Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Agbor Ekok has assumed duty as the new Acting Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port Command, pledging to strengthen revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade and intensify enforcement against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade.

Ekok made the commitment on Friday, November 13, 2026, during the formal handing and taking-over ceremony at the Command, where he succeeded Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Joseph Anani, following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General.

In his inaugural address, Ekok expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as a call to greater responsibility and dedicated service to the nation.

He assured the Comptroller-General that his administration would align with the Service’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, with particular emphasis on revenue optimisation, trade facilitation, effective enforcement and discipline.

Outlining his operational priorities, the new Acting Customs Area Controller pledged to block revenue leakages through rigorous cargo examinations, accurate classification and proper valuation of imported goods.

Group Photograph of all Stakeholders in attendance officers, NDLEA representative, DSS representatives, Western Port police command Representative, all officers of Tincan Island Port Command including ACG Joe Anani and new Acting CAC Emmanuel Agbor Ekok after the handover ceremony at Tincan Island Port Command Lagos

He also promised to improve cargo clearance procedures and reduce cargo dwell time for compliant traders, while maintaining zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion, smuggling and other activities capable of undermining national security.

Ekok further emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that stronger partnerships and timely intelligence sharing with sister government agencies and port regulators would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen security across the port.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, he described discipline as the foundation of professional Customs administration, demanding integrity, punctuality and excellence in the discharge of official responsibilities.

He warned that indiscipline, insubordination, corruption, abuse of office and neglect of duty would attract appropriate disciplinary measures. However, he assured personnel that their welfare and capacity development would remain priorities, adding that exceptional performance and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.

The new Controller also commended his predecessor, ACG Joseph Anani, for what he described as a solid foundation and impressive achievements during his tenure. He appreciated the outgoing Controller for the warm reception and smooth transition, promising to consolidate on the existing gains.

In his farewell address, Anani expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for the opportunity to serve at the strategic Command, describing his elevation as another milestone in his career.

Reflecting on his tenure, Anani disclosed that the Tin Can Island Port Command generated ₦787.23 billion between May and October 2026, attributing the performance to improved compliance, effective monitoring, operational efficiency and sustained stakeholder engagement.

He also highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling achievements, revealing that officers intercepted approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items.

According to him, the successes recorded were products of teamwork, professionalism and the commitment of officers and men of the Command.

Anani further identified stakeholder engagement, personnel welfare and sports development as key areas of progress during his administration. He noted that the Command emerged second runner-up in football at the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition, while also winning the men’s singles and doubles badminton events.

He urged stakeholders to extend the same cooperation and support to his successor, while charging officers and men to remain loyal, disciplined and committed to the collective objectives of the Service.

The ceremony was attended by senior Customs officers, heads and representatives of sister government agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents and members of the media.

The transition marks a new chapter in the leadership of the Tin Can Island Port Command, with Ekok expected to build on the achievements of his predecessor while advancing the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security