Felix Mbata, Lagos state
The Nigeria Customs Christian Fellowship (NCCF) Western Marine Command gathered for its 2025 annual thanksgiving service, held at the Command’s chapel, drew officers, market women, other Christian groups and even Muslim friends. Christian Events Watch Magazine sat down with the fellowship’s coordinator, Pastor Ekwueme Israel Oliver, to hear what drives him, his vision for NCCF, and the impact of the day’s celebration.
Interview Excerpt
Christian Events Watch Magazine: “Congratulations on a remarkable thanksgiving service. Can we meet with you, sir?”
Pastor Ekwueme Israel Oliver: “Thank you. My name is Pastor Ekwueme Israel Oliver, coordinator of NCCF Western Marine Command. I am honored to speak with you.”
What inspired you to take the position of NCCF Western Marine coordinator and your vision for the fellowship?
“God created humanity for a purpose. The fall in Eden disrupted that purpose, but Jesus came to restore us to the original design. I felt called to answer that restoration work—to be a conduit of Jesus’ love wherever I go. Taking this role puts me in a position to carry that mantle, not for personal gain, but to fulfill the divine purpose God placed in every man and woman.”
“My vision for NCCF Western Marine is simple: by God’s grace, raise men and women of pure hearts who hear the undiluted Word of God, even when it is hard to receive. I want people to encounter the true truth, to understand why they must serve God genuinely and from a sincere heart.”
What does today’s thanksgiving mean to you and who or what made it remarkable?
“This thanksgiving is especially meaningful because of the journey we have walked as a country. In 2014‑2015, during the transition from President Goodluck Jonathan to President Buhari, many feared Nigeria would descend into chaos. Yet God kept us alive, and here we are at the end of 2025, still standing. We give thanks to the Almighty for His love and grace that have carried us this far. It is a privilege to gather and praise Him for counting us worthy to see the end of 2025.”
We saw other Christian fellowships, Imams and market women in attendance. What attracted them?
“We invited them to come join us in appreciation to God Almighty who kept us all alive till date. To hear God’s word and witness the fellowship, and afterwards pursue God’s purpose for humanity. Their presence shows that the body of Christ can unite across denominations, alongside other faith based organisation / sects when we focus on God the Almighty Creator and His purpose for man.
The Comptroller of Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, was present. How significant is his support to the chapel?
“This is my first time meeting Comptroller Ntadi, and I must say he has been a tremendous blessing. His support mirrors that of his predecessors, who also gave generously to the work of God. When he spoke, it was evident that he is a child of God, committed to advancing the Kingdom here. We pray that God continues to lift him and expand his capacity to serve humanity and divinity as ordained by the Creator.”
We heard you are honouring former comptrollers with awards. What prompted that?
“Their legacy deserves recognition. Comptroller P.K. Bamiseye (retired) and ACG, AO Salefu (Rtd) including other leaders demonstrated humility, dedication and genuine love for the Christian work in this command. We felt it appropriate to honour them now, while praying that God rewards them eternally for their earthly and kingdom service.”
What are your plans for collaboration with other Christian bodies moving into 2026?
“By God’s grace, 2026 will be a year of greater outreach. We intend to invite other Christian groups to experience what God is doing at Western Marine, to pray together, and to partner in evangelism and community upliftment. Our goal is to spread the Word of God beyond our walls and to be a light in the maritime sector.”
Conclusion
Pastor Ekwueme Israel Oliver’s passion for restoring the original purpose of humanity shines through every word. The thanksgiving service not only celebrated God’s faithfulness through turbulent times but also highlighted the power of unity—between officers, other faith communities, and supportive command leadership. As NCCF Western Marine Command looks ahead, its vision of raising hearts that proclaim the undiluted truth promises a brighter, more purpose‑driven future for the Nigeria Customs service and the broader nation.
May God continue to bless the work of NCCF and all who serve in His name.