TinCan: Anani Bows Out In Glory With ₦787 Billon, 603 Shotguns Seized — Ekok Takes Over, Vows Zero Tolerance For Smuggling, Leakages

TinCan: Anani Bows Out In Glory With ₦787 Billon, 603 Shotguns Seized — Ekok Takes Over, Vows Zero Tolerance For Smuggling, Leakages

… A Seamless Handover, A Record-Breaking Tenure, And A New Era Of Discipline, Revenue And Trade Facilitation At Nigeria’s Busiest Port

By Success Okezie

Tincan Island Port, Lagos — It was a day of pride, gratitude, and new beginnings.

In a colourful handing/taking over ceremony that drew senior officers, heads of units, sister agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, licensed customs agents, and members of the press, the Tincan Island Port Command witnessed a seamless transfer of power.

Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, J.A. Anani, formally bowed out after a record-breaking tenure — and Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok formally took over as the new Acting Customs Area Controller, with a tough warning: no room for smuggling, no room for leakages, no room for indiscipline.

It was not just a change of baton. It was the closing of a glorious chapter and the opening of a new one.

In his valedictory speech, Anani described the day as another significant milestone in his career and service to the Nigeria Customs Service.

“First and foremost, I give Almighty God all the glory for the privilege, strength and wisdom to serve at this strategic Command,” he said.

His tenure, he explained, was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the institutional mandate of the Service — particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, enforcement and national economic development.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, dsm, FNIPR, psc (+), the Management of the Service and the entire leadership for the confidence reposed in him.

His elevation to Assistant Comptroller-General, he noted, is a further testament to the opportunities for growth and professional development within the Service.

“I remain deeply grateful for the trust and support extended to me,” he said.

Revenue generation remained a key priority from the moment Anani assumed duty.

Through improved compliance, closer monitoring, more efficient operations and stronger stakeholder engagement, the Command recorded appreciable growth.

Between May and October 2026, the Command generated a total of *₦787,234,144,911.15*.

It was not just a number. It was a reinforcement of the Customs revenue mandate and a direct contribution to national economic development.

In anti-smuggling and enforcement, Anani’s tenure recorded notable successes that went far beyond revenue.

Under his leadership, Tincan intercepted and seized illicit and prohibited items, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition.

Among the most significant seizures were *about 603 shotguns* and *14,862.75kg of Cannabis Indica*, among other items.

These operations, he said, reflect the Command’s resolve to protect society, safeguard public health, strengthen national security and prevent harmful goods from entering the country.

He commended the officers whose vigilance, courage and professionalism made these achievements possible.

Anani was clear: a Command is only as strong as its people.

Throughout his tenure, the welfare and general well-being of officers and men remained an important consideration.

“We made efforts to encourage a supportive working environment, promote unity and strengthen the sense of belonging among officers and men,” he said.

“I firmly believe that investing in personnel welfare is an investment in institutional productivity and service delivery.”

He dedicated every success to the officers and men who worked tirelessly to move the Command forward.

“These achievements are not personal accomplishments. They are the collective results of the commitment, sacrifices and contributions of the entire Command.”

Beyond statutory responsibilities, he championed a healthy and supportive working environment through the reintroduction and sustenance of sporting activities — in line with the CGC’s initiative on work-life balance.

The Command’s participation in the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition was another proud moment. Tincan finished as second runner-up in football, won the men’s singles and doubles badminton, and did well in other events.

It showcased the officers’ talent, discipline, unity and competitive spirit.

He also acknowledged the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) for promoting family welfare, social responsibility and community engagement.

And in a deeply personal moment, he thanked his family — most especially his darling wife, Mrs. Caroline Anani — for her unwavering prayers, support, understanding and patience.

Anani said he has always believed that effective discharge of the Customs mandate, particularly in a strategic port environment such as Tincan Island, requires mutual understanding, trust and sustained cooperation.

Throughout his tenure, the Command strengthened working relationships with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, sister agencies, gentlemen of the press and other members of the port community.

An open-door policy, constructive dialogue and regular engagement were encouraged to address operational challenges, resolve bottlenecks and promote a more efficient and business-friendly port environment.

“Our approach was guided by the understanding that revenue generation, compliance, national security and trade facilitation are complementary responsibilities that can only be achieved through effective collaboration.”

He thanked stakeholders for their cooperation and urged them to extend the same spirit to his successor.

As he formally handed over to Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok, Anani did so with great confidence and optimism.

“You are taking over a strategic Command with enormous responsibilities and opportunities,” he told his successor.

He encouraged Ekok to build on the existing achievements, strengthen operational efficiency, promote discipline and professionalism, deepen stakeholder engagement and sustain the drive towards improved revenue collection, effective trade facilitation and robust anti-smuggling operations.

He also urged him to sustain the positive initiatives that promote officers’ welfare, physical fitness, sports development, unity and institutional cohesion.

“A motivated workforce remains one of the strongest assets of any successful organization.”

To the officers and men, his message was direct: extend to Ekok the same cooperation, loyalty and commitment you gave me.

“Give him your full support and work collectively towards achieving the objectives of the Command. Remember that the success of the Command is a collective responsibility, and the institutional interest of the Service must always take precedence over personal considerations.”

In conclusion, Anani reminded all that leadership is transient, but the institution remains.

“As I take my leave of Tincan Island Port Command, I do so with gratitude, fond memories and a deep sense of fulfillment,” he said.

“Although I am leaving this Command, the relationships, friendships and professional bonds established here will remain cherished. Tincan Island Port Command will always occupy a special place in my heart, and I shall continue to take pride in its progress and achievements.”

Then, the baton changed hands.

In his maiden speech on Friday, 13 November 2026, the new Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller E.A. Ekok, spoke with humility, gratitude to God, and a strong commitment to service.

He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,  for finding him worthy of the appointment.

“I do not take this confidence for granted and see it as a call to greater service and commitment to the Nation,” Ekok said.

He assured the CGC that he will do his utmost to justify the confidence reposed in him, stressing that his administration will firmly align with the strategic policy thrust of the CGC — Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation — alongside core focus areas in revenue optimization, trade facilitation, robust enforcement and strict discipline.

He paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Anani, for the warm reception and smooth transition.

“Sir, we shall consolidate your achievements, sustain the positive momentum and ensure continued success,” he said.

To stakeholders — licensed customs agents, importers and terminal operators — Ekok offered a clear message: partnership, but not compromise.

He thanked them for their presence, noting that Tincan Island Port remains a vital hub, and their attendance demonstrates their resolve toward the progress of the Command.

“Let me assure you that this administration offers an open door and a transparent partnership,” he said.

While compliant traders will enjoy an enabling environment and seamless cargo clearance procedures to reduce cargo dwell times, he warned that there will be zero tolerance for false declarations, duty evasion or any attempt to compromise national security.

“Violators will face the full weight of the law,” he declared.

Ekok unveiled a sharp three-point focus for his administration:

*Revenue Optimization:* “We shall plug all revenue leakages through rigorous examinations, precise classification and accurate valuation of imported cargoes.”

*Trade Facilitation:* “Compliant traders will experience seamless cargo clearance procedures. We are committed to reducing cargo dwell times without compromising national security.”

* Strict Enforcement:* “We shall maintain zero tolerance for smuggling, false declarations and illicit trade activities. Violators will face the full weight of the law.”

He added that inter-agency collaboration remains a critical pillar, promising to deepen partnerships with sister government agencies and port regulators through timely intelligence sharing to ensure comprehensive security.

To the officers and men of the Tincan Island Port Command, Ekok was blunt: discipline remains the bedrock of professional customs administration.

He demanded absolute integrity, punctuality and professional excellence from every officer.

While indiscipline, insubordination, neglect of duty, abuse of office and corruption will be met with strict accountability and swift disciplinary action, he assured that officers’ welfare and capacity development will receive top priority.

“Exceptional performance and integrity will be recognized and duly rewarded,” he said.

In conclusion, Ekok implored all stakeholders and personnel to work together with renewed vigour to exceed targets, protect the national economy and uphold the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service as he officially assumed duty.

“God Bless Tincan Island Port Area Command. God Bless The Nigeria Customs Service. God Bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

With that, a new administration at Tincan has begun — one that promises no room for leakages, no room for compromise, and no room for indiscipline, but a wide-open door for honest trade, hard work, and national progress.

Anani leaves with glory. Ekok arrives with a vow.

And Tincan, Nigeria’s gateway to trade, marches on

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