The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, on Friday witnessed a change of leadership following the elevation of its outgoing Area Controller, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Joseph Anani.
City Business News reports that EA Ekok assumed duty as the new Customs Area Controller(CAC).
Speaking at the ceremony, Ekok pledged to consolidate the achievements recorded by his predecessor, strengthen revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and intensify anti-smuggling operations.
He also assured stakeholders of an open-door administration anchored on transparency, collaboration and efficient service delivery.
Ekok said his administration would align with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which focuses on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
He described his appointment as a call to greater service, assuring the Comptroller-General that he would justify the confidence reposed in him.
The new Area Controller identified revenue optimisation, trade facilitation and strict enforcement as key priorities of his administration.
According to him, the Command will intensify efforts to block revenue leakages through rigorous cargo examination, accurate classification and proper valuation of imported goods.
He also promised to improve cargo clearance procedures and reduce cargo dwell time for compliant traders without compromising national security.
Ekok, however, warned that the Command would maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations, duty evasion and other illicit trade activities.
He called for stronger collaboration with sister government agencies and port regulators, particularly in intelligence sharing and the promotion of port security.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, he emphasised discipline, integrity, punctuality and professionalism, warning that corruption, abuse of office, insubordination and neglect of duty would attract appropriate disciplinary action.
He added that officers’ welfare and capacity development would receive priority, while exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
Anani expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the management of the Service for the opportunity to serve at the strategic port command.
Reflecting on his tenure, the outgoing controller disclosed that the Command generated ₦787.23 billion between May and October 2026, attributing the performance to improved compliance, closer monitoring, operational efficiency and sustained stakeholder engagement.
He also highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling achievements, disclosing that officers intercepted approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items.
Anani said the seizures demonstrated the Command’s commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding national security and preventing the entry of harmful goods into the country.
He further identified officers’ welfare, stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration as important areas of attention during his tenure.
According to him, the Command also sustained sporting activities in line with the Comptroller-General’s work-life balance initiative.
He disclosed that the Command emerged second runner-up in football at the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition, won the men’s singles and doubles badminton events and recorded commendable performances in other sporting activities.
Anani commended officers and men for their dedication and contributions to the achievements recorded during his tenure, stressing that the successes were collective rather than personal accomplishments.
He also appreciated licensed customs agents, importers, exporters, terminal operators, shipping companies, sister agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support.
While charging his successor to sustain the achievements recorded, Anani urged Ekok to strengthen operational efficiency, discipline, stakeholder engagement, revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations.
He also called on officers and men to extend the same cooperation and commitment to the new controller, noting that the success of the Command remained a collective responsibility.
