By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Customs Area Command Lekki has welcomed new leadership as Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi takes charge following the retirement of Controller Hauwa Abubakar after 35 years of service to the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the handover and retirement ceremony brought together Customs officers, sister security and regulatory agencies, traditional rulers, Free Zone operators, port stakeholders, customs brokers and members of the media.
Abubakar, reflecting on her 35-year career, described her time in the Nigeria Customs Service as a journey of responsibility, challenges, learning, friendships and fulfilment.
She expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to serve the country and lead the LFTZ Command, saying she was leaving the Service with a deep sense of fulfilment and pride.
One of the major highlights of her tenure was the Command’s revenue performance. Between January and August 2026, the Command generated ₦557,020,127,999.18, reflecting the growing economic importance of the Free Zone corridor and the Command’s role in revenue administration.
However, Abubakar said the achievements of her administration went beyond revenue generation. She pointed to efforts to improve officers’ welfare, strengthen relations with host communities, deepen collaboration with sister agencies and maintain constructive engagement with Free Zone operators, Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and other strategic stakeholders.
She attributed the successes recorded during her tenure to teamwork, discipline and professionalism among officers and staff.
“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.
Abubakar appreciated the officers and men of the Command for their loyalty and sacrifices, while also acknowledging the contributions of stakeholders to the Command’s operations.
She specifically recognised the support of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Free Zone operators, Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, NAFDAC, Anti-Bomb Squad and other agencies involved in security, enforcement and trade facilitation.
She also appreciated customs brokers, including members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), as well as the management of Lekki Port and Lekki Freeport Terminal.
The retiring Controller further acknowledged traditional rulers, including the Oni Lekki of Lekki Kingdom, Alakodo of Akodo Kingdom and Oloja of Epe Land, for their support in maintaining peaceful relations between the Command and its host communities.
As she handed over the leadership of the Command, Abubakar congratulated Kukoyi and appealed to officers and stakeholders to extend the same cooperation and support to her successor.
“Positions are temporary, but relationships endure,” she said, urging stakeholders to continue to treat one another with respect, dignity and goodwill.
In an emotional moment, Abubakar also asked for forgiveness from anyone she might have offended during her 35 years in service, whether knowingly or unknowingly, while stating that she had equally forgiven anyone who may have offended her.
Kukoyi Pledges Consolidation, Innovation
Taking over the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him.
Kukoyi commended Abubakar for the foundation she laid in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement and stakeholder engagement.
He assured her that the Command would build on the achievements recorded during her tenure, while wishing her a peaceful, healthy and fulfilling retirement.
The new Acting Controller said his administration would focus on consolidation, collaboration and innovation, with emphasis on revenue collection, trade facilitation and border security.
He also pledged to strengthen enforcement and discipline among officers, stressing that the Command must maintain high professional standards while facilitating legitimate businesses operating within the Free Zone.
Kukoyi identified technology as a key part of his administration, with emphasis on transparent and time-bound processes, as well as support for the National Single Window and One-Stop Shop mechanisms.
He further pledged zero tolerance for compromise, with the goal of making the LFTZ Customs Command a reference point for efficient Customs operations.
The transition marks the end of Abubakar’s 35-year career in the Nigeria Customs Service and the beginning of a new chapter under Kukoyi.
While Abubakar leaves behind a strong revenue record and extensive relationships across the Free Zone, port, security and business communities, Kukoyi has pledged to consolidate the gains of the previous administration while pursuing greater efficiency, innovation and improved trade facilitation.
For Abubakar, the retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter after more than three decades of service to Nigeria.
Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi.
“I may be retiring from active service, but I will always remain proud to have served the Nigeria Customs Service and to have been part of the Lagos Free Trade Zone family,” she said.
