Ekok Takes Over Tin Can Customs Command, Pledges Revenue Growth, Strict Enforcement
Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, with a pledge to strengthen revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and intensify enforcement against smuggling and other forms of customs infractions.
Ekok took over the leadership of the command on Friday from Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Joseph Anani, who was recently elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
The change of leadership marks a transition at one of the Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic maritime commands, which plays a significant role in revenue collection, trade facilitation and the enforcement of import and export regulations.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ekok expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for finding him worthy of the appointment, describing the responsibility as a call to greater national service.
He assured the Comptroller-General that he would justify the confidence reposed in him through effective leadership and the implementation of policies aimed at improving the operational performance of the command.
The new controller said his administration would align with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, which is anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
He identified revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and strict discipline as the major priorities that would guide his administration.
Ekok assured stakeholders, including importers, licensed customs agents and terminal operators, of an open-door administration and a transparent partnership designed to improve cargo clearance and reduce delays at the port.
He, however, warned that the command would not tolerate false declarations, duty evasion, smuggling or any activity capable of undermining government revenue and national security.
According to him, compliant traders would enjoy an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures, while offenders would face the full weight of the law.
On revenue generation, Ekok said his administration would intensify efforts to block revenue leakages through rigorous cargo examinations, accurate classification and proper valuation of imported goods.
He added that trade facilitation would remain a priority, stressing that the command was committed to reducing cargo dwell time without compromising national security.
The Acting Customs Area Controller also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, saying his administration would strengthen partnerships with sister government agencies and port regulators through effective intelligence sharing.
He called on officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, punctuality and professionalism.
Ekok warned that indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty, abuse of office and corruption would attract strict accountability and disciplinary action.
He, however, promised to give priority to the welfare and capacity development of personnel, adding that exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and appropriately rewarded.
The new controller urged stakeholders and personnel to work together to improve the command’s performance, exceed revenue targets, protect the national economy and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In his valedictory remarks, Anani expressed gratitude to God and the Comptroller-General for the opportunity to lead the strategic command, describing his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General as a significant milestone in his career.
He said his tenure was characterised by efforts to improve revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and enhance enforcement.
Giving an account of his achievements, Anani disclosed that the Tin Can Island Port Command generated a total of ₦787.23 billion between May and October 2026.
He attributed the revenue performance to deliberate measures aimed at improving compliance, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, enhancing operational efficiency and deepening engagement with stakeholders.
According to him, the command also recorded significant successes in its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting about 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition.
He said the seizures reflected the command’s determination to protect public health, safeguard society, strengthen national security and prevent harmful goods from entering the country.
Anani also highlighted personnel welfare as an important component of his administration, noting that the effectiveness of any customs command depended not only on operational capacity but also on the motivation, morale and general well-being of its officers.
He said efforts were made during his tenure to promote unity, encourage a supportive working environment and strengthen the sense of belonging among personnel.
The outgoing controller attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to teamwork, institutional support and the commitment of officers and men of the command.
He also commended stakeholders, sister government agencies, port operators, terminal operators, shipping companies and licensed customs agents for their cooperation and support.
Congratulating his successor, Anani expressed confidence in Ekok’s ability to lead the command and urged him to consolidate the achievements already recorded.
He advised the new controller to strengthen operational efficiency, promote discipline and professionalism, deepen stakeholder engagement and sustain the momentum in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.
Anani expressed optimism that the command would continue to make significant contributions to the revenue and enforcement objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service under its new leadership.
