Ag. Comptroller Nwala Raises Investor Confidence, Strengthens Trade , Security Partnerships in Cross River, Akwa Ibom

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Nkiruka Nwala has intensified engagements with key government institutions, security agencies, port operators and investors in a renewed effort to improve trade facilitation, address operational challenges and strengthen security across its area of responsibility.

 

According to Nwala, the engagements form part of the efforts to translate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s strategic framework of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation into practical outcomes.

A major focus of the engagements is the need to address concerns affecting investors at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, where Nwala, during a working visit on Thursday, October 22, 2026, met with the Director, Princess Hajiya Binta Saeed, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges confronting businesses operating within the zone.

 

Acknowledging the difficulties experienced by investors, the Acting Controller assured them that the Command is committed to creating a more supportive, transparent and predictable operating environment.

She emphasised that investor confidence remains essential to the growth and effective functioning of the Free Trade Zone, stressing the need for better communication, adherence to established procedures and improved coordination between Customs, the zone’s management and the business community.

 

Nwala assured investors that the issues raised would receive the necessary attention, adding that appropriate measures would be taken to prevent a recurrence of similar challenges and minimise avoidable disruptions to legitimate business activities.

 

She also expressed the Command’s readiness to work closely with the zone’s management to resolve outstanding concerns and promote smoother operations.

Beyond the Free Trade Zone, the Acting Controller extended the Command’s stakeholder engagement to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Eco Marine Terminal, where she held discussions with the Port Manager, Mr Ibifiri Ekine, and the terminal’s General Manager, Dr Nelson Ovude.

 

The October 19 engagements focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening Customs-terminal relationships and addressing challenges that could hinder the movement of legitimate cargo.

 

At the NPA, Nwala highlighted the importance of effective inter-agency cooperation, sustained dialogue and coordinated action in improving port operations, facilitating legitimate trade and enhancing revenue generation.

 

Similarly, her discussions with the management of Eco Marine Terminal centred on regulatory compliance, operational processes and practical approaches to resolving bottlenecks affecting cargo movement.

 

The engagements underscore the Command’s recognition that efficient port operations require cooperation among Customs, port authorities, terminal operators and other relevant stakeholders.

 

Security collaboration also featured prominently in Nwala’s engagements, as she visited the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Cross River State Command, and the Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State.

 

At the Immigration Service, she acknowledged its strategic role in border management and migration control, emphasising the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated operations in tackling smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

 

She noted that stronger cooperation between both agencies is necessary to secure the nation’s borders while ensuring that legitimate trade and movement are not unnecessarily hindered.

 

Her engagement with the Police in Cross River State similarly focused on intelligence sharing, joint operations and effective communication to address security challenges, combat criminal activities and protect lives and property.

 

The Acting Controller also took the collaboration drive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, where she met with the Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC I, Oshodi Johnson.

 

The discussions centred on strengthening cooperation against economic and financial crimes, smuggling, illicit financial flows and other activities capable of undermining national economic security.

 

Nwala stressed that the increasingly complex nature of economic crimes requires intelligence-driven operations, timely information exchange and stronger partnerships among law enforcement institutions.

 

She also acknowledged the EFCC’s role in protecting the country’s financial integrity and expressed the Command’s willingness to deepen cooperation in promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism.

 

In his response, Johnson welcomed the initiative, describing inter-agency synergy as essential to addressing emerging security and economic challenges.

 

He, however, drew attention to the growing threat of online impersonation and fraud, advising Customs officers to exercise caution in their use of social media.

 

According to him, fraudsters increasingly exploit online platforms to impersonate public officers, manipulate their identities and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

 

He urged Customs personnel to protect their professional identities, be mindful of the information they share online and remain vigilant against the misuse of their names, photographs, ranks and official designations.

 

The warning highlighted the growing connection between digital responsibility, institutional reputation and public trust.

 

Nwala’s security engagements also extended to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, where she paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare.

 

She highlighted the strategic importance of Akwa Ibom to the Command’s operations, noting that the state’s coastal location and commercial activities presented both economic opportunities and security responsibilities.

 

She called for stronger communication channels, intelligence sharing and operational coordination to address emerging threats, combat smuggling, curb economic sabotage and protect critical national infrastructure.

Responding, Azare welcomed the Acting Controller and reaffirmed the Police Command’s readiness to sustain cooperation with Customs, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint security interventions and the protection of lives and property.

 

The various engagements point to a broader approach by the Command to strengthen trade facilitation and security through institutional partnerships rather than operating in isolation.

 

For a command overseeing customs operations across Cross River, the Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom, effective collaboration with port authorities, terminal operators, investors and security agencies remains important to balancing the movement of legitimate commerce with revenue protection and national security.

 

While the engagements have opened avenues for addressing investors’ concerns and improving operational relationships, their ultimate significance will depend on how the discussions translate into practical solutions, improved coordination and a more predictable environment for businesses.

 

Through sustained dialogue, adherence to established procedures and stronger partnerships, the Command is seeking to create an environment where legitimate businesses can operate with greater confidence while security agencies work together to protect the country’s economic interests.