Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations

The management of Lekki Port, promoters of Lekki Deep Seaport, says the management of Lekki Port would continue to give maximum support and cooperation to the Nigeria Customs Service to help deliver on its mandate and ensure that the port achieves remarkable revenue growth and profitability.

According to a statement on Monday, the port welcomed the appointment of a new Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service in charge of the command, Hauwa Abubakar, to the port, describing her choice as a round peg in a round hole, given her sterling contributions to the operational excellence of the agency.

The Managing Director, Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, described the redeployment of Abubakar to the port as a reward for hard work and outstanding performance in the course of duty during her last posting.

While appreciating the outgoing controller for the job well done, Qiang noted that the management of Lekki Port would continue to give maximum support and cooperation to the agency to help deliver on its mandate and ensure that the port achieves remarkable revenue growth and profitability.

“On behalf of the management of Lekki Port, we would like to commend the Comptroller General of Customs and her team for taking the bold step to appoint a thoroughbred professional to take up the exalted office of new Custom Area Controller. She is indeed a round peg in a round hole. She has done well professionally to earn that position. We wish her well and can assure her she will have the full support of the team. We are equally happy that she is taking over from another competent professional,” he said.

In her remark, Comptroller Abubakar commended her predecessor for her outstanding performance and pledged to build upon his successes.

She said Lekki Port remains a big pride not only for Nigeria’s maritime industry but also for the West African market, considering the sheer level of potential or opportunities available in the industry.

She assured the management of Lekki Port of the agency’s readiness to provide the much-needed support that would unleash its potential and drive revenue growth.

Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited is the Special Purpose Vehicle that was awarded the Concession Agreement for the development and operations of the Lekki Deep Sea Port by the Nigerian Ports Authority. It is required to develop, build and operate a common user multipurpose port. The company sub-concessioned the container terminal operations to Lekki Freeport Terminal, a subsidiary of CMA/CGM, the world’s largest container shipping company.

As part of its operational framework, Lekki Port hosts a dedicated Nigeria Customs Service command, which plays a crucial role in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and cargo clearance. Lekki Port’s cooperation with the NCS is viewed as essential for unlocking the port’s full economic potential. With advanced technology, deep draught capacity, and modern infrastructure, the port is expected to significantly reduce congestion at older ports and position Nigeria as a preferred gateway for international trade in West Africa. Customs efficiency, therefore, remains a cornerstone of the port’s ability to deliver timely services and boost government revenue.