By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Tuesday 6, October, 2026
Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar has handed over the leadership of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to Deputy Comptroller O. Kukoyi following her retirement after 35 years of meritorious service.
The leadership transition took place against the backdrop of a remarkable revenue performance recorded by the Command under Abubakar, which generated more than N557 billion for the Federation Account between January and August 2026.
The revenue performance was described as the highest recorded since the establishment of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.
Abubakar’s tenure was also marked by efforts in trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement, inter-agency collaboration, enforcement and personnel welfare, alongside revenue generation.
Her administration was credited with promoting disciplined operations and strengthening relationships between the Command and various stakeholders within the Lagos Free Trade Zone and its host communities.
The transition marked the end of a 35-year career in the Nigeria Customs Service for Abubakar, whose professional progression through the ranks was characterised by extensive experience in Customs administration and operations.
At her valedictory ceremony, Abubakar expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to serve the nation.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Customs officers, stakeholders and partner agencies to the achievements recorded during her tenure.
Abubakar attributed the Command’s accomplishments to teamwork, discipline, professionalism and collective responsibility, stressing that sustainable institutional success was not the product of one individual but the result of a shared commitment to excellence.
She particularly appreciated the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), free zone operators, Lekki Port, Lekki Freeport Terminal, sister security and regulatory agencies, customs brokers, traditional institutions and host communities for their cooperation.
According to her, the collaboration of these stakeholders contributed significantly to operational effectiveness, security and trade facilitation within the Command.
The outgoing Area Controller also placed emphasis on personnel welfare during her tenure, recognising that an effective Customs formation depended not only on enforcement and revenue assurance but also on the morale, commitment and wellbeing of its officers.
Speaking after assuming office, Deputy Comptroller Kukoyi commended Abubakar for what he described as exceptional accomplishments and pledged to consolidate the gains recorded under her leadership.
He said his administration would be guided by the Comptroller-General’s strategic policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
Kukoyi said he would focus on technology-driven Customs operations, enhanced trade facilitation, stronger enforcement and improved revenue assurance, in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business initiatives.
He identified the National Single Window Project, the One-Stop-Shop Post-Clearance Mechanism and the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System as important instruments for improving operational efficiency.
According to him, the initiatives would help reduce cargo clearance delays, strengthen compliance and safeguard government revenue.
The new Area Controller said the task before him was not simply to occupy the office vacated by an accomplished predecessor but to build on the foundation already established and take the Command to a higher level of institutional growth.
Abubakar, in turn, urged officers, stakeholders and partner agencies to extend the same spirit of cooperation to the new administration, stressing that while leadership positions may change, the overarching objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service remain constant.
She expressed confidence in Kukoyi and wished him a successful tenure.
The Command also wished the retiring Comptroller a peaceful and fulfilling retirement after 35 years of service to the nation.
Abubakar’s departure brings to a close a significant chapter in the history of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, with her tenure leaving behind a record revenue performance, strengthened institutional relationships and an emphasis on operational discipline and human leadership.
The new administration under Kukoyi is now expected to build on those foundations while advancing technology, trade facilitation, enforcement and revenue assurance at the Command.
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