“Outgoing ACG highlights revenue growth, anti smuggling operations and staff welfare as successor pledges stronger enforcement, trade facilitation”
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has witnessed a change of leadership, with Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, J.A. Anani, formally handing over to Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General.
The handing and taking over ceremony, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, provided an opportunity for the outgoing Customs Area Controller to highlight the achievements recorded during his tenure and for his successor to outline his priorities for the strategic port command.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anani expressed gratitude to Almighty God and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve at one of the country’s major revenue generating commands.
He said his tenure was guided by the Service’s statutory responsibilities, particularly revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti smuggling operations, enforcement and national economic development.
Anani disclosed that the command generated a total revenue of N787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026, attributing the performance to improved compliance, closer monitoring of transactions, operational efficiency and sustained engagement with stakeholders.
He said the achievement reflected the collective commitment of officers and men to strengthening the revenue base of the Service and supporting the nation’s economic development.
On enforcement, the outgoing controller said the command recorded significant seizures of prohibited and illicit items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition.
He disclosed that officers intercepted approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica during the period under review, describing the operations as evidence of the command’s determination to combat smuggling and protect national security.
Anani commended officers for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that effective enforcement remained critical to preventing dangerous goods from entering the country and safeguarding public health.
He also identified staff welfare, capacity development and workplace cohesion as important components of his administration, stressing that personnel motivation was essential to operational effectiveness and improved service delivery.
The outgoing controller said the command sustained sporting activities in line with the Comptroller General’s work life balance initiative, providing opportunities for physical fitness, relaxation and stronger relationships among officers.
He further disclosed that the command emerged second runner up in football at the Zonal Inter Command Sports Competition, while winning the men’s singles and doubles badminton events.
Anani also acknowledged the contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), particularly its efforts towards family welfare, social responsibility and community development. He expressed appreciation to his wife, Mrs Caroline Anani, for her support and prayers throughout his career.
On stakeholder relations, he said his administration prioritised collaboration with licensed customs agents, importers, exporters, shipping companies, terminal operators, sister government agencies and other members of the port community.
He urged the stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with the command and extend the same support to his successor, adding that effective collaboration was necessary to balance revenue collection, trade facilitation and national security.
In his response, the new Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a call to greater responsibility and service to the nation.
Ekok pledged to align his administration with Adeniyi’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, with emphasis on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and discipline.
He commended Anani for the achievements recorded during his tenure and the smooth transition process, assuring stakeholders that his administration would consolidate the existing gains and sustain the command’s operational momentum.
The new controller promised an open door policy and transparent engagement with stakeholders, while assuring compliant traders of improved cargo clearance procedures and efforts to reduce cargo dwell time. He, however, warned that false declarations, duty evasion, smuggling and other attempts to undermine national security would attract appropriate sanctions.
Ekok identified revenue optimisation, trade facilitation and strict enforcement as major priorities, promising to block revenue leakages through proper cargo examination, accurate classification and valuation. He also pledged stronger intelligence sharing and operational cooperation with sister government agencies and port regulators.
Addressing officers and men, he demanded discipline, integrity, punctuality and professionalism, warning against corruption, abuse of office, insubordination and neglect of duty. He added that personnel welfare and capacity development would receive priority, while exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
The new controller called on officers, stakeholders and other port operators to work collectively towards exceeding revenue targets, protecting the national economy and strengthening the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service.