The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Free Zone Command generated N557.02 billion in revenue between January and August 2026, highlighting the increasing contribution of the Free Zone corridor to the nation’s economy.
The figure was disclosed during a handover ceremony at the Zone on Wednesday, where the outgoing Area Controller of Customs, Hauwa Abubakar Anifowoshe, reflected on her tenure and the measures adopted to strengthen the Command.
Anifowoshe, who retired after 35 years of service, said the Command’s performance was the result of the combined efforts of its officers and other stakeholders rather than the efforts of any individual.
‘Whatever successes we recorded during my time as Area Controller were not achieved by me alone. They were the product of teamwork, discipline, professionalism, and the collective commitment of every officer and member of staff,’ she said.
She said her administration prioritised the welfare of personnel while also working to improve relations with host communities and deepen cooperation with sister government agencies.
According to her, the Command also maintained engagement with Free Zone operators, Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and other strategic stakeholders as part of efforts to ensure that all parties remained involved in the development of the corridor.
Anifowoshe formally handed over the leadership of the Command to the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olufemi Kukoyi.
Kukoyi pledged to consolidate the gains recorded under the outgoing administration while placing greater emphasis on operational efficiency, technology, enforcement and trade facilitation.
In her farewell remarks, Anifowoshe urged officers and stakeholders to give her successor the same level of cooperation and support extended to her during her tenure.
She noted that leadership positions were temporary, while relationships built in the course of service could endure.
‘Positions are temporary, but relationships endure,’ she said, urging officers and stakeholders to continue to relate with one another with ‘respect, dignity and goodwill’.
The retiring controller also used the occasion to seek forgiveness from anyone she might have offended, knowingly or unknowingly, during her 35 years in the service.
She said she had also forgiven those who might have wronged her during her career.
Assuming responsibility for the Command, Kukoyi said his immediate task would be to build on the existing achievements and further strengthen Customs operations within the Free Zone.