By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
New CAC promises revenue optimisation, seamless cargo clearance, strict enforcement
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has witnessed a change of leadership, with Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok assuming duty as Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), following the elevation of his predecessor, Joseph Anani, to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG).
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, marked the formal transfer of leadership from Acting ACG Anani to Ekok, who pledged to strengthen revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and intensify enforcement operations at the strategic port command.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anani expressed gratitude to Almighty God and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve at the Tin Can Island Port Command.
He described his elevation as a significant milestone in his career, noting that his tenure provided an opportunity to contribute to the Service’s mandate in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement and national economic development.
Reflecting on his achievements, the outgoing CAC disclosed that the command generated a total revenue of ₦787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026.
According to him, the revenue performance resulted from deliberate measures to improve compliance, strengthen monitoring, enhance operational efficiency and deepen engagement with stakeholders.
Anani also disclosed that the command recorded significant successes in anti-smuggling operations, including the interception of approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items.
He said the seizures demonstrated the command’s commitment to protecting public health, strengthening national security and preventing harmful goods from entering the country.
The outgoing controller further highlighted officers’ welfare, motivation and capacity as important components of his administration, stressing that institutional productivity depended on the commitment and well-being of personnel.
He commended officers and men of the command for their dedication and sacrifices, while appreciating stakeholders, sister government agencies, port operators, terminal operators, shipping companies and licensed customs agents for their cooperation during his tenure.
Congratulating his successor, Anani expressed confidence in Ekok’s ability to sustain the command’s achievements and urged him to strengthen operational efficiency, discipline, professionalism, stakeholder engagement, revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations.
In his acceptance remarks, the new Acting CAC, Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He described his new responsibility as a call to greater service and pledged to align his administration with the Comptroller-General’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
Ekok also commended his predecessor for the achievements recorded during his tenure, assuring that his administration would consolidate the existing foundation and sustain the command’s positive performance.
Addressing stakeholders, the new CAC promised an open-door administration and a transparent partnership with port operators, importers and licensed customs agents.
He assured compliant traders of an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures aimed at reducing cargo dwell time, while warning that the command would maintain zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion, smuggling and other activities capable of undermining national security and revenue collection.
Ekok outlined revenue optimisation, trade facilitation and strict enforcement as major priorities of his administration.
On revenue generation, he said the command would block revenue leakages through rigorous cargo examinations, accurate classification and proper valuation of imported goods.
He further pledged to improve cargo clearance processes for compliant traders without compromising national security, while strengthening enforcement against smuggling, illicit trade and fraudulent declarations.
The new controller also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly through timely intelligence sharing with sister government agencies and port regulators to strengthen security and improve operational efficiency.
Addressing officers and men of the command, Ekok described discipline as the foundation of professional customs administration and demanded integrity, punctuality and excellence in the discharge of official responsibilities.
He warned that indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty, abuse of office and corruption would attract appropriate disciplinary action.
However, he assured personnel that their welfare and capacity development would receive priority attention, while exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
The new Acting CAC urged stakeholders and officers to work together with renewed commitment to surpass revenue targets, protect the national economy and uphold the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
