Deputy Comptroller Femi Felix Akanni has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), following the redeployment of his predecessor, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun, to the Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne Port.
The leadership transition took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a handover ceremony featuring an official parade attended by officers, stakeholders and representatives of partner government agencies.
The ceremony was also attended by the Acting Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing Controller, DC Adigun, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the Command’s achievements during his tenure, particularly in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
On revenue performance, Adigun disclosed that the Command generated ₦19.40 billion in June 2026, compared with ₦14.36 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
He said the collection represented an increase of approximately ₦5.04 billion, or 35 per cent, describing it as the highest monthly revenue generated in the history of the Command.
On enforcement, the outgoing Controller disclosed that the Command intercepted a 40-foot container, TIIU4739360, conveying expired disposable vapes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦809.69 million.
He also reported the interception of a 20-foot container, GESU3900612, containing 440 bags of 25kg expired raw material identified as Triple Pressed Stearic Acid, imported from Indonesia. The seized consignment had a DPV of ₦36.56 million.
Additionally, Adigun disclosed that another 40-foot container, MSKU4798018, was intercepted at Joliz Terminal for false declaration, with a DPV of ₦5.01 million.
He attributed the achievements to the dedication, professionalism and collective efforts of officers and men of the Command, while acknowledging the support of stakeholders, partner government agencies and the media.
Adigun urged officers to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor, noting that although leadership changes, the institutional mandate and responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service remain constant.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service, as well as the Assistant Comptrollers-General overseeing Zone A during his tenure, for their guidance and support.
In his remarks, the incoming Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Akanni, congratulated Adigun on his achievements and wished him success in his new assignment.
Akanni thanked the Comptroller-General and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to build on the achievements of his predecessor and sustain the operational standards established by the Command.
He assured officers and stakeholders of his commitment to purposeful leadership, improved operational efficiency and the advancement of the Service’s mandate at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) commended the outgoing Controller for his leadership, accessibility and cordial relationship with the trading community.
They pledged their continued cooperation with the new leadership, expressing optimism about a productive working relationship with Akanni.
The ceremony ended with renewed commitments to institutional stability, continuity and improved collaboration between the Customs Command and its stakeholders.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Victor Ogagbor, announced the leadership transition in a statement.
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