Free Zone Customs Records N557bn Revenue as Controller Hands Over

The Nigeria Customs Service Free Zone Command recorded N557.02 billion in revenue between January and August 2026, as the retiring Area Controller, Hauwa Abubakar Anifowoshe, handed over leadership of the Command.

The revenue figure underscores the increasing economic importance of the Free Zone corridor and the role of the Customs Command in generating revenue for the government.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Anifowoshe said the significance of the Free Zone corridor to the economy and the Command’s role in revenue administration could not be overemphasised.

The retiring Controller, who completed 35 years of service, said the Command’s performance was driven by teamwork rather than individual leadership.

She identified improved staff welfare, stronger engagement with host communities, collaboration with sister security agencies and sustained relations with Free Zone operators, Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and other strategic stakeholders as key areas of focus during her tenure.

“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,” Anifowoshe said.

She subsequently handed over the Command to Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olufemi Kukoyi.

Kukoyi said his administration would build on the progress achieved under Anifowoshe, with a focus on improving efficiency, expanding the use of technology, strengthening enforcement and facilitating legitimate trade.

Anifowoshe also appealed to officers and stakeholders to give her successor the cooperation and support that characterised her administration.

She reminded them that while leadership positions change, relationships can endure.

“Positions are temporary, but relationships endure,” she said, urging officers and stakeholders to maintain mutual respect, dignity and goodwill.

The outgoing Controller became emotional during her farewell address, seeking forgiveness from anyone she may have offended, either knowingly or unknowingly, throughout her 35 years of service. She also said she forgave those who may have wronged her.

In his first remarks after taking over, Kukoyi said consolidating the gains of the previous administration and strengthening Customs operations across the Free Zone would be his immediate priorities.

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