The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Tin-Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has outlined his commitment to exceeding the revenue target set for the command.
Speaking after his official handover ceremony, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized the importance of facilitating legitimate trade while maintaining strict adherence to Customs regulations.
In his remarks, Onyeka pledged to leverage the command’s existing framework to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Dera Nnadi, whose tenure was marked by significant achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and infrastructure development.
“We intend to leverage the existing rapprochement between the officers of the Command and stakeholders. ACG Nnadi has done tremendously well in the area of revenue generation, and we intend to build on that foundation in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation,” Onyeka stated.
Comptroller Onyeka brings a wealth of experience to the Tin-Can Island Port Command, having held various key positions across different Customs Commands. His tenure as Officer-in-Charge of the Valuation Unit at Tin-Can previously earned him recognition for blocking revenue leakages and boosting revenue collection.
At the Onne Customs Command, he received the inaugural Officer of the Month award for ensuring proper duty payments on cleared cargo. Most recently, at the Apapa Command, Onyeka was instrumental in setting operational benchmarks while serving as Officer-in-Charge of the gate, displaying exemplary man-management and trade facilitation skills.
Comptroller Onyeka announced plans to streamline operations at the Tin-Can Island Port, particularly by improving the container examination process to eliminate bottlenecks. He emphasized the need for cohesive collaboration among officers, the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), the Valuation Unit, and other relevant departments to ensure seamless operations.
“My priority is to facilitate trade, but it must be legitimate. We will focus on ensuring smooth operations and exceeding our revenue target while supporting the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Onyeka expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs for entrusting him with the role, vowing to justify the confidence placed in him. He also extended a hand of friendship to stakeholders and the media, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and mutual collaboration.
“Every media person is my friend, and I am opening my doors to everyone. I appeal to journalists to verify facts with me before publication and to provide credible information that can assist our operations,” he added.
Stakeholders have expressed optimism about Comptroller Onyeka’s appointment, citing his professional acumen, public relations skills, and proven track record in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
Onyeka assured stakeholders that he is prepared to surpass expectations, stating, “We will use the foundation laid by ACG Nnadi as a springboard to achieve our goals, and with the cooperation of good stakeholders and prayers, we will succeed.”
As Comptroller Onyeka begins his tenure at the Tin-Can Island Port Command, expectations are high that his leadership will bring positive transformations, strengthening the command’s contributions to national revenue and trade facilitation.