Tin Can Customs Generates ₦145.9bn, Assures of Paperless Operations скачать в хорошем качестве

Tin Can Customs Generates ₦145.9bn, Assures of Paperless Operations

Tin Can Customs Generates ₦145.9bn, Assures of Paperless Operations By Geraldine Anyanwu The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated ₦145.9 billion in January 2026, representing a 25.3 per cent increase of over the ₦116.4 billion recorded in January 2025. Speaking during a media parley with maritime journalists in Lagos, the Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, outlined his vision for 2026, declaring that the Command would operate strictly as a “trade enabler” while maintaining uncompromised national security. He disclosed that the Command is fully prepared for seamless digital operations ahead of the rollout of a paperless cargo processing regime scheduled for the second quarter of the year. According to him, the new direction aligns with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at strengthening the national economy. “We are going to facilitate trade to be seen as a trade enabler. That is the mantra we are going to adopt in 2026. Maximum revenue often leaves no room for a trader to handle logistics, pay staff and other charges. By focusing on collectable revenue, we ensure the trader makes a profit, returns to the market, and continues to contribute to society. I want to be known personified as a trade enabler,” he stated. Comptroller Onyeka emphasized that while trade facilitation remains central, security will not be compromised. He reiterated that physical examination of consignments will only be conducted based on risk assessment. “We are not going to carry out physical examination on consignments unless risk measures during profiling raise red flags. Where necessary—especially when issues relating to country of origin arise—we will subject such consignments to physical examination,” he said. He explained that certain countries previously linked to arms and ammunition seizures remain on the Command’s watch list, alongside individuals profiled for suspicious activities. Fielding questions to journalists’ on cargo clearance delays and human interference, the Comptroller assured stakeholders that files would not be kept unnecessarily, as the Command is keying into streamlined digital processes to eliminate bottlenecks. He acknowledged that network challenges may occur but expressed confidence in the resilience of the system, citing the relative success of the B’Odogwu platform despite its teething issues. “Despite the teething problems with B’Odogwu, we have recorded success, so we are ready for paperless operations. If your declaration is not flagged, the process will be seamless, with no need for physical contact with customs officers. We cannot guarantee perfection from day one, but those challenges will not stop us,” he said. The Tin Can Custom Boss ,further advised importers and agents to ensure proper declaration and palletization of consignments, noting that unclear scan images often necessitate additional checks. According to him, greater transparency and compliance from the trading community will result in faster and smoother clearance. While appreciating the media for constructive reportage in 2025, Comptroller Onyeka noted that journalists played a key role in identifying operational gaps and supporting improvements within the Command and called for sustained collaboration to ensure the success of the paperless transition. “When I resumed here, you gave me support through constructive reportage. Whatever success we have recorded, the media played a central role. I crave your continued collaboration to make a big success of the paperless regime,” he said. He also revealed that many of the Command’s successful seizures in the previous year were driven by intelligence and tip-offs from stakeholders and underscore the importance of partnership in achieving both security and revenue objectives. The Command’s improved revenue performance, planned digital transition, and commitment to risk-based operations signal a strategic shift toward efficiency, transparency, and sustainable trade growth—without compromising national security