Ekok Pledges Revenue Growth, Seamless Trade Facilitation
Anani Hands Over Tin Can Command to Ekok, After Generating ₦787.2bn Revenue
The leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has changed hands, with Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) J.A. Anani formally handing over to Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok after recording significant revenue and enforcement achievements during his tenure.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, marked the end of Anani’s tenure as Customs Area Controller following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anani expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to serve at the strategic port command.
He disclosed that the command generated a total revenue of ₦787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026, attributing the performance to improved compliance, effective monitoring, operational efficiency and sustained stakeholder engagement.
Anani also highlighted the command’s achievements in anti-smuggling operations, revealing that officers intercepted approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition.
He attributed the successes recorded during his administration to the dedication, professionalism and collective efforts of officers and men of the command.
He further identified personnel welfare, sports development and stakeholder collaboration as key areas of focus during his administration.
According to him, the command reintroduced and sustained sporting activities in line with the Comptroller-General’s work-life balance initiative, providing opportunities for physical fitness, relaxation and team bonding.
He disclosed that the command finished as second runner-up in football at the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition, while also winning the men’s singles and doubles badminton events.
The outgoing controller also commended the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) for its contributions to family welfare, social responsibility and community engagement.
While appreciating terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, importers, sister government agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation, Anani urged them to extend the same support to his successor.
Addressing Ekok, he charged the new controller to consolidate the achievements recorded, strengthen operational efficiency, promote discipline and professionalism, deepen stakeholder engagement and sustain efforts towards improved revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.
He also urged officers and men of the command to give the new controller their full cooperation, loyalty and commitment, stressing that the success of the Service depends on collective responsibility.
In his acceptance speech, the new Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He pledged to align his administration with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, which focuses on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
Ekok described the appointment as a call to greater service and assured the Comptroller-General that he would work towards justifying the confidence reposed in him.
He commended his predecessor for the achievements recorded and the smooth transition process, promising to consolidate the existing foundation and sustain the command’s operational momentum.
Outlining his priorities, Ekok identified revenue optimisation, trade facilitation and strict enforcement as major pillars of his administration.
On revenue generation, he promised to block revenue leakages through rigorous cargo examinations, accurate classification and proper valuation of imported goods.
He also assured compliant traders of seamless cargo clearance procedures aimed at reducing cargo dwell time without compromising national security.
However, he warned that the command would maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations, duty evasion and other illicit trade activities, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The new controller further emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly through timely intelligence sharing with sister government agencies and port regulators to strengthen security and improve operational efficiency.
Addressing officers and men of the command, Ekok declared that discipline would remain the foundation of his administration, demanding integrity, punctuality and professional excellence from all personnel.
He warned that indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty, abuse of office and corruption would attract strict accountability and disciplinary action.
He, however, assured officers that their welfare and capacity development would receive priority attention, adding that exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
Ekok called on officers, stakeholders and other port community members to work together towards exceeding revenue targets, protecting the national economy and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The leadership transition signals a new phase for the Tin Can Island Port Command as the new controller assumes responsibility for sustaining revenue growth, strengthening enforcement and improving trade operations at one of Nigeria’s major maritime gateways.
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