A silent reformer in all ramifications, Comptroller Joe Anani, who traverses various commands of the Nigeria Customs as a seasoned officer, gets posted to the Tincan Island Customs Command as its Area Controller (CAC) with a pledge to continue his reforms in trade facilitation, national security, revenue generation, accountability and operational efficiency
By Edu Abade
As most senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) prepare for retirement within a few months, the management of the Service has resolved to leave no stones unturned in deploying the best brains to strategic Commands and Units of the Service.
In this regard, the NCS led by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has again, demonstrated his resolve to appoint the best and most competent officers to run the affairs of the agency at all levels by redeploying Controller Joe Anani as the Customs Area Controller (CAC) from the Port Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML) Command to the Tincan Island Port Command.
Stakeholders have commended the strategic administrative deployment of Anani, sending a barrage of tributes to the CGC Adeniyi for his foresight and management acumen in identifying the most credible officers and placing them in sensitive positions to run the affairs of the Service. This said that Anani’s new posting to the Tincan Port couldn’t have come at a better time than now. Anani proved his mettle within the short period he superintended over the affairs of the PTML Command. One of the most respected officers of the Service today, Comptroller Anani raised the bar on revenue generation, trade facilitation, national security and leadership competency while at the PTML Command without making any noise to get him noticed.
Speaking on Anani’s posting, Secretary, Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Eugene Nweke, said the recent administrative deployment within the Nigeria Customs Service involving the redeployment of Joe Anani to the Tincan Island Port Command, represented yet another thoughtful and strategic leadership decision deserving of commendation.
“Indeed, Anani is a distinguished professional whose records of service, technical competence, administrative capacity and operational discipline have continued to earn him respect within the Customs management system and among critical industry stakeholders.
“Comptroller Joe Anani has demonstrated uncommon dedication, professionalism and result-oriented leadership throughout his stewardship at PTML Command. His impressive revenue performance of over ₦178 billion, operational modernization drive, enhanced trade facilitation measures and strategic enforcement collaborations clearly attest to his competence, vision and administrative dexterity.
“Particularly commendable was his ability to consolidate on the implementation of the B’Odogwu modernization initiative while fostering an atmosphere of teamwork, discipline, inclusiveness and institutional confidence among officers and stakeholders alike.
“His humane leadership style, accessibility and excellent interpersonal relationship remain qualities that distinguish him as a refined Customs administrator and transformational officer,” he said.
Speaking further, Nweke said without a doubt, Anani possesses the administrative know-how, emotional intelligence and leadership maturity required to strengthen institutional efficiency, deepen stakeholders’ confidence and support the NCS’ ongoing reform agenda.
“In the same vein, special commendation must be extended to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose visionary leadership and strategic deployment philosophy continue to place capable hands in critical operational Commands. Such merit-driven postings further reinforce confidence in the reform-oriented leadership direction presently shaping the Nigeria Customs Service.
“It is our earnest belief that the combined experience, professionalism and leadership capacities of the distinguished officer will continue to contribute meaningfully towards trade facilitation, revenue optimization, national security and institutional growth. We Congratulate Comptroller Anani on his new assignment, with best wishes for greater accomplishments in service to the nation,” he stated.
The Tincan Island Port Command recorded a major revenue milestone under the leadership of the outgone CAC, Frank Onyeka, who officially handed over the Command to Anani on Friday, May 22, 2026 following his promotion to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Customs.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Onyeka described his tenure at the command as one of the most rewarding periods of his career, expressing gratitude to God, the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, officers of the command, and stakeholders across the maritime industry.
A review of the command’s performance under his stewardship showed significant gains in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, stakeholder engagement, and human capital development, reinforcing Tinan Port’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy.
According to Onyeka, the command generated a total revenue of N1.609 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year, exceeding its approved revenue target of N1.524 trillion and strengthening the Federal Government’s revenue base.
He disclosed that the command sustained the momentum in 2026, generating N401.01 billion during the first quarter of the year, reflecting improved operational efficiency and compliance among port users.
The outgoing Controller attributed the impressive performance to intelligence-driven operations, effective revenue collection strategies, enhanced stakeholder cooperation, and the deployment of modern trade facilitation mechanisms designed to balance enforcement with legitimate business activities.
Beyond revenue collection, Onyeka said the command achieved notable success in anti-smuggling operations, recording several high-profile seizures of illicit drugs and prohibited goods with an estimated street value exceeding N35 billion.
He noted that the seizures demonstrated the commitment of the NCS to protecting the nation’s economy and security while combating criminal networks involved in transnational smuggling activities.
The command also strengthened its relationship with key stakeholders within the maritime value chain, including freight forwarders, terminal operators, shipping companies, importers, exporters, and relevant government agencies.
Onyeka used the occasion to commend the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and continued reforms aimed at improving transparency, professionalism, trade facilitation, and revenue generation within the service.
As he formally transferred leadership to Comptroller Anani, Onyeka expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain and surpass the achievements recorded by the command. He called on stakeholders, partner agencies, and the trading community to extend their cooperation to the new controller while assuring them of his continued support in his new capacity as ACG.
