Comptroller Chinyere Angeline Awo: A Trailblazer in the Nigeria Customs Service

 

In the annals of Nigeria’s public service, certain individuals distinguish themselves through sheer dedication, resilience, and excellence. One such remarkable personality is Comptroller Chinyere Angeline Awo, an accomplished officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abuja. Her journey, marked by unwavering commitment and professional brilliance, has earned her a place among the elite in customs administration.

Born on September 22, 1965, to the distinguished family of Chief D. E. D. Ohabuike and Lolo Clara Ohabuike (both of blessed memory), Comptroller Awo hails from a lineage known for its strong values and pursuit of excellence. Her academic foundation was laid at Asa Road Primary School, Aba, Abia State, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1977. She then proceeded to St. Anne’s Secondary School, Umuobasi Amavo, where she earned her Ordinary Level Certificate in 1982.

Her thirst for knowledge and determination to make an impact in the scientific field led her to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc Hons) in Pure Chemistry in 1988.

With a vision to serve her country, Comptroller Awo was enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service on September 24, 1991, as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs. Her journey through the ranks was defined by diligence, integrity, and an unrelenting commitment to duty. In recognition of her outstanding service, she steadily rose through various ranks, ultimately attaining the esteemed position of Comptroller of Customs in 2022.

Her tenure in the Customs Service has been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in trade facilitation, customs administration, and revenue generation. Her expertise and leadership skills earned her a prestigious nomination and posting to participate in the Senior Executive Course 46 (2024) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State—an elite training ground for Nigeria’s top policy and strategy executives.

A lifelong learner and a globally exposed officer, Comptroller Awo has undergone numerous professional trainings, workshops, and conferences across various continents. She has honed her skills in customs leadership, digital transformation, performance management, and public service reform. Notably, she attended:

✓World Customs Organisation (WCO) Workshop on Leadership and Management Development for Senior Management of the Nigeria Customs Service (October 2023)

✓E-Government, Digital Transformation, and Performance Management Training, organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and African Development Studies Course in Kigali, Rwanda (November 2023)

Her career has also taken her to countries including the USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, China, Rwanda, and Ghana, where she has represented Nigeria in various international engagements.

For her exceptional service to the Customs community and her contributions to trade facilitation, Comptroller Awo has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

✓World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit (Individual Award)

✓WCO Exceptional Service to International Customs Community Award (Tincan Island Port Command, Lagos)

Her stellar reputation as a customs officer and a policy strategist has earned her the admiration of both her colleagues and the international customs fraternity.

Beyond her illustrious career, Comptroller Awo is an intellectual at heart. She is a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), further underscoring her commitment to effective communication and public service. In her leisure, she enjoys reading, writing, and moments of reflection, which enrich her perspective on life and leadership.

Her religious philosophy is deeply rooted in Eckankar—the Path of Spiritual Freedom. She believes that “All life exists because of God’s love,” a guiding principle that shapes her approach to work, service, and personal interactions.

As a thought leader in the field of customs administration, Comptroller Awo has actively engaged in research on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Revenue Generation in the Nigeria Customs Service. Her work examines the issues, challenges, and prospects of ICT adoption in customs operations, highlighting its role in boosting national revenue and trade efficiency.

Comptroller Chinyere Angeline Awo’s career is a testament to hard work, integrity, and dedication to national service. Her remarkable journey—from a young scholar in Aba to a high-ranking Customs officer shaping policy at the national level—exemplifies the power of perseverance and professionalism. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards, she remains a beacon of excellence and a role model for aspiring customs officers and public servants across Nigeria.