Onyeka Seeks Collaboration with Stakeholders to Enhance Customs Operations

Onyeka Seeks Collaboration with Stakeholders to Enhance Customs Operations

By prince Benson Davies

Comptroller Frank Onyeka of the TinCan Island Port Command has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing Customs processes and operations. Recently, he engaged with officers on the importance of thorough examinations and diligent inspections to ensure national security and prevent unnecessary stop-and-search actions.Additionally, he received stakeholders from the Association of Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (AFLON) and other organizations, emphasizing the need for collaboration and open communication to facilitate smooth port operations.

Speaking during a parade on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, he urged officers to carry out diligent inspections to avoid unnecessary stop-and-search actions upon departure. He highlighted the need to prioritize National security in all decisions.

Comptroller Onyeka also commended the workforce for their contributions to the Command’s revenue performance in January and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. He announced plans to organize capacity-building workshops aimed at enhancing the knowledge of officers and stakeholders on Customs processes.

Additionally, he cautioned officers to maintain professionalism and civility in their interactions with the trading public, warning that any reports of misconduct would not be tolerated.

In a another development, Comptroller Onyeka played host to the newly deployed Director of State Services Mr. SM Kayode, and the Executive Chairman of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFLON) Alhaji Akeem Ayibojo and his members who paid familiarisation visits to the Command.

The visits, held separately within the Command, reaffirmed the commitment of both organizations to collaborate in ensuring smooth port operations and preventing the entry of harmful products.

The Comptroller, while reacting to some of the technical issues raised by APFLON, clarified that the Command is repositioned towards promoting the three core mandates of the Comptroller General of Customs which are to collaborate, consolidate and innovate, towards creating a safe and conducive working environment that will not pose a threat to the Nation and it citizenry.

He called on all the stakeholders to broaden their knowledge on the implementation of new policies of the service and that the soon-to-be launched B’Odogwu clearance system in the Command by the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, will further boost the efficiency of Customs operations.