By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has witnessed a seamless transition of leadership as ACG Joe Anani handed over leadership on 13 November 2026. to Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Ekok .This followed his elevation to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs. ACG Joe Anani in his farewell speech at the formal handing-over ceremony, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him during his tenure at the strategic port command.Reflecting on his achievements, the outgoing Customs chief disclosed that the Command generated a total revenue of ₦787,234,144,911.15 between May and October 2026, attributing the performance to improved compliance, effective monitoring, operational efficiency and sustained stakeholder engagement.He described the revenue performance as a collective achievement, noting that the commitment and dedication of officers and men were instrumental to the successes recorded during his administration.He pointed out that “Revenue generation remained a key priority, and from the moment I assumed duty, the Command pursued deliberate measures to boost collection through improved compliance, closer monitoring, more efficient operations and stronger stakeholder engagement.”On anti-smuggling operations, Anani disclosed that the Command recorded significant seizures, including approximately 603 shotguns and 14,862.75 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, alongside other prohibited and illicit items.
ACG Joe Anani stated that he interceptions demonstrated the Command’s determination to protect public health, strengthen national security and prevent harmful and prohibited goods from entering the country.“These operations reflect our resolve to protect society, safeguard public health, strengthen national security and prevent harmful goods from entering the country,” he stated.The outgoing Acting ACG also highlighted the importance of personnel welfare, sports development and stakeholder collaboration, noting that the Command sustained sporting activities in line with the Comptroller-General’s work-life balance initiative.He further disclosed that Tincan Island Port Command finished as second runner-up in football at the Zonal Inter-Command Sports Competition, while also winning the men’s singles and doubles badminton events.Anani commended stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, licensed customs agents, sister government agencies and members of the port community, for their cooperation throughout his tenure.
He urged them to extend the same support to his successor, stressing that effective port operations require mutual understanding, transparency and sustained collaboration.He further charged the incoming Controller, Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel A Ekok, to build on the achievements recorded by the Command, strengthen operational efficiency, promote discipline and professionalism, and sustain the drive towards improved revenue generation, trade facilitation and effective anti-smuggling operations.“I encourage you 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 said.
He also appealed to officers and men of the Command to give the new Controller their full cooperation and loyalty, emphasising that the success of the Command remained a collective responsibility.Speaking during the handing over ,the incoming Controller, Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel A Ekok, assured officers, stakeholders and members of the port community of his commitment to building on the existing achievements of the Command. He is expected to sustain the Command’s revenue drive, strengthen enforcement operations and promote efficient service delivery in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.Anani, while concluding his remarks, described leadership as transient and the institution as enduring, expressing confidence in the future of the Command.“Positions may change, and responsibilities may be transferred, but our commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service and our national responsibilities must remain unwavering,” he said.He expressed appreciation to officers, men, stakeholders and his family, particularly his wife, Mrs. Caroline Anani, for their support throughout his years of service and tenure at Tincan Island Port Command.
