CHANGE OF GUARD AT LAGOS FREE TRADE ZONE COMMAND; COMPT ABUBAKAR OUT, D/COMPT KUKOYI TAKES CHARGE
The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has witnessed a leadership transition as Comptroller HKA Abubakar (Mrs.) formally handed over the affairs of the Command to Deputy Comptroller O Kukoyi, who has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller.
The transition followed the retirement of Comptroller Abubakar after 35 years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service. At her retirement and valedictory ceremony, she expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR dsm fnipr fniia Ph.d psc(+), and the Management of the Service for the opportunity to serve, as well as officers, stakeholders and partner agencies for their support throughout her career.
Reflecting on her tenure at the Command, Comptroller Abubakar disclosed that the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command generated ₦557,020,127,999.18 between January and August 2026. She attributed the achievement, alongside other operational gains, to teamwork, discipline, professionalism and the collective commitment of officers and stakeholders.
She also appreciated the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Free Zone operators, Lekki Port, Lekki Freeport Terminal, sister security and regulatory agencies, customs brokers, traditional institutions and host communities for their cooperation and support in promoting effective operations, security and trade facilitation within the Command.
In his remarks, the new Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Kukoyi, commended Comptroller Abubakar for her contributions to revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and stakeholder management. He pledged to build on the foundations established by his predecessor, with his administration anchored on the Comptroller-General’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
Deputy Comptroller Kukoyi further stated that the Command would prioritize technology-driven operations, improved trade facilitation and stronger enforcement, while aligning with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives. He specifically highlighted the National Single Window Project, the One-Stop-Shop Post-Clearance Mechanism and the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System as key tools for improving efficiency, reducing cargo clearance delays and strengthening revenue assurance.
The Acting Controller also pledged stronger engagement with stakeholders and sister agencies, while calling on officers and men of the Command to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism. He emphasized that the Command’s responsibilities include generating revenue for the nation, facilitating legitimate trade and contributing to national security and economic development.
As she bowed out of active service, Comptroller Abubakar urged officers, stakeholders and partner agencies to extend the same cooperation to her successor, stressing that while positions may change, the collective objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service remain constant. She expressed confidence in the new leadership and wished Deputy Comptroller Kukoyi a successful tenure, while the Command wished her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.