of May, 1960. He attended the then ‘Elementary’ now Primary school in Musawa town. He then proceeded to the Government Collage Kaduna in 1974 where he obtained his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate in 1980. Dikko went on to purse his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and a Master of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Dimitar Apostile Tshenov, Svishtov, Bulgaria.
Alhaji Dikko Inde joined the Nigerian Custom Service in the year in 1988 as commissioned officer. Before his retirement, he served in various customs commands including Tincan Island Port, Imo Command, Badagry Area Command, Apapa Area Command, Seme- Boarder, Kaduna, and later Investigation and Inspection Headquaters. Abuja. He was appointed as the Controller General of the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) on 26 August, 2009. Dikko was fondly referred to as the father of “customs modernization” for the numerous reforms he put in place. One of the most notable achievements to his credit was the facilitation and signing of the Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) between Nigeria and the United States. This agreement marked a significant milestone in collaboration between the two countries.
The bilateral agreement serves as a valuable tool for CBP and ICE in cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service to prevent, repress and investigate customs offenses.
During his tenure as the CG – Nigerian Custom Service he received numerous awards including:
– Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) award for ” The Most Outstanding Customs Administrator”, 2009.
– National Association of Government Approval Freight Forwarder (NAGAFF) Peace Award, 2009.
– Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Inspirational Leadership and Good Governance Award, 2009.
– Transparent Monitoring Actions Award for Transparent Administrator of The year 2009.
– African Choice International News Magazine Award for Meritorious Award for Heroic Service, 2009.
– Globalink International 2009 African International Role Model Leadership Gold Award for National Development.
– African Age International Leadership Gold award for excellence.
– Democracy Magazine Man of Year – 2016
– Member of The Order of the Federal Republic, MFR
– Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR
– Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR awarded by the President Federal Republic Of Nigeria.
His tenure as the Controller-General of Customs was described as exemplary, as he was the Engineer of Transformation of the Nigerian Custom Service.
On February 18th, 2021, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko Inde answered the call to return to his creator. He lives behind his wife and four children. May God forgive his sins and may his soul find peace find peace with our Creator.
Joi John
