ANANI HANDS OVER TIN CAN ISLAND PORT COMMAND TO EKOK, LEAVES LEGACY OF ₦787.2BN REVENUE, MAJOR ANTI-SMUGGLING SUCCESSES

ANANI HANDS OVER TIN CAN ISLAND PORT COMMAND TO EKOK, LEAVES LEGACY OF ₦787.2BN REVENUE, MAJOR ANTI-SMUGGLING SUCCESSES

…New Controller pledges revenue optimisation, seamless trade facilitation and zero tolerance for smuggling

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has witnessed a significant leadership transition as Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) J.A. Anani formally handed over the leadership of the Command to Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) E.A. Ekok on Friday, 13 November 2026.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of Anani’s tenure as Customs Area Controller and his transition to higher responsibilities following his elevation to the prestigious rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.

Reflecting on his stewardship, ACG Anani highlighted the remarkable achievements recorded by the Command, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and personnel welfare.

A major highlight of his administration was the generation of ₦787,234,144,911.15 (₦787.2 billion) in revenue between May and October 2026, an achievement he attributed to improved compliance, effective monitoring, operational efficiency and sustained stakeholder engagement.

In the area of enforcement, the Command recorded significant breakthroughs through the interception of approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items, including narcotics and dangerous drugs.

These interceptions, according to Anani, demonstrate the Command’s unwavering commitment to national security, public safety and the protection of the Nigerian economy against the activities of smugglers and other economic saboteurs.

The outgoing Controller also highlighted the importance attached to officers’ welfare, professional development and work-life balance during his tenure. In line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ work-life balance initiative, the Command sustained sporting activities that promoted physical fitness, unity and camaraderie among personnel.

The Command also recorded notable achievements at the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition, emerging as second runner-up in football and winning the men’s singles and doubles badminton events.

Anani further acknowledged the contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), noting its positive impact on family welfare, social responsibility and community engagement.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him. He equally commended officers and men of the Command, sister government agencies, licensed customs agents, importers, terminal operators, shipping companies and other stakeholders for their cooperation throughout his tenure.

While formally handing over to his successor, Anani charged him to consolidate the achievements recorded, strengthen operational efficiency, sustain effective enforcement and deepen stakeholder collaboration.

In his acceptance and assumption-of-duty speech, the new Customs Area Controller, DC E.A. Ekok, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a call to greater service and commitment to national economic development.

Ekok commended his predecessor for the achievements recorded and the smooth transition process, assuring that his administration would consolidate the existing gains and sustain the positive momentum.

He disclosed that his leadership would align firmly with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, with particular emphasis on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and discipline.

Outlining his administration’s priorities, the new Controller assured compliant traders of an enabling business environment, transparent engagement and more efficient cargo clearance procedures aimed at reducing cargo dwell time.

He, however, emphasised that the Command would maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations, duty evasion and other activities capable of undermining national security and economic stability.

On revenue generation, Ekok pledged to strengthen cargo examination, improve classification and valuation processes and block revenue leakages to ensure that government receives the appropriate duties and taxes.

He also underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing and coordinated port operations, describing it as essential to securing the maritime environment and facilitating legitimate trade.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, the new Controller emphasised integrity, punctuality, professionalism and discipline as non-negotiable standards of service. He also assured personnel that welfare and capacity development would receive priority attention, while exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.

The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for unity, professionalism and collective commitment towards strengthening the operational capacity of Tin Can Island Port Command.

The leadership transition represents an opportunity to build on the Command’s recent achievements while advancing the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader objectives of enhanced revenue generation, efficient trade facilitation, national security and economic prosperity.