A former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha, has passed away at the age of 76.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, confirmed the news in a statement on his official X handle on Thursday, describing the late Mustapha as “a man of service, dignity, and duty whose legacy will live on in the hearts of the people of Adamawa.”
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha, former CG of Customs. A man of service, dignity and duty whose legacy will live on. My prayers are with Lamido Adamawa, the Mustapha royal family and all who mourn him. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” Fintiri wrote.
Mustapha, who was the elder brother of the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Aliyu Mustapha, also held the traditional title of Sardauna Adamawa.
He joined the Nigeria Customs Service as a cadet officer and rose steadily through the ranks until his appointment as Comptroller-General in 1999. His tenure was marked by intensified anti-smuggling operations and participation in several national task forces against economic sabotage.
In recognition of his contributions, Mustapha was honoured with the Ministerial Award for Outstanding Performance in 1988.
After more than 30 years of active service, he retired in December 2003. Until his passing, he remained an influential figure in the Customs community and a respected voice in the Adamawa Emirate.
