A major leadership transition unfolded at the Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday as Comptroller Joseph Anani formally assumed office from newly promoted Assistant Comptroller General Frank Onyeka.
The change of baton ceremony, held at the command’s conference hall in Lagos, drew senior customs officers, maritime stakeholders, freight forwarders and sister security agencies.
The atmosphere inside the packed hall reflected both celebration and expectation as tributes poured in for Onyeka’s stewardship at one of Nigeria’s busiest port commands.
Onyeka, who was recently elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General, described his tenure at Tin-Can Island Port Command as one of the most demanding periods of his career.
He urged officers and stakeholders to extend the same cooperation and institutional support to his successor in order to sustain operational stability and national economic objectives.
The outgoing customs boss disclosed that the command generated over N1.6 trillion in revenue during the 2025 fiscal year.
According to him, the figure surpassed the approved annual revenue target of N1.524 trillion assigned to the command.
He further revealed that the command recorded more than N401 billion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
Onyeka attributed the impressive performance to discipline, professionalism and intelligence driven customs operations.
He said the command also strengthened compliance systems and expanded stakeholder engagement to improve trade facilitation.
The former area controller noted that modern customs procedures deployed under his leadership helped strike a balance between enforcement and legitimate trade activities.
In the area of anti smuggling operations, Onyeka disclosed that the command intercepted illicit drugs and prohibited consignments valued at over N35 billion.
He described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the fight against criminal networks operating through the nation’s maritime corridors.
According to him, the operations reflected the determination of officers and men of the command to protect public health, national security and the future of Nigerian society.
Onyeka also commended the unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for creating an enabling environment for operational efficiency.
Stakeholders at the event praised Onyeka for what they described as his transparent leadership style and strong enforcement strategy.
Several speakers recalled his intelligence, diligence and open door policy while managing the affairs of the command.
Many of them expressed confidence that the incoming customs controller would consolidate on the achievements already recorded.
In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Joseph Anani thanked the customs management for entrusting him with leadership of the strategic port command.
He specifically expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General and the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for the deployment.
Anani acknowledged the strategic importance of the Tin Can Island Port Command to national revenue generation, trade facilitation and security management.
He pledged to lead the command with humility, discipline and professionalism.
The new customs controller praised Onyeka for laying what he described as a solid operational foundation for continued growth.
According to him, the command under Onyeka witnessed measurable progress in revenue generation, anti smuggling operations and trade facilitation reforms.
Anani assured stakeholders that his administration would build a command that is more transparent, efficient and result driven.
He warned officers against acts capable of undermining the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The comptroller stressed that professionalism, discipline and intelligence must remain the defining values guiding officers in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He further declared that compromise, inefficiency and misconduct would not be tolerated under his watch.
Anani also called for stronger collaboration among customs personnel and other security agencies operating within the port environment.
He noted that effective national security and seamless trade facilitation could only thrive through information sharing, mutual respect and coordinated action.
The event ended with renewed optimism among stakeholders that the Tin Can Island Port Command would sustain its revenue growth and anti smuggling momentum under the new leadership of Comptroller Joseph Anani.
