The management of Lekki Port has assured the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of maximum cooperation following the appointment of Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar as the new Customs Area Controller in charge of the Lekki Deep Seaport Command.
In a statement welcoming the new controller, Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, described Abubakar’s redeployment as a well-deserved reward for her “hard work and outstanding performance” during her previous postings. He expressed confidence that her experience and professionalism would further strengthen Customs operations at Nigeria’s first deep seaport.
“On behalf of the management of Lekki Port, we commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for appointing a thoroughbred professional to this exalted office. Comptroller Abubakar is indeed a round peg in a round hole. We are confident that her expertise will help drive operational efficiency, revenue growth and profitability at the port,” Qiang said.
While commending the outgoing Area Controller for her contributions to the port’s growth, Qiang reiterated the port’s commitment to providing all necessary support to the Customs Service to ensure smooth trade facilitation, effective enforcement of regulations, and sustained revenue generation.
In her remarks, Comptroller Abubakar praised her predecessor for laying a solid operational foundation and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far.
Describing Lekki Port as “a pride of Nigeria and a key driver of maritime trade in West Africa,” Abubakar highlighted the vast opportunities the deep seaport presents for trade expansion and economic growth.
“Lekki Port stands out as a game changer for Nigeria’s maritime industry and the wider West African market. The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to provide the necessary support to unlock its full potential and drive revenue growth for the Federal Government,” she said.
The Lekki Deep Seaport, located in Lagos State’s Lekki Free Zone, is Nigeria’s first fully automated deep seaport and a critical gateway for international trade. Since commencing operations, it has attracted significant investments and is projected to handle millions of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, positioning Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.
Comptroller Abubakar’s appointment comes as the Nigeria Customs Service intensifies efforts to boost revenue collection, enhance trade facilitation, and improve efficiency at key maritime gateways across the country. Her leadership at Lekki Port is expected to further strengthen the synergy between Customs and port operators in driving the government’s non-oil revenue targets.
