Maritime stakeholders hail retired LFTZ Customs controller, Abubakar
Lagos, Sept. 2026 (TBl Africa) Maritime stakeholders have commended retired Comptroller Hawah Abubakar for her exemplary leadership, professionalism and commitment to staff welfare and trade facilitation.
The commendation was made at a valedictory dinner held in her honour on Wednesday in Lagos.
Mrs Bolanle Dada, Head of Zone Administrator, Lekki Port, described Abubakar as a woman of peace, a natural leader and an intelligent officer whose wealth of experience made her tenure at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) unique.
The Managing Director of LFTZ, Mrs Adesua Ladoja, represented by Mrs Kareem Oladunni, described Abubakar as a mother who uplifted officers, improved the command, prioritised staff welfare and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders and traditional rulers.
Dr Oluwasegun Afolabi, Managing Director of Fattotom Company, described Abubakar as a respected leader and mentor who demonstrated that motivation, rather than force, was key to achieving results.
Mr Edmund Chukwunyene, representative of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), said Abubakar operated an open-door policy, treated people as family and promoted trade facilitation while sustaining revenue growth.
Dr John Ashema, Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said Abubakar created a democratic work environment, describing her as a mentor and mother in uniform.
Dr Odunayo Ani, President of the Women in Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), described Abubakar as a trailblazer and a pride of women in the maritime sector who broke barriers and inspired younger women through professionalism and integrity.
The Acting Controller, LFTZ, Deputy Comptroller Oluwafemi Kukoyi, described Abubakar as a special woman and role model.
Kukoyi, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, thanked Abubakar for her mentorship and contributions to the service.
Responding, Abubakar thanked God for a successful career which began in 1991, saying that despite losing colleagues along the way, she was grateful to retire with her family intact.
She said the achievements recorded at LFTZ were the result of the collective efforts of officers and stakeholders, rather than her contribution alone.
Abubakar, who described herself as a “mother of many nations”, said the command moved from eighth to third position in the national revenue ranking during her tenure.
She attributed the feat to teamwork, stakeholder support and the trust reposed in her by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
Abubakar thanked her husband, family and stakeholders for their support, and pledged to sustain the relationships beyond her retirement.
