The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has witnessed a change of leadership following the assumption of duty by Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok as Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), succeeding Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Joseph Anani.
The leadership transition, which took place on Friday, saw Anani formally hand over the command to Ekok following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Anani expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to lead the strategic port command.
He described his tenure as an opportunity to contribute to the Service’s core responsibilities, particularly revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations and national economic development.
Reflecting on his achievements, the outgoing controller disclosed that the command generated a total revenue of ₦787.23 billion between May and October 2026, attributing the performance to improved compliance, enhanced monitoring, operational efficiency and stronger stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the seizures demonstrated the command’s determination to combat smuggling, protect public health and strengthen national security.
He also commended stakeholders, sister government agencies, port operators, shipping companies, terminal operators and licensed customs agents for their cooperation and support.
Congratulating his successor, Anani expressed confidence in Ekok’s ability to sustain the command’s achievements, urging him to strengthen operational efficiency, maintain discipline, deepen stakeholder engagement and sustain the drive towards improved revenue collection and effective trade facilitation.
In his acceptance remarks, Ekok expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adeniyi, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading one of the Service’s strategic revenue-generating commands.
He pledged to align his administration with the Comptroller-General’s policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, with particular emphasis on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, effective enforcement and discipline.
The new controller also commended Anani for his leadership and the foundation laid during his tenure, promising to consolidate on the achievements recorded and sustain the command’s operational momentum.
Addressing stakeholders, Ekok assured compliant traders and port operators of an enabling business environment, transparent engagement and seamless cargo clearance procedures aimed at reducing cargo dwell time.
He, however, warned that the command would maintain zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion, smuggling and other activities capable of undermining government revenue and national security.
He outlined revenue optimisation, trade facilitation and strict enforcement as key priorities of his administration.
On revenue generation, Ekok said the command would intensify cargo examination, improve classification and ensure accurate valuation of imported goods to block revenue leakages.
He added that compliant traders would benefit from efficient clearance procedures, while enforcement agencies would strengthen efforts to prevent illicit trade and protect the nation’s borders.
The new CAC also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly through intelligence sharing and stronger partnerships with government agencies and port regulators to enhance security at the port.
Addressing officers and men of the command, Ekok called for discipline, integrity, punctuality and professionalism, warning that indiscipline, insubordination, corruption, abuse of office and neglect of duty would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.
He, however, assured personnel that their welfare and capacity development would remain priorities, adding that exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
He urged stakeholders and officers to work together towards exceeding revenue targets, protecting the national economy and upholding the integrity and reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service.