Onyeka: Tackling the Tradition of Trade Malpractices at Tin Can Port
ONEYKA, TIN CAN CUSTOMS CONTROLLER
By Francis Ugwoke
The Tin Can Island port is the second largest seaport in Nigeria. It is next to Apapa port in terms of revenue generation and cargo traffic. Last year, the Nigeria Customs Service announced a revenue generation of about N1. 046 trillion from the port. The figure was realized between January and November 7, 2024. The figure has placed the port in the league of trillion Naira revenue league, coming after the premier port, Apapa. This is described as a good development for the Service and indeed the country. However, one issue that the leadership of the Customs Command has had to deal with over the years is in combating trade crime in the port. This has led to massive seizures of different contraband, including illicit drugs. But this is not without the consequences for members of the syndicate believed to be involved in this illicit trade. Those who have often seen the port as a haven or route to smuggle drugs have had to suffer heavy losses considering massive seizures recorded by the Customs administration.
Records of Seizures
In June last year, the Customs Service intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs, made up of cannabis indica, prohibited codeine and other illicit drugs from Canada and India. It took a lot of intelligence, dedication and patriotism for the officers of the Command to uncover the trade crime. The Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Wale Adeniyi, had told newsmen that the value of the drugs was N4bn. A breakdown of the seizures included three plastic drums of cannabis indica; 46 bags of cannabis indica; 877 codeine syrup, and 82 cartons of other drugs. The drugs were concealed in two 40ft containers, while the codeine in two 40ft containers. Adeniyi had warned those involved in the act. He also warned customs officers against being culpable. His words, “I promise to apply the heaviest sanction against customs officers found culpable. Beyond revenue loss, some port operators and officers of the service are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug importation. Intelligence indicated that a lot of terminals are involved in the customs’ findings and that there are abuses of procedures involving customs officers.
.”The importer of the drugs gave two fake addresses, which raised curiosity, leading to the discovery.”
In October last year, the Command also recorded seizures of illicit drugs valued at N682m. This time, the former Controller, Dera Nnadi, who is now Assistant Comptroller General of the Service, said three containers carrying cannabis were discovered by operatives of the Command. The drugs extracted from the three containers were later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP. Breakdown of the drugs were 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg, 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg and 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg.
In December, last year, there was yet another seizure of drugs recorded at the Tin Can Port. The seized drugs were worth about N2.2bn. The drugs were destined for MIGFO Bonded Terminal. The seizure was a joint coordination between the Customs and the NDLEA. The drugs were in 44 extra-large bags containing cannabis indica, comprising 1,735 parcels with a total weight of 867.5 kilograms, six coolers containing 87 packs of methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilograms. The total seizure, according to the Customs amounted to 945.8 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated value of N2.2bn. This was the trend for last year.
Onyeka on the Saddle
Late last year, precisely in December, there was a change of guard at the Tin Can Island Command. This was when Compt Frank Onyeka assumed the leadership of the Command. On assuming office, the Controller has been on guard, apparently recalling the incidents in his new Command. First, is the revenue target. But most importantly is the security of the nation in terms of ensuring that dangerous imports such as arms and illicit drugs are not allowed into the country through the Command. Incidentally, he is not new to safeguarding the port environment. He has held positions of trust in the Service. He was at Apapa Port, Officer in-charge of the Premier Gate, where trillions of Naira have been generated as revenue. He was equally at Onne Port Area Command Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) gate, an environment which needed a lot of intelligence for the Service. Onyeka received the valued addition officer award which was created by the current Assistant Comptroller General Board; ACG B Imam. On assuming office, he has promised to ensure that he meets his revenue target and try to surpass it. But again, most importantly, he has promised that the Tin Can Island port will not be used for illicit drug trade. That was his position during the handover of illicit drugs worth over 8bn to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the Port about two weeks ago. He disclosed that the drugs were intercepted due to high level of intelligence gathered by officers in the Command. This was in collaboration with the men of the NDLEA. At the ceremony were members of the Enforcement Unit of the Tincan Island Port Command, the Commander NDLEA, Tincan Island Strategic Command Mitchell Ofoyeju.
The Controller disclosed that the 2X20FT containers intercepted in the port were in different batches. The containers were falsely declared to contain used cars and used auto spare parts originating from Canada by the importers. This was not doubt to ensure the Customs operatives did not discover the trade crime, but the importers failed. Details of the seizures showed that . 1X20 ft Container No. TCNU 194586/1, which was intercepted on the 27 of February , 2025, was found to contain 128 packets of Cannabis Indica. The container weighed a total of 63.75 kilograms with an estimated street value of N414,375,000.00.
The second container with no. MSMU 838666/3 was intercepted on the 12 of December, 2024 and was found to contain 97 packets of Crystals Methamphetamine, weighing a total of 78.3 kilograms with an estimated street value of N2billion and 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica with a total weight of 867.5 kilograms and an estimated street value of N5.6bn, making the total street value of the seized drugs N8.053bn.
The Controller described the seizures as underscoring the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the nation from the menace of illicit drugs. He reiterated the command’s commitment to facilitating trade, adding that officers will remain vigilant against activities that threaten national security and public health.
According to him, the Command will continue to enhance its operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to effectively combat smuggling and other illicit activities.
Onyeka used the medium to urge all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Command in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports.
At the recent stakeholders engagement to sensitize them on the new Unified Customs Management System known as B’Odogwu, he sought for the cooperation of all to achieve the desired trade facilitation. He said his doors were open for dialogue. He disclosed that the Command had generated N116,412,735,766.23 for the month of January this year, adding that it showed a significant increase when compared to the amount collected during the same period last year which was N88,430,126,122.76. According to him, the difference between the two figures is N27,982,609,643.47, which corresponds to a 24.06% increase year-over-year.
He was full of Optimism that the Command will surpass its 2025 revenue target which is N1.5trillion. He promised to take adequate steps to ensure the Command performs creditably. This, according to him, will be “through constant collaboration and feedback, we aim to address concerns, foster a better understanding of the processes, and ultimately ensure smooth implementation of these policies.”
At media parley with journalists, he assured, “I’ll facilitate trade, but it has to be legitimate trade. That’s what I feel I should do in the strict sense.
“You know, I’m coming from the aspect of revenue. So, it is my prayer and my hope to meet my target and surpass it.
“But principally, what I am going to fight is the ability to do this job without examination. I have appealed to my officers, whatever it is they have to do, let them see the containers, once we’ve examined them, everything should be on cruise control because if you examine, you’ll now know if it’s supposed to go out or not.
“I’ve involved Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU, I’ve involved Valuation Unit, I’ve spoken to all relevant Units and it’s my prayer, by the grace of God, that all of us will be on the same page to make sure that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is brought to fruition”
The Tin Can Island port is the second largest seaport in Nigeria. It is next to Apapa port in terms of revenue generation and cargo traffic. Last year, the Nigeria Customs Service announced a revenue generation of about N1. 046 trillion from the port. The figure was realized between January and November 7, 2024. The figure has placed the port in the league of trillion Naira revenue league, coming after the premier port, Apapa. This is described as a good development for the Service and indeed the country. However, one issue that the leadership of the Customs Command has had to deal with over the years is in combating trade crime in the port. This has led to massive seizures of different contraband, including illicit drugs. But this is not without the consequences for members of the syndicate believed to be involved in this illicit trade. Those who have often seen the port as a haven or route to smuggle drugs have had to suffer heavy losses considering massive seizures recorded by the Customs administration.
Records of Seizures
In June last year, the Customs Service intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs, made up of cannabis indica, prohibited codeine and other illicit drugs from Canada and India. It took a lot of intelligence, dedication and patriotism for the officers of the Command to uncover the trade crime. The Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Wale Adeniyi, had told newsmen that the value of the drugs was N4bn. A breakdown of the seizures included three plastic drums of cannabis indica; 46 bags of cannabis indica; 877 codeine syrup, and 82 cartons of other drugs. The drugs were concealed in two 40ft containers, while the codeine in two 40ft containers. Adeniyi had warned those involved in the act. He also warned customs officers against being culpable. His words, “I promise to apply the heaviest sanction against customs officers found culpable. Beyond revenue loss, some port operators and officers of the service are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug importation. Intelligence indicated that a lot of terminals are involved in the customs’ findings and that there are abuses of procedures involving customs officers.
.”The importer of the drugs gave two fake addresses, which raised curiosity, leading to the discovery.”
In October last year, the Command also recorded seizures of illicit drugs valued at N682m. This time, the former Controller, Dera Nnadi, who is now Assistant Comptroller General of the Service, said three containers carrying cannabis were discovered by operatives of the Command. The drugs extracted from the three containers were later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP. Breakdown of the drugs were 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg, 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg and 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg.
In December, last year, there was yet another seizure of drugs recorded at the Tin Can Port. The seized drugs were worth about N2.2bn. The drugs were destined for MIGFO Bonded Terminal. The seizure was a joint coordination between the Customs and the NDLEA. The drugs were in 44 extra-large bags containing cannabis indica, comprising 1,735 parcels with a total weight of 867.5 kilograms, six coolers containing 87 packs of methamphetamine, weighing 78.3 kilograms. The total seizure, according to the Customs amounted to 945.8 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated value of N2.2bn. This was the trend for last year.
Onyeka on the Saddle
Late last year, precisely in December, there was a change of guard at the Tin Can Island Command. This was when Compt Frank Onyeka assumed the leadership of the Command. On assuming office, the Controller has been on guard, apparently recalling the incidents in his new Command. First, is the revenue target. But most importantly is the security of the nation in terms of ensuring that dangerous imports such as arms and illicit drugs are not allowed into the country through the Command. Incidentally, he is not new to safeguarding the port environment. He has held positions of trust in the Service. He was at Apapa Port, Officer in-charge of the Premier Gate, where trillions of Naira have been generated as revenue. He was equally at Onne Port Area Command Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) gate, an environment which needed a lot of intelligence for the Service. Onyeka received the valued addition officer award which was created by the current Assistant Comptroller General Board; ACG B Imam. On assuming office, he has promised to ensure that he meets his revenue target and try to surpass it. But again, most importantly, he has promised that the Tin Can Island port will not be used for illicit drug trade. That was his position during the handover of illicit drugs worth over 8bn to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the Port about two weeks ago. He disclosed that the drugs were intercepted due to high level of intelligence gathered by officers in the Command. This was in collaboration with the men of the NDLEA. At the ceremony were members of the Enforcement Unit of the Tincan Island Port Command, the Commander NDLEA, Tincan Island Strategic Command Mitchell Ofoyeju.
The Controller disclosed that the 2X20FT containers intercepted in the port were in different batches. The containers were falsely declared to contain used cars and used auto spare parts originating from Canada by the importers. This was not doubt to ensure the Customs operatives did not discover the trade crime, but the importers failed. Details of the seizures showed that . 1X20 ft Container No. TCNU 194586/1, which was intercepted on the 27 of February , 2025, was found to contain 128 packets of Cannabis Indica. The container weighed a total of 63.75 kilograms with an estimated street value of N414,375,000.00.
The second container with no. MSMU 838666/3 was intercepted on the 12 of December, 2024 and was found to contain 97 packets of Crystals Methamphetamine, weighing a total of 78.3 kilograms with an estimated street value of N2billion and 1,735 packets of Cannabis Indica with a total weight of 867.5 kilograms and an estimated street value of N5.6bn, making the total street value of the seized drugs N8.053bn.
The Controller described the seizures as underscoring the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the nation from the menace of illicit drugs. He reiterated the command’s commitment to facilitating trade, adding that officers will remain vigilant against activities that threaten national security and public health.
According to him, the Command will continue to enhance its operational strategies, including intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, to effectively combat smuggling and other illicit activities.
Onyeka used the medium to urge all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Command in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ports.
At the recent stakeholders engagement to sensitize them on the new Unified Customs Management System known as B’Odogwu, he sought for the cooperation of all to achieve the desired trade facilitation. He said his doors were open for dialogue. He disclosed that the Command had generated N116,412,735,766.23 for the month of January this year, adding that it showed a significant increase when compared to the amount collected during the same period last year which was N88,430,126,122.76. According to him, the difference between the two figures is N27,982,609,643.47, which corresponds to a 24.06% increase year-over-year.
He was full of Optimism that the Command will surpass its 2025 revenue target which is N1.5trillion. He promised to take adequate steps to ensure the Command performs creditably. This, according to him, will be “through constant collaboration and feedback, we aim to address concerns, foster a better understanding of the processes, and ultimately ensure smooth implementation of these policies.”
At media parley with journalists, he assured, “I’ll facilitate trade, but it has to be legitimate trade. That’s what I feel I should do in the strict sense.
“You know, I’m coming from the aspect of revenue. So, it is my prayer and my hope to meet my target and surpass it.
“But principally, what I am going to fight is the ability to do this job without examination. I have appealed to my officers, whatever it is they have to do, let them see the containers, once we’ve examined them, everything should be on cruise control because if you examine, you’ll now know if it’s supposed to go out or not.
“I’ve involved Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU, I’ve involved Valuation Unit, I’ve spoken to all relevant Units and it’s my prayer, by the grace of God, that all of us will be on the same page to make sure that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is brought to fruition”
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