The Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, J.A. Anani, has formally handed over the leadership of the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to Deputy Comptroller of Customs, E.A. Ekok, following his promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
The handover marked a significant milestone in Anani’s career and service to the Nigeria Customs Service.
In his handover speech, Anani expressed gratitude to God for the privilege, strength and wisdom to serve at the strategic Command, describing his tenure as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Service’s mandate in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement and national economic development.
He expressed 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 him.
Anani said his promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General was a further testament to the opportunities for growth and professional development within the Service, adding that he remained deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to him.
Reflecting on his time at the Tin Can Island Port Command, Anani said the Command recorded significant milestones through teamwork, commitment, institutional support and the dedication of officers and men.
He said revenue generation remained a key priority throughout his tenure, with the Command pursuing deliberate measures to boost collection through improved compliance, closer monitoring, more efficient operations and stronger stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the Command generated a total of ₦787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026.
In anti-smuggling and enforcement, Anani said the Command recorded notable successes through the interception and seizure of illicit and prohibited items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition.
He disclosed that under his leadership, the Command intercepted about 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes 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,” he said.
He commended the officers whose vigilance, courage and professionalism made the achievements possible.
Anani also said the welfare and general well-being of officers and men remained an important consideration during his tenure.
He noted that the effectiveness of any Command depends not only on its operational capacity but also on the welfare, motivation and morale of its personnel.
According to him, the Command made efforts to encourage a supportive working environment, promote unity and strengthen the sense of belonging among officers and men.
“These achievements, among others, are not personal accomplishments. They are the collective results of the commitment, sacrifices and contributions of the entire Command,” he said.
He dedicated every success recorded during his tenure to the officers and men who worked tirelessly to move the Command forward.
Anani said another important area that received considerable attention during his tenure was stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
He stated that the effective discharge of the Nigeria Customs Service mandate, particularly in a strategic port environment such as Tin Can Island, requires mutual understanding, trust and sustained cooperation among all critical stakeholders.
He said the Command made deliberate efforts to strengthen working relationships with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, sister agencies, the press and other members of the port community.
According to him, the Command 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.
He said the 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.
Anani appreciated stakeholders, sister agencies, port operators, terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents and other critical partners for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
He encouraged them to extend the same spirit of cooperation and partnership to his successor as they work collectively towards a more efficient, transparent and productive port system.
Beyond statutory responsibilities, Anani said a productive workforce must also enjoy a healthy and supportive working environment.
He said this informed the Command’s deliberate commitment to the physical and social well-being of officers and men through the reintroduction and sustenance of sporting activities, in line with the Comptroller-General’s initiative on work-life balance.
According to him, the activities provided opportunities for physical fitness, relaxation and team bonding among personnel.
He said the Command’s participation in the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition was another proud moment, as it finished as second runner-up in football, won the men’s singles and doubles badminton events, and performed well in other events.
Anani said the achievements showcased the officers’ talent, discipline, unity and competitive spirit, while reinforcing the value of sports in team-building and staff development.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) within the Command, noting that its activities continued to promote family welfare, social responsibility, support and community engagement.
He appreciated 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.
Anani also expressed gratitude to his family, especially his wife, Mrs Caroline Anani, for her unwavering prayers, support, understanding and patience throughout his years of service and particularly during his tenure at the Command.
As he formally handed over to Deputy Comptroller of Customs, E.A. Ekok, Anani said he did so with great confidence and optimism.
He described the Tin Can Island Port Command as a strategic Command with enormous responsibilities and opportunities.
He urged Ekok 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.
Anani also urged him to sustain initiatives that promote officers’ welfare, physical fitness, sports development, unity and institutional cohesion.
To the officers and men, he urged them to extend to the new Customs Area Controller the same cooperation, loyalty and commitment they demonstrated to him.
“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,” he said.
In conclusion, Anani reminded officers that leadership is transient, but the institution remains.
He said positions may change and responsibilities may be transferred, but commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service and national responsibilities must remain unwavering.
“As I take my leave of Tin Can Island Port Command, I do so with gratitude, fond memories and a deep sense of fulfilment. My promotion 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,” he said.
He said although he was leaving the Command, the relationships, friendships and professional bonds established there would remain cherished.
“Tin Can Island Port Command will always occupy a special place in my heart, and I shall continue to take pride in its progress and achievements,” he added.