Free Zone Customs generates N557.02bn as Anifowoshe hands over to Kukoyi

The Free Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated a record N557.02 billion in revenue between January and August 2026. The retiring Area Controller, Hauwa Abubakar Anifowoshe, announced the figure at a handover ceremony at the Zone, where she handed over to Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olufemi Kukoyi.

Record revenue

Anifowoshe said the growing economic importance of the Free Zone corridor and the Command’s role in revenue administration could not be overemphasised. She attributed the Command’s achievements to teamwork, stressing that its progress was driven by collective effort rather than individual leadership.

She said efforts to improve officers’ welfare, strengthen relations with host communities, deepen collaboration with sister agencies and sustain constructive engagement with Free Zone operators, Lekki Deep Sea Port, bonded terminals and other strategic stakeholders were part of the strategies deployed to carry all stakeholders along.

She said, “Whatever successes we recorded during my time as Area Controller were not achieved by me alone. They were the product of teamwork, discipline, professionalism, and the collective commitment of every officer and member of staff.”

New leadership

Kukoyi pledged to build on Anifowoshe’s achievements with greater emphasis on efficiency, technology, enforcement and trade facilitation. He said his immediate priority would be to consolidate the gains of the previous administration and strengthen Customs operations within the Free Zone.

Anifowoshe urged officers and stakeholders to extend to Kukoyi the same cooperation and support that sustained her administration. “Positions are temporary, but relationships endure,” she said, calling on officers and stakeholders to continue to treat one another with respect, dignity and goodwill.

35 years of service

After 35 years of meritorious service, Anifowoshe sought forgiveness from anyone she may have offended, knowingly or unknowingly, during her service. She also forgave those who may have wronged her.

The revenue performance underscores the growing economic significance of the Free Zone corridor and the Command’s contribution to revenue mobilisation. For Nigerian businesses and the naira, sustained Customs collections from the corridor add to non-oil revenue at a time when government finances remain under pressure.