Customs: Kukoyi takes charge of Lagos Free Trade Zone as Abubakar retires
Lagos, Sept. 2026 (TBL Africa) Comptroller Hawah Abubakar has retired from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after 35 years of service.
Abubakar, the outgoing Controller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, announced her retirement at her valedictory and handover ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos.
She thanked God for His grace and protection throughout her career, as well as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, and the management of the service for the opportunity to lead the command.
Abubakar said the command generated N557 billion between January and August 2026, while also prioritising officers’ welfare and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders and sister agencies.
She attributed the achievements to teamwork, discipline and professionalism, and commended officers and men of the command for their commitment.
The outgoing controller also appreciated the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Police, Immigration and other security and regulatory agencies for their support.
She also thanked clearing agents, freight forwarders, Lekki Port management and traditional rulers in Lekki, Akodo and Epe.
Abubakar formally handed over to Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi, the Acting Controller of the command, and urged officers and stakeholders to extend the same cooperation to him.
Kukoyi thanked the Comptroller-General for the confidence reposed in him and pledged loyalty to the leadership of the service.
He commended Abubakar for laying a solid foundation in revenue generation, trade facilitation and stakeholder management, and wished her a peaceful retirement.
Kukoyi said his priorities would include maximising revenue, facilitating trade and strengthening border security through effective enforcement and discipline.
He also pledged to promote technology-driven, transparent and time-bound processes, support the National Single Window and One-Stop Shop initiatives, and maintain zero tolerance for compromise.
Other officers who spoke at the ceremony pledged their support for the new acting controller and commitment to efficient service delivery.
The welcome address was delivered by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Hauwa Ahmed.
