The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has witnessed a change of leadership, with Deputy Comptroller Femi Felix Akanni assuming duty as Acting Customs Area Controller following the redeployment of his predecessor, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun, to Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne.

The leadership transition, which took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, was marked by an official handing-over and taking-over ceremony featuring a parade that attracted senior customs officers, stakeholders and representatives of partner government agencies.

The ceremony was graced by the Acting Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, alongside other officers and members of the maritime business community, who witnessed the formal transfer of responsibilities.

In his valedictory address, the outgoing Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Adigun, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to lead the command. He described his tenure as an opportunity to contribute to the operational and institutional growth of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Adigun particularly drew attention to the command’s remarkable revenue performance, disclosing that it generated ₦19.40bn in June 2026, compared with ₦14.36bn recorded in June 2025. The difference of ₦5.04bn represented a 35 per cent increase and the highest monthly revenue collection in the command’s history.

For the outgoing controller, the achievement reflected the determination of officers and men to strengthen revenue mobilisation and improve compliance with customs regulations despite the challenges associated with port operations.

Beyond revenue generation, Adigun highlighted the command’s enforcement successes, including the interception of a 40-foot container, TIIU4739360, conveying expired disposable vapes with a Duty Paid Value of ₦809.69m. He also disclosed the seizure of 440 bags of expired Triple Pressed Stearic Acid imported from Indonesia in a 20-foot container, GESU3900612, valued at ₦36.55m.

Another enforcement operation involved the interception of a 40-foot container, MSKU4798018, at Joliz Terminal over false declaration, with a Duty Paid Value of ₦5.01m. He said the operations demonstrated the command’s determination to prevent prohibited and improperly declared goods from entering the Nigerian market.

Adigun attributed the achievements to the collective dedication, vigilance and professionalism of officers and men of the command. He equally acknowledged the support of stakeholders, partner government agencies, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and the media.

He urged officers to give Akanni the same cooperation and commitment extended to him, stressing that changes in leadership should not disrupt the institutional responsibilities of the Service. He also appreciated the Assistant Comptrollers-General responsible for Zone A during his tenure for their guidance and support.

Taking over the command, DC Akanni congratulated his predecessor on his achievements and wished him success in his new assignment at Onne. He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for the confidence reposed in him.

The new Acting Customs Area Controller assured officers and stakeholders that his administration would consolidate the achievements already recorded, sustain operational standards and introduce purposeful leadership capable of advancing the command’s responsibilities.

Akanni also pledged to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and ensure that the command continued to contribute meaningfully to revenue generation, trade facilitation and effective enforcement of customs laws.

Representatives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders commended Adigun for his accessibility, leadership style and cordial relationship with the trading community. They pledged their cooperation with the new controller, expressing optimism about a productive working relationship.

The ceremony ended with renewed assurances of institutional continuity and collective commitment to the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. As Adigun moves to Onne with a record of notable revenue and enforcement achievements, Akanni assumes responsibility with the expectation of sustaining the momentum and taking the Kirikiri command to greater heights.