The Free Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated a record N557.02 billion in revenue between January and August 2026.

The figure underscores the growing economic significance of the Free Zone corridor and the Command’s contribution to revenue mobilisation.

The retiring Area Controller of Customs, Hauwa Abubakar Anifowoshe, spoke at the handover ceremony held at the Zone on Thursday. She said the growing economic importance of the Free Zone corridor and the Command’s role in revenue administration could not be overemphasised.

She credited the Command’s achievements to teamwork. According to her, its progress was driven by collective effort rather than individual leadership.

Anifowoshe retires after 35 years of meritorious service. She said the strategies deployed to carry all stakeholders along included efforts to improve officers’ welfare and strengthen relations with host communities. They also covered deeper collaboration with sister agencies and sustained constructive engagement with Free Zone operators, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and other strategic 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.

She handed over the leadership of the Command to the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olufemi Kukoyi. The new administration has pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing Controller. It will place greater emphasis on efficiency, technology, enforcement and trade facilitation.

At the ceremony, Abubakar urged officers and stakeholders to give Kukoyi the same cooperation and support that sustained her administration. She stressed that leadership positions were temporary while relationships remained enduring.

“Positions are temporary, but relationships endure,” she said. She called on officers and stakeholders to continue to treat one another with respect, dignity and goodwill.

In an emotional farewell, the retiring Controller sought forgiveness from anyone she may have offended, knowingly or unknowingly, during her 35 years of service. She also forgave those who may have wronged her.

Taking over the Command, Kukoyi said his immediate priority would be to consolidate the gains of the previous administration. He added that he would strengthen Customs operations within the Free Zone.