ACG ANANI POSTS N787.2 BILLION INTO FEDERATION ACCOUNT IN SIX MONTHS; AS D/COMPT EKOK TAKES OVER AT TIN CAN COMMAND

ACG ANANI POSTS N787.2 BILLION INTO FEDERATION ACCOUNT IN SIX MONTHS; AS D/COMPT EKOK TAKES OVER AT TIN CAN COMMAND

Out-going Area Controller of Tin Can island port Command, ACG Anani has said that under his stewardship, the Command generated N787,234,144,911.15 between May and October this year.

He said revenue generation remained a key priority’and from the moment I assumed duty, the command pursued deliberate measures to boost collection through improved compliance, closer monitoring, more efficient operations and stronger stakeholders engagement’

According to him, these efforts yielded appreciable growth in the Command’s revenue profile, reinforcing their commitment to the Service’s revenue mandate and to national economic development.

 

In anti-smuggling and enforcement, the Command recorded notable successes through the interception and seizure of illicit and prohibited items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition. Under my leadership, the Command intercepted about 603 shotguns and 14,862.75kg of Cannabis Indica, among other significant seizures. These operations reflect our resolve to protect society, safeguard public health, strengthen national security and prevent harmful goods from entering the country. I commend the officers whose vigilance, courage and professionalism made these achievements possible.

 

Furthermore, the welfare and general well-being of officers and men remained an important consideration throughout my tenure. I recognize that the effectiveness of any Command depends not only on its operational capacity but also on the welfare, motivation and morale of its personnel. We therefore made efforts to encourage a supportive working environment, promote unity and strengthen the sense of belonging among officers and men. I firmly believe that investing in personnel welfare is an investment in institutional productivity and service delivery.

These achievements, among others, are not personal accomplishments. They are the collective results of the commitment, sacrifices and contributions of the entire Command. I therefore dedicate every success recorded during my tenure to the officers and men who worked tirelessly to move the Command forward.
Ladies and Gentlemen, another important area that received considerable attention during my tenure was stakeholder engagement and collaboration. I have always believed that the effective discharge of the Nigeria Customs Service mandate, particularly in a strategic port environment such as Tincan Island, requires mutual understanding, trust and sustained cooperation among all critical stakeholders.

 

Throughout my tenure, we made deliberate efforts to strengthen our working relationships with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, sister agencies, gentlemen of the press other members of the port community. We encouraged an open-door policy, constructive dialogue and regular engagement to address operational challenges, resolve bottlenecks and promote a more efficient and business-friendly port environment.

 

Our approach was guided by the understanding that revenue generation, compliance, national security and trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities that can only be achieved through effective collaboration. We therefore remained committed to balancing our enforcement responsibilities with the legitimate interests of the trading community, while ensuring that all stakeholders operated within the provisions of the law.

 

I also wish to appreciate our stakeholders, sister agencies, port operators, terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents and other critical partners for their cooperation and support throughout my stay.

 

I sincerely appreciate the cooperation, understanding and support of our stakeholders throughout my tenure. Their contributions, feedback and partnership were invaluable to the progress recorded by the Command. I encourage them to extend the same spirit of cooperation and partnership to my successor, as we collectively work towards a more efficient, transparent and productive port system.

Beyond our statutory responsibilities, I strongly believe that a productive workforce must also enjoy a healthy and supportive working environment. This informed our deliberate commitment to the physical and social well-being of officers and men through the reintroduction and sustenance of sporting activities which is in line with the CGC’s initiative on work-life balance. These activities provided opportunities for physical fitness, relaxation and team bonding among personnel.

 

Our participation in the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition was another proud moment. We finished as second runner-up in football, won the men’s singles and doubles badminton, and did well in other events. It showcased our officers’ talent, discipline, unity and competitive spirit, and reinforced the value of sports in team-building and staff development.

 

I must also acknowledge the important contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) within the Command. Through its activities and initiatives, COWA continued to promote family welfare, social responsibility, support and community engagement. I appreciate the leadership and members of COWA for their dedication and the positive impact of their activities on the lives of officers, their families and the wider community

 

I am equally grateful to my family, most especially my darling wife, Mrs. Caroline Anani, for her unwavering prayers, support, understanding and patience throughout my years of service and, particularly, during my tenure at this Command.

WORDS OF APPRECIATION AND CHARGE TO MY SUCCESSOR

As I formally hand over to Deputy Comptroller of Customs EA Ekok, I do so with great confidence and optimism. you are taking over a strategic Command with enormous responsibilities and opportunities. I encourage you to build on the existing achievements, strengthen operational efficiency, promote discipline and professionalism, deepen stakeholder engagement and sustain the drive towards improved revenue collection, effective trade facilitation and robust anti-smuggling operations.

 

I also urge you to sustain the positive initiatives that promote officers’ welfare, physical fitness, sports development, unity and institutional cohesion. A motivated workforce remains one of the strongest assets of any successful organization.

 

To the officers and men, I urge you to extend to him the same cooperation, loyalty and commitment you have demonstrated to me. Give him your full support and work collectively towards achieving the objectives of the Command. Remember that the success of the Command is a collective responsibility, and the institutional interest of the Service must always take precedence over personal considerations.

 

CONCLUSION
In Conclusion, I will like to remind us all that leadership is transient, but the institution remains. Positions may change, and responsibilities may be transferred, but our commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service and our national responsibilities must remain unwavering.

As I take my leave of Tincan Island Port Command, I do so with gratitude, fond memories and a deep sense of fulfillment. My elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs is a new chapter in my service to the nation, and I look forward to contributing further to the growth and advancement of the Service in whatever capacity I may be called upon to serve.

 

Although I am leaving this Command, the relationships, friendships and professional bonds established here will remain cherished. Tincan Island Port Command will always occupy a special place in my heart, and I shall continue to take pride in its progress and achievements.

 

Today marks another significant milestone in my career and service to the Nigeria Customs Service as I formally hand over the leadership and responsibilities of Tincan Island Port Command, following my elevation to the prestigious rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.

 

First and foremost, I give Almighty God all the glory for the privilege, strength and wisdom to serve at this strategic Command. My tenure has been an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the institutional mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement and national economic development.

 

I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, dsm, FNIPR, psc (+), the Management of the Service and the entire leadership for the confidence reposed in me to serve. My elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General is a further testament to the opportunities for growth and professional development within the Service, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to me.