Former Apapa Customs Spokesperson Nkiru Nwala Takes Over as Acting Area Controller of Cross River/Calabar FTZ/Akwa Ibom Command
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant development with the appointment of Deputy Comptroller Nkiru Nwala, former Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Area Command, as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone (FTZ)/Akwa Ibom Area Command.
Nwala officially assumed office on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during a colourful handover and takeover ceremony at the Customs House in Calabar. Her appointment was approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In her maiden address, the Acting Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General and the management of the Service for entrusting her with the responsibility. She described the appointment as a privilege and an opportunity to contribute more significantly to national service.
She highlighted the strategic importance of the Cross River/Calabar FTZ/Akwa Ibom Command, noting that it oversees a major seaport, the Calabar Free Trade Zone, vital international border routes and extensive commercial activities across Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
Presenting her vision for the command, Nwala outlined four priority areas that will guide her administration: revenue generation and compliance, trade facilitation, border and economic security, as well as professionalism and partnership.
She pledged to strengthen revenue collection in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, encourage voluntary compliance among importers and licensed customs agents, and improve the operating environment for legitimate businesses. At the same time, she warned that smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage would attract firm enforcement measures.
Particular attention was drawn to the Mfum–Ekok border corridor, which she identified as a critical route requiring continuous monitoring and effective enforcement to prevent smuggling and enhance national border security.
Nwala also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation with sister security agencies, traditional rulers, the Nigerian Ports Authority, Free Trade Zone operators, licensed customs agents, the business community and other relevant stakeholders.
According to her, effective customs administration depends on partnerships built on transparency, fairness, mutual respect and adherence to established laws and regulations.
The new Acting Controller commended her predecessor, Comptroller Momodu Giwah Dauda, for his contributions and achievements during his tenure. She pledged to build on the foundation he established and strive to achieve even greater results.
“My administration will pursue improved revenue performance, more responsive trade facilitation, firmer enforcement against smuggling and stronger stakeholder engagement,” she stated.
She called on officers and men of the command, industry stakeholders and host communities to support her administration, assuring them of an accessible and transparent leadership committed to integrity, legitimate trade and the protection of Nigeria’s economic interests.
Nwala reaffirmed that safeguarding the nation’s economic assets and security interests would remain central to her leadership, as she assumes responsibility for one of the Nigeria Customs Service’s strategically important commands.
