Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, who assumed duty as Acting Area Controller, and officers during the handing over ceremony
Kukoyi takes charge of Lagos Free Trade Zone customs, as Abubakar retires
By Taofi Olamilekan
Lagos, Sept. 30, 2026, The outgoing Controller, Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Hawah Abubakar, has retired from service after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.
Abubakar spoke at her valedictory and handover ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos, expressing gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, protection and guidance throughout her career in the Customs Service.
She thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and management for the opportunity to lead the LFTZ Command, appreciating officers and men for their loyalty, cooperation and commitment during her tenure.
Abubakar said the command generated N557.0 billion between January and August 2026, while prioritising officers’ welfare and strengthening relations with stakeholders, traditional rulers and sister agencies.
She attributed the successes recorded to teamwork, discipline and professionalism, thanking officers for their sacrifices and contributions which enhanced the operational performance and revenue profile of the Command.
She appreciated the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Free Zone operators and sister agencies, including the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Police, Immigration and other security and regulatory agencies for their support and collaboration in ensuring effective operations and security.
Abubakar also thanked clearing agents and freight forwarders, customs brokers, Lekki Port management and traditional rulers of Lekki, Akodo and Epe Kingdoms for their hospitality and peaceful coexistence with host communities.
She formally handed over to Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi as Acting Controller, urging officers, stakeholders and sister agencies to extend the same loyalty and cooperation to her successor.
Abubakar appealed for forgiveness for any offence, saying positions are temporary but relationships endure, pledging to remain a proud member of the Lagos Free Trade Zone family always.
In his acceptance speech, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, who assumed duty as Acting Area Controller, Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, pledged consolidation, collaboration and innovation in operations.
Kukoyi expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity, saying he does not take the trust for granted and pledges absolute loyalty to his leadership.
He lauded his predecessor for laying a solid foundation in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and stakeholder management, wishing her a peaceful, healthy and fulfilling retirement from service.
He said his mandate is to ensure the zone delivers maximum revenue, maximum trade facilitation and maximum border security through watertight enforcement and discipline among officers.
Kukoyi pledged technology-driven, transparent and time-bound processes, support for the National Single Window, One-Stop Shop mechanism and zero tolerance for compromise to make the zone a reference point.
Deputy Comptroller Dosu Okeado, in charge of Enforcement, congratulated Abubakar and pledged continued vigilance against smuggling and false declaration to sustain revenue and border security.
Deputy Comptroller Daniel John, in charge of Lekki Port, assured seamless cargo clearance and stakeholder engagement, pledging support for the acting controller to boost trade facilitation at Lekki.
Deputy Comptroller Adams Isah, in charge of Vehicle Seat, said the unit would intensify examination and valuation processes to block revenue leakages and enhance compliance in vehicle imports.
Deputy Comptroller Joseph Ephraim, in charge of Scanner, promised effective deployment of scanning technology to fast-track cargo examination and strengthen enforcement against prohibited items.
The Team Manager, Customs Intelligence Unit, LFTZ, Assistant Comptroller Olayinka Suleiman, represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs Tolulope Ogundipe, commended Abubakar for generating N87 billion in June 2026 and N408 billion between January and June 2026.
Suleiman described Abubakar as a protector of officers’ welfare, who guarded the will and interest of personnel fiercely like a mother eagle.
The Public Relations Officer, SC Abiola Abdullahi-Lagos, commended Abubakar’s media-friendly disposition, pledging sustained information flow and cordial relationship between the Command and maritime journalists.
Meanwhile the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Hauwa Ahmed, gave the welcome address.