LFTZ Customs Honours Comptroller HK Abubakar After 35 Years of Meritorious Service 

.As She Recounts Achievements

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured its outgoing Controller, Comptroller Hauwa Kulu Anifowose Abubakar, following her retirement from the Service after 35 years of dedication, commitment and loyalty to the career.

The retirement ceremony, which was combined with the formal handing-over of the LFTZ Command to Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Moses Kukoyi, brought together Customs officers, sister security agencies, traditional rulers, Free Zone operators, port managements, maritime stakeholders, family members and other dignitaries on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Comptroller Abubakar’s retirement came against the backdrop of impressive operational and revenue achievements recorded by the Command during her tenure.

From January to August 2026, the Lagos FTZ Command generated N557,020,127,999.18 in revenue, placing it third among the revenue-generating Customs commands, behind the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports Commands.

The revenue performance formed part of the achievements highlighted during the retirement and handing-over ceremony, alongside the Command’s efforts in trade facilitation, enforcement, stakeholder engagement and officers’ welfare.

In her valedictory remarks, Abubakar said the Command had made significant strides in strengthening its revenue profile and enhancing its overall operational performance during her tenure.

She also said the Command prioritised the welfare of its officers while strengthening relationships with traditional rulers, sister security and regulatory agencies, Free Zone operators, Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and other strategic partners within its area of responsibility.

According to her, the milestones recorded during her tenure were not achieved by her alone but were the result of teamwork, discipline, professionalism and the collective commitment of officers and men of the Command.

She expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) for giving her the opportunity to serve as Controller of the LFTZ Command.

Comptroller Abubakar also acknowledged the contributions of external stakeholders, including the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Free Zone operators, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Anti-Bomb Squad and other security and regulatory agencies.

She further appreciated the Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), customs brokers, agents and other stakeholders in the maritime and logistics community for their cooperation and constructive engagement.

The retiring Controller recognised the management of Lekki Port and Lekki Freeport Terminal for the cordial working relationship and support extended to the Command throughout her tenure.

Other dignitaries at the event include: the new Acting Area Controller of Lagos Free Trade Zone, Deputy Comptroller Olufemi Kukoyi; retired Area Controller of Ogun II Command, Comptroller Olusola Olukemi Akingbade; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulhakeem Olokodana, the Alakodo of Akodo Kingdom.

Similarly, Alhaji Femi Anifowose, husband of the retired Controller and Western Zonal Coordinator of ANLCA; Princess Chi Eze; representatives of the CRFFN; the NAGAFF Vice President at Lekki Deep Seaport; and stakeholders across the Lagos Free Zone, were at event

Representatives of the Lagos Free Zone management, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Alaro City, Eko Atlantic, Snake Island, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Dangote and other companies operating within the zone also graced the occasion.

Goodwill messages featured prominently at the ceremony, with colleagues, stakeholders and dignitaries commending Comptroller Abubakar’s years of service and wishing her a fulfilling retirement.

In their messages, they described Abubakar as a symbol of professionalism, determination and commitment to service, while commending her leadership and contributions to the development of the Command.

She was also praised for her exceptional performance, which, according to the speakers, earned her several commendations throughout her career in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The speakers highlighted her efforts in building the capacity and competence of officers under her leadership, describing her leadership style as unique and impactful.

Beyond her official responsibilities, Abubakar was also seen as a woman of grace and worthy of a legacy, with her colleagues and stakeholders acknowledging the values she brought to her leadership at the Command.

One of the key achievements highlighted was the Command’s improvement in revenue ranking. Under Abubakar’s leadership, the Command reportedly moved from the eighth position to third position among Customs commands in revenue generation, with the Command recording N557.02 billion between January and August 2026.

Some guests also noted the Command’s stakeholder relations under her leadership, stating that there was no petition received against the Command during her tenure, a development they attributed to her approach to engagement, professionalism and leadership.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of gifts to the retiring Controller by colleagues and stakeholders as a symbol of appreciation for her years of service.

Another special moment was the cutting of the retirement cake by Abubakar, alongside colleagues, family members and dignitaries, as guests celebrated her transition from active service.

In her parting message, Abubakar urged officers and men of the Command to extend to Kukoyi the same loyalty, cooperation, commitment and support they gave her.

She particularly appealed to sister agencies, stakeholders, traditional institutions, Free Zone operators, port managements, agents and other partners to continue to support the new Acting Area Controller.

Abubakar said the change in leadership should not affect the Command’s core objectives, including revenue generation, legitimate trade facilitation, national security and economic development.

To her, while positions are temporary, relationships endure.

Comptroller Hauwa Kulu Anifowose Abubakar, who joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1992 as a cadet, young, determined, and ready to serve Nigeria. She rose steadily, diligently, and meritoriously through the ranks for more than three decades.

As she bowed out after 35 years in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), she expressed gratitude to God, the NCS leadership, officers and men of the Command, stakeholders, family members, friends and well-wishers for their support throughout her career.