Tribute: Former Adamawa Gov Ngilari Leads Solidarity In Mourning Ex Customs Boss, Dr Mustapha

By; TOM GARBA,Yola

In a profound display of unity, empathy, and enduring respect, Barrister Bala James Ngilari, the esteemed former Governor of Adamawa State, has paid a deeply moving condolence visit to the grieving family of Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha, the legendary former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Dr. Mustapha, a towering figure of integrity and national service, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

This heartfelt gesture by Ngilari underscores the unbreakable bonds of leadership, community, and shared heritage in Adamawa, turning a moment of sorrow into a beacon of collective strength and hope.

Dr. Mustapha’s illustrious career was nothing short of extraordinary. Joining the NCS as a young cadet officer, he rose meteorically through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Comptroller-General in 1999 at the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

His tenure was a golden era of transformative reforms: he spearheaded intensified anti-smuggling operations, fortified national task forces against economic sabotage, and earned the prestigious Ministerial Award for Outstanding Performance in 1988.

Retiring in December 2003 after over three decades of exemplary duty, Mustapha remained a revered elder statesman, holding the traditional title of Sardauna Adamawa and serving as elder brother to the Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha.

His life embodied service, dignity, and unyielding patriotism, as echoed by tributes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who hailed him as “a man of service, duty, and dignity whose legacy will forever remain in the hearts of the people.”

Ngilari’s visit to the Mustapha royal family in Yola was a masterclass in compassionate leadership. The former governor, known for his own trailblazing tenure from 2014 to 2015, arrived with a delegation of well-wishers, offering prayers, words of solace, and assurances of unwavering support.

“Dr. Mustapha was not just a national hero; he was the pride of Adamawa and a guiding light for all public servants,” Ngilari declared, his voice resonating with emotion.

He urged the family to find comfort in Mustapha’s fulfilled life and the enduring impact of his contributions to Nigeria’s economic security and community development. The family, visibly touched, expressed profound gratitude for Ngilari’s solidarity, highlighting how such acts fortify communal resilience amid loss.

This poignant visit has ignited widespread admiration across Adamawa and beyond, with social media buzzing about Ngilari’s humility and commitment to honoring icons.

“May Allah grant Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his loved ones. In death, as in life, his spirit endures, fueling a brighter future for Nigeria,” he said.