By Sandra Chukwunyere
Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG F.O. Onyeka, has handed over the leadership of the Tincan Island Port Command to Comptroller Joe Anani following his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held on Friday, May 22, 2026, Onyeka described his time as Customs Area Controller of the Command as one of the most rewarding periods of his career, attributing the achievements recorded during his tenure to the support of officers, stakeholders, and the leadership of the Service.
He disclosed that the Command generated over N1.609 trillion in revenue in the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing its target of N1.524 trillion. According to him, the Command also generated more than N401 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
Onyeka said the revenue growth was driven by intelligence-based operations, improved compliance measures, stronger stakeholder engagement, and trade facilitation initiatives designed to support legitimate business activities while strengthening enforcement.
He also highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling successes, revealing that officers intercepted illicit drugs and other prohibited items with an estimated street value exceeding N35 billion during his tenure.
According to him, the seizures demonstrated the Command’s commitment to protecting the country from criminal activities and supporting national efforts against transnational crimes.
The newly promoted Assistant Comptroller-General further noted that the Command strengthened collaboration with freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and other government agencies to improve operational efficiency and compliance at the port.
He added that the Command invested in several training programmes and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the professionalism, competence, and efficiency of officers and men.
Onyeka also acknowledged the role of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), noting that the association’s humanitarian and family support programmes have continued to positively impact officers’ families and the wider community.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership, support, and confidence throughout his tenure.
The outgoing Customs Area Controller equally thanked officers, stakeholders, partner agencies, and the trading community for their cooperation and contributions to the successes recorded by the Command.
While officially handing over to Comptroller Joe Anani, Onyeka urged officers and stakeholders to extend the same support and cooperation to the new leadership to sustain and surpass the Command’s achievements.
He assured that despite his new responsibilities as Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, he would continue to support the Command and remain proud of its accomplishments.
