Tin Can Customs Gets New Controller as Ekok Pledges Revenue Optimisation, Zero Tolerance for Smuggling
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, has witnessed a leadership change following the formal handover of command by Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) J.A. Anani to Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) E.A. Ekok.
The handover ceremony, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, marked the end of Anani’s tenure as Customs Area Controller following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General.
During his farewell address, Anani highlighted the achievements recorded under his leadership, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and personnel welfare.
A major achievement was the generation of ₦787.2 billion in revenue between May and October 2026, with Anani attributing the performance to improved compliance, effective monitoring, operational efficiency and sustained engagement with stakeholders.
In its anti-smuggling operations, the Command intercepted approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited items, narcotics and dangerous drugs.
Anani said the interceptions reflected the Command’s commitment to national security, public safety and the protection of Nigeria’s economy from smugglers and economic saboteurs.
He also highlighted efforts to improve personnel welfare, professional development and work-life balance, noting that sporting activities strengthened unity and camaraderie among officers.
The Command also emerged as second runner-up in football at the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition while winning the men’s singles and doubles badminton events.
The outgoing Controller acknowledged the contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) to family welfare, social responsibility and community engagement.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for their support, while commending officers, sister government agencies, licensed customs agents, importers, terminal operators and shipping companies for their cooperation.
Anani urged his successor to consolidate the achievements recorded, strengthen operational efficiency, sustain effective enforcement and deepen collaboration with stakeholders.
In his acceptance speech, Ekok described his appointment as a call to greater service and a commitment to national economic development.
He commended his predecessor for his achievements and the smooth transition, promising to build on the existing gains.
The new Controller said his administration would align with the Comptroller-General’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, with emphasis on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, effective enforcement and discipline.
Ekok assured compliant traders of a transparent and business-friendly environment, promising more efficient cargo clearance procedures and measures to reduce cargo dwell time.
He, however, warned that the Command would maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations, duty evasion and other activities capable of undermining national security and economic stability.
On revenue generation, he pledged to strengthen cargo examination, improve classification and valuation processes, and block revenue leakages to ensure the government receives its appropriate duties and taxes.
He further stressed the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing and coordinated port operations, to secure the maritime environment and facilitate legitimate trade.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, Ekok identified integrity, punctuality, professionalism and discipline as non-negotiable standards, while promising to prioritise personnel welfare and capacity development.
He added that exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
The ceremony ended with renewed calls for unity, professionalism and collective commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Tin Can Island Port Command.
