Former Apapa Command spokesperson, DC Nkiru Nwala, Assumes Duty As Acting Area Controller Of Cross River/Calabar FTZ/Akwa Ibom
Former Apapa Command spokesperson, DC Nkiru Nwala, Assumes Duty As Acting Area Controller Of Cross River/Calabar FTZ/Akwa Ibom
… Pledges aggressive revenue drive, trade facilitation, war on smuggling along Mfum-Ekok corridor.
By Success Okezie
Calabar — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has recorded a historic posting as Deputy Comptroller Nkiru Nwala, former Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Area Command, has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.
Nwala formally took over the strategic command on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at a colourful handover and takeover ceremony held at the Customs House, Calabar, following her appointment by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In her inaugural address, the new Acting Area Controller expressed profound gratitude to the CGC and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in her, describing her new assignment as both a privilege and a call to higher national duty.
She noted that the Cross River/Calabar FTZ/Akwa Ibom Command remains one of the most strategic formations in the country, supervising a major seaport, the Calabar Free Trade Zone, critical international border corridors and vast commercial activities across Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
Outlining her blueprint, Nwala unveiled a four-point agenda that will drive her administration:
Revenue Generation and Compliance, Trade Facilitation, Border and Economic Security, and Professionalism and Partnership.
She vowed to shore up revenue collection in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, promote voluntary compliance among importers and agents, and create a more enabling environment for legitimate trade, while wielding the big stick against smugglers and economic saboteurs.
Nwala particularly placed the Mfum–Ekok border corridor on the watchlist, describing it as a critical route requiring sustained surveillance and enforcement to curb smuggling and strengthen border security.
The Acting Controller called for enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional institutions, the Nigerian Ports Authority, Free Trade Zone operators, licensed customs agents, the business community and other critical stakeholders.
According to her, effective customs administration can only thrive on partnerships anchored on fairness, transparency, mutual respect and strict compliance with the law.
She paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, Comptroller Momodu Giwah Dauda, for his service and achievements, pledging to consolidate and surpass the milestones recorded under his leadership.
“My administration will pursue improved revenue performance, more responsive trade facilitation, firmer enforcement against smuggling and stronger stakeholder engagement,” she declared.
Nwala urged officers and men of the command, stakeholders and host communities to rally behind her administration, assuring them of an open, integrity-driven leadership focused on legitimate trade facilitation and the protection of Nigeria’s economic frontiers.
She emphasized that safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and security interests will remain the central pillar of her stewardship as she leads one of the nation’s most sensitive customs commands
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