Onyeka Seeks Stakeholders Cooperation in Ensuring Accurate Goods Declaration

Onyeka Seeks Stakeholders Cooperation in Ensuring Accurate Goods Declaration

By prince Benson Davies

Comptroller Frank Onyeka of the Tin Can Island Port Command has stressed the importance of accurate and full declaration of goods by stakeholders to facilitate seamless trade operations.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the executive members of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA) Tincan Port Chapter on Wednesday, Comptroller Onyeka emphasized that full and accurate declarations are essential in enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating smooth trade operations.

The CAC noted that ensuring proper declaration of goods through customs processes does not only help in fostering transparency but also plays a critical role in combating illicit trade practices, reducing delays at the ports, and enhancing national revenue collection.

“Proper declarations are the foundation of an efficient customs process. When stakeholders declare goods correctly, it enables us to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks at the ports, and improve the overall experience for both businesses and consumers,” said Comptroller Onyeka.

The call comes as part of ongoing efforts by the NCS to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across various sectors, including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers. It is also in line with the NCS’s broader mission to create a transparent, fair, and secure environment for international trade.

Comptoroller Onyeka further urged stakeholders to collaborate with the NCS in maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in their transactions. He reassured all parties that the NCS is committed to continuous capacity building and the implementation of technology-driven solutions aimed at making trade easier and more efficient.

“We must work together to ensure the declaration process is not only a statutory requirement but a tool for trade facilitation. By enhancing compliance and promoting transparency, we are building a more robust, resilient, and dynamic trade ecosystem,” he added.

The NCS is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to reduce the time and cost associated with trade operations while ensuring compliance with global best practices.

The meeting, which lasted over one and a half hours, witnessed some members of the association brimming with smiles as they commended the open-door policy of the CAC. At the end of the meeting, the board of trustees (BOT) secretary of the association, Mr. Taiwo Oyeniyi, spoke to the journalists who were around when the meeting took place. He said, “When one is asked to come and take over the mantle of leadership at a place, the person will have his style; the CAC of TCIP is a revenue man, and so all he has to do is collect the maximum revenue that he can collect from those doing businesses here.

“Do not forget that the Customs generated a total of ₦6.1 trillion last year, and they have been given a target of ₦12 trillion to generate this year. To be able to achieve his target, Comptroller Onyeka has to block all revenue loopholes, but what we are appealing for him to do is that if he sees something going wrong since we know that he is a grass-roots man, he should let us know. On the part of stakeholders, I would advise that if you truly need any kind of help, you should be able to walk up to Comptroller Onyeka and present your matter boldly.”.

He added, “He was a valuation officer here at TCIP and performed creditable well as well as at the Onne Command. He will do even better here as the CAC and I appeal to all stakeholders to cooperate with him and make honest declarations. It is not all the persons who engage in the act of goods clearance that is a Customs Licensed Agent, but I would want the CAC to keep going constantly along this channel of dialogue with stakeholders and I pray that he succeeds.” Mr. Oyeniyi concluded.