Change of Baton: Comptroller HK Abubakar Takes Charge at LFTZ, as Comptroller Olumoh Retires, Recounts Achievements

ZAINAB JUNAID

Comptroller HK Abubakar has taken over as the new Area Controller at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), succeeding Comptroller Olanrewaju Abdulwahab Olumoh PhD, who retired on Thursday, 4 September 2025, after a meritorious service to the Nation.

During the handing over ceremony held at the Command, the Outgoing Area Controller Olumo appreciated God Almighty for the abundance of grace, thanked CGC Adeniyi for entrusting activities of the Command under his watch and also highlighted the achievements recorded during his tenure.

He announced a Cumulative Revenue of Three Hundred and Fifty Eight Billion Naira only (N358 Billion), noting that a revenue figure of Four Hundred and Fifty Nine Billion Naira (N459 Billion) only, was generated by the Command between January and August 2025, and described it as a testament to professionalism of all Officers and Trust of Compliant Stakeholders.

Comptroller Olumo informed that Lekki Deep seaport has also recorded an impressive growth.

His words, “The Port came into being in April 2023 and with just six containers. Today, our Port has become a magnet attracting other global shipping lines. This is clearly as a result of the enabling environment that the Command has been able to create for Port.

“We must acknowledge the great support we have been receiving from the Headquarters in terms of logistics. We were given five new vehicles and a coaster bus. That has done a lot in helping us with movement and overall efficiency.

Arrival of the New Area Controller

“Similarly, in the area of accommodation, we had five units of duplexes at UN institutes. That again has brought a lot of relief to our Officers’ spending when the command will have its own permanent structure.

“In the area of health and welfare, knowing that a healthy workforce is a productive one, Last year, we had in the command a clinic with a nurse and with our Officers having access to free medications there. That has given us a lot of motivation and helped us in terms of productivity.

Arrival of the outgoing Area Controller

“In line with the vision of the CGC, that customs is not only a revenue generation, but also must identify with our host communities. Last year, the command, with the support of our Stakeholders, we renovated many blocks of classrooms at Roman Catholic Primary School in Lekki. That again tells us that we are a responsible partner in community development and nation building.

“We had a very good relationship with our sister agencies, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, Police. We had a good collaboration with them. All these successes couldn’t have been possible without the guidance and support we have been receiving from the headquarters.

Cross section of Senior Officers with the Outgoing and Incoming Area Controllers after the handover ceremony

“It couldn’t again have been possible without the good foundation I met on ground, done by my very worthy predecessors, Comptroller Issa and ACG Babandede, full salutations to their efforts. And it couldn’t have been possible without your resilience, your hard working and your professionalism. I really appreciate all of you. As I will be retiring, I want to urge you to please continue raising the bar. The Command has a very bright prospects. And your commitment under the leadership of our new CAC, I believe this command will get you very far, as you cannot even imagine now”.

He further praised his team for their dedication and hard work, which contributed to the Command’s success and also appreciated the new Area Controller Abubakar, describing her as a “woman of integrity and strength” who would bring her wealth of experience to the role she is entrusted with.

In her remarks, Comptroller HK Abubakar expressed enthusiasm about working with the dedicated Officers and Stakeholders of the Command, acknowledging the successes recorded so far and looking forward to building on them. She emphasized her commitment to God Almighty and upholding the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In her words, “Everything is God’s doing, God is with us, he is every where and will continue to be with us. For our Stakeholders, we are one large family together, and will continue to be one and God will be with us. They should continue to have faith in God. We promised the Stakeholders to be relaxed”.

The ceremony was attended by Senior Officers of the Command, Heads of Units and Stakeholders of the Command.