Cross River, FTZ Customs Gets New Impulse

As Strategic PR Veteran, Dr Nwala, Takes Charge

​BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a strategic leadership transition designed to optimize revenue generation, streamline international trade, and strengthen economic borders across Nigeria’s South-South maritime corridor, Deputy Comptroller NI Nwala, Ph.D, mnipr, psc, has officially assumed office as the Acting Customs Area Controller for the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.

​She formally took over leadership of the Command during a handover ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Customs House, Calabar, succeeding Comptroller Momodu Giwah Dauda.

​DC Nwala brings a rare blend of cerebral intellect, operational grit, and public relations expertise to the assignment. Having served as a public relations manager across several high-profile formations and commands of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), her deep understanding of institutional diplomacy, stakeholder alignment, and strategic communications uniquely equips her to lead one of the country’s most diverse operational hubs, spanning deep-water port operations, active Free Trade Zones, and complex international land borders.

​Outlining her vision during her inaugural address, the new Acting Area Controller presented a comprehensive Four-Point Agenda focused on driving systemic efficiency, legal compliance, and economic growth; enumerated below:

​Revenue and Compliance: To pursue aggressive, transparent revenue mobilization aligned with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, while fostering voluntary compliance through clear administrative frameworks.

​Trade Facilitation: Remove operational bottlenecks for legitimate traders, lowering the cost of doing business, and maximizing the commercial capacity of the Calabar Free Trade Zone and maritime ports.

​Border and Economic Security: Heighten intelligence-led enforcement and anti-smuggling vigilance to protect national security, with dedicated operational focus on critical land vectors like the Mfum-Ekok international corridor.

​Professionalism and Institutional Partnership: Deepen inter-agency intelligence sharing and building collaborative bridges with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), traditional institutions, licensed customs agents, terminal operators, host communities, and security agencies.

​Speaking during the handover, takeover ceremony, she said, “Customs cannot effectively safeguard the nation’s economic interests in isolation” adding:

“Our operational success will be anchored on fairness, transparency, mutual respect, and unyielding compliance with the law. While we will streamline legitimate trade to ensure business thrives, we remain resolute against illicit trade and economic sabotage.”

​Reflecting on her predecessor’s contributions, Nwala commended Comptroller Momodu Giwah Dauda for his dedicated service, pledging to consolidate on his achievements while introducing modern service-delivery measures across Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

​With her appointment, the Cross River/Calabar FTZ/Akwa Ibom Command enters an era defined by communications-led leadership, robust enforcement, and stronger economic partnerships along Nigeria’s eastern maritime and border frontier.