DC EKOK ASSUMES DUTY AS TIN CAN CUSTOMS ACTING AREA CONTROLLER, AS ACTING ASSISTANT COMPTROLLER GENERAL, ANANI HANDS OVER
– New CAC Promised Revenue Optimization, Trade Facilitation, Strict Enforcement
The Tin Can Island Port Customs Command regarded as the second largest port command in the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday witnessed the change of leadership, as Acting Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Joseph Anani formerly hands over the leadership of the Command to a new breed , Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok, who resumed office as Acting Customs Area Controller ( CAC).
Anani said “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”.
On his achievements at the command Anani said ” as I reflect on my time at Tin Can Island Port Command, I am filled with gratitude for the milestones we have collectively achieved. These accomplishments were made possible through teamwork, commitment, institutional support and the dedication of officers and men of the Command.”
“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 stakeholder engagement. These efforts yielded appreciable growth in the Command’s revenue profile, reinforcing our commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service’s revenue mandate and to national economic development.
” In this vein, the Command generated a total of ₦787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026.
“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,” Anani said. Acting ACG Anani appreciated all stakeholders and sister agencies “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.
Appreciating his successor Anani said
“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.
In his taking over response, the new Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok thanked the Comptroller General, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for finding him worthy of this national assignment and assured him that he will justify the confidence he has reposed on him .
“It is with great humility, profound gratitude to Almighty God and a strong commitment to service that I present myself before you today on this important occasion of my assumption of duty as the new Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Area Command. My deepest appreciation goes to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, who doubles as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Ph.D., MFR for finding me worthy of this appointment and entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this strategic gateway for national revenue generation and maritime trade. I do not take this confidence for granted and see it as a call to greater service and commitment to the Nation.
“I assure the Comptroller-General that I will do my utmost to justify the confidence he has reposed in me. Our administration will firmly align with the strategic policy thrust of the CGC, which is centered on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, alongside core focus areas in revenue optimization, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and strict discipline.
” I also wish to sincerely appreciate my predecessor, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, now prepared to assume higher responsibilities as an Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, for the warm reception accorded me and the smooth transition process. I commend him and his management team for the solid foundation laid and impressive milestones recorded during his tenure. Sir, we shall consolidate your achievements, sustain the positive momentum and ensure continued success.” he said
Giving his assurance to the stakeholders in the command, DC Ekok said he will provide an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures for complaint traders , but maintain zero tolerance for for false declaration and other vices that will erode revenue collection and trade facilitation.
“To our distinguished stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, importers and terminal operators, I sincerely appreciate your presence. Tin Can Island Port remains a vital hub, and your attendance demonstrates your resolve toward the progress of this Command. Let me assure you that this administration offers an open door and a transparent partnership. While we will provide an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures for compliant traders to reduce cargo dwell times, we will maintain zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion or any attempt to compromise national security. Violators will face the full weight of the law.
“Additionally, we will focus sharply on :
Revenue Optimization. We shall plug all revenue leakages through rigorous examinations, precise classification and accurate valuation of imported cargoes. Trade Facilitation. Compliant traders will experience seamless cargo clearance procedures. We are committed to reducing cargo dwell times without compromising national security. Strict Enforcement. We shall maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations and illicit trade activities. Violators will face the full weight of the law.
“Inter-agency collaboration remains a critical pillar of our operations. I look forward to deepening our partnerships with sister government agencies and port regulators through timely intelligence sharing to ensure comprehensive security.
To the officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command, let me remind you that discipline remains the bedrock of professional customs administration. I demand absolute integrity, punctuality and professional excellence from every officer. While indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty/responsibility, abuse of office and corruption will be met with strict accountability and swift disciplinary action, officers’ welfare and capacity development will receive top priority; exceptional performance and integrity will be recognized and duly rewarded appropriately.”
The new CAC implore all stakeholders and personnel to work together with renewed vigor to exceed targets, protect our national economy and uphold the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.