The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded remarkable growth after generating ₦13.7 billion in revenue between January and October 2025.
The outgoing Controller of the Command, now Assistant Comptroller General (ACG), Eghosa Edelduok, disclosed this on Monday during her official send-off ceremony in Lagos.
She explained that the figure represented a 47 per cent increase compared to the ₦9.4 billion revenue generated within the same period in 2024.
Edelduok, visibly elated, described the growth as the outcome of deliberate reforms, increased stakeholder engagement and improved trade facilitation within the terminal.
She expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the management of the service for entrusting her with leadership responsibilities and elevating her to management rank.
According to her, turning the KLT command around required dedication, collaboration and an open-door policy that encouraged constant communication between Customs and stakeholders.
“When I assumed duty, several terminals under KLT were moribund,” she recalled, noting that proactive engagement revived operations and increased throughput across facilities.
She said terminals such as ESS Libra now handled an average of 50–60 containers monthly while others have regained full operational life through improved access and reduced delays.
The new ACG described KLT as a dry port with strong potential to rival major terminals if sustained incentives and rapid cargo processing are maintained.
Edelduok disclosed that clearance turnaround was reduced significantly, with many consignments processed and released within 48 hours once documentation was compliant.
She emphasised that compliance-driven trade became the backbone of the revenue leap, as traders and agents increasingly chose KLT for faster clearance and friendlier operations.
Stakeholder cooperation, she added, also helped change perceptions, attracting more importers who had previously avoided the terminal due to fears of delays and bottlenecks.
Edelduok celebrated the unity among officers, sister agencies and terminal operators as one of her proudest accomplishments during her 18-month leadership.
She also highlighted a major Corporate Social Responsibility project, a completed block of classrooms and fully-equipped library for inmates at Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre, describing it as a defining legacy.
Looking ahead, she assured that KLT would continue to support only legitimate trade, warning that illicit shipments such as fake drugs, cannabis and contraband goods would not be tolerated.
Edelduok concluded her farewell message with optimism, saying her new office comes with greater responsibility, but she leaves KLT prepared, fulfilled and hopeful for even greater growth at the command.
Stakeholders at the Terminal (KLT) customs command also commended Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Edelduok, for her exemplary leadership, professionalism, and contributions to national development.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC), Funmilayo Adedokun, in charge of Vehicle Seat, welcomed Edelduok and praised her rare leadership capacity, noting that her service had positively impacted both the Customs Service and national development.
Adedokun said ACG Edelduok not only delivered on assigned duties but also inspired excellence in others.
“Edelduok is a leader who lifts people, empowers teams and consistently ensures that the service delivers on its mandate with integrity,” she said.
She congratulated Edelduok on her recent promotion and encouraged her to embrace the responsibilities of her new role.
The Secretary of the KLT chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Adebola Adesanya, described Edelduok’s tenure as a master class in transformative leadership.
Adesanya noted that the ACG maintained an open-door policy, listened to concerns, and worked with agents to find practical solutions while balancing regulatory compliance with the facilitation of legitimate trade.
During her tenure, Edelduok implemented impactful social initiatives, including the construction of four well-furnished and fully equipped classrooms at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The initiative was described as unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian Customs Service.
The Assistant Comptroller Customer (AC) Team Manager, Olayinka Suleiman, appreciated Edelduok’s motherly approach, saying it fostered unity and a sense of family among officers.
Speaking on behalf of the officers, the Assistant Comptroller Bond and Licence, Michael Gotep, described ACG Edelduok as an exemplary leader and prayed for God’s guidance and peace in all her endeavors.
The sister government agencies at KLT commended Edelduok for being well-articulated, professional, and trustworthy.
Stakeholders recalled that the command faced significant challenges when she assumed duty, describing it as “dead,” but highlighted her ability to resolve agents’ problems effectively.
Agents also noted that there had been no demonstrations or unrest during her tenure, reflecting her effective leadership style.
According to them, Edelduok’s leadership at KLT is now regarded as a benchmark, combining operational efficiency, staff empowerment, and community engagement initiatives.
