A peep into the mind-blowing account of how strategic leadership is changing the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Customs Command under acting Controller Bolaji Adigun
By Innocent Chukwu
When Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun assumed leadership of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Customs Command in December 2025, he stepped into a strategic command that plays a vital role in Nigeria’s maritime trade ecosystem and revenue generation architecture.
Located within Lagos’ busy port corridor, the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal serves as a major cargo processing hub, handling thousands of imports that feed industries, businesses and consumers across the country.
For any Customs Area Controller posted to such a command, expectations are always high. The assignment demands not only revenue generation but also strict enforcement against smuggling, false declarations and importation of prohibited goods.
Barely months after taking charge, Adigun has begun carving a reputation for aggressive revenue mobilisation, tighter compliance enforcement and operational discipline.
His tenure has coincided with renewed efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen trade facilitation while ensuring government does not lose billions of naira to revenue leakages.
One of the biggest highlights of his administration has been the command’s impressive revenue performance.
Under his watch, the command generated a remarkable ₦147.216 billion in 2025, significantly surpassing its annual revenue target of ₦109.442 billion.
The figures represented an excess of approximately ₦37.77 billion, a performance that attracted attention across the maritime sector.
Even more striking was the comparison with the previous year’s performance.
In 2024, the command generated ₦107.182 billion, meaning the command recorded an increase of over ₦40 billion under Adigun’s leadership.
That jump translated into a revenue growth of about 35 percent, underscoring improved collection efficiency and stronger monitoring mechanisms.
Industry stakeholders believe the impressive earnings may have resulted from stricter compliance measures and reduced opportunities for sharp practices.
Beyond revenue generation, Adigun has also demonstrated firmness in enforcement operations.
One of the command’s major interceptions involved a 20-foot container loaded with 440 bags of expired Triple Pressed Stearic Acid imported from Indonesia.
The seized products had a Duty Paid Value of about ₦36.56 million, raising concerns over public health and consumer safety.
The command promptly handed over the seized items to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further action.
In another operation, Customs officers uncovered a 40-foot container falsely declared as zipped luggage.
Upon physical examination, officials discovered empty suitcases valued at over ₦5 million, exposing another case of false declaration.
These seizures reflect Adigun’s determination to strengthen cargo examination processes and discourage fraudulent trade practices.
Observers within the maritime sector say his leadership style appears focused on balancing revenue generation with national security and consumer protection.
As 2026 progresses, many stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the command can sustain its strong momentum, but early indicators suggest that Adigun’s tenure has already left a significant mark on Kirikiri Lighter Terminal operations.
