Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Ekok has assumed leadership of the Tin Can Island Port Customs Command, pledging to strengthen revenue generation, tighten enforcement and improve trade facilitation as he takes over from Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Joseph Anani, who has been elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General.
Ekok made the commitment during the formal handing over ceremony at the Command on Friday, November 13, 2026, where he outlined his administration’s priorities and assured stakeholders of a transparent partnership aimed at improving port operations and safeguarding national revenue.
In his assumption-of-office address, the new Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) said his administration would align with the strategic policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, particularly in the areas of consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
He said the Command would intensify efforts to block revenue leakages through rigorous cargo examination, accurate classification and proper valuation of imported goods, while ensuring that compliant traders enjoy seamless clearance procedures and reduced cargo dwell time.
Ekok declared that the drive to facilitate legitimate trade would not compromise enforcement or national security.
“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,” he said.
He also promised stronger inter-agency collaboration through intelligence sharing, while warning officers against corruption, indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty and abuse of office.
Ekok assured that officers’ welfare and capacity development would receive priority, adding that exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
Meanwhile, Anani, in his valedictory address, disclosed that the Command generated a total of ₦787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026, attributing the revenue performance to improved compliance, closer monitoring, operational efficiency and stronger stakeholder engagement.
He also highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling achievements during his tenure, including the interception of approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other seizures involving narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition.
Anani described the achievements as the collective efforts of officers and men of the Command, commending their commitment and professionalism in advancing the revenue, enforcement and trade facilitation mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He urged his successor to sustain the momentum and consolidate the achievements recorded during his administration.
“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,” Anani said.
The outgoing Controller also acknowledged the contributions of importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, sister government agencies and other stakeholders, noting that their cooperation was vital to the Command’s operational successes.
He encouraged them to extend the same support to Ekok in the interest of a more efficient, transparent and productive port system.
He also urged officers and men of the Command to give his successor their full cooperation, stressing that the success of the Command remained a collective responsibility.
The leadership transition comes as the Tin Can Island Port Customs Command continues to play a significant role in the Service’s revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement responsibilities within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
