How Insistence on Trade Compliance Is Helping Our Revenue Drive, by Tin Can Customs Controller
By Francis Ugwoke
The Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, on Tuesday attributed the improved revenue drive in the Command to the insistence on compliance to trade regulations by importers and freight forwarders.
Oneyka said the high revenue noticed in the Command was due to strict compliance to the regulations, adding that the officers and men of the Command were determined to check all types of malpractices through which accruable revenue could be lost.
Speaking to members of the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) during a courtesy visit, the Controller said he has insisted that the right thing be done for importers and freight forwarders who have goods in the port.
According to him, the Command is determined to reduce smuggling activities in the ports, stating that various measures, including strict cargo examination have helped in this regard.
He explained that this has also helped in raising revenue in the Command, expressing optimism that the Command will meet its revenue target.
Onyeka also said the Command has insisted that all containers destined to other terminals on the arrangement of transpires are closely monitored to ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is achieved.
He explained that this was to ensure that malpractices are checked.
He disclosed that the Command recorded a total sum of ₦347,935,672.475.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, in what marked a significant improvement compared to the same period last year which was of ₦303,791,379,473.67 billion.
According to the Controller, the difference of ₦44,144,293,001.87 billion highlighted the remarkable growth and the effectiveness of the Command’s revenue generation strategies, reinforcing her commitment to driving economic development through improved operations and propelling a zero tolerance for revenue leakages.
The Controller also noted that the revenue generated had an increase of approximately 14.54% compared to the same period in 2024.
The first quarter collection also represents 91.2% of the total revenue target expected in the first quarter of 2025 which was given as N381,167,499,867.64 as well as 22.81% of the annual revenue target of N1,524,699,999,478.52.
According to the Area Controller, these achievements underscore the Command’s dedication to combating illegal activities and ensuring that national security is upheld.
. With regards to stakeholders’ engagement, Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that Tincan maintains an excellent working relationship with cross sections of critical stakeholders, ranging from Customs Licensed Agents, shipping companies executives, the Armed Forces and Para-Military agencies, as well as civil society organizations.
He revealed that these collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, security, and the overall safety of the Port.
He also said that these regular meetings, joint operations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives have further strengthened our collective ability to address security concerns and boost trade facilitation.
In light of the successes of the first quarter, the Controller offered a firm assurance that the Command will step up its administrative and operational capacity in the upcoming quarters of 2025.
The Command, he said, is fully committed to ensuring the maximum collection of revenue for the government, effectively addressing any revenue leakages, and continuing to optimize its processes.
He equally assured that the Command will continue to engage proactively with stakeholders, working collaboratively to enhance the revenue profile of the Port and ensure that it plays a vital role in supporting national economic objectives.
In her opening speech, the President of LOME, Mrs Remi Itie, congratulated the Controller on his recent appointment.
Noting that the League had in the past maintained a good relationship with other Controllers in the Command, Itie assured that the association will continue to give Onyeka the needed support to succeed in his new Command.
The Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, on Tuesday attributed the improved revenue drive in the Command to the insistence on compliance to trade regulations by importers and freight forwarders.
Oneyka said the high revenue noticed in the Command was due to strict compliance to the regulations, adding that the officers and men of the Command were determined to check all types of malpractices through which accruable revenue could be lost.
Speaking to members of the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) during a courtesy visit, the Controller said he has insisted that the right thing be done for importers and freight forwarders who have goods in the port.
According to him, the Command is determined to reduce smuggling activities in the ports, stating that various measures, including strict cargo examination have helped in this regard.
He explained that this has also helped in raising revenue in the Command, expressing optimism that the Command will meet its revenue target.
Onyeka also said the Command has insisted that all containers destined to other terminals on the arrangement of transpires are closely monitored to ensure that Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is achieved.
He explained that this was to ensure that malpractices are checked.
He disclosed that the Command recorded a total sum of ₦347,935,672.475.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, in what marked a significant improvement compared to the same period last year which was of ₦303,791,379,473.67 billion.
According to the Controller, the difference of ₦44,144,293,001.87 billion highlighted the remarkable growth and the effectiveness of the Command’s revenue generation strategies, reinforcing her commitment to driving economic development through improved operations and propelling a zero tolerance for revenue leakages.
The Controller also noted that the revenue generated had an increase of approximately 14.54% compared to the same period in 2024.
The first quarter collection also represents 91.2% of the total revenue target expected in the first quarter of 2025 which was given as N381,167,499,867.64 as well as 22.81% of the annual revenue target of N1,524,699,999,478.52.
According to the Area Controller, these achievements underscore the Command’s dedication to combating illegal activities and ensuring that national security is upheld.
. With regards to stakeholders’ engagement, Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that Tincan maintains an excellent working relationship with cross sections of critical stakeholders, ranging from Customs Licensed Agents, shipping companies executives, the Armed Forces and Para-Military agencies, as well as civil society organizations.
He revealed that these collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, security, and the overall safety of the Port.
He also said that these regular meetings, joint operations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives have further strengthened our collective ability to address security concerns and boost trade facilitation.
In light of the successes of the first quarter, the Controller offered a firm assurance that the Command will step up its administrative and operational capacity in the upcoming quarters of 2025.
The Command, he said, is fully committed to ensuring the maximum collection of revenue for the government, effectively addressing any revenue leakages, and continuing to optimize its processes.
He equally assured that the Command will continue to engage proactively with stakeholders, working collaboratively to enhance the revenue profile of the Port and ensure that it plays a vital role in supporting national economic objectives.
In her opening speech, the President of LOME, Mrs Remi Itie, congratulated the Controller on his recent appointment.
Noting that the League had in the past maintained a good relationship with other Controllers in the Command, Itie assured that the association will continue to give Onyeka the needed support to succeed in his new Command.