Business

From 8th to 3rd: Compt Abubakar retires, recounts LFTZ Customs’ revenue transformation

…Hands over to Kukoyi, records ₦557bn in eight months

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The outgoing Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, has handed over to Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, recounting how the Command rose from eighth to third among the Nigeria Customs Service’s revenue-generating commands under her leadership.

Abubakar, who retired after 35 years of service, disclosed that the Command generated ₦557.02 billion between January and August 2026, marking a major milestone in its revenue administration and reflecting the growing importance of the Lekki maritime and free trade corridor.

The handover and retirement ceremony, held at the Command’s headquarters on Wednesday, attracted Customs officers, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, free zone operators, port management representatives, maritime stakeholders, family members and other dignitaries.

Reflecting on her tenure, Abubakar expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the country and lead the Command, attributing its achievements to teamwork, discipline, professionalism and collaboration with stakeholders.

“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.

The revenue performance under her watch included ₦408.87 billion generated in the first half of 2026, representing a 28.85 per cent increase over the ₦317.32 billion collected during the corresponding period of 2025.

June alone produced ₦87.10 billion, the highest monthly revenue collection in the Command’s history at the time. The January–August collection subsequently rose to ₦557.02 billion, according to figures presented in the handover report.

Beyond revenue, Abubakar highlighted improvements in officers’ welfare, stronger relations with host communities, enhanced cooperation with sister agencies and sustained engagement with free zone operators, Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and licensed customs agents.

She specifically thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for giving her the opportunity to serve, while commending officers and men of the Command for their loyalty, dedication and support throughout her tenure.

HRM Oba Babatunde

The retiring controller also paid tribute to traditional rulers, particularly the Alakodo of Akodo Kingdom, Oba Abdulhakeem Babatunde Olokodano, Olúmóyè II, for helping to maintain cordial relations between Customs and the host community.

“ Kabiyesi has played a very significant role in making sure the Command engages with the community freely without having any issue. I owe you immense thanks,” she said.

Abubakar urged the officers and stakeholders to extend the same cooperation to Kukoyi, expressing confidence in his ability to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration.

She also thanked her husband, Alhaji Anifowoshe, family members and friends for their support throughout her career.

Kukoyi pledges continuity, innovation

In his remarks, Kukoyi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Command, pledging to consolidate existing gains while strengthening operational efficiency, enforcement and trade facilitation.

He paid glowing tribute to Abubakar, describing her as a distinguished professional whose leadership had earned his admiration long before he assumed the new responsibility.

“I have taken you as a role model right from my days as a younger officer, not knowing that a day like this would come,” he said.

Rejecting the suggestion that Abubakar was “a woman like a man,” Kukoyi said her leadership demonstrated the value and distinct strengths women bring to Customs administration.

He sought her prayers and continued guidance, assuring her that the Command would work to sustain its achievements.

Kukoyi also pledged to strengthen revenue collection, improve compliance, deepen stakeholder collaboration and deploy technology to promote transparent, time-bound Customs processes. He identified the National Single Window and the One-Stop Shop mechanism as important components of the drive towards more efficient operations.

He further promised to uphold discipline, strengthen enforcement and maintain professional standards while facilitating legitimate trade within the free zone environment.

Stakeholders celebrate retiring controller

The ceremony featured tributes from officers, security agencies, port operators and other stakeholders, many of whom described Abubakar as an accomplished administrator, mentor and unifying figure.

A representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commended the collaboration between the agency and the Command, citing joint enforcement efforts, including a reported seizure involving 400 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis known as “loud.”

Deputy Controller Osohlo Oke Ado described Abubakar as a mother figure, astute administrator and woman of peace whose calm disposition helped foster unity and effective management.

Deputy Controller Jamel John, DC in charge of Port also praised her wisdom, professional values and commitment to mentoring colleagues.

Joseph Ephraim, Deputy Controller in charge of Scanning, described her as competent and experienced, noting that her exposure to different units of the Service had equipped her with the knowledge required for effective administration.

He said Abubakar had helped build the capacity of officers and earned the respect of colleagues across the Command.

National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) members serving at the Command, Abiola and Bode also acknowledged her influence on their professional development.

One of them, Bode, said her leadership encouraged him to become more proactive and committed to his responsibilities.

“She created an environment that made me challenge myself to do more and become more proactive. It is hard to say goodbye to you ma,” he said.

A representative of Lekki Deep Sea Port management commended the outgoing controller for supporting round-the-clock Customs operations, which enabled the port to sustain its 24-hour services.

Other stakeholders, including Jintao Yin and Hon. Eze, Vice President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), praised her leadership and expressed willingness to maintain relationships with her beyond retirement.

Speakers repeatedly highlighted her ability to motivate officers and stakeholders without relying on coercion, describing her leadership style as inclusive and grounded in mutual respect.

From Cadet to Customs Controller

Abubakar began her career in the Nigeria Customs Service in 1992 as a cadet and rose through the ranks over 35 years of service.

Her career included postings at Tin Can Island Port and Onne Port in Rivers State, where she served in the evaluation unit and participated in enforcement operations. Her role in the interception of drones and ammunition at Onne was cited among the notable highlights of her operational experience.

Her professional record also earned her recognition for outstanding performance in revenue generation in 2024.

She was subsequently promoted to the rank of Comptroller and posted to the Service’s headquarters in Abuja to head the Licensing Department before being deployed to lead the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command.

As she bowed out of active service, Abubakar urged officers and stakeholders to preserve the relationships built during her tenure and continue working towards the Command’s growth.

Abubakar and Kukoyi

Her retirement marks the end of a 35-year Customs career, while Kukoyi assumes responsibility for sustaining the Command’s revenue performance, operational standards and stakeholder partnerships.

For the outgoing controller, however, the occasion was also a moment to acknowledge the people who shaped her journey: from colleagues and security partners to community leaders and family members—whose support, she said, contributed to her years of service.

The ceremony climaxed with the cutting of a gigantic retirement cake by the outgoing Controller, Abubakar, assisted by her husband and other dignitaries. The event also featured the presentation of awards to deserving officers of the Command in recognition of their dedication and contributions to its success.