The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar has pledged to sustain and build upon the achievements recorded at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
During the official handover ceremony at the Command headquarters on 4th September,2025, she expressed appreciation for the work of her predecessor, Comptroller Olarewaju Olumoh, acknowledging the strong foundation laid under his leadership.
She also commended the professionalism and discipline of the officers under her command, describing their support as a key driver for continued success. While emphasising her readiness to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, sister agencies, host communities in order to enhance trade facilitation, improve compliance, and drive economic growth through the strategic operations of the Command.
The Outgoing LFTZ Area Command Controller, Comptroller Olarewaju Olumoh in his speech said the culture of professionalism and discipline among officers of the command was a hallmark of his administration
He disclosed that the command under his watch recorded significant revenue of N459,848,420,344.77K from January to August 2025, which is more than the N358,999,366,368.00K generated in the whole year 2024.
According to him, this was possible due to supervision of the Free Zones and Port activities, stricter enforcement , compliance to trade regulations, and stronger collaboration with key stakeholders.
He said the Command sustained a cordial and cooperative relationship with other sister agencies such as theNigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Department of State Security Services (DSS), Port Health among others.
He revealed that the Command placed a premium on the welfare of officers by establishing a functional sick bay within the premises, where they could access free medical check-ups and healthcare services. This initiative not only improved their health and well-being but also boosted morale, enhanced productivity, and strengthened commitment to duty.
Olumoh said in further support, the Customs Headquarters provided the command with residential apartments at AMEN Estate to accommodate officers, while also released a 30-seater Coaster Bus to ease daily transportation between the barracks and the office. He emphasised that the accomplishments are not his alone, but the collective achievements of men and officers of the Command.
In the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he said the Command made a meaningful impact through the renovation of the Roman Catholic Primary School in Lekki.
“The command strengthened stakeholder engagement by fostering robust collaboration with key partners, including NEPZA, Free Zone managements, Lekki Port authorities, and other Units of the service. We prioritized open door communication, regular consultations and addressed stakeholder’s’ concerns promptly.
“Through regular joint operations, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement activities, the command worked hand in hand with these agencies to strengthen security, enhance compliance and safe guard national interest. This inter-agency synergy not only curtailed smuggling and other illicit activities but also created an enabling environment for trade facilitation to strive in our command.
“Through continuous engagement, strict adherence to Customs procedures and collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and Customs Police Unit (CPU), officers upheld high ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.”
