Meet Deputy Comptroller Musa Alhassan Idion, FCIS, and you might first mistake his stern look for standoffishness. That impression does not last.
Colleagues and stakeholders describe DC Alhassan as one of the most approachable officers in the Nigeria Customs Service. His “open-door policy” is not a slogan. Walk into his office on legitimate business and you get attention, not delay.
Currently, he heads the Enforcement Unit at the Tin Can Island Port Command. Seen as an anti-smuggling tactician, he is credited as one of the key officers behind the success of Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of the Command.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR COMPROMISE
DC Alhassan has earned a reputation as a hardline enforcer of government policy. He does not bend standards, no matter the pressure. That discipline has reset the culture in the Enforcement Unit, closing loopholes that once cost government revenue.
Since his redeployment, fraudulent freight forwarders and agents have found it “no more business as usual.” While some operators complain that he is blocking their “means of eating,” his focus is clear: secure the nation’s revenue and meet the Command’s annual target.
His tactical approach has disrupted the operations of economic saboteurs within the Command’s jurisdiction and boosted trade compliance. The result is stronger revenue performance and tighter border security.
32 YEARS ON THE JOB
DC Alhassan is a thoroughbred officer. He joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1992 as Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, General Duty Cadet.
His career spans key formations: Jigawa Command, Federal Operations Unit, Eastern Marine Command in Calabar, FOU Zone C, Sokoto/Kebbi/Zamfara Command where he served six years, Onne Port Harcourt II, Plateau/Nasarawa/Benue Command, and Oil and Gas Zone Port Harcourt II. As Officer-in-Charge at Bonny Island, he generated over ₦6 billion for the Federal Government, earning official commendations.
His posting to Tin Can Island Command is widely described as a blessing to the unit. Through intelligent trade facilitation and strict policy enforcement, he has helped lift the Command’s revenue profile and operational efficiency.
TRAINING AND CREDENTIALS
The Edo State-born officer began schooling at Ugogun Primary School, Auchi, and Ughiole Secondary School. He attended Auchi Polytechnic in 1990 and earned a http://B.Sc. in Accounting from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2006.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators, ICSAN, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, attaining Fellowship in 2023. He was among the first officers trained on PAAR alongside the current Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
His training covers Valuation, Classification, PAAR, Rules of Origin, Ozone Depletion, Solid Minerals, Leadership, Excise and Industrial Incentive, Public Relations, ASYCUDA, NICIS I & II, and B’Odogwu. He completed Basic and Refresher courses at the Customs Training College between 1992 and 2001.
WORK STYLE AND PERSONAL LIFE
Operators at Tin Can call him amiable and reachable if you follow due process. Files do not sit on his desk. He works round the clock to ensure cargo clearance aligns with policy and trade is facilitated without delay.
DC Alhassan is married with children. He enjoys sharing new ideas, networking, skill acquisition, problem-solving, sports, and travelling.