Lekki Port Assures Support for Customs Operations
The management of Lekki Deep Sea Port has reiterated its full commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), promising maximum cooperation that will not only enhance operational efficiency but also strengthen revenue generation for the federal government.
This assurance came as the port welcomed its new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, describing her appointment as a strategic move that will elevate the command’s performance and unlock the port’s economic potential.
Speaking in Lagos, the Managing Director of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang, praised the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying a “thoroughbred professional” to oversee operations at the port.
He emphasized that Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations as a way to guarantee profitability and efficiency for both the maritime sector and the Nigerian economy at large.
Qiang described Abubakar’s redeployment as a reward for her exceptional contributions in her previous postings.
He noted that her reputation for diligence, integrity, and operational excellence made her the right fit for a port that is fast becoming a major hub for international trade in West Africa.
A Strategic Appointment for Growth
While commending the outgoing Customs controller for his achievements, the Lekki Port boss stressed that the management would continue to prioritize seamless collaboration with the NCS.
According to him, Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations not just as a symbolic gesture, but as an operational necessity for Nigeria to fully harness the opportunities presented by modern port infrastructure.
“On behalf of the management of Lekki Port, we commend the Comptroller General of Customs for appointing a professional of Abubakar’s caliber to this role.
She has demonstrated outstanding capacity and will receive our full backing as she takes over this strategic assignment,” Qiang said.
Customs Commitment to Efficiency
In her response, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar lauded her predecessor for setting a strong foundation at Lekki Port and pledged to build on the successes already recorded.
She highlighted the port’s significance not only to Nigeria’s maritime industry but also to the wider West African subregion.
According to her, Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations is more than a statement — it represents a shared responsibility to accelerate cargo clearance, reduce bottlenecks, and increase government revenue.
Abubakar expressed her determination to align Customs processes with global best practices while ensuring the port realizes its potential as a regional trade hub.
“Lekki Port is a source of national pride and a symbol of Africa’s maritime ambition.
The Nigeria Customs Service is fully committed to providing the necessary support to unleash its opportunities and drive economic growth,” she said.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Maritime Potential
Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, the concessionaire for the Lekki Deep Sea Port, has consistently emphasized its mission to operate as a multipurpose port that will transform Nigeria’s trade landscape.
The container terminal, already sub-concessioned to Lekki Freeport Terminal — a subsidiary of global shipping giant CMA CGM — is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to improve efficiency and cut delays that have long plagued Nigeria’s maritime industry.
As part of its operational structure, Lekki Port hosts a dedicated Nigeria Customs Service command, reflecting the central role Customs plays in trade facilitation and revenue collection.
Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations because Customs efficiency directly determines the port’s ability to deliver timely services, attract investment, and generate revenue.
Reducing Congestion, Boosting Revenue
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly noted that the success of Lekki Port depends heavily on its cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service.
With its deep draught capacity, advanced technology, and modern infrastructure, the port is expected to relieve pressure on older ports in Apapa and Tin Can, which have been bogged down by congestion.
By ensuring smooth Customs processes, Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations that will ultimately translate into reduced turnaround time for ships, quicker clearance for goods, and higher revenue collection for the federal government.
Analysts predict that with effective collaboration, the port could position Nigeria as a preferred gateway for global trade in West Africa.
The renewed commitment by Lekki Port to support Customs operations has been welcomed by maritime observers who believe the partnership will determine the pace of Nigeria’s port modernization agenda.
With increasing volumes of cargo expected at the facility, both Lekki Port and the Nigeria Customs Service face the challenge of delivering faster, more transparent, and more profitable operations.
As Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar takes over her new role, the spotlight will be on how effectively she can implement reforms that reduce bottlenecks and enhance trade facilitation.
For Lekki Port, the pledge to stand firmly behind the Nigeria Customs Service represents both a recognition of Customs’ indispensable role and an investment in Nigeria’s economic future.
Ultimately, the message is clear: Lekki Port assures support for Customs operations as part of a larger mission to redefine Nigeria’s maritime industry, improve government revenue, and strengthen the nation’s position in international trade.
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