By Nkechi Eze
Deputy Comptroller Habib Hassan, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Command, has pledged to strengthen stakeholder collaboration, improve trade facilitation and boost revenue generation while intensifying the fight against smuggling.
Hassan made the commitment on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a meeting with representatives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, as he assumed duty as the 23rd Customs Area Controller.
He succeeds Comptroller Victoria Aliboh, who retired on September 24, 2026.
The new Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the appointment through dedicated service, professionalism and purposeful leadership anchored on discipline, accountability and stakeholder engagement.
“My administration is committed to revenue generation, combating smuggling and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to improve service delivery,” Hassan said.
He warned that the Command would not tolerate false declaration, undervaluation, concealment of goods or smuggling, stressing the need for compliance with customs regulations and established procedures.
Hassan, however, assured licensed agents and other stakeholders that genuine complaints and constructive suggestions would receive prompt attention, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and voluntary compliance.
The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders in the freight forwarding and customs brokerage sectors to discuss operational challenges and explore ways to improve efficiency in the clearance of goods and other trade-related processes.
Speaking on behalf of ANLCA, Prince Atokolo pledged the association’s support and cooperation with the Command, while Olanrewaju Jonathan of NAGAFF described the improvements in the clearance process as encouraging for licensed agents and other participants in the trade chain.
Similarly, Paul Smith, representing the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working with the Command to safeguard government revenue and facilitate legitimate trade.
The engagement also featured an interactive session during which stakeholders raised operational concerns. Hassan addressed the issues and noted others for further action, underscoring the Command’s readiness to sustain dialogue with the trading community.
The development signals the new Customs Area Controller’s intention to build stronger partnerships with licensed agents and freight forwarders while balancing revenue protection, enforcement and the facilitation of legitimate trade within the FCT Command.
