Lagos Free Trade Zone Command Gets New Acting Controller as Abubakar Retires After 35 Years

By Stella Okocha

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, has witnessed a change of leadership following the retirement of Comptroller HKA Abubakar (Mrs.) after 35 years of service.

Deputy Comptroller O. Kukoyi assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, taking over from Abubakar at a formal handover ceremony held following her retirement and valedictory event.

Abubakar, while reflecting on her tenure, disclosed that the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command generated ₦557.02 billion between January and August 2026, attributing the revenue performance and other operational gains to teamwork, discipline, professionalism and the commitment of officers and stakeholders.

She expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to serve.

The retiring comptroller also commended officers of the Command, customs brokers and other stakeholders for their support throughout her career.

She specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), free zone operators, Lekki Port, Lekki Freeport Terminal, sister security and regulatory agencies, traditional institutions and host communities to effective operations, security and trade facilitation within the Command.

As she bowed out of active service, Abubakar urged officers, stakeholders and partner agencies to extend the same level of cooperation to her successor.

She noted that although leadership positions may change, the collective objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service remain constant.

The retiring comptroller expressed confidence in the new leadership and wished Kukoyi a successful tenure.

In his remarks, the new Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Kukoyi, commended Abubakar for her contributions to revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement during her tenure.

Kukoyi pledged to build on the foundations established by his predecessor, saying his administration would be guided by the Comptroller-General’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

He identified technology-driven operations, improved trade facilitation and stronger enforcement as key priorities for the Command.

According to him, the Command will also align its operations with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives, with particular attention to the National Single Window Project, One-Stop-Shop Post-Clearance Mechanism and the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

He said the initiatives would help improve operational efficiency, reduce cargo clearance delays and strengthen revenue assurance.

The Acting Controller further pledged stronger engagement with stakeholders and sister government agencies to enhance the Command’s operations.

He urged officers and men of the Command to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Kukoyi noted that the Command’s mandate goes beyond revenue generation to include the facilitation of legitimate trade, national security and support for economic development.

The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command also wished Abubakar a peaceful and fulfilling retirement after 35 years of service to the Nigeria Customs Service.