The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok, has formally assumed duty, pledging to strengthen revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, enforcement and discipline at the strategic port command.
Ekok made the pledge on Friday, November 13, 2026, during the handing-over and taking-over ceremony at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, dsm, FNIPR, FNIIA, psc(+), for finding him worthy of the appointment and entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the strategic gateway for national revenue generation and maritime trade.
He said he did not take the confidence reposed in him for granted, describing the appointment as a call to greater service and commitment to the nation.
Ekok assured the Comptroller-General that he would do his utmost to justify the confidence placed in him.
He said his administration would firmly align with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, which is centred on consolidation, collaboration and innovation, alongside core focus areas in revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and strict discipline.
He also appreciated his predecessor, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Anani, who is set to assume higher responsibilities as an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, for the warm reception accorded him and the smooth transition process.
He commended Anani and his management team for the solid foundation laid and the impressive milestones recorded during his tenure.
“Sir, we shall consolidate your achievements, sustain the positive momentum and ensure continued success,” Ekok said.
To stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, importers and terminal operators, he expressed appreciation for their presence, noting that Tin Can Island Port remains a vital hub.
He assured them that his administration would offer an open door and transparent partnership.
While providing an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures for compliant traders to reduce cargo dwell times, he said the Command would maintain zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion or any attempt to compromise national security.
“Violators will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Ekok said the Command would focus sharply on revenue optimisation by plugging all revenue leakages through rigorous examinations, precise classification and accurate valuation of imported cargoes.
On trade facilitation, he said compliant traders would experience seamless cargo clearance procedures, adding that the Command was committed to reducing cargo dwell times without compromising national security.
He also pledged strict enforcement, saying the Command would maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations and illicit trade activities.
Ekok said inter-agency collaboration remained a critical pillar of the Command’s operations, adding that he looked forward to deepening partnerships with sister government agencies and port regulators through timely intelligence sharing to ensure comprehensive security.
To officers and men of the Tin Can Island Port Command, he said discipline remains the bedrock of professional customs administration.
He demanded absolute integrity, punctuality and professional excellence from every officer.
“While indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty or 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 recognised and duly rewarded appropriately,” Ekok said.
In conclusion, he implored all stakeholders and personnel to work together with renewed vigour to exceed targets, protect the national economy and uphold the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service as he officially assumed duty.
“God bless Tin Can Island Port Area Command. God bless the Nigeria Customs Service. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you for listening and God bless you all,” Ekok said.